The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-11-30

cypress, tnat are TO decorate the tamlly
tomb. For the dead. the orientals attest the
deepest respect. The Armenian cemetry,
OH the contrary, is the most frequented pro-
menade OF Constrantinople.-H the beau
monde. Turks excepted, repair to enjoy the
rural pleasures, and wander among the
tomb stones, forgetful at once Of the death
which they commemorate, and of the sor-
rows which it has caused.
The harbor separates the town and its su-
burbs, and extends about four leagues to the
sweet springs, which is favourite resort
OF the Grand Segneur. The Basin is all
ways covered with vessels and Immune erable
batteaux. The arsenal, situated on the
right side Of the harbor, and in the extreme
suburb, is we'll constructed building. There
were nearly forty vessels Of war at this
place, but in bad condition. The breadth Of
the harbor and canal is about four huhdred
fathoms.
There are in this city great number Of
coffee houses, where the indolent Turks re-
sort, and continue smoking their pipes the
whole day, sitting with cross legs, and rare
ly uttering a word. This grave department
is peculiar to the oriental character. A.
mong the Turkish cafes of Pera, that of
rckhe is remarkable; deriving its name
from neighbouring convent of Dervishes.
The Dervishes-mew wlevis, Turkish monks,
are dependant on their principal convent at
Cogna, town of Asia Minor. They inhab-
| it fine house, and live in common. Within
this house, there is circular chapel, with
a double gallery for spectators, who assist at
the dance, which these monks, according to
their rites, perform every Tuesday and FRI
day. The Dervishes assemble near the ba-
lustrade in the centre of the chapel, and
seat themselves on their launches. While
| -, 81; ,.S.1 hum 10 fnv q ~
hour. accompanied by Persian flute, called
Il neil. After this, the monks salute their
cheik, or superior, very reyerently, and at
the first signal they commence waltzing, and
continue this dance for half an hour. with
most astonishing rapidly; and such is the
force of habit, that they are never rendered
giddy. The Dervishes preach discourses,
and observe rigorous fast every Thursday
They make vows of poverty, chastity, and
humility; but their virtue in the two first, is
not always severe. The dress of the Der
wishes mewlevis is very simple, consist
ing Of cylindric cap of gray felt. a waist
coat, white pettcoats, and coat of grayish
cloth. sE7
ne beautiful Georgians, and lovely Cir
cassans, victims to the cruel jealousy of
their masters are constantly confined to the
Harem, which is esteemed the sacred part
IOt Aiy hOWSNSts AohtuhS ohSuAN
throw one of these enchanting creatures in
the way, their black stag-eyes may be seen
thro' the jackmack which envelopes their
head and face. leaving but small opening
for their brilliant eyes. They are kept by
the ministers aud wealthier classes. The
slaves of the Grand Seigneur, who are never
/ gaZed ON by other eyes, ARE guarded by black
eunuchs, the most frightful of beings, under
command of their chief the Kisar-Aga,
high officer. and an important parsonage in
the empire.
The otner Turkish women are not so much
restrained, as may be supposed. They are
!, seen walking every where, but never with
, men, and always covered with the jackmack
like the pretty Georgians. They possess
the agremens of their sex, without being re-
5 markably handsome. They speak with
great ease and elegance, and with bewitch-
ing softness.
The Ottoman government. evinces great
solicitude to maintain order and public
tranquility. This is due to the sacred
principle, that laws are the primary ne
: cessties people, and the glory of a sover-
eign.
. / inc Mufti, head of the law, and the body
of Ulema. (savans) entrusted with the inter-
probation of the koran, and the laws, with
: the administration of justice and public in
S structiou. exercise an extensive and salutary
E influence over the spirit of people, who are
ever restless, seditious, and fierce. They are
commonly excited to revolts by the corps
f of Janissaries, militia always dangerous
Z to the State, which frequently terminates
: with the life of the Sovereign and his minis
r ters.
$ The conquest of this country would not be
: a difficult enterprise. The defence that
= could be made would be feeble, except on
# the side of the sea, where there are well dis.
: posed batteries stretching from the Darda.
nelles to the Black Sea. The naval and land
h forces are in the utmost disorder Without
: instruction, they are destitute of military
y spirit, and of skilful commanders, and, il
is fact, of every thing necessary for defence
j. These Turks are not the warriors who
n fought Montecucoi. They are. however
: brave, and sufficiently jealous for their re.
g ligon to impose it upon an enemy; but the,
= are ignorant Of the science Of war, withou
d which, yaour and enthusiasm, are ineffectu
d al.
e The present Sultan, Mahmoud, deserve
e, to be ranked among the most distinguished
n sovereigns of Turkey. He is intelligent, &C
e tive, laborous, OF good faith, and superin
= tends affairs himself. If he was more liber
Of al in his views. and was supported in them