Concubinage in Sharifistan

Concubinage in Sharifistan from 1980 to the 30th of May 2021, provided legal recognition and enforced exclusivity in relationships between one male and female(s) other than his spouse. It is currently illegal.

Law

The Concubinage Act of 1980 said "It shall be tolerated for a man to take up to 10 concubines, provided they are over the age of fifteen [changed to sixteen by Decree #785 of Ceza Kanunu (Sharifistan)], are willing, are not virgins and do not follow Islam.", it went on to say "Men are required to treat these women with kindness and not to strike them" but also mentioned that they were required to wear a turquoise ring to identify their status. In 2009, Sultan Ahmed Khan made a law that concubines and only concubines could wear high heels. Concubinage is currently forbidden due to it being in violation of Islamic law though the evidentiary standards are very high (four witnesses, a public admission heard by four people or a confession in court).

Cultural attitudes

In Sharifistani society concubines are viewed with suspicion and even occasionally disdain. Despite this there is some level of prestige to being the concubine of a Sharifistani nobleman.

Politics

Some of the concubines of Sharifistani nobles were given political offices as a way for nobles to fill local governments and other state organisations with their supporters. Democratically elected politicians have also been known to do this.

Criminalisation and enforcement

It is illegal to keep a concubine under a decree of the Sultan Ed Ashleigh and the Islamic Religious Police have the authority to arrest men who openly keep concubines. The evidentiary standards are very high, however.