I must not forget Demetrius, a Greek merchant of Tornovo, in whom I believed I saw the true spirit and character of the ancient Greeks. We were entertained at his house several times, and always with great kindness, openness, and sincere hospitality. His home was a place of welcome, where strangers were treated not as guests but as friends.
Demetrius invited us to use his house freely and encouraged us to be cheerful and joyful, following the customs of our own countries. He wished us to feel at ease and to enjoy ourselves without restraint. His manner was generous and warm, and his conversation showed both intelligence and good humor Ephesus Sightseeing Tours.
A Special Welcome by His Daughters
As a special sign of respect and friendship, Demetrius brought his two daughters to greet us and welcome us into his home. This gesture was considered a great honor, as such meetings were not always common. Following the custom of France, Holland, and England, we took the liberty to greet them politely.
They were handsomely dressed according to the fashion of their country. Their clothing was neat and elegant, showing care and good taste. Their hair was braided and hung down their backs in long plaits. Their shoes, or slippers, were painted and decorated, adding color and beauty to their appearance.
Customs of Beauty and Decoration
Their fingernails were colored with a reddish tint made from a plant called cna or alcanna. The leaves of this plant are dried, powdered, and soaked in water or wine. The mixture is then laid upon the nails overnight, leaving behind a lasting red stain. This custom is widely practiced throughout Turkey and the surrounding regions Changes Brought by War and Conquest.
Some people even use this same substance to color the manes and tails of their horses, giving them a bright and striking appearance. Among the Greeks of Chios, who are known for wearing gloves (a rare habit in these lands), the gloves are also colored in the areas that cover the fingernails, so the color still shows through.
Trade and Value of Cna
Cna is an important trade item in the Turkish dominions. It is brought mainly from Arabia and Egypt and can be found for sale in every large town or busy market. It is valued both for personal decoration and for its lasting quality. I myself brought a pound of it back home, and even after a long journey, it did not lose its power to stain and color.
Reflections on the Greek Lands
The Greek countries through which I traveled are greatly changed from the condition described in ancient histories. The glory, learning, and power that once made them famous throughout the world are no longer visible in the same way. Many cities have declined, and old buildings lie in ruins or have been altered by time and foreign rule.
Yet, despite these changes, the people still retain many qualities that recall their ancient past. Their love of hospitality, their respect for tradition, and their strong sense of community remain alive. In the manners of men like Demetrius, I thought I saw a living reminder of the old Greek spirit, adapted to new times and difficult circumstances.
Though much has been lost, something valuable has endured. The customs, the warmth of social life, and the memory of former greatness still shape the daily lives of the Greek people. These observations left a deep impression on me and gave me a greater understanding of how history lives on through ordinary people.
