Unit 2: How Trade and Travel Changed the World Lesson B: Life and Times in the Ottoman Empire Student Resource: Historical Investigation – Women of the Ottoman Empire 2. What is the message of the document? Some historical perspectives criticize the role of the harem and Ottoman women in their influence over government affairs. The following Turkish perspective reflects the belief that Ottoman women weakened the harem and government. The excessive interference of harem women was a main factor in the eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire. The increase in harem size was correlated to the increase in expenditures incurred partly by the larger number of women and partly by the extravagances of various Sultans. The intrusion of women into the Ottoman governing structure caused fundamental changes in state policies towards the roles of the Princes by limiting the Prince's governing and public duties. Source: http://www.allaboutturkey.com/harem.htm 1. Identify the source and type of document.

Unit 2: How Trade and Travel Changed the World Lesson B: Life and Times in the Ottoman Empire Student Resource: Historical Investigation – Women of the Ottoman Empire 2. What is the message of the document? Some historical perspectives criticize the role of the harem and Ottoman women in their influence over government affairs. The following Turkish perspective reflects the belief that Ottoman women weakened the harem and government. The excessive interference of harem women was a main factor in the eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire. The increase in harem size was correlated to the increase in expenditures incurred partly by the larger number of women and partly by the extravagances of various Sultans. The intrusion of women into the Ottoman governing structure caused fundamental changes in state policies towards the roles of the Princes by limiting the Prince's governing and public duties. Source: http://www.allaboutturkey.com/harem.htm 1. Identify the source and type of document.