Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Seraglio properly means any enclosure (Italian serraglio from serra, "a bolt"), but its meaning in English is now identical with that of harem (q.v.). The word has heen confused with the Turkish serai, "a palace." The Seraglio (eski serai) at Constantinople, including mosques, the harem, etc., is now no longer the Sultan's residence.