Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1903 — TURKISH BATHS IN TURKEY. [ARTICLE]

TURKISH BATHS IN TURKEY.

Perhaps Thar Ara Oaaalnc, hut Thar Art Nat at AU Agreeable. “About the first real craving that atrlkea the unsophisticated American or Englishman upon bis arrival In Damascus is the desire for a Turkish bath rlgth on the spot where the famous bath was originated," said a traveler. “His next decision is that a New York or a London Turkish bath la about as far ahead of the Damascus article as mother's pies beat the baker’s. In view of the eastern origin of these baths I naturally expected to find something of a luxury. “Entering one of the finest baths in the city, I was at first sight much pleased with the general appearance of things. Dog of a Christian that I was, I entered a large open court, in the center of which gushed a splendid fountain, while the scene all about was at first Impression one of nn -ortjental fairyland. All around the fountain on raised platforms were combina- ' tlon chair-couches upon which orientals were lolling as only orientals can. Borne were reclining, some napping, some sipping qoffee, some smoking the ; narghlleh, some chatting, and som* was going through the red tape contortions required by Allah when tho ninety-nine Mcslem prayers are offered. “As if to carry out the fairyland idea, Instead of being conducted to a private room, In conformity with the views of propriety of the Western dog of an unbeliever, I was expected to disrobe before the miscellaneous audience; also, before the audience In the street wherever the door was opened. My clothes I had to store in a drawer under my couch. The publicity of the disrobing act was modified somewhat, however, by the attendants, who, by the use of towels, formed a temporary screen. After this they gave me wooden sandals with high strips fastened to the soles, which conveited them into a sort of high stilt. I saw no use for this contrivance excepting to further the chances of broking my neck. With these ■tilts too I was taken to the ‘hot room,’ where there was a temperature not higher than that of New York City on a hot rammer’s night. After remaining here some time there was some slight cubbing and a deal of leg-pulling and arm jerking. “Desiring a shower bath, a believer in the true faith aimed a garden hose at me with such a sharp stream that I had all the ‘shower’ I wanted in three seconds. Then they wrapped me in a Turkish towel and turbanned my head for me, and led me to a couch and bade me rest. I rested, wishing for an hour in my favorite Turkish bath in New York City, far from the land of Allah, Within earshot of the clanking trolley car and in a district over which reigns only Shlek Tim Sullivan. “As a mere Idea of satisfying curiosity nothing can top the visit to the Damascus baths. But, unlike the Turkish fig, the Turkish bath is not at its best when sampled on the spot" —Hygienic Gazette.