Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Vol. 26

The Capital and the Coastal Cities

This is where the merchant ships of all nations gather. Within it lies the royal palace, which is as vast as a city. Its Great Islamic Hall original: "回回大殿" (Huihui dadian); referring to the Hagia Sophia was formerly the temple of the disciples of Jesus original: "耶穌門生之堂"; referring to its origins as a Byzantine cathedral, and it is surrounded by beautiful scenery of mountains and waters. The city of Adrianople original: "亞得安" (Ya-de-an); modern-day Edirne is fifteen li a Chinese unit of distance, roughly 500 meters in circumference and contains ancient palaces. The city of Gallipoli original: "加利" (Jia-li) is situated on a Roman referring to the Mediterranean or the Aegean gulf; it has seventeen thousand inhabitants who are engaged in commerce and trade.

The Northern Provinces

The region of Bulgaria original: "路北不牙" (Lu-bei-bu-ya): The inhabitants follow the Greek Religion Orthodox Christianity original: "希臘教門" (Xila jiaomen). Their customs and spoken language are similar to those of Russia. The people are peaceful in their occupations and industrious. The capital city of this region has fifty thousand residents, and they conduct trade via land routes. The fortifications of Silistra original: "順刺" (Shun-la) are sturdy and strong; they successfully repelled the Russian army. Forts and ramparts have been constructed here along the mountain passes and the banks of the Danube River original: "多惱河" (Duo-nao He) for defense.

The city of Bosnia original: "布尼" (Bu-ni) lies to the northwest. The land is filled with mountain ranges and produces iron. Two-thirds of the population follow the Greek Religion Orthodox Christianity; they harbor resentment toward the Turkish officials, and they frequently rise in revolt.

The region of Serbia original: "息味" (Xi-wei) is also toward the northwest. The residents follow the Greek Religion and refuse to submit to Islamic original: "回回" (Huihui) jurisdiction, joining forces to attack and resist. The Sultan original: "國王" (Guowang); literally 'King' enforces his political decrees with a strong hand,