Râkım was born as the son of one of the old Tophane janissary officers and was orphaned while still a year old, living in material deprivation. He was raised by Fedai Kalfa, one of the elderly maids in his mother’s retinue, who worked with her own hands as if he were her own child. Thanks to his extraordinary intelligence and ambition, after his primary education (rüştiye), he taught himself Arabic, Persian, and French, as well as various Western sciences. After starting work at the Foreign Ministry (Hariciye Kalemi), he earned his fortune through the sweat of his brow by giving Turkish lessons to foreigners and writing articles for newspapers. He does not spend the prosperity he achieved through work on ostentation, but rather on his library, the maintenance of his house, and his concubine Canan, whom he patronizes with compassion. He raised Canan as an impeccable lady and eventually opened his heart to her as a brother, a friend, and ultimately, a wife. He symbolizes the ideal Turkish intellectual of the Tanzimat era, who adopted the West through rational means without severing ties with the moral and virtuous roots of the East.
His father died while he was still an orphan, leaving behind a dilapidated house in Salıpazarı and an Arab maid (Fedai). Soon after losing his mother, Râkım was cared for by Fedai Kalfa, who worked to provide for him through her own honest labor as a laundress and other tasks. This period of poverty drove Râkım to work and understand the value of earning, shaping a character possessed of a wisdom devoid of pride or arrogance.
The text emphasizes his orderly, simple, and harmonious dress rather than his physical features. Even at English social gatherings or European-style parties, he is a young man who avoids excessive ornamentation but dresses in clean suits befitting a gentleman; he is well-mannered, cheerful, self-assured, and possesses a handsome and mature presence.
Canan
The slave girl who grew up under his protection, who later became the great love he respected and cherished most.
Josephino
His teacher and friend who became his closest companion and supporter after a brief, passionate flirtation.
Can (Jane)
The pure, noble student who is hopelessly in love with him and brought to the brink of death by her sorrow.
Mr. Ziklas
His employer, who shows him deep respect and wishes to see him as his son-in-law.
Fedai Kalfa
The woman who raised him like a mother, the foundation of his household and his most trusted confidante.
Felâtun Bey
An old acquaintance, a Western-obsessed rival whom he watches with pity and who represents the exact opposite of his own work principles.