Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-08-10
LETTER FROM CoNsTANTINoPLE.

LETTER FROM CONSTANTINOPLE.
Csussposdksce of Tas Star. .. ...
COSSTASTIEoPE, July 3, 1857.
The SHltdH'S trip 10 I,naid-THe ceremonies at
tsHddsi "Pen 't-Tae scene uPoH the SO'pho-
rES--Tas f.tsS-Ths -eity of tsRts-Ths east
CrOfcdS that af.SHd-Appsaraaes Of the place
It's 6sdHtUEI aspect at Hight-IAG dismissal OF
the Bslgida Misi,teT-
Quite an event has occurred in the even tenor
Of the Sultan's life. He has just returned from
voyage to Ismid, small town situated on the
northern shores of the Marmora, and occupying
the site Of ancient Nicomedta; city built to
crafty the pride Of the great Diocletian, and
where in the meridian Of life and power be re-
signed his sceptre to enjoy the pleasures Of pri-
vate life. For several weeks the arsenals have
been busy In fitting up the necessary vessels for
the Sultan and his suite. Two new steam frig-
ates lately arrived from England anchored be-
fore the palace Of Dolnia Batchi The embark
alton OF the Sultan was truly splendid, and
perfectly oriental in its character. The frigate
destined to receive him was gaily decorated
with flags, whilst the bloOd-stained banner of
the house OF 0thman with its silver crescent and
star iOsted above all. An awning Of purple
velvet, beautifully embroidered and fringed
with heavy gold lace, covered the deck Of the
vessel. The heightsoyerloOking the Bosphorus
were thrOnged with vast crowds, anxious to see
the departure. Attwelve the large white gilded
-eaique Of the Sultan left the foot of the palace
and pulled towards the frigste, followed by
hundreds Of other caiques containing the in
mates of the harem. Nothing certainly could
have looked more picturesque than these grace
ful boats quickly gliding along the surface of
the water, filed with Turkish women decked
out in their bright and gaily -cOlOred feredgees.
When the Sultan reached the deck Of the frigate
n national salute was fred, and responded to
by the other vessels Of the feet and the numer-
Gus batteries along the shores of the Bosphorus,
and shortly after tho whole convoy steered to-
wards the Gulf Of Ismid. After spending sew
eral days in skirting the Asiatic coast and an
chOring for mig before the island Of Prinkipeo
the feet returned, and amidst the roar Of artil-
lery the Sultan entered his palace of Dolma
Batehi ]. r..
A stranger arriving now at COnstantinople,
and taking stroll upon the heig ghts that over
look the BOsphOrus from DOlma Batchi to Feri
Kuei, would imagine that the entire population
from some cause, lad fOrsaken their msre en-
larged and fixed city habitatiOns, and had be-
taken themselves TO the primitive and pastoral
custom Of living under tents For several weeks
past sOme three thousand soldiers have been
busily engaged in preparing the site of this vast
city Of linen which has thus sprung up as if by
magic, by order Of the Sultan,- for the celebra.
tiOn f the circumcision fetes. Upon one of the
highest points in the centre of this immense
camp stands large marque Of crimson velvet,
with hangings heavily embroidered in gold, and
before which Is stationed guard Of the impe-
nal troops in their snowy uniforms. This has
been erected tor the Sultan. Extending to-
wards Feri Kuei is double row Of green tents
surmOunted by gilded cresccnts and stars, and
hung with curtains of silk damask, appropri-
ated to the use Of the Grand ViLier and other
high functiOnsries Of the Porte, the foreign min
listers, the pashas, and the alemas, whilst cOv-
ering the hills for miles around are tents Of
0ka~E 81. a. g Al
crowds that have ioeked out to witness the diff
tcrent ceremonies that are To last several weeks
In front Of the imperial tent a large space, en-
closed by heavy chain to Leep of the crowd,
has been left, where upon different stands the
rope dancers, actors, and jugglers perform their
various fetes for the amusement of the people
The Mussulman population avail themselves
OF these tetes given by the Sultan, for their own
children; and il is said that no less than eight
thousand seven hundred have already been
inscribed upon the lists. They are kept in
tents especially erected for them, and no less
than twelve thousand lambs are daily slaugh-
tered to supply them and the other numerous
persons ted at the public expense, giving en-
plOyment to eight hundred cooks stationed at
- Flamour to prepare the necessary dishes.
The entire population Of Stamboul seems 10
have precipitated itself upon Pera. The streets
are filed from early morning till late at night
with crowds Of turbaned old Turks, who per-
haps have never before crossed the Golden
Horn and ! have seldom seen such a variety
of the ancient Turkish costumes.
The scene that presents itself Mt night Is truly
magical and oriental. The vast space from Dol
ma Batehi to Terre Kuei is illuminated with
innumerable varied-cOlored lamps, whilst the
display Of fireworks at different points adds a
beauty and brilliancy TO this city Of tents un-
like anything 1 have ever before witnessed.
Immense Gro Vds, dressed in every variety Of
Costume, thrOng the place listening to the mu-
sic Of the military bands, enjoying the beauty
OF some new display Of fireworks, or witnessing
the agility OF the rope dancers. The Sultan,
followed by his gaudy guard, is seen strolliny
among the people; whilst the Sultanas and the
women Of the harem drive out in the gay-col-
ored carriages OF the palace.
The ministers of the Porte entertain large
numbers Of invited guests, at the expense of
the Sultan, and, on Tuesday last, the diplo-
matte corps dined at the palace Of Dolma
BOthi. During the continuance Of the fetes,
In order that the affairs Of government may not
suffer, the Grand Nizier, for several hours OF
the day, attends to the duties Of his Office; and
II is certainly not one Of the least remarkable
featuressof this singular affair, 10 see him read
ing petitions and signing papers surrounded by
n gay and noisy crowd.
The diplomatic world Of Pera has been some.
what RULED by the Porte's sending the Belgian n
Minister his passports. As yet no reasons have
been given for thus acting. L believe il is the
first time the Turkish Government have re-
sorted to this civilized method of getting rid ol
disagreeable diplomatic agent since il has
been obliged TO abandon the former ancient ard
barbarOus custom OF combining them within the
walls Of the Seven Towers. II is certainly due
10 themselves and the foreign powers that theil
reasons should be published to the world.