CONSTANTINOPLE. 
There was reason to believe some improvement 
would take place during its restoration; but we 
found it rising from its ashes, like a new phoenix, 
without the slightest deviation from the form 
and appearance of its parent. The exception 
only of one or two houses, formerly of wood, 
and rebuilt with stone, might be noticed; but all 
the rest were as ugly, as inconvenient, and as 
liable to danger, as before ; and were it not for 
a few workmen employed in fronting the houses 
of the merchants, no stranger would have dis- 
covered that any calamity had befallen the place. 
Considering the surprising extent of the city 
and suburbs of Constantinople, the notions en- 
tertained of its commerce, and the figure it has 
long made in history, it might be expected that 
all the conveniences, if not the luxuries, of life 
would be there found. Previous to an arrival, 
if inquiry be made of merchants, and other 
persons who have visited Constantinople, as to 
the commodities of its markets, the answer is 
almost always characterized by exaggeration. 
They will affirm, that every thing a stranger may 
require can be purchased in Constantinople, as 
easily as in London, in Paris, or in Vienna : 
whereas, if truth be told, hardly any one article, 
good in its kind, can be procured. Let a 
447 
CHAP. 
State of 
Turkish 
Commerce. 
