Turkish Prisoners in Egypt - A Report by the Delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross by Various
page 23 of 64 (35%)
page 23 of 64 (35%)
|
_Right to Make Complaints._--The camp commandant makes a general
inspection every day. Every prisoner has the right to step forward and make his complaints. The commandant converses with the prisoners through the medium of several British officers who speak Arabic and Turkish. Moreover, the prisoners have the right of appeal to the Commander-in-Chief and to Brig.-General Casson, who often make tours of inspection through the camps. _Religion._--The prisoners have every opportunity for practising their religious observances. For the Mahometans a small mosque has been built, round which they spread their praying carpets. Some of them read the Koran regularly; others seem indifferent. Despite differences of race, origin, and even of religion, good-feeling prevails among the prisoners and quarrels are very few in number. _Games and Recreations._--As regards games and recreations, the prisoners are interested only in wrestling, cards and dominoes. They have been introduced to football without success. Some have shown great skill in the manufacture of mandolines, guitars, and tambourines. All materials as well as games are provided gratis by the British Government. The camp commandant has bought the men some gramophones. Many prisoners make articles of coloured beads--handbags, purses, necklaces, bracelets, etc.--which show considerable artistic taste. We bought one of these beautiful pieces of work as a specimen. The articles sell readily in the curiosity shops at Cairo. One section of 1,200 prisoners netted from the sales a sum of 2,500 francs in a fortnight. |
|