[1] Nevertheless, as its mention is so
frequently coupled with the seat of war, and the "expulsion of the Turks
from Europe," our illustration will at this period be interesting, as well
as in some measure, explanatory of the position of the city, which is so
advantageous as to make it appear fit for the seat of dominion over the
whole world. Can we then be surprised at its forming so tempting a lure to
surrounding nations?
The city stands at the eastern extremity of Romania, on a neck of land
that advances towards Natolia; on the south it is washed by the sea of
Marmora, and on the north-east by the gulf of the Golden Horn. It is built,
like ancient Rome, on seven hills, rising one above the other in beautiful
succession, and sloping gently towards the water; the whole forming an
irregular triangle, about twelve miles in circumference, the entire of
which space is closely covered with palaces, mosques, baths, fountains,
and houses; at a short distance the proudly swelling domes of 300 mosques,
the tall and elegant minarets, crowned by glittering crescents, the
ancient towers on the walls, and the gaudily coloured kiosks and houses
rising above the stupendous trees in the seraglio, situated on the extreme
point, form a rich, picturesque, and extraordinary scene.
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