AT CONSTANTINOPLE. 263 



careful never to allow them to make any bargains 

 or assist them in any way in their purchases, 

 because the shop-keepers in the bazaars will in- 

 variably cheat if they can, and the valet de place 

 will connive at any charge, however exorbitant, 

 having, I have no doubt, a private agreement with 

 the shop-keeper to receive his share of the spoil. 



It should be borne in mind, too, that as Friday 

 is the Turkish, Saturday the Jewish, and Sunday 

 the Christian sabbath, neither of these days is 

 good for making purchases in the bazaars, as the 

 merchants belong to one or other of these reli- 

 gions. 



The Greeks are certainly the most numerous, 

 consequently not so many shops are open on a 

 Sunday as on a Friday or a Saturday ; but still, 

 a traveller will find it best to visit the bazaars on 

 the other days of the week. 



