2-979-097 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Halt by a Stream near El Arish, 1857. Scene near 'El Arish - the Egyptian quarantine station, on the Syrian frontiers...On the other side of the river, where grow tall and graceful poplar-trees, a small village built on the water's edge; there is a large mosque and a finely-built minaret; and the whole town is perfectly reflected in the calm waters of the stream. On this side of the river are a party of Mahometans seated on a carpet spread on the ground, enjoying the cool of the evening and a whiff of tobacco, and waiting till the summons to prayer from the minaret shall be wafted across the water to warn them that the hour for orisons and their evening meal has arrived. Near them are a group of four or five camels that have evidently come off a long journey, as we may judge by their weary looks and attitudes...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.