A eunuch of the Ottoman Sultan c. 1889 📍Istanbul 🇹🇷
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In the Ottoman Empire, eunuchs were typically slaves imported from other regions. These were of two categories: black eunuchs and white eunuchs. Black eunuchs were African slaves who served officials in the court. The white eunuchs were European slaves from the Balkans or the Caucasus. An important figure in the Ottoman court was the Chief Black Eunuch (Kızlar Ağası)
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In control of both the Harem and a net of spies among the black eunuchs, the Chief Eunuch was involved in almost every palace intrigue and thereby could gain power over either the sultan or one of his viziers, ministers, or other court officials
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Established in 1574, the post ranked among the most important in the Ottoman Empire until the early 19th century. The wealth amassed, the proximity to the sultan, and the role the harem ladies played in court intrigues meant that its occupant had considerable political influence; several kizlar aghas were responsible for the downfall of Grand Viziers and the accession of Sultans.