Two weeks back we introduced our readers to the Sultan of all Turkey and his non-reforming Vizier. We now give the City of the Sultan, throned on her many hills, with the Bosphorus lined by palaces flowing at her feet. The first view of Stamboul is like the embodiment of a vision of fairy-land: the gilded palace of Mahmoud—the buildings of the Geraï—Galata, with its mouldering walls and warlike memories—and, above all, the graceful outline of its tapering minarets, cut sharply against the sky, and contrasted with the ample domes of the mosques to which they belong. To an European the novelty of the scene vies with its beauty in impressing a recollection of “Queenly Stamboul.” The close vicinity of the houses to the sea is a striking feature of the scene; and the shipping of all nations, bearing the natives of many lands, add another additional attraction. The ” Ship a-hoy” of the English seaman mingles with the shrill cry of the Greek, while at intervals the full, rich strains of the Italian contrast with the monotonous chant of the Turk. Graceful caiques, with their sharp prows and gilded ornaments, pass, occupied by turbaned Turks smoking in luxurious idleness—next, perhaps, the nautilus of the Greeks, whose dark eyes flash under the unbecoming fez—then a boat, whose sturdy rowers are soon recognised as Franks—mingle to form a picture not easily to be forgotten. We purpose introducing some other eastern scenes to our readers, and nothing can more fitly follow Turkey than Persia, a portrait of whose Shah is even now employing the pencil of our artist.
The Illustrated London News, London, England, Week Ending October 22, 1842
