DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6553#0206
APPENDIX.
127
I saw considerable numbers of tbe same sort of people encamped
in the Forest of Basan, and near Djerash, and also in the
Haouran, and I should imagine that as irregular troops they
would be extremely serviceable.
The infantry stationed in Egypt had certainly a better appear-
ance, than those, which came under my observation at Constanti-
nople; and were better appointed, particularly with respect to
their red caps, or tarbouclies, which fitted the head, instead of
coming down over the face according to the Turkish fashion,
apparently with an intention of protecting the eyes from the sun.
The Arab peasantry are in general straight, and well made, but
most of them have short necks, and extremely high shoulders,
which may be occasioned by the constant habit of sitting upon
their heels. Besides, however, this defect, when drawn up in
line, many of them seem to be deformed about the chest, and
shoulders; probably from the looseness of their clothing, which,
on account of the heat of the climate, is not made to fit the shape.0
Their line appears also to considerable disadvantage from a want
of attention in sizing the men, so essential, not only for appear-
ance, but for exactness in that most important operation, ad-
vancing in line.
The officers wore a red tarbouch with a blue tassel, a white
nizam dress, consisting of a waistcoat, and jacket, of loose breeches
hanging over the knee, and of white leggins, and red slippers.
Their swords, or rather sabres, were hung by waist-belts in the
European fashion. Besides this common white uniform, they
had another, made in the same manner, but of blue, grey, or
brown cloth, according to the colours of their regiments.
For full dress the officers wore loose crimson jackets covered
with golden embroidery, and striped silken shawls instead of
sashes round their waists. As most of them were common people,
although lately, in some few instances, improved by instruction,
they could not be expected to carry much authority, to be dis-
tinguished by a martial appearance, or by any refinement of
manners. The greater number, in fact, particularly in the in-
ferior ranks, were little, if at all, better than the common Fellahs;
and I have seen one of them, when on guard, in full uniform,
and with his sword by his side, gutting and scaling fish in the
public streets of Cairo.
6 Owing to tlie same cause, the handsome golden embroidery on the officers'
jackets had a tinsel and tawdry appearance.
127
I saw considerable numbers of tbe same sort of people encamped
in the Forest of Basan, and near Djerash, and also in the
Haouran, and I should imagine that as irregular troops they
would be extremely serviceable.
The infantry stationed in Egypt had certainly a better appear-
ance, than those, which came under my observation at Constanti-
nople; and were better appointed, particularly with respect to
their red caps, or tarbouclies, which fitted the head, instead of
coming down over the face according to the Turkish fashion,
apparently with an intention of protecting the eyes from the sun.
The Arab peasantry are in general straight, and well made, but
most of them have short necks, and extremely high shoulders,
which may be occasioned by the constant habit of sitting upon
their heels. Besides, however, this defect, when drawn up in
line, many of them seem to be deformed about the chest, and
shoulders; probably from the looseness of their clothing, which,
on account of the heat of the climate, is not made to fit the shape.0
Their line appears also to considerable disadvantage from a want
of attention in sizing the men, so essential, not only for appear-
ance, but for exactness in that most important operation, ad-
vancing in line.
The officers wore a red tarbouch with a blue tassel, a white
nizam dress, consisting of a waistcoat, and jacket, of loose breeches
hanging over the knee, and of white leggins, and red slippers.
Their swords, or rather sabres, were hung by waist-belts in the
European fashion. Besides this common white uniform, they
had another, made in the same manner, but of blue, grey, or
brown cloth, according to the colours of their regiments.
For full dress the officers wore loose crimson jackets covered
with golden embroidery, and striped silken shawls instead of
sashes round their waists. As most of them were common people,
although lately, in some few instances, improved by instruction,
they could not be expected to carry much authority, to be dis-
tinguished by a martial appearance, or by any refinement of
manners. The greater number, in fact, particularly in the in-
ferior ranks, were little, if at all, better than the common Fellahs;
and I have seen one of them, when on guard, in full uniform,
and with his sword by his side, gutting and scaling fish in the
public streets of Cairo.
6 Owing to tlie same cause, the handsome golden embroidery on the officers'
jackets had a tinsel and tawdry appearance.