Miss Irby – 1866
TRAVELS
IN THE
SLAVONIC PROVINCES
OF
TURKEY-IN-EUROPE
Georgena Muir Mackenzie and A. P. Irby
LEXANDER STRAHAN, PUBLISHER
LONDON AND NEW YORK
1866
In the advanced stage of civilization of the present era, we look with regret at the possession by the Moslem of the fairest portions of the world-of countries so favoured by climate, and by geographical position, that, in the early days of the earth’s history, they were the spots most coveted; and that such favoured places should, through the Moslem rule , be barred from the advancement that has attended lands less adapted by nature for development. There are no countries of the earth so valuable, or that would occupy so important a place in the family of nations, as Turkey-in-Europe , Asia Minor , and Egypt , under a civilized and Christian Government. – B AKER . Exploration of the Nile Sources,
Introductory Chapter, p.xxix
The Turk has got to reform three steps for his Christian subjects’ one step. The chances are against him in so doing, because he has to reform against the grain of his religion, and does so with difficulty: while they, if not reforming by reason of the ritual and dogmas of their religion, imperfectly connected as these are in their minds with the morality which is its essence, are at least thereby placed in direct unison with the progress and civilization of Western Europe.- L ORD S TRANGFORD , Eastern Shores of the Adriatic, p.365.
God knows no people could have been subjected to the Turkish Government without suffering great moral deterioration; but there is this distinguishing feature about Christian population of Turkey , that they are a progressive people-that they are seeking to catch the light of Western Europe , to enter on a new path of civilization and progress.
- See Mr. C OBDEN’ s Speech, Debate on Turkey , May 29, 1863 .
