Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire

by Leslie P. Peirce

The extraordinary story of the Russian slave girl Roxelana, who rose from the role of concubine to become the only queen in Ottoman history

In Empress of the East, historian Leslie Peirce tells the remarkable story of a Christian slave girl, Roxelana, who was abducted by warriors at age twelve from her Ruthenian homeland, and brought to the harem of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in Constantinople. Suleiman became besotted with her, and forsook all other mistresses. Then, in an unprecedented step, he made her the first and only queen in the Ottoman court. Although shrouded in scandal, the canny and sophisticated Roxelana became a shrewd diplomat and administrator, who helped Suleyman keep pace with a changing world in which women - from Queen Elizabeth to Catherine de Medici - increasingly held the reins of power.

In Empress of the East, Pierce reveals the true history of an elusive figure who pushed the Ottoman Empire towards modernity.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Historical, European History, Royalty, Feminism

375 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2017

About the author

Leslie P. Peirce is an American professor in history. Her research interests include early modern history of the Ottoman Empire, gender, law, and society. She received her B.A. in History from Harvard College, her M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University, and her Ph.D. (1988) in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University. In 1988–1998 she was with the Cornell University. In 1998–2006 she was professor in the Departments of History and Near Eastern Studies the University of California, Berkeley. Since 2006 she is with Department of History and the Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies of the New York University, where she is the Silver Professor of History.

Reviews

[Sasha Ambroz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, so you say you are a historian, right? Then for God's sake learn the difference between Russians and All-Other-Non-Russian-Eastern-European-Nations-That-Dwell-Somewhere-Left-Of-Germany. Rohatyn, the town where your "Russian slave girl Roxelana" was born, became the part of USSR (note: still not Russia) only after World War II. During 1520 when Roksolana was taken into slavery it was a Polish town with Ukrainian, Polish and Jewish population. See? Still no Russians in sight. Wanna know more? Start with Wiki and then dig around.

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire is the magnificent story of Roxelana, a Ruthenin slave girl who was taken into captivity by Suleyman, Sultan of the Ottomom Empire. Each Sultan would take dozens of these Russian girls as slaves who then would have one task, one duty: raise the next prince for the Empire. Once they had a son, the Sultan never would touch them again. Their duty as instructor, mother and political advisor began. The battle between these young men - and their mothers- was viscous. Roxelana changed this, however, when Suleyman (The Magnificent) fell in love with her, married her and became monogamous with Roxelana. This book is about her life as the Empress who goes to battle for ALL of her sons and the kingdom they created together.

I admit that I knew nothing of Leslie Peirce's work and very little about the Ottomon Empire, despite holding a degree in history! Western culture teaches little fact about our own history, much less that in the east. I truly thought this book was historical fiction when I chose it. However, Peirce's prose is so flawless and flowing that it reads like fiction and the characters come alive with all of the detail and drama of their daily circumstances. It is marvelous, too, to see how the legacy of Roxelana lives on today through the continuance of the charities she started and the museums and mosques named for her and Suleyman. They truly were game changers ahead of their time and their story is fascinating.

[Yelda Basar Moers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story of a famous Ottoman royal written by the brilliant historian Leslie Peirce! It’s a story of how one woman can change everything, can change an empire! Roxelana was a 16th century slave who rose through the ranks to become the legal wife of the greatest Ottoman Sultan that ever lived— Suleiman the Magnificent. His reign was the “Golden Age” of the empire.

I don’t see many mainstream books about the Ottoman Empire and often they are horribly erroneous or disappointing! Ottoman history is complicated and it’s pivotal that historians use the right sources and records. Using the letters and journals of Europeans is not a realistic depiction of the Ottomans, and its important that historians use actual Ottoman records and use the books and materials of Turkish historians who have access to these records. Peirce is a stellar historian and writer who has done her research responsibly and really does the Ottomans justice. I have also read her previous book The Imperial Harem, which is also excellent! She has conducted her research of Ottoman history meticulously, using sources that get us closest to the records of what really happened. It’s shocking how some writers have taken ridiculous liberties with the Ottoman past to conjure up a history that has nothing to do with the real thing!

Roxelana was one of the most powerful women in the Ottoman Empire and broke the glass ceiling for royal women there at the time. Her story is an inspiring look at how one woman can bring so much influence and change to a leader and an empire, even if given no official role or title! Suleiman repeatedly came to her for counsel. She acted as a diplomat with foreign powers through her letters and was beneficent in her good work and philanthropy, especially for the city of Istanbul. She endowed mosques, schools, soup kitchens, Sufi lodges and hospitals. At one point she even sold her own gold, pearls and jewels to pay for Janissary (Ottoman soldier’s) boots and a hike in their pay. Her work surpassed that of any previous Ottoman woman in volume and geographic reach.

The Ottoman dynasty ruled a large part of Europe for six centuries and its royals were basically European Muslims, though most people in the US know little about them. Traditionally Ottoman Sultans did not marry and could have hundreds of consorts and concubines. They were acquired female slaves, usually from Christian populations, who were chosen for beauty, health and strength. These slaves were housed in closed apartments overseen by a complex organization of women and black eunuchs, which was the harem. However Suleiman didn’t follow any of these rules-- he chose to be monogamous to one woman, Roxelana. He defied tradition when he married her!

I was so happy that the The New York Times Book Review featured this book and gave it a positive review! I loved it and hope more people who are interested in history will learn about the great and influential women of the Ottoman Empire.

[Orsolya · Rating 3 out of 5]

When one mentions ‘Sultan’ or ‘Turks’; the immediate image that comes to mind is that of a harem filled with concubines and sexually vivacious women. To say the least, this isn’t the whole truth and there are many more complexities and nuances involved. Although Suleyman the Magnificent (the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire during the sixteenth century) did in fact have concubines… he broke from Islamic law and sultan tradition by marrying once of his concubines: Roxelana. Roxelana’s story from ‘slave’ to sultan’s wife is an incredible one and Leslie Peirce attempts to highlight it in, “Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire”.

Although Roxelana is highly deserving of a full-fledged portrait-biography; the Islamic laws of female privacy resulted in an absence of thorough source material regarding her person (especially being that she was initially a ‘slave’). Consequentially, Peirce’s “Empress of the East” doesn’t follow the construct of a chronological biography and is rather a subject snapshot of Roxelana and the social world of Suleyman the Magnificent and his court. This does, unfortunately, result in a text that isn’t fully-focused on Roxelana (in fact, little of “Empress of the East” is specifically about her) and strays on many tangents.

This lack of material also causes Peirce to be highly repetitive both in subjects and literal texts making “Empress of the East” feel like it has a lot of filler material. Often times, reader attention is decreased and the pace is slackened.

That being said, “Empress of the East” is an entertaining read filled with informative and ‘juicy’ information. Alternate views are offered on the life of the Sultan and his harem allowing the reader to analyze and re-think what he/she already knows concerning the subject. In this way, Peirce is multifarious and imaginative with an academic hint.

Although missing a section of photo plates; Peirce peppers “Empress of the Empire” with occasional photos and illustrations helping to strengthen the imagery created by the text.

Due to the topical-coverage nature of “Empress of the East”, confusion is created by the regularity of back-and-forth jumps in chronology. Information is thus difficult to keep track of, maintain, and fit into its biological positioning.

The second half of “Empress of the East” noticeably declines in both value and pacing. Roxelana is thrown even more by the wayside with heavy tangents and a political /diplomatic emphasis. However, Peirce (somewhat) makes up for this lapse with strong journalistic qualities and the debunking of some myths.

Sadly, the conclusion of Peirce’s “Empress of the East” doesn’t improve and retains the slower movement of the second half, although Roxelana is revisited. The ‘Epilogue’ is the moving stunner and works well to leave Roxelana on an emotive note.

Peirce supplements “Empress of the East” with a glossary of terms and names (plus a pronunciation key), Notes (not annotated), and a Bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

“Empress of the East” is a solid-enough introduction to Roxelana- a woman with little documentation. This clearly created some issues for Peirce as the text strays from the subject thesis and less information regarding Roxelana is presented than readers would hope. Yet, those seeking a look into the rule Suleyman and the social value of Roxelana will be pleased. “Empress of the East” isn’t an all-encompassing masterpiece but it is a suitable piece recommended for readers interested in Roxelana and/or the Ottoman Empire.

[Reeda Booke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became fascinated with this woman of history after I read a fictional account of her in a book titled, "Harem" by Colin Falconer. Then I discovered a Turkish tv series called Magnificent Century and I have been hooked. I've done little reading since then.

This is the story of Hurrem Sultan, (Roxelena), and how she became one of the most powerful woman in the world when she became wife of Sultan Suleiman, ruler of the Ottoman Empire. I just find it amazing how a person who was taken and sold as a slave, rose to such power by sheer will and determination. Although much is not known, due to the secrecy behind palace walls and especially of the harem, it was still fascinating to read about what is known. The love that Suleiman had for this woman must have been very special for him to break tradition and marry his concubine, which was unheard of, and not repeated after they died.

Recommended for historical fans. The TV series is quite addicting also, although so far only the first season and a little of the second is subtitled. Season 1 is available on Netflix instant play, season 2 on Youtube. Not sure about season 3 or 4, but this show has been out for awhile. Anyway, I wish I knew Turkish.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first paragraph of this book portends a fascinating read:

The Russian slave had been the concubine of Suleyman I, 'the Magnificent,' for fifteen years when the royal wedding celebration took place in 1536. Like all concubines of the Ottoman sultans, she was neither Turkish nor Muslim by birth. Abducted form her homeland, the young girl proved herself adaptable and quick-witted, mastering the rules, the graces, and the politics that propelled her from obscurity to the sultan's bed. She rapidy became Suleyman's favorite, astounding both his court and his public. Sultans of the Ottoman empire did not make demonstrable favorites of their consorts, however much they came to care for them. But Suleyman and Roxelana became the parents of six children in quick succession, five of them sons. Some thought Roxelana used seductive powers, even potions, to induce the love Suleyman appeared to bear her. They called her witch."

Unfortunately, it soon became obvious that since there is very little source material on Roxelana herself, the book soon gave way to a great deal of fairly tedious background information on the sultan's court, speculations on what Roxelana might have been like or done, and side-bar worthy excursions into the times Roxelana lived. Of Roxelana herself, there was not nearly enough to fulfill that initial heady paragraph's promise. After less than a hundred pages, I foresaw increasing frustration with the book and decided, wisely, I think, to set it aside. Not for the first time, a tantalizing-sounding book proved a letdown. Perhaps the elusive Roxelana became more fully fleshed in later sections of the book, but I doubt it, given the author's acknowledged lack of material. The sultan's harem was jealously guarded and purposely hidden from view, and the intentional invisibility of the harem women could only lead to a great deal of conjecture about their lives. A pity!

[Lauren Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

What should a historian do when faced with the inevitable holes in his or her story of a much earlier time? I’m afraid Peirce makes a wrong choice in padding her text with speculation. At some point I started writing down the words that irritated me: surely, probably, perhaps, might, likely, may well, etc. A good story is marred by these. Peirce’s explanation of traditional Ottoman practices and how different Roxalana’s marriage was would have been enough of a core story.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book. it was everything i've ever wanted and i literally devoured it in 4 days.

although i had read "the imperial harem", "empress of the east" contained a lot of new information and anecdotes-- which are the best thing in a history book, imo

i loved this book so much that now i wish there was one about kosem sultan or emetullah rabia gulnus sultan. or about every single woman of the sultanate of women. we really need more books about these incredible ladies!!

[Mohammed omran · Rating 3 out of 5]

في الثامن من مارس من كل عام، يحل الموعد الذي اختارته المنظومة الدولية لإعلان الاحتفال بما يوصف بأنه يوم المرأة أو هو «عيد» المرأة
ليزلي بيرس بعتبرها من اكثر الكتاب في العالم انحيازا للسيدات
مفيش كتاب ليها في صوره راجل
الرجاله عندها في الروايات علي الهامش
علي الرف
ودائما تذكر الستات اللي البيوجرافي بتاعهم عالي شويه
معانا الحاجه روكسلانا
مرات السلطان سليمان ايوووه
حريم السلطان المسلسل عارفينه البت ام شعر احمر البولند المتلبسه دى

رحله كفاحه من سوق الرقيق الي عرش العثمانيين
الروايات العربيه طبعا مقطعها ومطلعنها من يهود الخرز
ليزلي شايفها ان يوم المراه العالمي لازم يكون احتفال بيها هيا وكليوباترا وحتشبسوت
ونفرتيتي وبلقيس
حتي في الكتاب معتبرتشي السلطان سليمان بكلمتين يبلوا الريق
نتكلم فصحي بقي
هي الفتاة، (بالأدق الطفلة الشرق – أوروبية) التي اختطفها تجار الرقيق التتار، ولمّا يتجاوز عمرها الثالثة عشرة، وحملوها إلى سوق النخاسة في اسطنبول، ولكن رسمت لها الأقدار أن يضموها إلى حريم السلطان في عاصمة الإمبراطورية العثمانية التي كانت وقتئذ في أوج مجدها، حيث كان على رأسها السلطان سليمان القانوني.

وتوضح مؤلفتنا كيف أن الصبية الأوروبية لم تكتف بمجرد كونها جارية في صفوف الحريم: لقد قررت أن تطور نفسها. عكفت على تعلّم وإجادة اللغة التركية..

وبدأت مهاراتها ومواهبها تتجلى، فكان أن خلعوا عليها ألقاباً وأوصافاً تدل على نجابتها وخفة روحها. وكان أن اجتذبت اهتمام السلطان سليمان الذي جعلها المحظية رقم واحد في بلاطه، فكان أن أنجبت له أول أبنائه الذي حمل اسم «محمد» وأول بناته التي حملت اسم «مِحْرمة».

وتتوقف فصول الكتاب عند عام 1532 بالذات، وهي السنة التي شهدت إنجاب المرأة القادمة من شرق أوروبا طفلها السادس من أبناء السلطان، الذي لم يلبث أن أعلن زواجه الرسمي من «روكسلانا» التي تصفها المؤلفة أيضاً بأنها كان لها أكبر تأثير وأهم نفوذ لدى أعظم سلاطين الدولة العثمانية عبر تاريخها الطويل.


والحق أن الدكتورة «ليزلي بييرس» بذلت جهوداً حثيثة ومتعمقة في سياق بحثها الأكاديمي في بحث جوانب حياة الزوجة السلطانية المذكورة أعلاه، فكان أن عكفت على تدارس رسائل «روكسلانا» وتعليماتها إلى المبعوثين الأتراك في داخل الإمبراطورية وخارجها بل وخطاباتها الشخصية أيضاً.

في عام 1558 رحلت «روكسلانا» عن دنيا الأحياء بعد أن استطاعت خلال سنوات عمرها، التي تابعتها فصول كتابنا بالسرد والتحقيق والتحليل، أن تضفي تغييرات حاسمة في تصور مؤلفة الكتاب على وضعية المرأة في البلاط العثماني الإمبراطوري المطل على ضفاف البوسفور:

من مجرد دمية أو محظية أو تابعة ضمن صفوف الحريم، إلى حيث تمتعت حرم السلطان «سليمان القانوني» بمركز تأثير فاعل ومحوري ضمن مؤسسة الحكم في اسطنبول، وخاصة بعد أن أصبحت، وفي خطوة غير مسبوقة -كما قد نقول- الملكة الأولى، بل والوحيدة، في تاريخ البلاط العثماني.. بل تضفي المؤلفة على السيدة المذكورة فضل بدء إمبراطورية «بني عثمان» في استهلال المسيرة نحو التمدين والتحديث.

[M. Kovalsky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately the author, a noted historian, is disseminating incorrect information on Eastern European history and that includes Ottoman history and and this is a concern for those doing research on history of these regions let alone informing the general public of incorrect facts. Roksolena was never Russian, Rohatyn, where she was from, was never under Russian rule. It was under Polish rule at the time with inhabitants that also included a Jewish population. In the 16c. Russia didn’t exist, it was at the time Muscovy with their lands farther East. The inhabitants of Kyivan or Kievan Rus, later known as Ukraine, were called rusyns, therefore Ruthenians. Roksolena was never a Russian concubine. The book has incorrect and conflicting information on this history, let alone other issues. Even present day Turks know of her as Ukrainian, not Russian.

[Jalilah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 3 star rating is based solely on my enjoyment. This book is well researched and provides a lot of interesting information, but it's a very dry read. If you are interested in the Ottoman era you might prefer the novel The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak which takes place at the same time. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
If you are a fan of the Turkish Television Drama The Magnificent Century or Muhtesem Yüzyil in Turkish http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1848220/ you may find the additional historical information interesting about the life of Hurem Sultan concubine and later wife of Suleiman the Magnificent and the timescthey lived in. Although there is fiction mixed with history the TV series ( on Netflix) is a lot more fun!

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxelana is one of history’s most controversial figures. She was an unlikely girl who rose at great odds to become Suleyman’s wife. However, Roxelana has been known for her ruthlessness and was the cause of many of her rivals’ deaths. However, in Empress of the East, Peirce has contradicted many of the rumors that have circulated about Roxelana for centuries, and she has given us a portrait of the true Ottoman queen.

Roxelana was a young girl from Ruthenia who was captured by slave traders. She was given as a gift to the Ottoman sultan, Suleyman. Roxelana, with her beauty, intelligence, and vibrant personality, quickly caught Suleyman’s eye. It was not long until she became his favorite. Suleyman broke the the tradition of the Ottoman harem by forswearing all other concubines. Roxelana gave Suleyman six children. Suleyman eventually freed her and married her. As queen, Roxelana became the most powerful woman in the Ottoman empire. She was a politically-adept diplomat and a philanthropist. Many of her philanthropist works would become her lasting legacy.

Peirce does a great job in portraying Roxelana. Roxelana was a woman that knew how to make the best of her situation. She was determined and ambitious. She could also be jealous and temperamental. Despite these flaws, Peirce emphasizes Roxelana intelligence and her charitable work. She had an interest in the poor and the hungry. She was also very religious in her new faith and built many mosques. Therefore, Peirce brought out a balance in Roxelana’s character between the questionable and the positives.

Overall, this was a fascinating biography of Roxelana. Roxelana’s story is very intriguing, and her rise to be empress was eye-opening. Empress of the East made for compelling reading, and it gave me a deep understanding of the Ottoman empire. Roxelana’s contemporaries were Isabella of Hungary, Catherine de Medici, and Elizabeth I. It is sad that she is often overlooked during a time of great queens. I recommend Empress of the East, not only to people interested in the Ottoman Empire or the Renaissance, but also to people who admire these other women as well. Roxelana has been maligned by her contemporaries. Hopefully, by reading Empress of the East, we can see her in a more positive light.
(Note: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

[Ila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and argued scholarly book on Roxolana, better known as Hurrem Sultan. I already knew quite a few details about Hurrem and the Ottoman Empire. Although Peirce presupposes this in her readers, the illustrations and brief summaries serve as quick reminders.

There is too little authentic information on her, and by extension, on the women of the harem. Peirce, to her credit, states this at the beginning and proceeds to popular theories, rumours, plausible events, and the socio-political milieu. This may, however, come as a shock to those who frown upon speculation in their nonfiction.

The sheer upheaval of transformation, nasty gossip, and the more fanciful legends in this period was balanced by the author's engaging yet calm analysis of what may yet have plausibly happened. From captivity and slavery to climbing the dangerous ladder of concubinage to marrying the Sultan and virtually serving as the Queen, Hurrem was an extraordinary woman. Through her engaging style, Peirce creates a historical figure one can connect to and understand. The parts about the slave trade and Ibrahim Pasha were my favorite since there was a lot I did not know or knew only from popular culture.

Certain facts are unfortunately repeated or rephrased at a later stage in the text. Perhaps the epilogue could have been shorter since it concerned Nurbanu.

All in all, a very informative and engaging read. Recommended for an intermediate reader.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is well researched and well written. It’s nice to see a real historian writing without trying to fictionalize material with false quotes. But it is a snooze fest, boring as hell. My main complaint about this book is the misleading title. Her origin is all theory, without any way of knowing who she was. Thus, it is a book about 16th C Ottoman Empire, not about the sex slave turned queen. The author can be commended for not jumping to conclusions without evidence and for not overstating the truth. However, all she can offer is speculation, stating on every issue that we have no way of knowing what she did or thought or felt. I was tremendously disappointed in her limited import and influence. She was no more than a philanthropist like wives of wealthy and powerful men in contemporary society. She didn’t stand alone on her abilities. I also had problems with the author’s terminology. She sugar coated the fact that the women were sex slaves. She called them captive females and concubines. And lucky them, they learned needlework and languages! On page 5, the author actually said that “Roxelana had the good fortune to be chosen...”

[Linda Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched the first season of The Magnificent Century on Netflix, I was absolutely delighted to find this book in our local library system! A few years ago I went to Turkey on a Fulbright and stayed about five weeks, enough time to whet my appetite for all things Turkish. Leslie Peirce's impeccable research shows the reader how much more compelling reality is than fiction. No wonder the tenth sultan of the Ottoman empire was called Suleyman (Solomon) the Magnificent! He broke with tradition when he married his slave/concubine Roxelana, mother of six of his children. Together they formed an extraordinary union leading to innumerable accomplishments.

[Jaclyn Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Supremely exacting and academic, which is both a compliment and a curse in this case.

[Soumya K S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really excited to share the review of this book😍. Actually I'm a fantasy lover but I liked this book very much because of the turkish drama magnificent century which shows the life of Sultan Suleiman : The Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan. This book is not a novel but it explains the life of Hurrem Sultan very well.
In this book the author depicts how a Ruthenian Christian slave girl becomes the queen of the ottoman empire. According to ottoman traditions the sultan should not marry any women he has a lots of concubines. One concubine should only bear one male child but Hurrem breaks this tradition she become the legal wife of Sultan suleiman and had 6 children including a girl Mihrimah. Hurrem has a unique beauty with her red flaming hair. She was very brave and cunning. Her main aim was to protect her sons. The only thing I don't like in this book was it is written under seperate headings like a history text book but if it was written like a novel I will give it 5🌟
Everyone who loves history and magnificent century will love this book. For magnificent century lovers this is a must read🤩🤩

[Sude Nur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Peirce'nin alanında ne kadar uzman olduğu bu kitapta iyice gözler önüne serilmiş. Yorumlardan anladığım kadarıyla çoğunluk Muhteşem Yüzyıl esintisi veren, kurgusal bir eser beklemiş ve hayal kırıklığına uğraşmış oysa ben çok sevdim. Çünkü akıcı olmasına rağmen akademik bir üslupla kaleme alınmış bu eser gerçekten o dönem hakkında çok kapsamlı ve detaylı bilgi içermekle kalmayıp birçok teoriye de yer veriyor, feminist tarih yazıcılığına da katkı sağladığını düşünmekle birlikte çok çok keyifle okudum. Hürrem Sultan'a dair doğru bilinen yanlışlar hakkında çok açıklayıcı olmuş üstelik kaynaklara dayanarak açıklamalar yapılmış. elbette,,,olması gerektiği gibi :))

[Tamara Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Empress of the East" presents the transformation of a young girl named Roxelana who was ripped from Ukraine, sold into slavery and eventually becomes the wife of Ottoman empire Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.

The book begins with a map of the Ottoman Empire during the time the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent which was 1520-1565.What makes the story of Roxelana so historic is that she began as a slave girl and eventually became the unofficial queen of the Ottoman Empire. In addition, by marrying Roxelana, Suleyman goes against the rules of Ottoman Empire society and also proceeds to no longer have other children by any other concubines.

After the illustrated map, the book is divided into three sections: beginnings, challenges, and politics. In the beginnings section of the book, the author discusses Roxelana's background, abduction, her life as a slave, the politics of motherhood, and the relationship between Roxelana and Suleyman.

In the second section of the book titled challenges, the author discusses Roxelana's rival being the mother of Suleyman's earlier child, Roxelana coming of age, Roxelana's life in the New Palace, the two favorites, and Roxelana building a reputation.

In the third section of the book titled politics, the author discusses family matters with Suleyman during times of war, life home and abroad, showdown between Roxelana and other regarding her influence of Suleyman, her later years and the legacy Roxelana left behind after her death.

This book was well written and informative by showing not only the inner workings of the Ottoman Empire but also the role of women during the 1500's. I enjoyed this book because of the author's use of story telling with the use of illustrations. I especially found it helpful that the author provided a list of who's who and what's what as well as a pronunciation guide.

[Joel Ready · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being interested in the Ottoman Empire and wanting to learn more about Court politics, I was excited to find a book focused on a background figure like Roxelana. Sadly, the opening chapter exposes the marketing myth that is the title and cover of the book: we know virtually nothing about this historic figure. All that survives of her are roughly 40 letters to her husband, Sultan Superman the Magnificent, most of which were written with at least the “assistance” of a scribe, and which may have been composed on her behalf in full. We have none of his letters to her. We also have dispatches from a Venetian ambassador who never met her speculating about her based on street or court gossip in Istanbul at the time. But the Ottomans famously protected the privacy of Harem women, so it’s tough to even say that this is reliable information. The author relates that paintings of Roxelana were conjecture - no one would have been allowed to paint her or see her in public - so the picture on the cover is also misleading. In other words, what follows the author’s opening admission of how little we know about Roxelana is lengthy speculation with virtually no foundation in fact.

This is the only nonfiction book I’ve ever read and thought, “This would have been much better as a fictional novel.” The author does her best to reconstruct a historical life from scant evidence, but her best simply isn’t good enough. The book is filled with tangents and general background on the Ottomans and Superman the Magnificent because we simply don’t know much about Roxelana, the ostensible subject of the book.

Much of the book reads, “Roxelana may have done X at this point, or maybe she did Y,” and “Undoubtedly Roxelana knew of about X event in Ottoman history and responded Y way,” without any citation or explanation for this pure conjecture.

The book is a decent background on Suleyman, but it’s promise to be something different entirely earns two stars from me.

[Wendy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this ebook on Libby when digging around for some appropriate reading pre-trip to Türkiye. I had already been filling my boots with other Ottoman history material (Netflix "Ottomans"; Ottoman episodes of Empire; Marc David Baer's "The Ottomans" - soon to be finished), so this was a perfect complement. I had heard bits and pieces about Roxelana, and was keen to learn more.

Peirce does an excellent job with this biography. Although the focus is on Roxelana, Peirce does an excellent job describing Ottoman society and palace life so that we can truly understand how exceptional she was for that time, and what a feat it was for her to go from slave concubine to politically powerful queen. Peirce also has an absorbing writing style, so for me it felt like reading a novel rather than a non-fiction history book.

Strongly recommended on its own merit, but also before any trip to Türkiye and the likely visit to the spectacular Suleymaniye Mosque complex in Istanbul, where Roxelana's tomb is located.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating read about a very fascinating person -- I, like many people, have seen Magnificent Century and was captivated by Hurrem and her story, so reading this really shed light on the truth and separated out what was fact vs what was fiction in the show. I really like what Leslie Pierce does with the scant material she has -- particularly in parleying it into ways to discuss the Ottomon culture, politics, court, etc at the time -- but she sometimes over-speculates and presents it -- or maybe wants us to think of it -- as fact (one example I flagged was how she writes about Suleyman returning to Hurrem's bed, when there is simply no way to know what was the reasoning behind it, but she attributes a lot as if she does know). However, she does accomplish what she sets out to do, which is to show how Hurrem did become "queen" of the empire and, more importantly, changed the way dynastic succession and the later-known "sultnate of women" came to be.

[Somapa Mitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I had developed a keen interest in knowing about Hurrem Sultan after watching the much popular Turkish series "Magnificent Century" and was really interested in knowing about her historically. And this book by Leslie P. Pierce was very enlightening and captivating at the same time. This book about "A slave, who became a favourite concubine of the greatest Ottoman Sultan that the world has ever seen and got married to him at a time when marriage was not the norm and her rise to power" was well researched and well written and kept me interested till the end. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend other history buffs to not miss this.

[Veronika S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very educational however I couldn’t make myself finish it - I was looking for a fact based story of Roxelana - this book is more of a detailed account of her life which reads as an academic work rather than fiction or semi-fiction. Would be a great read for someone looking for an in depth look into the life of Roxelana as the wife of Suleiman but I lost interest somewhere in the middle.

[Meg Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of Roxelana, despite reading a gazillion books about various ancient kings and queens, so overall that was interesting, especially in the way she changed the sultans role and family. But this got real tedious and overly detailed in places and I skimmed. I understand it's hard when there's only so much actual historical record, but could have done without multiple long lists of how much everyone got paid.

[Reelika Raimet · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://raamaturiiulike.wordpress.com...

[Irka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nie jest źle, ale generalnie można ją streścić jako próbę opowiedzenia historii osoby o której niewiele wiemy, przez pryzmat tego co wiemy o jej konkurecji, mężu i dzieciach. Dobrze się czyta.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting history of the Ottoman Empire during reign of Sultan Suleiman I “the Magnificent”. Much is known about his reign, including his breaks with imperial tradition. The Empress of the title was called Roxelana (the maiden from Ruthenia) by Europeans, named Hürrem (the laughing/joyful one) by the Ottomans; she went from slave, to concubine, to the wife of Suleiman.
Unfortunately, Ottoman women, including the dynastic females, were kept out of public view and what little we do know is because of the impact they had on males, whose lives were recorded, or through documents regarding public works they founded.
Peirce creatively conjectures that Roxelana became deeply involved in both palace politics and international diplomacy, that she wielded impressive power (except when things went wrong), and that she changed Ottoman politics for centuries.
But it was just too much conjecture. I got tired of the “While we lack explicit information about Roxelana’s…”, or “Frustratingly little is known of Roxelana‘s…”. Too much ‘Whether… or…’, ‘is hard to say’, ‘perhaps it was both’, ‘presumably, ifs, may have… or may have.…’
Just watch the Turkish tv series “Magnificent Century’ on Netflix, it’s a lot more fun.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very engaging and well-written book. I enjoyed every page. The one downside, and it isn’t a problem with the author, I think it is a problem with the historical information available to her. There are a lot of missing pieces and suppositions. It seems to stem from the Ottoman “rules” that people not speak or or write about women. They were not even supposed to be seen for the most part. It is hard to write a comprehensive story about a woman under these circumstances. Thus, this author frequently wrote with words like: “perhaps” “likely” and,“possibly.”

It is unfortunate, because I would so much like to know more about this very interesting woman and the family she was a part of.

[Marianne Villanueva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love history. I love it more than any other type of reading. I was expecting so much from this book. Wow, a book about how a slave wound up an empress? The trouble with this book is: everything seems pretty much fore-ordained. Yes, Roxelana was a survivor. How do we know this? BECAUSE SHE BECAME AN EMPRESS. DUH. So, of course, she must have had some unique qualities. Foremost among which is: she survived.

It begins with the year she was captured, but says nothing about the capture itself, just about the possible region where she might have been captured.

I learned that:

Suleyman broke every rule in the book about not sleeping with one woman exclusively. I wanted to know more about Suleyman than about Roxelana.

Roxelana and Suleyman were apart for long periods of time while he was conquering foreign lands. Again, I found Suleyman much more interesting than Roxelana, because we don't know about what she did during those periods of separation. Oh! She writes him flowery letters. Later, she builds monuments. A lot of monuments. She also becomes a philanthropist. THERE IS NOTHING ABOUT HER INNER LIFE because, well, women weren't considered worthy of attention. Gee! Imagine that! What were those Ottomans thinking! It is so rote.

Of course it ends with -- TA-RA! -- her death.

I could have predicted this from page 1. I certainly didn't need to read this book to learn that -- gasp -- she did in fact die.