Narrative of a Two Years Residence at Nineveh and Travels in Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Syria (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. " Journey from Aleppo. Antioch. Latakia. Conclusion. Not far from Aleppo, is the town of Scanderoon, situated on the gulf of that name. It is the seaport of the former city, from whence merchandize is exported to Europe and other parts, and is frequented by many vessels, though its unhealthiness is such, that few persons can reside there for any length of time with impunity. Near this place, lived an Englishman who had embraced the creed of Islam, and was married to three Syrian ladies, of the same faith. He was said to be an eccentric individual, and had erected a costly tomb over the remains of a favourite dog. Aleppo seems to be the head quarters of the different Christian churches and sects prevalent in Syria. Maximus, the Papal Patriarch of the Syrians, had his residence here. He received his education at Rome, and was considered a man of some ability. The Greek Melkites have a church at Aleppo, and a very fair congregation. We attended service there one Sunday, and could follow it tolerably, having acquired the Greek mode of pronunciation. Only certain parts of the Liturgy, however, were in the Greek language, as the Melkites use the Arabic in their ministrations. The church was not well fitted up, and, as usual, decorated with tawdry pictures, nor could the chanting be considered agreeable to an European ear. At the end of the Liturgy, certain portions of consecrated bread were handed round, of which we partook. This is a remnant of the ancient Agapai, or love feasts, still retained in the Oriental churches. The Armenians, and Papal Syrians, have two superb places of worship, adorned with silver lamps and some well executed paintings. On the Monday, a female ballad singer came into the court, and, being known to the family, she sang se...