DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.10357#0436
DAMASCUS.
399
looks almost deserted, and only a
comparatively small portion of it is
kept in repair. Early writers speak
of it as being fully garrisoned and
containing a splendidly decorated
council-chamber, and many fine apart-
ments. It was, however, found
dangerous to allow the Janissaries
to occupy such a spacious and im-
portant stronghold; for it rendered
it possible for them to set the govern-
ment at defiance. Nothing- is now
left to tell of its former internal
splendour. There is, however, a col-
lection of ancient weapons in the
armoury, including a great number of
arrows.
It is worthy of record here that
about thirty years ago thousands of
skilfully fashioned arrow-shafts were
accidentally discovered enclosed be-
neath the roof of one of the towers
of the citadel of Jerusalem, that which
is known as the Tower of Hippicus.
Rain had penetrated through this
vaulted roof and washed away part
of the ceiling of one of the highest
chambers, which was occupied by the
gunners. Thus the arrows were
exposed to view, and on further ex-
amination it was found that they
were piled up " by hundreds of
thousands " in this spacious loft. The
Governor of Jerusalem, who was
immediately informed of the discovery,
gave strict orders that the arrows
should not be removed. The roof
and ceiling were accordingly quickly
1 . . 11 i The upper stories and projecting windows are constructed of poplar stems, filled in
repaired and the arrOWS Walled Up with sun-dried bricks, placed diagonally and plastered over with clay.
A NARROW BY-WAY IN DAMASCUS.
399
looks almost deserted, and only a
comparatively small portion of it is
kept in repair. Early writers speak
of it as being fully garrisoned and
containing a splendidly decorated
council-chamber, and many fine apart-
ments. It was, however, found
dangerous to allow the Janissaries
to occupy such a spacious and im-
portant stronghold; for it rendered
it possible for them to set the govern-
ment at defiance. Nothing- is now
left to tell of its former internal
splendour. There is, however, a col-
lection of ancient weapons in the
armoury, including a great number of
arrows.
It is worthy of record here that
about thirty years ago thousands of
skilfully fashioned arrow-shafts were
accidentally discovered enclosed be-
neath the roof of one of the towers
of the citadel of Jerusalem, that which
is known as the Tower of Hippicus.
Rain had penetrated through this
vaulted roof and washed away part
of the ceiling of one of the highest
chambers, which was occupied by the
gunners. Thus the arrows were
exposed to view, and on further ex-
amination it was found that they
were piled up " by hundreds of
thousands " in this spacious loft. The
Governor of Jerusalem, who was
immediately informed of the discovery,
gave strict orders that the arrows
should not be removed. The roof
and ceiling were accordingly quickly
1 . . 11 i The upper stories and projecting windows are constructed of poplar stems, filled in
repaired and the arrOWS Walled Up with sun-dried bricks, placed diagonally and plastered over with clay.
A NARROW BY-WAY IN DAMASCUS.