- W clarke's travels. 
When the ceremony concluded, .the grand sjgnior, accom¬ 
panied by the principal officers of state, went to exhibit him¬ 
self in a kiosk, or lent, near the seraglio point, sitting on a 
sofa of silver. We were enabled to view this singular instance 
of parade, from a boat stationed near the place; and, after the 
sultan retired, were permitted to examine the splendid pageant 
brought out for the occasion. It was a very large wooden 
couch, covered with thick plates of massive silver, highly 
burnished. I have little doubt, from the form of it, as well 
as from the style in which it was ornamented, that this also 
constituted a part of the treasury of the Greek emperors, 
when Constantinople was taken from the Turks. 
Among the misrepresentations made to strangers who visit 
Constantinople, they are told that it is necessary to be attend¬ 
ed by a janissary in the streets of the city. In the first place, 
this is not true: in the second, it is the most imprudent plan 
a traveller can adopt. It makes a public display of want of 
confidence in the people; and, moreover, gives rise to conti¬ 
nual dispute, when any thing is to be purchased of the Turks; 
beside augmenting the price of any article required, ex¬ 
actly in the proportion of the sum privately exacted by the 
janissary, as his share of the profit. Another misrepresenta¬ 
tion is, that a firman from the grand signior is requisite to 
gain admission to the mosque of St. Sophia ; whereas, by gi¬ 
ving eight piastres to the person whose business it is to show 
the building, it may be seen at any time.* 
The architectural merits of St. Sophia and St. Peter’s have 
ghies. — 48. Other Officers of the Seraglio, on horseback.—49. The Secretary of 
State, on horseback, bearing the Grand Sigaior’s embroidered leathern porte feuille. 
“50. A Party of Attendants.— 51. The Chaknator Agha, or second of the Black 
Eunuchs, on horseback.—52. Party of Attendants.—53. The Inferior Black Eunuchs 
of the Seraglio.—54. Attendants.— 55. The Treasurer of State.— 56. Black Eu¬ 
nuchs.— 57. TheCAiVEGHY Bashy, or Coffee-bearer of the Grand Signior. — 58. Two 
Turbans of State, on Sumpter horses.— 59. Party of Black Eunuchs, in very magni¬ 
ficent dresses.—60. Officers of the Seraglio; followed by a numerous suite of At¬ 
tendants, some of whom ay ere leading painted mules, carrying carpets and various 
utensils. 
* At the same time as a firman is necessary, in order to see the other mosques of the 
city, it may be proper to add, that having obtained one for the purpose of gaining 
admission to St. Sophia, it is also a passport to all the others. The words of the 
Jirmaniov seeing the mosques, when literally translated, are as follows : 
“ To the Keepers and Priests'of the Great St. Sophia, and other 
Holy Mosques of the Sultans. 
“ It being customary to grant . to the subjects of powerful Allies , permission to visit the 
Roly Mosque : and at this time, having taken into our consideration an application made 
bi / certain English Gentlemen travelling in these Countries, to enter the Mosques of this 
City, we hereby consent to their request ; granting to them our permission to view the holy 
temple of St. Sophia, and other Mosques of the Sultans ; also ordaining, upon their com¬ 
ing, accompanied by the respective guards appointed for that purpose, that you do conduct 
them everywhere) and allow them free observation of all things, according to established 
wage.” 
