Turkish as court language of Qajars
I was introduced to M. Khodzko, a very important
member of the mission, who has lately returned from Resht. He is a Pole, and at
no pains to disguise his anti-Russian feelings; but he works hard for his
imperial master, entering into every Persian intrigue at the Durkhaneh, and
opposes the interests of England by every means in his power. He is
good-looking and well-mannered. No other member of the mission speaks Persian;
but I believe that they understand Turkish, which language, now that the Court
is filled with Aderbijanees, is equally useful at Teheran. A music-master is
attached to the Count’s establishment, and played for M. Tornauw, who sings
well. It was rather fine to see old Count Simonich’s recollections of French
glory awakened by “Soldat, t’en souviens-tu?” he looked half mad with
enthusiasm. We were challenged on our way home by a wild-looking patrol, who
escorted us across the Maidan with lighted torches.
Lieut.-Colonel W. K. Stuart, Journal of a residence in Northern Persia and
the adjacent provinces of Turkey. — London: Richard Bentley, 1854. P. 195.
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