06/07/2025
Synopsis:
Emir Sa’ad magnificent and the second wife Amina hold the title Queen Amina, which was established during her time. The slave with a Secret who despite her enslavement carried herself with the dignity of a queen, made the Emir consort and later the legal wife of Emir Sa’ad.
She is also considered one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history. While the title "Queen" was not a formal part of the Ottoman court structure, but Amina’s influence and power within the empire, particularly due to her position as Emir’s consort, later a wife and mother of his heir, effectively placed her in a position equivalent to that of a queen. She played a significant role in Ottoman politics and even influenced policies, making her a unique and powerful figure in Ottoman history.
Early life and rise to power:
Amina was born in Gbagyiza and was captured and brought to the Ottoman Empire as a slave. She rose through the ranks of the harem to become Emir Sa ad’s favorite concubine and eventually his legal wife which automatically elevated her status and power within the Ottoman court.
Influence and Legacy:
She became one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history, appointing slaves to serve in prominent positions, this made former slave women especially her slave friends to reign during the period known as the Sultanate of Women. This breaks Ottoman tradition, as she unprecedentedly freed all slave women and allowing them to marry people from the royal family against one of the oldest Ottoman customs.
Amina eventually wielded enormous power, influencing and playing a central role in the politics of the Ottoman Empire including handling of massive uprisings. She also played an active role in the affairs of the empire and even intervened in affairs between the empire and her former home Gbagyiza, apparently helping her people to reclaim the stolen Golden Nelas trophy.
Hajia Amina is written by Frank Ikegwuonu.
The Slave with a Secret.Emir Sa’ad magnificent and the second wife Amina hold the title Queen Amina, which was established during her time. The slave with a...
