268 



THE MOHAMMEDAN PILGRIMAGE. 



they have correspondents dispersed over the whole 

 Turkish empire. Besides their share of the income 

 of the mosque, they have their surra or annuity, 

 which is transmitted from Constantinople and Cairo ; 

 many of their families receiving as much as 100 

 or 200 sterling per annum, without performing 

 any duty whatever. It is from this source chiefly 

 that the city with its public and pious foundations 

 is supported, though the greater portion of these an- 

 nuities is often misapplied, and only serves to pam- 

 per a swarm of idle hypocrites. 



Notwithstanding some valuable presents, its re- 

 putation for wealth, and its splendid exterior, the 

 mosque of the Prophet ranks only as a poor establish- 

 ment. The gaudy colours displayed on every side, the 

 glazed columns, fine pavements, and gilt inscriptions, 

 dazzle the sight at first j but after a short pause it 

 becomes evident to the spectator that this is an exhi- 

 bition of tinsel decoration, and not of real riches. " It 

 will bear no comparison," says Burckhardt, " with 

 the shrine of the most insignificant Catholic saint 

 in Europe, and may serve as a convincing proof that, 

 whatever may be their superstition and fanaticism, 

 the Moslem are not disposed to make the same pecu- 

 niary sacrifices to their religious foundations, as the 

 Popish or even the Protestant Christians do for theirs." 



There are several other places in the neighbour- 

 hood which are also included in these pious visita- 

 tions, among which are the sepulchres of the son, 

 daughters, wives, aunts, uncles, relations, and im- 

 mediate successors of the Prophet. So rich indeed 

 is Medina in the remains of great saints, that they 

 have almost lost their individual importance, al- 

 though the relics of any one of the persons just 





