The son of a noble Spanish mother, Peregrini is a musician who was once a priest in the Catholic Church, but after rebelling against dogmas and being excommunicated, he settled in Istanbul. He carries the skepticism, rationalism, and artistic passions of European culture. He meets Rabia during his musical and philosophical conversations with Vehbi Dede; he falls in love with her crystal-like voice and the resignation characteristic of the East. To marry her, he converts to Islam, takes the name Osman, and submits to the persistence of Rabia, who insists that they live in Sinekli Bakkal.
He grew up fatherless and was forced into the clergy (monastery) at a young age by the pressure of his extremely religious Catholic mother. However, the passionate life energy and artistic passion within him drove him to flee the monastery. Although he initially hated women and religion due to his disappointment-filled past, through music, he was drawn to Eastern mysticism and Rabia's purity.
A middle-aged man (around 45-50) who is small-statured with a pointed beard, deep-set black eyes, and thick eyebrows; he is described as having a 'devilish face,' yet he assumes a completely different air of sublimity when performing art.
Rabia
The great love for whom he changed his life and identity, and his final refuge.
Tevfik
A neighborhood resident he endures solely because he is Rabia's father, and whom he supports even while occasionally belittling him as a 'clown'.
Vehbi Dede
A wise friend whom he considers an intellectual source of inspiration, whom he respects deeply, but whose arguments he constantly battles.
Kendi Annesi
A shadow figure he hates for wasting her life in a monastery, but with whose internal desire for faith he is always grappling.