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Jan 2023
59m 58s

30. Sultanas to Slaves: Voices from the ...

Goalhanger
About this episode

What was life like for women in the Ottoman Empire? Was the Sultanate of Women the golden era? What was the role of the Harem? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Bettany Hughes to discuss the role of women in the Ottoman Empire.


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Twitter: @Empirepoduk


Goalhangerpodcasts.com


Producer: Callum Hill

Exec Producer: Jack Davenport

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