Leyla: The Black Tulip

The Hall of the Sultan

All of the harem are escorted into the Hall of the Sultan. The enormous room is more beautiful than any other part of the palace. A stained glass dome scatters the light across the room, and a grand terrace is outside. Outside, Leyla can see beautiful İstanbul surrounding them. Green hills, cypresses, and linden trees. Other girls seem awed as well. Leyla wishes she could explore further.

The girls watch the man in the center of the room. He sits on a golden throne dressed in a green silk kaftan embroidered with golden tulips. He wears a dagger, inlaid with emeralds and rubies, at his side. Behind him, his mother, the Valide Sultana, is standing solemn and dignified. In the room are all of the Padishah’s wives and their daughters, sitting on dais. Leyla searches for Lena in the crowd, but cannot find Princess Fatma or Lena, even though Master Hyacinth calls Fatma’s name among the list of those present.

The girls salute and form lines around the Padishah according to rank. One by one, each of them approaches the throne and kisses the skirt of his kaftan. The Padishah nods and makes eye contact with each of the girls. As Leyla watches each girl go before her, her nerves drift away. He seems like a very kindly man. After greeting each of them, he addresses them that nothing gives him more pleasure than having all his ladies in the same room.

Then, the Padishah escorts all the ladies onto the terrace. He points to a structure opposite the shore, and says it’s going to be a new palace. More poetic than Topkapı, and more splendid than the palaces built by their eastern ancestors. Even more beautiful than the French king’s palace, Versailles. It will have colored tiles trimmed with gold. Craftsmen and artisans have been working on it. It will be called Sadabad, the palace of happiness. It will be inaugurated in honor of his daughter, Princess Fatma’s, wedding to the Grand Vizier İbrahim Pasha and the manhood ceremonies of two of his sons. And at the end, they will celebrate this year’s Tulip Festival.

All eyes turn to Princess Fatma. And there, Leyla sees little Lena in her arms. But Lena seems restless, squirming and looking around. Then, Lena’s eyes meet Leyla’s. Leyla shakes her head to try to indicate to Lena not to move, but in a swift movement, Lena jumps out of the Princess’ lap and runs to Lena. Lena grabs hold of Leyla’s legs and reaches up to be picked up. Now everybody is looking at Leyla.

One of the Princess’ attendants comes over and takes Lena back to Princess Fatma. Lena watches Leyla, and begins to cry. The Princess has her attendant remove Lena from the room. To distract the silent crowds, Master Hyacinth signals the musicians to play music, and dancers come out, clacking wooden spoons. But Leyla cannot enjoy the entertainment. She’s preoccupied thinking about Lena. What if they’ll both get in trouble? Once again, Lena has been snatched away.

After the feast and entertainment, the Padishah rises and announces the evening is over. The girls all salute him as he passes by them. But on his way out, he drops a handkerchief in front of Belkıs’ feet. The whole room is silent; they all know what the dropping of the handkerchief means.