Definition of sultana

The word "sultana" derives from the Turkish title of "Suluṭān," which translates to "one who holds sovereign power" or "strong holder." In the Ottoman Empire, Sultanas were the wives or females in the immediate dynastic family of a Sultan (emperor). The word "sultana" also referred to high-ranking female officials, such as wives of governors, in the Islamic world. In England during the 16th and 17th centuries, the word "sultana" came to describe dried grapes, such as raisins, that were imported from the Ottoman Empire via trade routes. This usage likely arose from the similarities between the size, shape, and shriveled appearance of sultanas and the grapes grown in the Mediterranean region. Today, sultanas are commonly used in baking, desserts, and as a snack due to their natural sweetness and high sugar content.