How a Ukrainian Peasant Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire In-Person
Please join us for a fascinating discussion as Dr. Leslie P. Peirce will discuss her book, Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire. By the early 16th century, Ottoman princes and sultans no longer made formal marriages, instead reproducing the dynasty with Christian-born captives from outside the empire's borders. By far the most famous of them is Roxelana.
Breaking the strict rules that governed the career of concubine mothers, Suleyman the Magnificent made Roxelana his favorite and produced six children with her. But ever since her lifetime, she has been viewed as a power-hungry manipulator. The book argues that, instead, she was an innovator in an age of queens like Catherine de Medici and Mary Queen of Scots. She corresponded with a number of European queens and, among other responsibilities, was also a great philanthropist. Roxelana can only be called a queen.
There will be an audience Q&A with Dr. Peirce after her discussion.
About Dr. Leslie P. Peirce
Leslie Peirce is the Silver Professor at New York University, holding appointments in both the departments of history and of Middle Eastern studies. Recognized internationally as one of the world’s leading Ottomanists.