The history of the condition of women in various ages and nations : $b Vol. 1 (of 2), Comprising the women of Asia and AfricaChild, Lydia Maria
History
The history of the condition of women in various ages and nations : $b Vol. 1 (of 2), Comprising the women of Asia and Africa
Child, Lydia Maria
Women -- History; Women -- Social conditions
The Courds, who dwell in the mountains between Turkey and Persia,
live in tents, and subsist by plunder, like the Bedouin Arabs. Their
women are of a pale mahogany hue, with very fine features. The nose is
generally aquiline, the eyes bright and mild, and the whole countenance
expressive of kindness and frankness. The Courds have the utmost
confidence in their wives and daughters. They may be seen at the
tent-doors and in the fields, without veils, and always ready to answer
a civil question, or pay a stranger the simple duties of hospitality.
Both as maidens and matrons they are very virtuous and modest. These
women are active, vigorous, and fearless, and they educate their
children in the same way. “Our boys will be soldiers,” say they; “and
they must learn to bear and dare every thing. We show them the way.”
The Courds, like most people of similar habits, receive a certain price
for the daughters they dispose of in marriage.
* * * * *
The inhabitants of Afghanistan are Mohammedans; of course women are
considered as property; and the higher classes are kept scrupulously
concealed. But they are an active, romantic people, and have more
gallantry than usually characterizes the Moslem religion. The women are
industrious in household avocations, and the labors of the distaff
and the loom; but they are not required to perform out-of-door work.
Owing to the nature of Mohammedan customs and institutions, love and
courtship are little known in Moslem nations; but among the Afghans
a man often plights his faith to a young woman, goes off to remote
provinces, and makes the most laborious exertions to earn money
sufficient to purchase her of her friends.
* * * * *
People of all tribes and languages may be found about the beautiful
regions of Caucasus. They are generally handsome, vigorous, active,
hospitable, cunning, and dishonest.
The Circassians and Georgians have been most celebrated. Among the
Circassians, pride of birth is carried to such an extent, that it is
said an unequal match was never heard of in that country.
They are very fond of hunting and military exploits; and women, of
course, participate in this character. They polish and take care of the
armor, are very proud of their husband’s courage, and reproach them
severely when defeated. The young men show great activity and skill in
military exercises, and the most alert has the privilege of choosing
the most beautiful girl as his partner at the next ball. Their dances
are in the elaborate Asiatic style, less gay, graceful, and expressive
than those of Europe.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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