It is said prostitution is as old as humankind. This seems plausible, even in the earliest scriptures the profession is mentioned. In the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, Judah — grandson of patriarch Abraham, pays a prostitute to have relations with him.
Only to find out later the prostitute he visited was his daughter-in-law Tamar. According to the dictionary: a person who has sex with someone for money. The definition seems straightforward. However, reality proves to be much more complicated. Prostitution is a tough business, shrouded worldwide in exploitation and secrecy. In the Red Light District, there is stringent inspection and supervision to minimize potential abuses, the primary aim is the prevention of forced prostitution. Red Light Secrets sees prostitutes as strong men and women who are thriving in their profession.
They exude pride, both in their bodies and their work. Ever since it was built around , it has been both famous and notorious for the women inhabiting its streets. Since the beginning of modern history, Amsterdam has been a trading city with a large port. As early as the 14th and 15th centuries sailors, who were waiting for their ships to depart, roamed De Wallen. When looking for enjoyment this was the neighborhood that provided them with all they needed: both beer and women were readily available in the countless bars and inns.
Prostitution was even legal in the 15th century, although visiting a prostitute officially was not. That changed at the end of the 16th century when Amsterdam became Protestant. The new city council decided to forbid any prostitution. The politicians threatened men visiting whores with severe measures and the ladies themselves with expulsion.
But, as often the case in Amsterdam policies, the threats proved to be mainly verbal. In daily life, a blind eye was turned to what was going on in the Red Light District, and the next, prosperous 17th Golden Century, even saw a rampant growth in whoredom. An estimated thousand women were selling physical delights for a living in these years.
