The Beauty of Turkish Upper Classes

Turkish people from wealthy families are known for their striking appearance. Their facial features are fine and well-defined. Their heads show intelligence and thoughtfulness. Most importantly, their expressions appear kind and friendly to visitors and strangers alike.

This physical beauty reflects the cultural values of Turkish society. The upper classes maintain high standards of personal appearance and behavior. They present themselves with dignity and grace in public settings. Their welcoming expressions make foreigners feel comfortable in Constantinople Private Ephesus Tours.

The combination of physical attractiveness and intellectual bearing creates a positive impression. Visitors often comment on how distinguished Turkish gentlemen appear. This natural elegance comes from generations of cultural refinement and education.

Public Water Fountains Monuments of Charity

One of the most impressive aspects of Turkish culture is the abundance of public water fountains. These fountains appear on almost every city block throughout Constantinople. They serve as both practical utilities and beautiful monuments to generosity.

When wealthy Turkish men want to create lasting memorials, they choose to build public fountains. This tradition shows their commitment to helping poor and working people. Instead of building statues of themselves, they create useful structures that benefit everyone Constantinople A Tale of Deception and Corruption.

Each fountain builder leaves money for ongoing maintenance and operation. This ensures the fountains continue working long after the donor’s death. The practice demonstrates long-term thinking and genuine concern for public welfare.

Kaiser William’s Generous Gift

A few years ago, Kaiser William of Germany visited Constantinople and made a remarkable contribution. He ordered the construction of a beautiful public fountain during his stay. This fountain stands out for its excellent design and expensive materials.

The German Kaiser’s fountain must have cost him a very large sum of money. However, he considered it an appropriate and noble gift to the Turkish people. The fountain serves as a symbol of friendship between Germany and the Ottoman Empire.

This gift shows how the Turkish tradition of charitable fountains impressed foreign visitors. Even royal guests from other countries wanted to participate in this meaningful custom. The Kaiser’s fountain remains a lasting reminder of international friendship and generosity.

Water Sellers a Noble Profession

Thousands of men make their living by selling water and refreshing drinks throughout Constantinople. These water sellers walk through the Turkish parts of the city carrying their supplies. They sell water, lemonade, and sherbet to thirsty customers on the streets.

These vendors provide an essential service to working people throughout the city. They carry large pigskins full of fresh water on their backs. Dozens of cups hang from hooks on their belts for serving customers. This equipment allows them to serve many people quickly and efficiently.

The water sellers show great courtesy to all their customers. Anyone can stop them on the street and ask for a drink. The vendors always provide water with politeness and respect. Their employers require this courteous behavior as part of their job.

Free Water Distribution Another Act of Charity

Many wealthy Turkish men leave money in their wills for free water distribution. This practice ensures that working people always have access to clean drinking water. The legacy payments continue long after the donor’s death.

These charitable water sellers appear at docks, factories, and other places where laborers work. They provide free drinks to anyone who needs them. Workers appreciate this service, especially during hot summer days when physical labor becomes exhausting.

If customers offer tips to these charitable water sellers, they will accept them politely. However, tips are not necessary or expected. The service is truly free, paid for by the generous legacies of wealthy benefactors.

Turkish Temperance and Traditional Values

The Turkish people are naturally very temperate in their habits. They traditionally avoid alcohol and other intoxicating substances. This temperance reflects their religious beliefs and cultural values. Most Turkish families maintain these traditional standards of behavior.

Coffee houses serve as the main social gathering places for Turkish men. These establishments provide spaces for conversation, relaxation, and community building. They offer alternatives to drinking establishments found in other cultures.

The emphasis on water fountains and water sellers also reflects Turkish values. Clean water represents purity and health. By providing free water, wealthy Turks demonstrate their commitment to community welfare and religious principles.

Foreign Influence and Changing Youth

However, some Turkish leaders worry about changing behavior among young people. A prominent Turkish gentleman recently expressed concern about this trend. He believes that young men in Constantinople are being led into bad habits.

According to this observer, foreign residents are introducing harmful influences into Turkish society. Fast-living foreigners have brought whisky and brandy drinking to Constantinople. Some young Turkish men have started copying these foreign behaviors.

The gentleman believes these young men think that drinking alcohol represents “progress” and modernity. They want to appear sophisticated and worldly like their foreign neighbors. Unfortunately, this desire for progress leads them away from traditional Turkish values.

Foreign Establishments and Their Impact

The saloons and beer gardens in Constantinople were originally created for foreign residents. These establishments serve the French, German, Italian, Austrian, Hungarian, and other European populations. They were never intended for Turkish customers.

Several liquor stores have also opened to supply these foreign communities. These businesses cater to people who come from cultures where alcohol consumption is normal. They provide familiar products to help foreigners feel at home.

However, the presence of these establishments creates temptation for curious Turkish youth. Young men see foreigners enjoying themselves in these places and want to join them. This exposure to foreign customs challenges traditional Turkish values and creates social tensions within families and communities.