March 18, 2011

A Geography of Europe

A Geography of Europe by T. Alford Smith, 1921


"...never assimilated the peoples whom they conquered—this was due not only to the difference in race, but also to the difference in religion. Some of the subdued peoples became Mohammedans, but many neither changed their religion nor their language, and these, in recent times, have asserted their right to national independence.
The Turks have always been noted for their warlike qualities —even today the Turkish soldier is a good fighting-man, although he is often badly paid and ill-cared for. The Turkish peasant is sober, honest and long-suffering. As a ruling class the Turks have not been very successful. Misunderstandings on account of religious differences have led to frequent revolts, and, in consequence of these revolts, Russia, Austria and other European nations interfered. These and other causes brought many changes to the Turkish empire during the nineteenth century; Greece, Servia and Roumania gained their independence, while Bulgaria and Roumelia have become practically free.

The foreign trade of Turkey is almost entirely in the hands of English, French and Belgian merchants.

Among the races which are still under Turkish rule may be mentioned Albanians and Macedonians..."

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