412 
but their number is infinitely small compared with the 
mass of the nation. 
Another cause also contributes to keep the Turks 
in this state of barbarism. The Arabs were rulers of 
almost half the world when they were subjugated by 
the Turks; the latter in consequence having become 
masters of the Prophet's standard, thought themselves 
invincible. Their victories in Europe confirmed them 
in this idea, which has been transmitted from genera- 
tion to generation, notwithstanding the defeats they 
have experienced in latter times. This superiority, 
which they attribute to themselves, over other nations, 
makes them look with the greatest contempt upon 
every man who is not a Turk. Let not foreign ambas- 
sadors flatter themselves upon the outward marks of 
respect which they receive in Turkey; I know the 
people of my own religion better than any one; and I 
may openly declare, that the Turk adds to the barba- 
rity and pride of a Mussulman, the barbarity and pride 
which are peculiar to the nation. 
This pride makes him prefer the occupation of a sol- 
dier to every other; he is a soldier by religion, be- 
cause every Mussulman must be so; but he is a sol- 
dier also by predilection, because to him it is the most 
useful employment, and that which clears the way to 
independence and despotism. 
But it must not be imagined that the Turkish sol- 
dier is a man dressed and armed according to a legal 
and established ordinance, subject to a certain code, 
and to military discipline; fed, paid, and supported by 
the public treasure in a regular manner, as in Europe; 
far from it; every individual when the whim seizes 
him arms himself with one or two large pistols, a 
fchandjear or large knife, or with what weapons he 
