WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
a sound example to England and America. Divorce, though simple, is very rare. In the Western societies, where it is difficult, it is quite common. I think the scarcity of separation may be accepted as a tribute to the conjugal adaptability of the Turks. They make good husbands and wives. From all that I know of the men of Turkey, I am convinced that they excel in that sympathetic understanding of women which generally ensures success as a lover and husband.
Let us consider for a moment the temperament and character of the Turks. They are not so completely "Oriental" as the Hindus. The race is very mixed, and there is a strong strain of Circassian blood in the highest families. The salient traits of the Turk are ardour in sexual love, quick temper, fortitude, kindliness, and courtesy. Social intercourse is democratic; there is not a wide gulf of caste between employer and employed, and between master and slave.
A conspicuous quality of the Turk is his devotion to family life and his great affection for children. He not only loves his own children, but his tenderness extends to all children. Perhaps nowhere else can such fond fathers be found in the East or West.
Thackeray was impressed by the love of the Turkish people for their children. "I never saw more kindness to children than among all classes, more fathers walking about with little solemn
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