BEAUTIES OF THE BOSPHORUS. 94
The dim outline of the Asian hills is suddenly revealed, as by the touch of an enchanter's wand, and seems to be traced in gold; the ripple of the channel dances along like sparks of fire; while around, and on every side, are to be seen groups of people in their holiday-dresses, seated upon mats and carpets, enjoying the extraordinary spectacle.
But, perhaps, the most novel feature of the entertainment is presented by a crowd of men, partially clad in white cotton, their shaven heads bare, and their arms tossing wildly in the air; who, with shrieks and yells, which are sullenly thrown back by the rocky heights above them, at one time feed the fires that are floating in the bay, above their waists in water; and at others, joining hands, dance in a fantastic circle round their flaming islands. Meanwhile, servants are flitting here and there, holding paper lanterns, and guiding the different parties of revellers to the houses of their respective friends; while the channel is alive with caiques, each with a light at its prow, and freighted with mirth and music.
These wild sports continue for hours, until the fuel and the energies of the assistants are alike exhausted, when the fires gradually die away; though the pale light of morning not unfrequently breaks above many a homeward-bound caique, ere it is safely moored beside the terrace of its owner.
PLATE: DOLMA-BATCHÈ. (From the Necropolis of Pera)
DOLMA-BATCHE, FROM THE GRAND CHAMPS DES MORTS.
"Fair the vernal mead,
Fair the high grove, the sea, the sun, the stars
True impress each of their creating sire." COLERIDGE.
DOLMA-BATCHÈ, or the Valley of the Gourds, is a fair and fertile spot, situated between Top-hannè and Beshik-Tash, and partially occupied by an Imperial residence, seated on the lip of the channel, along which its gilded terraces stretch for a considerable distance, and are succeeded by the Palace itself, gay with paint and bright with gold, which, in turn, yields its place to groves and kiosques overhanging the water; while its spacious gardens and pleasure-grounds. jealously walled om for the use of the ladies of the Imperial Harem, fill a large portion of the valley.