Status Of Women And Their Socio-Economic And Internal Security Contribution During Ottoman Period

The Ottoman Empire was one of history's most long-lived empires. It lasted for more than 600 years. The Ottoman Empire, at its peak, was Europe's, Africa's, and Western Asia's most remarkable ruling entity, encompassing a diverse variety of cultures, religions, and languages. Despite these contrasts, from 1299 through 1922, the empire thrived. Most of the Ottoman state's life affairs, security and economic and social activities were based on Islamic principles, rich in brotherhood, humanity, and ethics. So, can a state with Islamic principles deprive its women of society or it will give more rights than other political systems? There was little research on the role of women in Ottoman society until the 1970s. In the Ottoman Empire, women were often portrayed in the Harem, and this framework was repeatedly used to explain their lives. But the reality is much different. It is clear from the Ottoman archives that Ottoman women made a significant socio-economic contribution to their families, communities and the state as well as contributed in internal security of the state by their involvement in security and intelligence. They also held the right to inheritance. Several instances illustrate that women in Anatolia were involved in trading and operating businesses. These illustrations prove that the Ottoman women were not deprived of justice and freedom, which is why they were freely able to contribute to society and state in all aspects. Apart from contribution to agriculture, animal husbandry, home economics, and textile production, the Ottoman women have made a noteworthy contribution to internal security directly or indirectly. This study highlights the importance of Ottoman women in social, economic, and interior security. It investigates the issues of women's property rights, the rights of inheritance, commerce, and participation in state and regional security and intelligence by referring to current research and literature.