DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5542#0394
Chap, mi.]
TURKISH MANNERS.
379
as the above narrative may be, I trust it will add some-
thing to our knowledge of the comparative geography, the
antiquities, and the geology of this portion of the ancient
world. Other travellers have already successfully explored
other parts of the peninsula of Asia Minor since I left it,
amongst whom I will only mention the names of Ainsworth
and Fellowes, adding the hope that their example may
soon be followed by others, equally adventurous and equally
successful, by whose accumulated labours we shall soon see
a still more perfect map of these districts than I can at
present offer to the public.
After the numerous remarks which I have interspersed
in my narrative respecting the manners and habits of the
Turkish people, it is perhaps hardly necessary that I should
here repeat my opinion of their character; but as I can-
not agree with the conclusions at which the authors of some
of the most recent publications on the manners of the Turks
have arrived, I will endeavour to state it as briefly as pos-
sible. And let me begin by stating their good qualities:
they are undoubtedly hospitable in the truest sense of the
word, generally charitable, and sometimes generous; the
lower classes are decidedly honest, and this I consider
their greatest merit. This virtue, however, does not ex-
tend to the upper classes, although their solemn word or
promise may in most cases be relied on. But, on the other
hand, they are all ignorant and presumptuous, vain and
bigoted, proud without any feeling of honour, and cring-
ing without humility • they cannot resist the temptation
of money, or the prospective benefit of a lie. In their go-
vernment and administrative duties they are tyrannical
and overbearing, in their religious doctrines dogmatical
and intolerant, and in their fiscal measures mercenary and
arbitrary. They are as ignorant of their own history as
of that of other nations; and this is the case even with
the better educated, who are in most respects far inferior
in character, probity, and honour to the peasants and lower
classes. Their virtues are those of the savage, who is
TURKISH MANNERS.
379
as the above narrative may be, I trust it will add some-
thing to our knowledge of the comparative geography, the
antiquities, and the geology of this portion of the ancient
world. Other travellers have already successfully explored
other parts of the peninsula of Asia Minor since I left it,
amongst whom I will only mention the names of Ainsworth
and Fellowes, adding the hope that their example may
soon be followed by others, equally adventurous and equally
successful, by whose accumulated labours we shall soon see
a still more perfect map of these districts than I can at
present offer to the public.
After the numerous remarks which I have interspersed
in my narrative respecting the manners and habits of the
Turkish people, it is perhaps hardly necessary that I should
here repeat my opinion of their character; but as I can-
not agree with the conclusions at which the authors of some
of the most recent publications on the manners of the Turks
have arrived, I will endeavour to state it as briefly as pos-
sible. And let me begin by stating their good qualities:
they are undoubtedly hospitable in the truest sense of the
word, generally charitable, and sometimes generous; the
lower classes are decidedly honest, and this I consider
their greatest merit. This virtue, however, does not ex-
tend to the upper classes, although their solemn word or
promise may in most cases be relied on. But, on the other
hand, they are all ignorant and presumptuous, vain and
bigoted, proud without any feeling of honour, and cring-
ing without humility • they cannot resist the temptation
of money, or the prospective benefit of a lie. In their go-
vernment and administrative duties they are tyrannical
and overbearing, in their religious doctrines dogmatical
and intolerant, and in their fiscal measures mercenary and
arbitrary. They are as ignorant of their own history as
of that of other nations; and this is the case even with
the better educated, who are in most respects far inferior
in character, probity, and honour to the peasants and lower
classes. Their virtues are those of the savage, who is