Harem Secret Pastimes

According to the permission of the Koran, the Khan could have four legitimate wives. In ancient times, such a measure was a precaution taken against the development of prostitution and a means to keep men at the family hearth, which led to an increase in the Islamic population. The Quran states that every partner can ask for a divorce. However, it was easier for a man to find reasons to get rid of an unloved woman. A wife could obtain a divorce only if her husband forced her to commit perverse acts or if he was no longer able to fulfill his marital duties. However, the ancient ruler also had many secrets. When the khan wanted to have fun, he gave orders to his servants, and they brought drinks and food to the garden; after sunset, the sultan came there accompanied by several favorites. All the other beauties of the harem hurried to decorate the landscape, danced and offered the Khan wine, and the khan decided which one he would spend his night on. Then the other girls, who missed the men's company, started a game that Khan liked; some of them threw themselves at Khan's feet, while the rest "held" them. Khan, saving the "unfortunate", led her to his chambers. And he did whatever he wanted with her. Alexei Borisov and Vyacheslav Ismagilov join forces once again to create Harem Secret Pastimes, an album sonically inspired by this tale while staying true to its Uzbek roots. A pivotal figure in Russia’s experimental avant-garde, Alexei Borisov has long been a driving force in the underground scene through collaborations with leading artists in the genre. Based in Moscow, he continues to defy the limits of improvisation in both live performances and studio recordings. Vyacheslav Ismagilov, born in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and now based in Kazan (Russia), merges electronic music with influences from his Uzbek heritage, forging a unique and deeply personal sound.