Leyla: The Black Tulip

The Most Beautiful Clothes

Several days later, Master Hyacinth, who has now become the Chief Eunuch, comes to announce that the Padishah wants to meet his entire harem that very day. They’re all to be individually introduced to the Padishah! All the girls get excited, and begin talking about what they’ll wear to see the Padishah, and what they’ll say if he asks them questions. But Leyla isn’t excited. She doesn’t have anything to wear except her work clothes. To hide her sadness, she runs to the garden to work on her tulip beds.

In a little bit, Belkıs calls for Leyla to come back inside. All the girls are getting dressed up. Belkıs complains that Leyla’s isn’t ready yet, and she’ll be left behind. When Leyla defiantly retorts she’s not going, Belkıs asks why not. Leyla, straining to keep from bursting into tears, responds that she has nothing to wear. Belkıs says she has an extra pair of silk şalvar, a pair of loose, red trousers. Another girl, listening in, mentions she has a chemise with Damascus lace on the sleeves.

Another girl says she has a yashmak. And suddenly, Leyla is surrounded by girls, being dressed up like a doll. When they step away from Leyla, she is covered in some of the finest clothes she’s ever worn. Her hair has been braided with pearls, and is wearing rouge on her cheeks. She doesn’t even look like herself. On top of the chemise, she’s wearing a silk brocade kaftan and a red translucent veil over her face. As a finishing touch, Belkıs sticks a fan in her hands.

Surely the Padishah will be pleased with such a fine harem.