GILLIAT-SMITH

[ Bernard Gilliat-Smith (1883-1973), Romany scholar. ] Autograph Letter Signed (in full and as 'B G S') from Constantinople, including references to the hanging of the 'head eunuch', 'the new Selamlik' and 'prisoner solders' at the Seraskerat.

Author: 
Bernard Gilliat-Smith (1883-1973), Romany scholar and linguist [ Gypsy Lore Society ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Club de Constantinople, Pera [ Turkey ]. 30 April 1909.
£250.00

4pp., 12mo. Aged and worn with closed tears along fold lines. At the time BGS was in the consular service in Istanbul. The recipient (perhaps R. A. Scott Mafie) is not named, and the salutation is in Romany. The letter begins: 'I am about to feast the eve of tomorrow which is the eve of the next day by imbibing a large quantity of Whisky and Soda, first to see how much will be required to produce the desired effect. I am also streaming with a cold in the head due to a hammam last night. The Kurdish youth has left for his country: - many Kurds have been arrested & shot since you left.

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