Chapter XXII

The Mosques at Midnight—Baron Rothschild—Firmans and
Orders—A Proposition—Masquerading—St. Sophia by
Lamplight—The Congregation—The Mosque of Sultan
Achmet—Colossal Pillars—Return to the Harem—The
Chèïk-Islam—Count Bathiany—The Party—St. Sophia by
Daylight—Erroneous Impression—Turkish Paradise—Piety of the
Turkish Women—The Vexed Traveller—Disappointment—Confusion
of Architecture—The Sweating Stone—Women’s Gallery—View
from the Gallery—Gog and Magog at Constantinople—The
Impenetrable Door—Ancient Tradition—Leads of the
Mosque—Gallery of the Dome—The Doves—The Atmeidan—The Tree
of Groans—The Mosque of Sultan Achmet—Antique
Vases—Historical Pulpit—The Inner Court—The Six
Minarets—The Mosque of Solimaniè—Painted
Windows—Ground-plan of the Principal Mosques—The Treasury of
Solimaniè—Mausoleum of Solyman the Magnificent—Model of the
Mosque at Mecca—Mausoleums in General—Indispensable
Accessories—The Medresch—Mosque of Sultan Mahmoud at
Topphannè 373

CHAPTER XXIII.

Antiquities of Constantinople—Ismäel Effendi—The
Atmeidan—The Obelisk—The Delphic Tripod—The Column of
Constantine—The Tchernberlè Tasch—The Cistern of the
Thousand and One Columns—The Boudroum—The Roman
Dungeons—Yèrè-Batan-Seraï—The Lost Traveller—Extent of the
Cistern—Aqueduct of Justinian—Palace of Constantine—Tomb of
Heraclius—The Seven Towers—An Ambassador in Search of
Truth—Tortures of the Prison—A Legend of the Seven Towers 405

CHAPTER XXIV.

Balouclè—The New Church—Delightful Road—Eyoub—The
Cemetery—The Rebel’s Grave—The Mosque of Blood—The Hill of
Graves—The Seven Towers—The Palace of Belisarius—The City
Walls—Easter Festivities—The Turkish Araba—The Armenian
Carriage—Travellers—Turkish
Women—Seridjhes—Persians—Irregular Troops—The Plain of
Balouclè—Laughable Mistake—Extraordinary Discretion—The
Church of Balouclè—The Holy Well—Absurd Tradition—The
Chapel Vault—Enthusiasm of the Greeks—A Pleasant
Draught—Greek Substitute for a Bell—Violent Storm 434

CHAPTER XXV.

Figurative Gratitude of the Seraskier Pasha—Eastern
Hyperbole—Reminiscences of Past Years—A Vision
Realized—Strong Contrasts—The Marriage Fêtes—Popular
Excitement—Crowded Streets—The Auspicious Day—Extravagant
Expectations—The Great Cemetery—Dolma Batchè—The Grand
Armoury—Turkish Women—Tents of the Pashas—The
Bosphorus—Preparations—Invocation—The Illuminated
Bosphorus—A Stretch of Fancy—A Painful Recollection—Natural
Beauties of the Bosphorus—The Grave-Yard—Evening
Amusements—Well Conducted Population 446

CHAPTER XXVI.

Repetition—The Esplanade—The Kiosk and the Pavilion—A Short
Cut—Dense Crowd—A Friend at Court—Curious _Coup
d’Œil_—The Arena—The Orchestra—First Act of the
Comedy—Disgusting Exhibition—The Birth of the
Ballet—Dancing Boys—Second Act of the Drama—Insult to the
Turkish Women—The Provost Marshal—Yusuf Pasha, the
Traitor—Clemency of the Sultan—Forbearance of an Oriental
Mob—Renewal of the Ballet—Last Act of the Drama—Theatrical
Decorations—Watch-dogs and Chinese—Procession of the
Trades—Frank Merchants—Thieves and Judges—Bedouin
Tumblers—Fondness of the Pashas for Dancing—The Wise Men of
the East 460

CHAPTER XXVII.

Succession of Banquets—The Chèïk Islam and the
Clergy—Sectarian Prejudices—The Military Staff—The Naval
Chiefs—The Imperial Household—The Pashas—The Grand
Vizier—Magnificent Procession—Night Scene on the
Bosphorus—The Palace of the Seraskier Pasha—Palace of Azmè
Sultane—Midnight Serenade—Pretty Truants—The Shore of
Asia—Ambassadorial Banquet—War Dance—Beautiful Effects of
Light 478

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Monotonous Entertainments—Bridal Preparations—Common
Interest—Appearance of the Surrounding Country—Ride to
Arnautkeui—Sight-loving Ladies—Glances and
Greetings—Pictorial Grouping—The Procession—The
Trousseau—A Steeple-Chase 488