Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1874-01-30
The Sultan all his Glory.

Inc people OF turkey last month cele-
hrated the Mohammedan feast of Barr
am, during which a singular ceremonial
took place at the Dolma Bagteche Palace,
which is thus described by correspon-
dent of the Swiss Times:
"The Hall of Audience is magnif-
cent apartment, large, spacious and
lofty, situated in the center of the palace,
richly gilded, and glittering with crystal
and silver; his Majesty, Abdul-AMz on
his throne; very rude bench covered
with plates of gold, but without any
beauty either of workmanship or design.
1t is placed, however, at the head of a
carpet which for beauty and magnii-
cence fully compensates. 1t is of the
richest crimson silk thickly wadded, and
covered with gold embroidery. Behind
the throne stands the aides-de-camp and
the principal officers of the household,
his chamberlains and chief eunuch. On
the right side of the carpet are the min
listers Of state in an attitude of the Deep
est humility, their heads bowed low and
their arms folded across their breasts
while to the left of the throne but
little behind it, stands an aide-de-camp
holding in his hand an embroidered band
of cloth which is attached to it. As the
first officer reaches the carpet he salaams
in the usual manner and then steps for
ward. In the center of the carpet he ga
laams second time and then moves on
to the throne, Reaching the side of the
aide-de-camp he takes the gold fringe
at the end of the band, and touching
first his mouth and then his forehead
with it, saiaams again and has performed
his duty. Retiring backwards he forms
in the line behind the others who are ad-
vancing. After the Beys have passed the
civil officers pass round. There is then
lull for few seconds, as the Sultan
rises to receive the Sheik-ul- Islam. The
venerable prelate is advancing at the
head of a long line of Cadis, Mufois and
other members of the Ulema, supported
on either side by two high officials.
On reaching the Sultan he sfoops down
to kiss his feet, but is raised by his Sub
lime Majesty, and he then takes his
place along with the other ministers of
state. This is the most picturesque por-
tion of the ceremony, for these civil off,
GERS in their flowing robes, and large tur-
bans bound with gold, and their long
boards have very fine effect. AS soon
as the last one has passed round the
Sheikul-Islam says short prayer and
his Majesty then retires.
the next three days are spent in fes-
tivity. The Turkish quarter is like a
huge fair in England, for in every valua-
Bile space booths are set up as temporary
cafes for the enjoyment of the elders,
and swings and merry-go-rounds for the
amusement of the children, as we'll as
stalls for the sale of sweetmeats and
cakes. Tue streets are crowded with
gayly dressed Turkish ladies, going
about visiting, and fathers taking their
children out to view the wonders to be
seen in the Frank shops of Galara and
Pera. For the official world this is, how.
ever an anxious time, as they know not
what changes may take place. Their
time is chiefly taken up in paying visits
TO the heads of departments, and dane
ng attendance upon great men from
whom they may have expectations. This
however, is all over now, and every one
las settled down again to work"