JIDDA. 199 



those in the English cathedrals ; some being pointed 

 like the Gothic ; others flat, and retiring one within 

 another like the Saxon. 



The most respectable inhabitants have their re- 

 sidence near the sea, where a long street running 

 parallel to the shore appears lined with shops, and 

 presents many khans constantly and exclusively fre- 

 quented by the merchants. The pasha's palace is 

 delightfully situated on the water's edge ; yet the 

 edifice itself is rather paltry than handsome. There 

 are many small mosques, and two of considerable 

 magnitude. Water is scarce ; but in all the public 

 places there are persons who sell it in glasses, and 

 have near them a small chafing-dish, in which they 

 burn incense and aromatics ; by this means the air 

 is constantly perfumed. The same custom is ob- 

 served in the khans, shops, and even private houses. 

 The markets are well supplied ; but vegetables and 

 other provisions require to be brought from a distance, 

 there being no gardens near the town or verdure of 

 any kind, except such as is afforded by a few shrubs 

 and date- trees. Beyond the gate is held the market 

 for corn, cattle, wood, charcoal, and fruits. Eastward 

 lies the principal burying-ground, containing the se- 

 pulchres of several sheiks : here, too, is shown the tomb 

 of Eve, the mother of mankind, which Burckhardt 

 was informed is a rude structure of stone, about four 

 feet in length, two or three in height, and as many 

 in breadth. The principal commercial street of 

 Jidda has a vast number of shops, which, as in all 

 parts of Turkey, are raised several feet above the 

 ground; before them are stone benches, on which pur- 

 chasers seat themselves, and where they are sheltered 

 from the sun by an awning usually made of mats 



