And honour crimes are not a uniquely Kurdish phenomenon, says Leyla Pervizat, an Istanbul-based expert.

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"You want to be part of the community, " said Leyla Hussein.

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The third, named as Leyla Soylemez, was a young activist.

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Take the case of Leyla Basagoitia, who was sued by her employer in 2003 for a bonus she received upon taking employment with the firm only to be fired two years later.

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