The Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1822-1822, 1822-04-02
Visit to Constantlnople.


IRE foUogoing extract from letter Of
an officer belonging to the U s. Ma
py. zpko visited Constaatinopie du-
ring the late cruiSs of the Col,sm-
6es, contains some interesting partic
@larS oftts manners and ceremonial
of the Turkish Court.
While at Constantinople, his Excel
lency the English Ambassador had an
audience with the Grand Seignor The
famed Splepdor of the Sublime Pore
and the novel scenes which generally
3oyite the attention of all Christians to
witness the ostentation which is uni.
rersaliy displayed on such occasions,
Sooether with the impression that very
few OF my countrymen had ever been
admitted thus far into the Seraglio,
were motives which plead strongly in
favor of accepting the very polite invi-
sation of his Excellency to accompany
him.
The winter residence of the Ambas-
sadog was at his Palace in Pera, oppo-
site to Constantinople. There most of
the aiplomatick corps representing the
European Courts reside; and from this
place we marched to rophana, the sea
aide, after having been marshalled by
the Secretary of Legation in the fol,
lowing order:
\ large company of Jannizaries. I'M
der the command of a Colonel. dressed
IN the true Turkish style-next APP.
reared the household of his Excellency,
IN liyery-here followed the Ambassa-
dor in palanguin carried by six slaves
IN red-then came English gentlemen
and strangers who had invitations,
which closed the procession.
st the place of embarkation, we
found Ceyques waiting to transport Us
tothe opposite side. The beauty of this
kind of boats is worthy of notice; they
are eighty feet in length and carry from
twenty to thirty oars, and pull with as
tonishing fyeility-in a few moments
we were all landed on the opposite
shore, where were horses for the whole
party supplied by the Sultan. They
were all stads, and neatly caparisoned
that on which the Ambassador rode
was elegantly dressed in gold trap
pings. We proceeded much in the
same manner as when on foot. As we
approached the sublime Porte, the diff
fculty in passing became very great,
tho streets being extremely narrow.
muddy, and filled with an Immense con
course of people of both sexes and all
ages gazing with wonder and astonish-
mont at this prodigious PROCESSION OF
infdels. We arrived at the outer court
without any accident, where we left our
horses. AS we entered the great gates
OF the Seraslio, the first sight which
presented itselfto our astonished view
was eight thousand Janizaries paraded
\ Without the least appearance ofmilitary
order or regularity, all waiting to re-
Give their pay and pillage | could
10, AVOID rejecting what a distribution
oftS6ans and petticoat breeches, there
wou!Sbe, should we let loose half the
numbc. Of sailors among these Mussel-
men.
At lengh we were conducted to the
Divan, whese were already seated the
Grand Vizie, Capudan Pacha, the keep
ar Of the privaAs ssals, and some other
officers of distinction who composed the
coprt The Vizisr was dressed In white
s,t;r ornamented with rich furs; high
life turban completed his attire-the
pacha was in green satin robes, and orr
tad ;ntha same manner.
The apartment was alarge square
c..a with a concave ceiling, highly
snishea---;sA ornamental painting.
s.rye sofas grsess>--Aapd tie room.
c.,ersa wssN rich-