LIFE IN THE HAREM.

Otago Witness, Issue 1297, 7 October 1876, Page 19

LIFE IN THE HAREM.

There is a general idea that Turkish ladies are mere slaves, dolls with only external beauty, whose mental powers are a complete void. This is no doubt the general case ; but the harems of the higher class of Turks are still partially supplied with young girls from Circassia (despite the pretended opposition of Russia to what is still a trade), and many of these girla are -before leaving home educated to the highest degree in the art of deception, and have had their wits sharpened to an extent which would make them dangerous tools if in the hands of secret agents who knew how to guide them. Many books have been written about " Life in the Harem," but I judge for myself, from much valuable information received from several most intelligent and liberal-minded Turks. There has been for some time a sort of strike for more freedom among the Turkish ladies, and a walk in the aristocratic part

of Stamboul on a Friday afternoon would give the idea that the movement -was in no small way a success. A few years before, and the highest ladies in tho land were obliged to cover almost the whole of the face in a thick muslin or linen yashmac, and were content to ride (if ride at all) in one of the antiquated Turkish carriages ; but at the time I refer to the imperious belle of a Pacha's harem was to be seen in the latest Paris dress, only with the usual Turkish mantle over her shoulders, and a thin gossamer veil partly covering her forehead and mouth, but as transparent as her desire to shade her beauty. It may be said that their lords and masters were anxious to show the world of Stamboul the beautiful pearls that their harems produce ; but I think that it was due to the demands of the ladies themselves. The Turk is as jealous as ever of allowing his women to be seen ; it is his most vulnerable point, and, I think, proves that the ladies who could obtain such concessions could obtain a great deal if they were instructed as to what they had to ask for, and knew when to press their demands. There is not the slightest doubt that most of the " motive power" which works the "state coach" is fabricated in the harems, and it is there that the secret agent finds the softest material to mould out to his or her own desire. — Vanity Fair.