Helene Hatun

The sky is overcast with black, ominous clouds. There is a heavy rain that veils the view. The Bosphorus, so glorious in sunshine, now appears gloomy and murky. Raindrops stream from the harem’s domed roof and flow down the pink hall’s arched windows to make puddles around the flagstones of the yard by the entrance to the odalisques’ quarters.

Helene Sultana is lost in a reverie of summertime when she would throw gold coins into the marble pond and then watch the palace dwarves jump in fully-clothed to find them. The Circassian odalisque knocks on the door drawing her away from her pleasant day-dream. Sultan Mehmed II, who has put an end to one era and started another by conquering Byzantium, is on his way to be by her side. Her heart beats excitedly.

Her long-lashed black eyes stare at the engraved wooden door with anticipation. The daughter of Mora’s Archbishop Demetrius, Helene is lovely and merry. She has a golden belt on her waist, and in her hair, a feathered crest that is ornamented with emeralds and rubies. It is the year 1474.

The Conqueror’s first and most cherished task upon his return from the war is to come and see his baby-son Ahmed. He raises him high in his strong arms and kisses him with limitless love. This is the latest son his beloved Helene has given him. Her face brightens with joy.

She bows to her Sultan and caresses the infant. She crosses herself with her hands on her chest. She smiles with tenderness, as she speaks, “You are the light of my life, the star of my heavens. I pray every day that you have a long and happy life”.