54 BAZEERYAN. 



is still the proud and becoming head-dress. After 

 a few friendly salams and welcomings had effected 

 an introduction, the custom-house officer proved 

 of service to us, by explaining to the inquisitive 

 inhabitants the motive of our journey, and over- 

 ruling the disinclination they at first evinced to 

 reply to our inquiries respecting ruins existing 

 in the neighbourhood. 



Adjoining the odoor was the village mosque, 

 a small and neat white-washed building. At 

 sunset, the whole male population of the village 

 assemble before its door, to perform the even- 

 ing's prostrations and devotions. A group of 

 Turks at prayer is one of the most inter- 

 esting sights which the traveller witnesses when 

 amongst this peculiar nation. It cannot fail 

 to awaken a deep respect in the minds of 

 those who witness the punctuality and serious- 

 ness with which their devotions are performed, 

 morning, noon, and evening. Such services are 

 rigidly observed amongst the rude peasantry and 

 labourers of the wildest part of the country. 

 Whenever the traveller is thrown in contact 

 with the Turkish peasantry, he cannot fail to 

 be impressed with the idea of their being a 

 highly religious people. A strong impression of 



