By the 16th/17th century, the system changed; wives were usually concubines brought into the harem.

They were formally addressed as Qadın Efendi , which roughly means "Lady Mistress." 2. Role in the Harem and Politics

The role of the Qadın evolved over the 600-year history of the Empire:

Through their connections and the eunuchs under their command, Qadıns controlled access to the Sultan.