Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1891-03-30
SULTANIC TREASURES.
A Glimpse at the Contents Of the
Old Seraglio.

Ever since the days when used to devour
''The Arabian Nights had been filed with
an ardent desire to view the marvellous
treasures of the Sultans which are so glow
ingly described in that charming companion
of my childhood, so when l found myself at
the Golden Horn, one of my first proceed
ings was to take steps to get view OF
them, writes correspondent of the JelOeIers'
Weekly from Constantinople l must con-
fess, however, that had l known how much
ceremony and red tape business was to be
gone through before the desired permission
was granted l would have given up the
attempt.
Permission to gaze upon the Sultan's
treasure can only be obtained by means
of firman from his Sublime Highness him
self, a sovereign utterance similar to those
by which peace or war is declared. Having,
however, after innumerable difficulties OBJ
tanned the coveted document, an aide-de-
camp conducted me to the palace known as
the Old Seraglio, a large, gloomy looking
structure without any windows and sur
rounded by deserted gardens. Upon arriv-
al there was handed over TO the guardian
of the treasure-a high functionary of most
majestic mien, who was accompanied by
thirty officials of lower rank to assist in the
ceremony of opening the doors. The latter
ranged themselves in two rows, one on
each side of the entrance. A large green
velvet bag containing the keys was passed
from hand to hand until it reached the
guardian of the treasure. He picked out
the keys and handed them to two of the as
si3tants. The outer door was then opened.
Behind this was a wrought iron grating
secured by enormous padlocks. This being
swung open we found ourselves in the first
IL. Nn1
ous-looking apartments. l was at last in
the presence of the treasures of the Sutans.
The first object which attracted my at
tention was a large throne of beaten gold,
which occupied the center of the room and
which was incrusted with thousands of
rubies, emeralds and pearls. This throne,
according to an inscription on it, was taken
by Sultan Selim from the Persians in 1914
1t is, however, doubtful whether this work
of art is so old.
Another throne in the same room is more
interesting. 1t is a fine specimen Of Turk
ish art in the sixteenth century. 1t is of
the same form as the seats found in many
of the mosques, and was intended to be sat
upon cross-legged. AT each corner is a
column which supports dome terminating
IN jeweled point, 1t is of ebony and sand
wood inlaid with mother of pearl, tortoise
shell, gold and silver. 1t is covered with
fantastic plants in mother of pearl,
the center of the flowers being com
posed of large rubies, emer-
aids, sapphires and pearls. Suspended
by a golden chain so as to be over the head
of the Sultan is golden heart from which
depends large emerald of irregular form,
measuring four inches long and ll2 inches
across.
The three rooms are decorated with mag
niicent suits Of armor Here is to be seen
the beautiful coat OF mail with damaslleened |
plates worn by Sultan Murad ". when he |
captured Bagdad in 1888 Beside it is the |
scimitar of the same monarch The guard |
and handle are inlaid with diamonds cut |
fiat and set in checker work, each stone be- |
ing the same size and half an inch square. !
This is u pattern of which the Turkish Jew
elCrs of that period seem TO have been fond, i
for near this sword is large gold vase in
the same style. The whole OF the body of |
this vessel is hidden by mosaic of square,
fiat diamonds, TO the number of 1900.
The bulk Of the treasures is in glass
cases, the bottoms of which are covered |
with magnificent velvet horse cloths One
of these, measuring eight feet by seven, is
literally covered with designs embroidered |
In pearls the size of large pea. Among |
other notable objects are massive conioal
hDtN iANlAiNNi q par Va bNtuSu SNAAIupS III OK
quisite design, and daggers, sabers ana
other arms without number, all beautifully |
decorated with gold and precious stones.
An these are arranged in the greatest
disorder and mingled with objects Of no
value. BY the side of pieces whose value |
is incalculable may be seen modern Paris
and Vienna clocks, porcelain vases pistol
cases, SILVER knives, forks and spoons,
toothpiolNs, ana even leather cigar cases and
pOcket-boOks. On the other hand, ancient
objects OF European origin are remarkable
for their absence; and one naturally Won
ders what can have become of the many
presents the Sultans must have received
from Christian monarchs, such as enameled
snuff boxes, Sevres and Dresden vases, OBJ
jects in Ormolu and other specimens Of old
European art workmanship. Nothing Of
the kind is 10 be seen in the treasure rooms
POSSIBLY they may he kept apart in room
tAnfN t'vN7 hat Il Is more probable hat |
concluded on fourth pag }