New-York tribune., 1901-12-29
LIFE IN THE HAREM.
IT HAS ITS COMMONPLACE SIDE AS
WELL AS ITS ROMANCE AND
MYSTERY

THE fact that all Turkish women must dress
alike in the gives rise to the impression of
sameness of character that does in the least
exist among them" says Mary Mills Patrick pres-
dent of the American College for Girls In Constan-
inople. "A superficial observer who meets these
veiled figures in public places shrouded In a nys-
terious costume that suggests great possibilities Of
beauty behind It, may wonder indefinitely what kind
OF life these figures really lead. without clew
to the solution of the problem. Yet life in Turkish
society is as real and varied In America and
often far dramatic
There decided types among Turkish
There is the butterfly. who lives for pleasure the
domestic woman. and even the strong minded
woman. and in addition to these. class exists
not found in America. the women who belong to
court society.
THE butterfly is often Circassan woman, and
was perhaps brought to ConstantinopIe to be sold
to the highest bidder. and throughout all her child
hood was taught to look forward a possible life
at the capital, TO be made gay and bright, with
plenty of money and Irritation and social success.
She has, perhaps, the bright blue eyes and golden
hair that rare among the Turks TO give her
the place of eninence that she desires. Because OF
her beauty her husband showers her with presents
and fills her life with pleasure. Her eyelashes and
eyebrows painted. but not very noticeaby. and
diamonds and other beautiful stones fash from her
hands her wrists her neck and her hair The dress
which she under her street robe is from
Paris. and her shoes low, even in winter, with
pointed toes and very high heels When she goes
out she is accompanied by several servants and
or two eunuchs to look after her comfort. and she
drives in a beautiful private carriage drawn by
Arabian horses and has carte blanche IN the shops
to make many purchases as she wishes OF silks
and satns and tewelry. When her blue eyes tade
and her bright hair grows gray. will her power
wane and her place be given 70 another? Pernaps
not That will depend on the characters with which
she has to deal, the number Of sons that she has
and her ability to keep the ascendency that her
beauty has gained for her.
NOT MUCH HOUSEKEEPING DONE.
1.-The domestic Turkish woman presents great
contrast to the brilliant creature that We have Just
described. She is rather large and stold looking
careless as to her dress. and of simple and aia-
BILE character. Che has a very easy life compared
with that OF her American sisters. There Is not
much housekeeping in Turkish house and What
there IS IS done by slaves and servants. who con-
slider themselves permanent members OF the FAMILY
and realize what is expected OF them Rooms fur
nished with and divans are comparatively easy
70 keep in order. There is chef In the Kitchen,
who sends his best efforts the dining room In the
mems apartments. a place seldom visited by the
women Of the household. Their own simple food
IS served to them irregular intervals, when they
feel hungry. There is perhaps French governess
10 teach the children. who does not like the irreg-
ular life OF the harem. and an exception is made
in her favor, and she dimes at the masters table
where the food Is served more TO her taste. Her
apartments are however. in the side of the house
belonging the women. which is entirely separate
from the other halr or tne eStaDusHLleHt
The domestic Turkish woman does not look after
the house PARTICULARLY, nor have much care or the
responsibe' but the lord Of the household calls
up the servant or slave IN charge OF that depart
evils n he does not mend his ways. The lady Of
or even 10 read ana w.tte although that degree
Of ignorance IS now quite rare in large cities She
overlooking the nurses who have tho care OF the
h eh n nF OF her Of es
gossip She especially enjoys going 70 the Turkish
custom aeeompanied % by al the children and women
the bath is prepared early in the morning and sent
70 the public bathhouse by a porter. and consists
Turkish towels TO wear in the bath cigarettes.
cooked and I'd at bone and the
America can enjoy the luxury OF bath that lasts
thought OF neglected duties? '
On bright days the domestic Turkish woman
where they sit in the sunshine all the day long
CIGARETTES and drink coffee TSey never endanSr
tne nervous system by trying to catch any par
start when the spirit moves and wait at ths land
late, as it happens. 'ea'Nins nome early
EDUCATED MAHoMETAN WOMEN.
Let us now turn to that product OF modern
progress. the educated Mahometan woman She
may be found here and there perhaps in the harems
OF princes. or of pashas even sometimes in the
middle classes of society although she IS not COM
monty found anywhere as yet. She reads English.
ra op ana bayn erhan ma ptnIy with good pronun-
found with Turkish women. She Knows ali sbnut
States in America where Women voe aad afe ofsp
be 5 when a there Will be any voting in Turkey
papers and has decided opinions in regard to ali
has private room. instead OF living in the rooms
with the other women. and in this room are found
some unusual articles for Turkish house. namely.
stand many of the new books OF the day. and on
One Mahometan woman has even published
series of articles for of the daily papers which
the press has obliged her to cut out about half
that is not yet allowed to a Turkish woman. at
last beyond the bounds Of her own land She
satisfy her. and she even dreams OF going to Paris
he % voes IN of !he nary soaFs sh
contemplates forming club where kindred spirits
yet been possible Her influence in the press is al
ready felt, and may foresee that she will form
Changing the conditions of turkish life rap'u'S
-, Harem life at court is much more complicated
the will of his imperial majesty the sovereign OF
without his royal permission. and in families even
distantly connected with the court. il a surgical
mandate, Ten black men stand in a row in the
apartment OF royal lady. If her physician is
slaves await her slightest call. The physician may
o o2 e fdnS 1 II na as bill him but bs s Gd #
his services are acceptable. The luxury OF the
royal household l is untold; and the walls are deco
with delicate Eastern embroideres. and the stables
rhere OF mGst be ch unhappness S the
the court although the details daily life there
subject OF Islam may be commanded to marry a
Gy o m Sss eE s9 0m vom he assd S oss have wife
to be separated; During the ceremony he must
ahd brs s fe @ Hs OF ne5 for
upon him. and his position in relation to his wife
SUCH are Is some Of the phases of life among
and m and {,,