Rabia Sultan

Kâğıthane had been royal hunting grounds since the times of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. In 1724 Sultan Ahmed III opens this fairy-tale setting to the citizens of Istanbul for their diversion and enjoyment. It becomes an instant success with the public who come from all corners of the city to wander on the emerald-coloured lawn and in the meadows of tulips that are bordered by the crystal-clear waters of a creek. Hundreds of tents have been set up in every corner of the huge garden.

Oil lamps and candlelight illuminate the star-bright nights as fireworks streak across the sky like multi-coloured comets. The sweet melodies of delicate strings and soft percussion join the parade of pleasures as the tulips sway in the gentle breeze inviting all to wonder if they have indeed arrived in paradise. Thirty marble columns prop the elegant summer house on the shore of a brook: Sâdâbat. The aquamarine waters of the pond shimmer invitingly in front of the house.

There is a dragon-shaped fountain in the middle of the pond that spouts water from the elm-tree garden which is beloved by Râbia Sultana. It is after sunset in the summer garden of the harem. Râbia stands under the canopy of the magnolia trees. Her hair is golden, her eyes sapphire-blue, the skin of her attractive face rosy-white, her body supple and vital.

Her full lips break into a seductive smile as she stretches out on the velvet sofa. Râbia Şermi Sultana is of Circassian origin, and though only seventeen, she has been the favourite wife of Sultan Ahmed III for more than three years. Two tall black odalisques try to refresh her with the cooling breeze of semi-circular fans on long handles.