Join local author Cindy Davies as she discusses her latest book, The Favourite of the Harem.

The Turkish harem was operated for five centuries by women and eunuchs. It became a political power base of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Throughout the centuries, this hotbed of intrigue and danger, fascinated European visitors to Turkey.

Cindy’s illustrated talk, with presentation, unravels some of the myths and mysteries of the harem.

Books will be available for purchase on the day. Payment via card transaction or cash.

Free, bookings required.

Tea & coffee on arrival.

Enquiries: 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Born in the UK, Cindy Davies has lived, worked and travelled in Turkey and speaks some Turkish. She emigrated to Australia with her family in 1975 and is a graduate of Sydney University. She’s been a teacher, freelance writer and tour guide in Sydney and Turkey. Cindy also visited Iran while writing her first two novels, set in Iran, the USA and Australia. She’s won several awards for her books and short stories. Last year during a writer’s residency in the UK, she revisited Turkey and the former sultan’s palace to fine-tune her research for her third novel The Favourite of the Harem. Set in the Topkapı Palace harem of sixteenth-century Istanbul, it was published in November 2023. She is currently working on a fourth novel.