How will these resources help you?

In British schools, the focus tends to be on British and European history and so when looking at women in history, the Tudor, Plantagenet and Stuart women tend to dominate. Therefore, women from other dynasties and from other countries have been overlooked, even though their roles in diplomacy and politics are significant.

Hurrem Sultan was the first concubine to be married to an Ottoman emperor (Suleiman the Magnificent). Her incredible life changed Ottoman politics. It allowed other Sultanas to thrive through the lens of motherhood, while also showcasing their impressive political acuity. 

In the classroom, teachers and students can look beyond the most well-known British and European royal women and study their Ottoman counterparts, including how they navigated with patriarchal society and values.