OF KOCEKS AND SEXUAL LIFE OF OTTOMANS

The Ottoman Turks proved themselves as brave empire builders. Their empire stretched into the Balkans, Middle East, parts of Russia, Hungary, Persia, and North Africa.

Osman 1 (1258-c.1326) laid the foundation of the dynasty by conquering parts of Anatolia of the Byzantine empire with its capital at Constantinople.
In 1453 Constantinople fell to the Ottomans.

Their sultans, apart from their conquests were also noted for their harems at Tokapi Palace.

 Women of Istanbul (L)


What of the sexual life of the Ottomans?

Dancing girls are called chengi whereas women that seek pleasure as odeliks.

 At the slave market.                 

                                                       
Janissaries apprehended a couple. They would receive harsh punishment.












Dancing boys were known as koceks (L, below). Most if not all of them were gays.
 A kocek dancing for a customer (R).        

A gay patron' poetry meant for his lover (L).