The Ottoman Chief Harem Eunuch in Ceremonies and Festivals

The Ottoman chief harem eunuch played an essential role in court ceremonies and festivals from the inception of the office of chief harem eunuch in 1588 through the mid-eighteenth century. This article examines changes in his ceremonial role over this time span. He was most instrumental in the celebration of milestone life cycle events such as circumcisions and weddings, which were often the occasion for lavish public spectacles. Over this 160-year period, the public visibility of his function in these events steadily increased. Meanwhile, he acquired new ceremonial functions. In the late seventeenth century, future chief eunuchs delivered congratulatory gifts to the Köprülü grand viziers after landmark military victories. In the eighteenth century, they presided over the springtime entertainments known as the Çırağan Eğlenceleri. In all these cases, the chief eunuch performed a mediating role, guiding members of the imperial family from one stage of life to another and from one palace space to another, or transporting valuable goods across spatial boundaries. At the same time, he reinforced the boundaries between different parts of the palace and between public and private spaces.