Leyla is a twelve year old girl living in Istanbul, Turkey in 1720. Her real name is Laleena, but is changed to Leyla early on to be more properly Turkish. She is very caring and protective, and is always thinking of others. However, she is very willing to take risks. She appears quiet and shy, and has an ability to grow flowers, specifically tulips, very well. She also loves to draw and paint, is interested in poetry, and has a passion for her family. She is very curious and initially asks a series of questions about the world around her. She is generally thought not to be very poised, though she is considered beautiful with autumn colored eyes and long dark hair. She strongly dislikes being treated unfairly as a slave, and she dislikes when others are treated harshly. She believes that e