Читать книгу Innocent in the Harem - Michelle Willingham - Страница 6

The tales of Scheherazade and the Arabian Nights were among my favorite fairy tales when I was growing up. I was intrigued by the exotic location, the handsome princes, and the ever-present danger within palace life. It inspired me to research the sixteenth century Ottoman Empire, where I learned about the sultan Suleiman and the forbidden world of his harem. Many of the elements in “Innocent in the Harem” are based upon true stories.

Although Prince Khadin was not a real historical character, I’ve taken creative license in giving Suleiman an additional son. During this era in history, the royal heirs were sent to distant corners of the kingdom to avoid jealousy (it wasn’t until later that they were imprisoned within the Cage in the palace). Also, what happened to Khadin as a child and the ultimate fate of his mother were based upon real life stories.

I hope you enjoy this Arabian Nights fantasy, where a captive of the harem is rescued by a handsome prince and ultimately falls in love.

With many thanks to Donna MacQuigg for her assistance and information regarding Arabian horses. Also, thank you to Michelle Styles for her photographs of the Topkapi Palace and for her research insights.