p. 15 | Turkey by A. W. George

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 30, 1904

Turkey

By A. W. George

CONSTANTINOPLE.— My time has been absorbed in studying French and working for my certificate. This took much time, and waiting, according to the custom of the Turk, who does everything not to-day, nor to-morrow even, but “after to-morrow.” I have passed the examination, and last Wednesday I received the “permit d’exercice,” which is good for the entire empire. I began proceedings for this two months ago, and have gone to the medical college nine times to look after the matter. Twice I had an appointment changed on account of the Sabbath. There has been no objection raised to me that I know of, but it is simply their way of doing business with everybody. They put people off this way, I am told, hoping to get backshish. I paid altogether about thirty-five dollars to get my certificate.

I thank the Lord that he has given me success in this matter. The one through whom I have to do business at the American consulate is a near relative of the official agent of the American Protestant community, who is the avowed

enemy of the Sabbatarian. So I do not feel very much at home at the consulate. The enemy has certainly got his walls well built around this place, and when I think of the difficulties before the work here, the way seems impenetrable. But my courage is good, because I know the Lord has ways and means in store that I can not see now.

The language of this country is one great difficulty. It is a great inconvenience to have to depend upon an interpreter, but I have been fortunate in getting good teachers for both French and Turkish. I am now learning to write Turkish—from right to left. It will take much longer to learn this language than the French.

Moda is on the Asiatic side, near the terminus of the railroad, and also near the Imperial Medical College. This is a favorite residence part of the city for the wealthy, especially Europeans, and there are many English here. There is no other English doctor here except an old doctor who is about to retire. I am satisfied that the medical work will succeed when a start is made. The people seem to know as much about the use of fomentations, baths, etc., as they do in America. There is no prejudice against natural agencies in treating disease, but, on the contrary, a growing sentiment demanding the use of these things. I realize that the world is more ready for us than we are for it.

I have a nice location, near the beautiful Greek church. All the surroundings are healthful and beautiful. I am praying and trusting that the Lord will give me favor with these people.

Sabbaths I meet with a small company of our people, sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another. We can not have a regular place of meeting, but must change about. This is a difficult problem with me. I do not know how it will be solved. Remember the work here in your prayers and plans.

A. W. GEORGE, M. D.