Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-06-21
40 the fiidiz Kiosk.
London World.l

There are probably few more charm
ing spots in the world than the one
which the reigning Sultan Of Turkey
has chosen for the site Of his permanent
residence. During the past two GEN.
turtles his Majesty's predecessors were
now and again accustomed to visit
the unpretending summer-house which
formerly crowned the Hill Of the Star
between Pera and Therapia but as soon
as Abdul Hamid succeeded his brother
he determined to turn his back once and
for all on the melancholy magniiicence
of Dolma Baghche, and build him
house after his own heart on the pic
tuTesque heights Of Yildiz. From the
upper windows, or, better still. from
the terrace roof of his dwelling, the
Sultan can gaze at his pleasure on the
snow-covered crest of Mount Olympus,
the bright blue waters Of the Bospho-
rus, the hazy outline Of Prinkipo and
her sister islands on the coast Of Asia,
and on the dounes and minarets of
Stamboul, while through the rich foliage
Of his park he may catch occasional
glmpses of the ever-busy Golden Horn
and the villas and streets of Pera. The
palace itself, with its numerous out
buildings, its stables, and its military
camp, covers the summit Of the Yildiz
hill and the grounds and gardens
which surround it slope gently down
ward almost to the sea-shore below. 4
lofty wall incloses both palace and
park, and the painful glare Of its white
washed brick is already in many places
agreeably relieved by the presence of a
luxuriant growth Of ivy and creepers,
while the tops Of date palms and flow
ering trees wave over 1t in the refresh
ing breeze. Above it rises the cream
colored facade of the upper story Of the
palace itself, with its broad, fiat roof
and brightly painted green psrsiennes.
After leaving the landing-place at the
arsenal (Tophane) you pass the deserted
courts of Dolma Baghche and the prison
palace Of the ex-Sultan Murad. and then
turn abruptly up the face of the hill.
From this point the road winds first
to the right and then to the left, till
YOU arrive somewhat Unexpectedly be-
fore the great gate Of curiously-wrought
iron-work, through which you peep at a
pleasant picture of marble fountains
and bright flowers and foliage beyond.
The adjoining guard-house is full OF
soldiers; officers and aides-de-camp in
brilliant uniforms are walking to and
fro; a military band is playing stir
ring Turkish air. and all seems neat
ness and animation. There is no sign
Of the traditional decay Of the Turkish
empire here. The artillery which is
popularity supposed to protect the
portals of Yildiz is wanting. 1t
is, together with the bomb-proof carriage
in which the Sultan is said to take his
daily drive, the happy creation Of some
newspaper correspondent in search o.
the sensational. At the order of the
courteous chamberlain who receives
you, wicket gate opens, and you are
led across the paved court of dazzling
whiteness which faces the entrance o
the palace. In all probability you viii
meet some stately peacocks, or may bt
a flock Of pigeons, before you react
your destination. A great glass dool
admits the visitor to the spacious hall
which is perhaps, the most striking
feature in the whole building. White
marble pillars Of exquisite workman
ship support the gilded roof; loft,
mirrors in gilt frames and carveC
brackets inlaid with mother-of-pear
adorn the walls /; while sumptuou
divans covered with the richest ant
gayest products Of the looms of Broussa
invite you to share the dolce far nieat
of Eastern luxury.