DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5504#0023
In 1817 avA 1818. 117
is true, many exceptions; but, beguiled by a stature above the
ordinary proportion, a solemn demeanour, and a venerable
beard, where I expected to find the patriarchal virtues, I had
oftimes to experience the depravity of the vilest servitude.
It is dilficult to explain the duration of the Ottoman empire,
and more especially the existence of the Turks in Europe, on a
close inspection of the want of discipline of the subsidiary troops,
the deranged state of the finances, the ruinous condition of the
fortresses, and, lastly, the independence of the Pachas of Albania,
the Morea, Egypt/and Damascus. The title alone of Calif still
supports the Sultan on the most tottering throne of Europe.
The most formidable neighbour of the Turkish Empire, by
allowing it to subsist in Europe, is freed from the embarrass-
ment of forming establishments elsewhere, amid the perplexi-
ties it experiences in founding institutions at home. Hallowed
predictions, and the results of the last European war, place be-
yond every possible doubt the credit Russia enjoys at Constan-
tinople. She there possesses the advantages of power, without
having to dread the effect of a jealousy which such a conquest
as that of European Turkey woidd necessarily inspire.
Almost the whole of the greek merchants, more especially
those belonging to the most flourishing islands, such as Idra,
Spczzia, and Ypsara, navigate under the Russian flag. Its
influence is established throughout, and its protection as much
sought after, and as anxiously desired, by the Christians of the
respective rites at Saint-Jean-d'Acre, Jerusalem, and Cairo,
us it is at Constantinople.
During my stay at Constantinople the kiosques of the Se-
raglio we're fresh gilt, and additions made to the build-
ings. It was never before, I was told, occupied by more cap-
tivating beauties, nor were they ever more numerous. The
Sultan has two sons: his mother, whom he had recently
lost, had in her life time a great ascendency over him. The
city of Athens formed a part of her numerous domains; and
her protection served, in a certain degree, as a substitute for
that of Minerva over the city of Cecrops.'
I quitted Constantinople on the 15th of October, and em-
barked for Smyrna on board the brig le Lezard. A few hours
after our departure, a sudden and violent gust of wind came
on: the top-sails were reefed—and, after lying-to for some
time, the brig at length was brought to anchor on the coast of
Asia, at Rodosto. The dread of the plague prevented any one
from landing, a circumstance by which I was not a little mor-
tified. A fresh breeze enabled us afterwards to reach Nagara,
where an officer landed to present the Firman at the castle of
the Dardanelles.
Voyages and Travels, No. 5, Vol. I. 3 K
is true, many exceptions; but, beguiled by a stature above the
ordinary proportion, a solemn demeanour, and a venerable
beard, where I expected to find the patriarchal virtues, I had
oftimes to experience the depravity of the vilest servitude.
It is dilficult to explain the duration of the Ottoman empire,
and more especially the existence of the Turks in Europe, on a
close inspection of the want of discipline of the subsidiary troops,
the deranged state of the finances, the ruinous condition of the
fortresses, and, lastly, the independence of the Pachas of Albania,
the Morea, Egypt/and Damascus. The title alone of Calif still
supports the Sultan on the most tottering throne of Europe.
The most formidable neighbour of the Turkish Empire, by
allowing it to subsist in Europe, is freed from the embarrass-
ment of forming establishments elsewhere, amid the perplexi-
ties it experiences in founding institutions at home. Hallowed
predictions, and the results of the last European war, place be-
yond every possible doubt the credit Russia enjoys at Constan-
tinople. She there possesses the advantages of power, without
having to dread the effect of a jealousy which such a conquest
as that of European Turkey woidd necessarily inspire.
Almost the whole of the greek merchants, more especially
those belonging to the most flourishing islands, such as Idra,
Spczzia, and Ypsara, navigate under the Russian flag. Its
influence is established throughout, and its protection as much
sought after, and as anxiously desired, by the Christians of the
respective rites at Saint-Jean-d'Acre, Jerusalem, and Cairo,
us it is at Constantinople.
During my stay at Constantinople the kiosques of the Se-
raglio we're fresh gilt, and additions made to the build-
ings. It was never before, I was told, occupied by more cap-
tivating beauties, nor were they ever more numerous. The
Sultan has two sons: his mother, whom he had recently
lost, had in her life time a great ascendency over him. The
city of Athens formed a part of her numerous domains; and
her protection served, in a certain degree, as a substitute for
that of Minerva over the city of Cecrops.'
I quitted Constantinople on the 15th of October, and em-
barked for Smyrna on board the brig le Lezard. A few hours
after our departure, a sudden and violent gust of wind came
on: the top-sails were reefed—and, after lying-to for some
time, the brig at length was brought to anchor on the coast of
Asia, at Rodosto. The dread of the plague prevented any one
from landing, a circumstance by which I was not a little mor-
tified. A fresh breeze enabled us afterwards to reach Nagara,
where an officer landed to present the Firman at the castle of
the Dardanelles.
Voyages and Travels, No. 5, Vol. I. 3 K