The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1880-02-26
A HORRIBLE CEREMONY.
. The Martyrdom OF Hussein," as Cello
brated in Constantinople:

The Martyrdom OF Hussein." as Cello
brated in ConstantinopIe:
The Persian population of CONSTANT
nople annually have religious celebra-
hon called the Shute Moharrum or
Martyrdom of Hussein. Describing the
last one which took place in the Turkish
capital a correspondent of the New
York SIN says:
The function was to take place at SUM-
set, and the afternoon was cold, dark,
and drizzlilg, when sat off from Pera
for the Persian Khan. After a long
drive through narrow, muddy, crowded
streets, we reached mob which COM
pletely blocked lane ankle deep in the
blacklist mire. Through this we forced
our way on foot, and through the ex-
ertions of sundry Persian officials who
here took charge of us, passed through
the massive. ponderous doors of the
khan up q short, steep, covered pas
sage, and then out upon the great court
yard. This was an area about hun
dred and fifty yards square, inclosed by
the massive and picturesque line of
buildings which, in ordinary times,
forms the Persian warehouses, bazaar,
and lodgings of tie merchants who
come to Constantinople with the man
ufactures and productions of their
Sf"3tprGya ST 3tprGya ,s.IUpss, Tfps sewer story, consiss1b
goods are usually displayed for sale,
was now devoted to the use OF specta-
tors. Each compartment was well car
peted, rows of chairs were placed on
the raised dias in each. and all the
chandeliers and candlesticks in STAN
boul seemed to have been pressed into
the service of illumination, thousands o
wax candles in gorgeous candelabrums
imparting q sort of fairy enchantment
to the scene, which quite dazzled US as
we emerged upon it from the dark pas
sage. Most of these alcoves were filled
with Persian spectators, striking,
solemn looking figures, with their black
conical caps and flowing robes.
At the head of the square was the
place reserved TOR the Persian ambassa-
dor and his friends, where there was q
perfect forest of wax candles faring in
rows of glass candelabrums, and a
small group of curious foreigners be-
hind them, among whom were some
ladies, the first, I believe, who ever
witnessed the ceremony. About tlve
wards from the spectators was line ct
young trees all round the square, be-
tween which paper lanterns were hung,
and in the center of the square was a
small kiosk, used in ordinary times as
a place of refreshment, but now crowded
with spectators. 1t was also hung
with lanterns. while at intervals large
iron cradles on poles filled with blazing
rosinous wood shed the lurid glare of
80 many separate little bonfires over the
scene. 1t was evident that we should
have all the light that was necessary,
in spite OF the darkness Of the night.
It was some time after sunset before
the sound of distant chantingwarned us
that the function was beginning. and
then entered by the passage through
which we had passed-first the head
dervish of the Shiahs; then some ven
erable Mallahs and Holy Men; then 8
girl ten or twelve years OLD on horse
back, who represented Zainad, the
daughter OF Hussein; then some men
bearing banners by his side; then 3
group ofabout hundred Persians. The
dervish was a slight but good-iookine
man of about fifty years of age, with re-
markable grace and dignity of bearing
He recited the martydom in a deep
toned chant, in very short sentences, a
w., termination of each Of which h
gave curious little nod, and passed hi
left hand over his mouth. Then tn
old men behind him led the chorus
"Hussein ma Hussein," and the crewt
behind took it up with loud, plaintiv
wall, and beat their breasts IN tim
with resounding blows. This proc e
sion passed round the square thre
times. many of tho Persiars aprea,m!
deeply moved, and all their countenance
wearing an aspect of mourning ant
grief. No sooner was the third roun'
completed than loud clashing ant
noise of many voices issued from tn
entry passage, and great commotiol
ensued among the spectators gathcre'
with a swaying to and fro. rs thougI
the great event was at hand.
Ard nc% appeared the most ghastl!