First, Leyla was born...

 

In Istanbul, Çubuklu... Old plane trees, tall poplars, acacias, fruit gardens in linden orchards and covered in flower fields, a crowded mansion built on an endless land ...

 

Her father, Hasanzade İbrahim, was an extremely wealthy businessman from a well-established family. A gentle, knowledgeable and tolerant Bektashi ... He was an open-minded enough person that would not only go to church with his wife who was a very devout Catholic, but also say something such as "Our children will choose their own religion when they are 18". Farming, fishing, transportation, water trade, Beyoğlu Lale Cinema, Karaköy inns and pastry shops... He was a successful businessman making trade in a wide area.

 

Leyla did not only take her black hair, black eyes, and sharp facial features from her father. She took from him the tolerance of Bektashism, the judgement of character, sincere and far from hypocrisy, strong nature, and the constant search of the beautiful and divine.

 

Her mother, Alexandra Angela Minokovska; Polish, from a wealthy Catholic family, strong, principled, read a lot, keen to sing and listen to the piano; was a woman who liked grace, sincerity and beauty. Joy was never missing from their home. She never complained of the mansion’s tables hosting crowded guests. Her husband's tolerance and wisdom must have affected her deeply that, after İbrahim Bey passed away, she changed her religion and took the name "Atiye".

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Leyla took from her mother, her manner that immediately aroused respect in everyone, her admirable stance, sensitivity in human relations, passion for learning, discipline, stubborn habit and fondness for her friends...