Forms of perception, as well as conventions and strategies for representing society, were, among other factors, determined by social class and gender around 1850. Due to the prevailing slavery associated with the harem, and the fact that the Orient had rarely been traveled by women until the late 18th century, the authenticity of the depicted images of society must be critically examined. Were enslaved individuals truly treated inhumanely, or did their captivity also grant them some power? Did Western travel accounts propagate this image of subjugation, while enslaved women, in reality, controlled everything? Whether this represents a misrepresentation of society around 1850 or actually points to a reflection of real society during that period is what this contribution aims to question. While it is no longer possible to authentically reconstruct a contemporary image, it could at least shed light on a dark area, producing a portrayal that is closer to reality.
In light of this background, the examination of societal representation around 1850 is the focal point of this contribution. Using concrete examples, the paper will demonstrate how 1) the perception of society was influenced by female voices from and about the Orient, followed by an analysis of how the harem was regarded as a reflection of a society that cultivated life. Next, it will address 2) the parallels regarding societal reflection, and finally, 3) verify the truthfulness of this reflection in relation to the presented societal image.