In many towns, the people follow a particular custom for safety. At night, they drive all the dogs out of the town. By doing this, they believe they are as secure as if they had an army of watchmen guarding the streets. The dogs roam outside and give warning through their barking if strangers approach, while the town itself remains quiet and protected.
I remember experiencing trouble with dogs in a similar way at the strong town of Komar. When I entered the town around midnight, the streets were filled with dogs. They barked fiercely and ran toward us in large numbers. Their noise and aggression were so great that, in order to protect ourselves, we were forced to take shelter in the guardhouse. We remained there until proper lodging was arranged for us Ephesus Guides.
Fear Among the Christian Population
I could not help but feel deep pity for the poor Christians living in these regions, when I saw the constant fear under which they lived. Whenever they noticed us approaching, they would quickly step aside to make room, as if expecting harm.
In Macedonia, both men and women would sometimes flee into the woods when they saw us coming. They feared strangers greatly, especially those traveling on horseback. On several occasions, we took the trouble to ride after them, not to cause harm, but to calm them and convince them that their fear was unnecessary. These actions showed how deeply fear had settled into their daily lives.
The Sorrowful Sight of Captives and Slaves
What moved me the most was the pitiful sight of captives and slaves, whom one often encounters in these lands. Their suffering was made even heavier by the many different stories of how they came into slavery. Some were taken through betrayal, others through the chances of war. Many were captured by man-stealing Tartars, who supplied the Turkish dominions with slaves in great numbers.
Some of these captives were bound to one master for life, while others were sold again and again, passing through many hands and distant places. Each change brought new hardship and uncertainty, making their lives even more miserable.
Slaves of the Sultan’s Court
The most desperate condition of all belonged to those who were slaves of the court and directly owned by the Grand Signior. These people had no hope of redemption or release. Unlike others, who might one day be bought back by family or friends, they were never allowed to be redeemed Crime and Safety Measures for Travelers.
I met one such man at Egribugia in Macedonia, where he worked at the post house. His duties were not particularly harsh, and his daily work was not difficult. Yet despite this, he appeared extremely sad and deeply discouraged. The knowledge that he could never be freed weighed heavily on his spirit.
Reflections on Fear and Human Suffering
These sights left a strong impression on me. The fear among the Christian population, the constant danger of capture, and the hopeless lives of many slaves showed how cruel and uncertain life was in these regions. Even those who were not in chains lived with fear in their hearts.
Traveling through these lands taught me that suffering does not always appear in grand battles or loud conflicts. Often it is found quietly, in the daily lives of ordinary people, who endure hardship, fear, and loss without hope of change.
