Sonntag, 27. Juli 2014

Sir Paul Rycaut on the Poturs of Bosnia (17th century)

But those of this sect who strangely mix Christianity with Mahometanism together are many of the Soldiers that live on the confines of Hungary and Bosnia.

Reading the gospel in the Slavonian tongue with which they are supplied out of Moravia and the neighbouring city of Ragusa.

Besides which they are curious to learn the Mysteries of the Alchoran and the Law of the Arabic tongue; but not to be accounted rude and illiterate they effect the courtly Persian.

They drink wine in the month of fast called Ramazan but to take off the scandal they refuse Cinnamon or other spices in it and call it Hardali and passes currant for lawful liquor.

They have an Charity and Affection for Christians and are ready to protect them from Injuries and Violences of the Turk.

They believe yet that Mahomet was the Holy Ghost promised by Christ, and that the descending of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was a figure and Type of Mahomet, interpreting in all places the word Parakletos to signifie their Prophet, in whose ear (so often) the White Dove revealed the infallible directions to happiness.

The Potures of Bosna are all of this Sect, but pay taxes as Christians do.

They abhor Images and the sign of the Cross.

They circumcise, bringing the Authority of Christs example for it, which also the Copticks, a Sect of the Greek Church in Egypt imitated.
Smail Balic - Das Unbekannte Bosnien S.104

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