The Role of the Harem in Determining the King's Successor in the Safavid Era

The harem, or odalisque, was notable as a center for political decision-makings in the Safavid Era when court women could play effective roles in the political arena in case appropriate conditions were met. Safavid women played significant roles in the field of politics: they engaged in general politics during the governments of Shah Ismail I and Tahmasp I. During the administration of Shah Ismail II and Shah Mohammad Khodabanda, women gained so much power that they could dismiss one and throne the other. Such powerfulness of harem women caused Shah Abbas to make attempts to limit this institution in the court and confine their engagements. Despite his attempts, however, a center of power was formed in harem in which both women and eunuchs engaged. A survey of Safavid texts indicates that women and eunuchs played significant parts in appointment and dismissal of governors with regard to their roles in schooling princes. The present study, bearing a descriptive-analytical approach, indicated that Safavid harem of women played significant roles in determination of king’s successor, despite their sociopolitical limitations.