The Dancing Boys
Köçeks were young male dancers who entertained the Sultan and the court with their performances. Trained from a young age, they were known for their beauty and dancing skills, often performing in elaborate costumes that accentuated their androgynous appeal. These boys, often recruited from non-Muslim families through the devshirme system or bought as slaves, were groomed to be the epitome of grace and allure.
Tellak: The Bathhouse Attendants
Tellaks were young men who served as attendants in the Sultan's bathhouses. Their duties included massaging and grooming the Sultan and high-ranking officials, and they often had intimate access to the most powerful men in the empire. This closeness sometimes led to deeper personal and political relationships, making the tellaks significant figures within the palace hierarchy.
Daily Life and Duties
Training and Discipline
Life for a male concubine began with rigorous training. Köçeks, for instance, underwent extensive instruction in music, dance, and etiquette. They were taught to perform intricate dances, play musical instruments, and entertain the court with their charm and wit. This training was both physically demanding and mentally taxing, ensuring that they were always at their best.
Performances and Entertainment
The primary duty of a köçek was to perform at court festivities, private gatherings, and special occasions. Their performances were designed to captivate and amuse the audience, often involving complex dance routines and musical numbers. These performances were not only a form of entertainment but also a display of the Sultan's wealth and power.
Tellaks, on the other hand, spent their days attending to the Sultan and his guests in the bathhouses. They provided massages, bathed the patrons, and engaged in light conversation. The intimacy of these interactions often allowed tellaks to gather valuable information and gain the favor of powerful individuals.