The Imperial Harem of the Sultans: Daily Life at the Ciragan Palace during the 19th Century: Memoirs of Leyla (Saz) Hanimefendi

"Leyla (Saz) Hanimefendi was taken into the "Harem" of Sultan Abdulmecid at the age of four and left Ciragan palace only to be married. She is the only woman who wrote her actual experiences of life at the Ciragan Palace where Sultan Abdulmedic reigned. Her references to many incidents, from the utensils used to the Ladies' Orchestra make this book interesting both to the layman and to the historian. Her great sense of propriety and admiration for the way of life she enjoyed at the Palace (despite the vigorous discipline) is another factor that makes reading these memoirs a joyful experience."