Leyla: The Black Tulip

Princess Fatma

That afternoon, Leyla is summoned by Princess Fatma. Leyla’s first thought is that something happened to Lena. Princess Fatma’s pavilion is different from everywhere else. It’s in chaos. There’s toys, pillows, books, and things scattered everywhere. The Princess looks disheveled. The Princess is calling out to Semiramis that she’s made a mess again.

Lena comes in the door, and sees Leyla. Lena runs to Leyla’s legs, and Leyla is relieved to see nothing is wrong. In fact, Lena looks healthy and well-groomed. Princess Fatma is grateful Leyla has arrived. She asks Leyla if she knows Semiramis.

Reluctantly, Leyla confesses that they were brought to İstanbul on the same ship. Leyla doesn’t know whether to trust Princess Fatma’s intentions. Princess Fatma asks for more information: where they came from, how they landed there, and if they knew anything about Semiramis’ past. Leyla doesn’t know much, but answers her name is Lena.

The Princess responds that her name was once Lena, but is now Semiramis. She must learn to behave as a Princess. Princess Fatma wants Semiramis to be perfect in all things, just like a doll.

When Princess Fatma asks what oda she belongs to, Leyla states she works in the gardens. Princess Fatma nods with acknowledgment. She knows of Leyla’s… talents. She knows Leyla doesn’t hesitate to copy the work of the Almighty. Prince Mejnun has seen Leyla painting pictures of flowers.

So it was Prince Mejnun who left the note on the drawings, and probably was the person who stole her paintings! But why? Did he intend to get Leyla into even more trouble? Leyla prays Belkıs was right and that he isn’t cruel and mean.

The Princess continues that Prince Mejnun thought the paintings were beautiful. He had never seen paintings of real things like that. He suggested that Princess Fatma learn to paint from Leyla, and that’s why Princess Fatma arranged for Leyla to be released from prison.

Leyla exclaims she’s grateful for the Princess’ kindness. Without pausing for the gratitude, the Princess continues that she likes to draw and practice calligraphy herself. But she doesn’t have much talent. In fact, Leyla was drawing her tulips on the other side of the Princess’ calligraphy! She’d like Leyla to teach her and Semiramis how to draw. It’s entertainment for herself, but education for Semiramis.

Leyla asks the Princess why she is not against making images of living things. The Chief Housekeeper says the Prophet declared it was forbidden to imitate God. The Princess responds that she doesn’t think that’s what the Prophet meant. They’re not imitating God—they’re channeling his energy into a form of beauty. They exist to be instruments of God, and it’s their duty to express God’s beauty. What the Princess says reminds Leyla of her Father.

The Princess gives Leyla a little room where she could draw and practice calligraphy. Each day, Leyla works with the Princess and Lena. They have lots of paints and paper, and she is doing something she loves.

Princess Fatma brings pictures of Europeans dressed in traditional Turkish clothes. Princess Fatma explains they like to imitate the way the Turks dress and live. Slowly, Princess Fatma learns to trust Leyla, and Leyla feels the Princess is telling her things she doesn’t tell others. Afraid the other girls in the harem would be jealous of their relationship, Leyla keeps it a secret. She fears the girls may try to hurt Leyla if they know she has the Princess’ attention.

One of the things Princess Fatma tells Leyla is that she was married to a Vizier at age five. Although her husband wasn’t even at the wedding. He did send presents to celebrate the occasion, though. In fact, the Princess never even met him—he was killed in the war in Petervardin when she was seven. She’s not even bothered by his passing. And when it comes to her next marriage, the Princess says the Grand Vizier is cultured and clever. He established the empire’s first printing press and mint. He encouraged women to read and write poetry. He is a good man.