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* U* • V WWU» VVMtEach Turkish house has two distinct parts, called respectively the Belamlik and the harem. In the former the divans are covered with snow-white covers, and small Inlaid tables set near them, whereon the happy bridegroom and his friends may place the bowls of their chibouks or keep their little cups of black coffee. In the harem the same I preparations are made, with a few little tables, for some of the women still I cling to the habit of smoking—In fact, they find it of great assistance In passing the time. So the universal cigarettes, or the chibouk or the narghileh are to be found In almost every harem.Beside coffee a large variety of sweetmeats and sherbets is prepared and arrangements made for the festivity on a grand scale, for no nation understands so well how to entertain a guest and load him with civilities as does the I Turkish race. For the amusement of I those present at the wedding there are I always Jugglers of various kinds, expert I story tellers, whose wonderful fairy I tales are heard with avidity, and many wise sayings and pithy proverbs witn I which the Turkish language abounds are put before the hearers.Punch and Judy in yurkish attire and a new language perform their timeworn antics amidst shrieks of laughter. Meanwhile the bride takes little part in the merriment, for she is seated on a low and gorgeous divan, dressed in her bridal robes, with a large veil of gold and silver thread mingling with her hair as it falls down her back. She sits there surrounded by her nearest relatives. while all come to admire her or her dress and Jewels, as the case may be, and to congratulate her mother and the rest of the family upon the happy occasion. IOn the other side of the house a more informal and pleasant time will be had, at least the bridegroom enjoys it more as he goes around among the guests. Aided by the bride’s father he makes them welcome, while tney make the appropriate congratulations in the most flowery style at their command.This Is the chief part of the wedding, for there Is practically no ceremony as we understand It. the essential part consisting of a formal and solemn contract between the parties. A girl’s dowry forms an important part of the marriage arrangements. Each girl besides the money which she brings to her husband Is supposed to have as large an outfit as her means will permit, and the outfit is made as ornamental and elaborate as possible, for the bride wishes to show her husband how skilled she is in needlework.Needlework is considered a great accomplishment, and for a time has been yie only one the Turkish girl could have, hence the exquisite embroideries which come from the orient are un- 1 equaled in beauty and the skill shown in their workmanship.After the ceremony the couple go to their own house, or more frequently live ] with the groorti’s parents. No mother- ] in-law question can arise, however, for lt;the bride Is supposed to be obedient to her husband’s parents, and to dispute i her mother-in-law’s superiority would ( be as much an act of folly and would astonish people as rnuoh as an attempt to disobey her own mother.Ther'f is one wholesome lesson which * childrefc in Turkey teach us, that of strict obedience to parental authority. 1 Both among the Mahometan and Chris- s tian population a parent’s authority is considered supreme, and a touching deference Is shown toward It by the children themselves, who almost invari- € abjy consult their parents’ inclination, long after reaching years of discretion. 1 They hva- a respect for their elders I (
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