Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-05-12
A Scene in ConstantinopIe.

A writer in the National Inieligencer i
furnishing notes of travel in the East, from
which the following is taken:
Learning that the Sultan was in the habl
of making his exit once week from SOM
one of his palaces, and afording the publ
an opportunity of seeing his sublime persol
on horseback or in the royal caique, whil
escorted by the officers of his court to SOM
mosque selected for the occasion, l walket
down to Tofana yesterday to witness thu
grand ceremony. There was quite re-
spectable array of republicans in our party
to enjoy the novelty of this Sultanlc dis
play of grandeur and condescenslon. Ol
reaching the broad avenue between the pal
ace and the gardens of the royal harem, we
we found it lined on both sides with Off
GERS and soldiers in all the pomp of court
uniform, fezzed and BRASS -buttoned, sword
ed. tasselled, embroidered, and gilt, to the
verv climax of civilized orientalism.
Passing under the grated bridge which
extends over the avenue connecting the
gardens of the harem with the palace, we
entered large open square in front OF the
mosque. The entire space was enclrcled
by lines of soldiers, standing in readiness
to receive the royal pageant. TO the left'
at respectful distance, stood some lew
hundred native spectators, but owing to our
dress, and perhaps certain respect lnssplr,-
ed for us by the daring manner in which
our dragoman, Carlo, made room for us,
we were permitted to stand behind line
of soldiers directly in front of the mosque.
1t wanted quarter of twelve the Sultan
was to appear precisely at noon. During
the interval four or FIVE servants were ousily
engaged in sweeping down the steps upon,
which his Highness was to ascend, and
spreading thereupon rich clothes to be pres
sed by his royal feet. These were care
fully swept down two or three times IN sue
cession, so that not speck should be lett.
By the time all this was accomplished there
was general stir, a low murmur OF awe
and expectation. No body appeared to say
any thing, or see any thing, but It was per-
fectly apparent that the great Abdul Mes
child was coming. There was an instinc-
tive holding of breaths, and an anxious look~
ing up the. avenue towards the gates OF the
palace. And now the murmurs OF awe rise
higher, the clatter of horses feet is cistlnct-
ly heard, the music strikes up, and out
comes the sovereign Potentate OF Turkey
mounted on aprancing steed, and surround
ed by legion of magnificent Pashas like,
wise mounted on prancing steeds. Onward
he comes, slowly and with solemn majesty
But his thoughts are on holy subjects; he
looks neither to the right nor to the LETT,
but straight towards the door of the mosque.
A Sultan may condescend to bow before
Allah and the Prophet, but he is too high
parsonage to bow to man hats are pulled
off and heads nodded in vain. He pays no
attention to the homage; not even TO the
sovereigns, who have done him the honor
to stand bare-headed before him these ten
minutes for the sake of enjoying the show,
unmolested by his minions The royal
dress worn on this occasion was quite SIM
pie, consisting of ordinary European trou-
sers, an embroidered Turkish coat, and
fez, with cloak thrown loosely over the
shoulders. His face is pale and careworn,
his person emaciated, and his appearance
altogether blaze. People say that he is
drugged and stupefed, for certain political
purposes and certainly if ever poor tel.
low bore the marks of premature decay and
imbecility of mind resulting from excess,
It is Abdul Meschid. :.
Now, all hail to Allah and the Prophet F.!
the Sultan has reached the door OF the
mosque. Bearded Pashas, glittering with
buttons and gold lace, catch his bride and
bearded Pashas again catch himself as he
painfully dismounts. Slowly he ascends
the steps upon the well-swept cloths-that
aged young man of twenty-eight-supPort-
ed on each side by Pasha. A shout OF
Joy and devotion rises on high! Pashas,
officers, and all shout glory and honor to
the Sultan Long life and happiness to
Abdul Meschid All hail to Allah and the
Prophet, the sovereign Potentate OF the
East has gone to prayers up goes the
crier of the mosque on the highest minaret,
and proclaims the important tldings to the
world, "Allah akba the sublimest OF Sui.
tans is at his devotions God is great, and
Mahomet is his Prophet"
For the space of half an hour there is ST.
lence in the outer world; then comes forth
the Sultan again, purified in body and soul.
Again the bearded Pashas catch him IN
their arms and help him on his horse
He is seated once more on the favored
steed, still regardless Of the crowd, mel
ancholy picture of resigned misery. The
music strikes up, the royal pageant moves
on, and Abdul Meschid is borne back to
his palace 20 receive the congratulations OF
his devoted followers and the caresses OF
his loving wives