Nightmare in the Pleasure-Dome

The Harem in the Topkapi Palace. This was no sensual paradise; more a terrifying chamber of horrors. A jewelled prison soaked in fear where only ruthlessness and cunning prevailed.

Remember, that for all the women who lived here and brought up children of the Sultan, only one child could ultimately become the new ruler and it was traditional for the first act of the new Sultan to be to order the death of their siblings. Traditionally the executions were carried out by a deaf mute who could neither hear the cries of their victims nor tell anyone of it.