326 
was a new war which had commenced between the two 
nations. 
Tuesday, 1st September. 
We set out at half past four in the morning towards 
the N. N. E. by a good level road, and halted at Kara 
about seven. This place contains 300 families, and is 
situated in a fine position upon a height, with some 
gardens. It was formerly more populous; the bad go- 
vernment is said to have been the cause of its present 
depopulation; half of the houses are falling to ruins. 
The country through which we had just passed was 
entirely barren, like that of the preceding day. 
The caravans always stop in the Khans, which are 
situated near the towns and villages. As for myself, I 
had lodged the preceding day at the house of a Christian 
husbandman, and this day I lodged at a Mussulman 
husbandman's. There is a character of candour and 
goodness among these inhabitants which pleases me 
infinitely. Their houses are remarkable for their extreme 
cleanliness; and they themselves are in comfortable cir- 
cumstances, well dressed, and not in want of any furni- 
ture or utensil that is necessary for the service of their 
household. I remarked in particular, that they have a 
great abundance of pretty little Turkish mattrasses and 
cushions, these articles seemingly constitute their prin- 
cipal luxury. 
Having often spoken of the khans, it appears to me 
necessary to give a description of the buildings of this 
kind which I met with in Turkey. 
A khan is a quadrangular edifice, having sometimes 
towers at the angles, and is crowned with battlements 
in the same manner as a fortress. These monuments 
are more or less considerable. Their usual size is about 
