Istani Reyla was a female Bajoran prylar in the 24th century, an accomplished scientist, specialising in archaeology. During in the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor, the prylar was a good friend of Kira Taban and Kira Meru, the parents of Kira Nerys, at the Singha refugee camp. When Meru was taken she looked out for the Kira family and was responsible for introducing young Nerys to the teachings of the Prophets. (DS9 novel: Avatar, Book One) One of the teachings about faith Istani taught Kira was "One does not explain faith. One simply has it or does not". (DS9 novel: Demons of Air and Darkness)