Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/157

Rh lattice work. They can never attend social entertainments unless given by nearest relatives. They are never allowed to sit at the same table, even with their fathers, brothers and husbands, if there be a guest in the house. When they go out of their gates they must put on a long gown and a thick veil. If they go with their father, brother or husband, which is very seldom, they must walk behind. The best part of the road must always be given to the man. In the interior of the country if women see a rich man or an official coming they must sit on the floor and turn their face to the wall until "His honor" is past.

In villages, these harem ceremonies are not practicable, but the condition of women is far worse. Their husbands have already purchased them by paying $10 to $20 in cash, or an ox or a few sheep, or some pieces of carpets or rugs, or so many bushels of wheat or barley. Besides the common work of the house they have their share in all farming work, in sowing, reaping or pulling the crop with their hands, carrying it on their backs and threshing it under the burning sun, which takes weeks, for the lack of machinery. In such places it is a universal habit for the man to ride on his horse or donkey, and the poor woman, often barefooted, walks after him. At the same time her baby (and perhaps the cradle) is strapped on her back, or a load of wood or other burden.

The Turkish women, especially in the villages, are very free and quick in their talks, having no hindrance to use their language. So you can hear