The History of Eunuchs

Eunuchs were men or boys who were castrated, often for a specific occupation or role. The history of castration is extensive, with some of the earliest known records of eunuchs dating to the Sumerian kingdom. They were a valuable asset in the Barbary slave trade, prized for their purported loyalty and intellectual prowess. These men were sometimes considered sexless or third gender, giving them a unique status in many societies.^[1]

In the Ottoman Empire, eunuchs served a variety of roles. Young eunuchs served as guards in the court harem or as attendants in the sultan’s palace. However, older and more educated men often had important political roles. Eunuchs in the Ottoman harems were separated by occupation based on the outward appearance of race.

Black Eunuchs

Black eunuchs, as they were called, typically hailed from northern Africa and were inducted as guards into the palace at a young age.^[2] They served the women of the harem.

Chief Black Eunuch

The most important role in the Ottoman harem court, outside of the Valide Sultane, was the Chief Black Eunuch. The Chief Black Eunuch, also known as a kizlar agha, was the central link between the inner world of the harem and the outer world of the palace.

White Eunuchs

White eunuchs were typically slaves from the Caucasus or Balkans and did not serve inside the harem proper. Instead, they served the sultan in other men’s spaces.