Many Greeks and Armenians in Turkey have lost their native languages. This is because they were forbidden from speaking them. Over time, without practice, they have forgotten their own languages. However, the Jews in Turkey have been treated more kindly and have been able to keep their language and culture.
Religious Persecution of Armenians
Armenians in Turkey face severe religious persecution. They are forced to worship in secret. In contrast, Greek churches can be found openly in many parts of the Ottoman Empire, just like the Mohammedan mosques. Additionally, Jewish synagogues are rarely interfered with, even by Muslim mobs. However, it is the Armenians who are attacked exclusively. This shows the discrimination and hostility they face in comparison to other religious groups The Armenians and Their Struggles in Constantinople.
Ferryboats on the Bosphorus
The ferryboats that travel around the Bosphorus are similar to those in London’s Thames or Paris’ Seine. They have timetables that are posted in public places and published in newspapers, but these timetables are rarely followed. The reason for this is unclear, but it is thought to be due to the nature of the Turks. For example, a boat that is supposed to depart at nine o’clock may leave ten minutes early or twenty minutes late. Guidebooks warn visitors not to rely on these timetables, as they often do not reflect the actual schedule. The boats to Brussa, a nearby town popular with tourists, are said to depart somewhere between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., depending on the cargo, number of passengers, and the captain’s whim.
Railway Delays and Mismanagement
The railway management in Turkey operates similarly. During my visit to Constantinople in the spring of 1902, a section of the railway track between Constantinople and Budapest was washed away. The trains going west returned to Constantinople, but the trains coming east from Budapest and Vienna were not informed about the problem. These trains were allowed to depart as usual and accumulated at the washout. There were no accommodations for the passengers, and they had no place to eat or sleep. Eventually, the passengers were sent back to Adrianople, the nearest town. However, they were forced to pay the full fare to reach that point, despite the delay and discomfort they endured Tours Ephesus.
