This song contains a clear reference to a landmark in Thessaloniki, leaving no doubt about its origin. It was likely composed sometime after 1873, the year the Alliance Israélite Universelle established its network of schools in Thessaloniki. According to Yosef Nechama (1880–1971), in his book In Memoriam, the Alliance network in Thessaloniki “included a gymnasium, a girls’ school, a kindergarten, a vocational school for girls, a public school for boys, and two schools for girls in the suburbs of Kalamaria and Hirs.”
At present, it is not possible to identify precisely which school in the Alliance network is referred to in the song. The reference may relate to an actual event that inspired the composition, or it may have been included purely for literary or rhyming purposes, without a direct connection to the narrative. The rest of the song mentions a girl named Lea Lucha and an efendi, Kerim, whose historical existence remains uncertain. In any case, it is common for folk songwriters to draw inspiration from people, events, and locations in their personal lives when composing lyrics. The song is written in Judeo-Spanish (Ladino), and also includes words of Turkish origin, such as “marafet” and “efendi.” The word ‘konjas’ (roses) is also used, a term found in several Sephardic songs from the Turkish tradition (see footnote 3).