The Mosque of Túzla - Larnaca |
' At noon , Captain Dalling and myself , both in uniform , went on shore to dine with and felicitate the Consul . After dinner we all went to call upon the Mutesellim in the house of the Khoja-bashi . Our procession from the Consular residence to the Khoja-bashi's house was rather ludicrous , but appeared to produce a very grand effect upon the minds of the good inhabitants of Larnaca , who all came out of doors to stare at us ...We found his Excellency seated upon his divan , and surrounded by his Albanian guards . We were ushered to his presence with considerable pomp , and invited by him to seat ourselves on his divan . He told me that we were welcome , and that he was delighted to make our acquaintance , and so forth . As usual we were regaled with pipes and coffee , after which we were presented with conserves in little filagree cups of silver (closed at the top by a hinged cover) ; then followed excellent sherbet with embroidered napkins ; and next we were sprinkled with rose-water , and perfumed with incense contained in filagree silver censers . His Excellency was very desirous that Captain Dalling should go over to a port in Caramania , and take under his charge a vessel , on board of which his harem was to be embarked . This unusual and extraordinary request was naturally declined . On taking our leave of the Mutesellim he requested Captain Dalling's acceptance of two casks of Commanderia wine and four bullocks .' |
Captain Charles Colville Frankland R.N. Travels to and from Constantinople (1827) |