DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62355#0220
94 BEAUTIES OF THE BOSPHORUS.
together—all of which are simultaneously ignited at a given signal, and the effect
is awfully grand and impressive. The dim outline of the Asian hills is suddenly
revealed, as by the touch of an enchanter's wand, and seems to be traced in
gold; the ripple of the channel dances along like sparks of fire; while around,
and on every side, are to be seen groups of people in their holiday-dresses, seated
upon mats and carpets, enjoying the extraordinary spectacle.
But, perhaps, the most novel feature of the entertainment is presented by a
crowd of men, partially clad in white cotton, their shaven heads bare, and their arms
tossing wildly in the air; who, with shrieks and yells, which are sullenly thrown
back by the rocky heights above them, at one time feed the fires that are floating
in the bay, above their waists in water; and at others, joining hands, dance in a
fantastic circle round their flaming islands. Meanwhile, servants are flitting
here and there, holding paper lanterns, and guiding the different parties of
revellers to the houses of their respective friends; while the channel is alive
with caiques, each with a light at its prow, and freighted with mirth and music.
These wild sports continue for hours, until the fuel and the energies of the
assistants are alike exhausted, when the fires gradually die away; though the
pale light of morning not unfrequently breaks above many a homeward-bound
caique, ere it is safely moored beside the terrace of its owner.
DOLMA-BATCHE, FROM THE GRAND CHAMPS DES MORTS.
" Fair the vernal mead,
Fair the high grove, the sea, the sun, the stars,
True impress each of their creating sire."
Coleridge.
Dolma-Batche, or the Valley of the Gourds, is a fair and fertile spot,
situated between Top-hanne and Beshik-Tash, and partially occupied by an
Imperial residence, seated on the lip of the channel, along which its gilded
terraces stretch for a considerable distance, and are succeeded by the Palace
itself, gay with paint and bright with gold, which, in turn, yields its place to
groves and kiosques overhanging the water; while its spacious gardens and
pleasure-grounds, jealously walled in for the use of the ladies of the Imperial
Harem, fill a large portion of the valley. Beyond these guarded precincts the
together—all of which are simultaneously ignited at a given signal, and the effect
is awfully grand and impressive. The dim outline of the Asian hills is suddenly
revealed, as by the touch of an enchanter's wand, and seems to be traced in
gold; the ripple of the channel dances along like sparks of fire; while around,
and on every side, are to be seen groups of people in their holiday-dresses, seated
upon mats and carpets, enjoying the extraordinary spectacle.
But, perhaps, the most novel feature of the entertainment is presented by a
crowd of men, partially clad in white cotton, their shaven heads bare, and their arms
tossing wildly in the air; who, with shrieks and yells, which are sullenly thrown
back by the rocky heights above them, at one time feed the fires that are floating
in the bay, above their waists in water; and at others, joining hands, dance in a
fantastic circle round their flaming islands. Meanwhile, servants are flitting
here and there, holding paper lanterns, and guiding the different parties of
revellers to the houses of their respective friends; while the channel is alive
with caiques, each with a light at its prow, and freighted with mirth and music.
These wild sports continue for hours, until the fuel and the energies of the
assistants are alike exhausted, when the fires gradually die away; though the
pale light of morning not unfrequently breaks above many a homeward-bound
caique, ere it is safely moored beside the terrace of its owner.
DOLMA-BATCHE, FROM THE GRAND CHAMPS DES MORTS.
" Fair the vernal mead,
Fair the high grove, the sea, the sun, the stars,
True impress each of their creating sire."
Coleridge.
Dolma-Batche, or the Valley of the Gourds, is a fair and fertile spot,
situated between Top-hanne and Beshik-Tash, and partially occupied by an
Imperial residence, seated on the lip of the channel, along which its gilded
terraces stretch for a considerable distance, and are succeeded by the Palace
itself, gay with paint and bright with gold, which, in turn, yields its place to
groves and kiosques overhanging the water; while its spacious gardens and
pleasure-grounds, jealously walled in for the use of the ladies of the Imperial
Harem, fill a large portion of the valley. Beyond these guarded precincts the