What is a harem?

A harem traditionally refers to a private area in a household where women are secluded from male visitors. It is often associated with Muslim societies, but has also existed in other cultures throughout history. In the Ottoman Empire, for example, harems were built for the wives and concubines of the sultan. These women were often highly educated and contributed to the arts and culture of the empire. However, the idea of a harem has also been criticized for its patriarchal nature and lack of agency given to the women living within it. Today, the term “harem” is often used more broadly to refer to a group of women who are romantically involved with one man.