The exhibition part is divided into three: the outer garden, the inner garden, and the inner apartments. In the former one can have a fine drive. In it is also to be seen Merassim Palace, which was built for Ii.M. Kaiser William II. and occupied by him during his two visits to Constantinople. (Ho admission to it.) Also the Persian Kiosk, built for the Shah of Persia in 1900, but which he did not occupy, as it was not ready. Visitors are admitted.
The inner garden has a small artificial rivulet on which the Sultan and his wives used to go on canoes and cycle-boats. (Visitors can make use of these boats.)
The Kiosk Djihan Kouma is worth a visit for its magnificent view and the large telescope, which visitors can use. The immense collection of pigeons is worth an inspection for both the variety and number.
Tsit Kiosk, a low and unpretending building where the Sultan used to receive foreign ambassadors in audience. In the large sitting- room a secret door is shown in the wall through which the Sultan used to unexpectedly appear or disappear.
The small mosque, in [Renaissance style, standing just outside Yildiz grounds, is Hamidieh Mosque, at which Sultan Hamid invariably attended prayers every Friday.
Orta Keui, the next stopping-place, a large village bisected by a stream, is the ancient Byzantine village of St. Phocas, so called from the monastery and church which formerly stood here, but of which the latter alone remains. The lower part of the village is inhabited by Jews, and the upper part by Armenians and a few Greeks. The Orta Keui market-gardens are said to grow the best fruit and flowers sold in Constantinople market. The large Yeni Yalideh Mosque, jutting out into the sea, near the landing-stage, was built by Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz's mother, and is the one which that Sultan usually attended. Many of the large wooden houses along the shore are the Yalls or water-side residences of ministers of state, pashas, and other dignitaries.
Kuru Cheshmeh, the next station, was a little more than a century ago the residence of the Hospodars of Wallachia and their descendants; but now is a wretched village inhabited by Jews, Armenians, and a few Greeks. No vestige now remains of the legendary laurel-tree formerly in this village, which is said to have been planted by Medea when she came here with the Argonauts.
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