Travels in Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, and across the desert into Egypt ...

SYRIA, EGYPT, GERMANY, &C. l8l
The fourth was a Turk, whose skill in medical science corresponded
with that of the greater part of his countrymen who had embra-
ced the same pursuit.
As well in camp as in every other situation,
the Turks attend
regularly to their prayers five times in the course of the at
day,
sunrise,
at nine in the. morning, at noon, at four in the afternoon, or
two hours before sun-set, and at the
setting of the sun, Before
each prayer they invariably wash their feet, hands, and face, and
having spread their little carpet in the tent, make their prostrations,
and go through their devout exercises. After their second prayer,
at nine in the morning, they breakfast; and delay their dinner until
the last, or sun-set prayer has been repeated. These are the only
meals of the lower classes of the Turks.
The Seis, or Arab groom, is generallv preferred by the Turks,
on account of his skill and address in the management of horses.
The Turks themselves are, however, little inferior to the Arabs
in this qualification, and pay a particular attention to the animals
entrusted to their care, the bodies of which are constantly covered
either with a thick cloth to defend them from the weather and from
the bites of insects, or with the saddle. Whether in the stable, or
without door at picket, the horses of the Turkish cavalry are kept
closely girthed, and fettered or tethered, and equipped at all points
for service.
It is by no means uncustomary to see a Turk on horseback ride
full speed up to another who is also mounted, and having dischar-
ged his pistol in the air, suddenly stop his horse. He does this as
a very high compliment, and to evince not his
only own skill in
horsemanship, but the confidence he reposes in his horse, over whom
he has a
perfect command. This mode of paving a compliment is
certainly calculated to excite a considerable degree
of alarm and
apprehension in a stranger who witnesses it for the first time, and
it may be attended with some danger to one who is not very perfect
in horsemanship.
Notwithstanding the precepts of their exclusive religion have
rendered this nation haughty and imperious, many of the Turks
of a distinguished rank display in their social intercourse, great
urbapity and courtesy
of manners.