Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-01-28
m THE ORIENT.

Ros. r. WALSH

Interesting Letter About the Social Gus
toms Of ConstaarinOple.
Especial Correspondence
CossrASrrsoPLE, Dec Scarcely does
Q newly arrived family ger settled in their
chosen habiration before they are besieged
with visits Of ceremonious welcome from all
the immediate neigbbors and their friends
and acluaintances without distinction OF nar
tionality. The lady Of the house must b
dressed In her best attire aud dispense her
hospitality. after the Turkish manner, BY
offering coffee and sxeetmeata The Greeks,
Armenians and many of the foreign resi-
deuts make point Of visiting all strangers,
but the Turkish women never make initiatory
visits, nor do they ever associate intimately
with foreign residents unless such people have
lived long enough in their vicinity TO have
gained their confidence BY studied conduct
hospitabie as the Turks are known to b,
they are exceedingly reserved towards for
eigners, and it is quite an honor to be admit
ted to their intimate friendship, but moth
ing can be more charming than the sweet
ness and gentle affection they show to those
they like. Their generosity has to be curbed,
or they would give away everything their
Christian friend admired. and in their greet
ings and treatment of their guest they show
a dignity and grace that could scarcely b
eQuaIed. and which seems to be Unborn with
them Their manner has all the ceremonious
polileness Of the most refined ladies IN any
country, joined TO childlike csndor and
gravity and gentleness all their own, which .
foreigner finds most deliciously fresh and
pleasant
knew an English lady in Constantinople
who told me that she had lived fifteen years
almost directly opposite a Turkish family, and
yet she was not on visiting terms with the
ladies', though they somehow seemed TO know
ell apout her When her little boy was born
they sent her numerous presents and mes
kages Of congratulation, and when six months
later his little waxen form was taken to its
tiny grave, they sent flowers, and one, she
never Knew which, sent a dainty white hand
kerchief which was crumpled and moistened
with tears, perhaps those Of another bereaved
mother.
On holidays, such as Christmas and New
Years, 1t is very common for foreign resi-
dents to receive presents from neighbour
whom they do not even know by sight. The
invisible friends who send them cannot even
be thanked, nor can their gifts be refused, and
makes it specially precious To the recipient
OF course it is understood that these little
gifts are always sent to the lady Of the house.
Turkish families being 50 unapproachable
it is quite labor Of love and patience to gain
admission into their circles; that is, the best
class. And it is generally accomplished
through the influence OF some foreigner who
has lived many years in Turkey, and whose
life and position are such as to command re-
spect Sometimes Christian women make
tie acquaintance OF Turkish women at tho
baths, and so obtain the much coveted invi-
tations to visit tsem at their homes, but In
spite of the intimate association Of the women
in the bath, the Turkish women are still very
chary of receiving them under their roofs,
where the laws Of hospitality are 50 rigor-
ously observed The right Of entry into .
harem of the better class is therefore some
thing to desire, intrigue and sometimes pay
for, even though the aspirant is woman.
and one of honorable character.
As to the tales so many travellers tell, both
men and women, regarding their visits, open
or surreptitious, to harens, there is absolute
ly no truth 1t is an impossibilty for a man
to gain an entrance into such home under
any pretext, and no woman can either unless
She happens to have some lady friend who
enjoys the privilege. and who takes her.
MARIE DALHOC6IE