Terem (Russia)

The terem (Russian: терем) was separate living quarters occupied by elite women in Muscovite Russia. In a narrow context, it may refer to the upper story of a home or castle, often with a pitched roof. In a broader context, the term is used by historians to discuss the elite social practice of female seclusion that reached its height in the 17th century. Royal or noble women were not only confined to separate quarters, but were also prevented from socialization with men outside their immediate family, and were shielded from the public eye in closed carriages or heavily concealing clothing.

The word is not to be confused with the Terem Palace in Moscow, an extended part of the Grand Kremlin Palace, which was not occupied exclusively by women.