43 Across

NYT Daily • August 2, 2025

Sacred space for female family members, in the Muslim tradition

Answer:

HAREM

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n*\"Private quarters where women of a household might reside, historically.\"*\n\nThis hint keeps the focus on the secluded nature of the space and its association with women, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring the solver to connect the dots."]

Explanation:

The clue "Sacred space for female family members, in the Muslim tradition" leads to the answer **"HAREM"** through the following connections: 1. **Definition**: A *harem* historically refers to a secluded, sacred space in a household reserved for women, particularly in Muslim traditions. It was a private area where female family members lived and were protected. 2. **Cultural Context**: The term *harem* is strongly associated with Islamic culture, especially in historical contexts like the Ottoman Empire, where it denoted the women's quarters in a palace or home. 3. **Wordplay**: The clue avoids direct synonyms and instead uses descriptive phrasing ("sacred space for female family members") to guide the solver toward the concept of a *harem* without explicitly stating it. Thus, the answer fits both the literal meaning and the cultural reference implied by the clue.

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