Note (return) — Replies.

Your correspondent W. Robson, in asking to have pointed out "the period at which the crescent became the standard of Mahometanism," appears to assume, what is more than doubtful, that it has been, and still is so. For although "modern poets and even historians have named it as the antagonistic standard to the cross," the crescent cannot be considered as "the standard" of Mahometanism—emphatically, much less exclusively—except in a poetical and figurative sense. That it is one among several standards, I admit; it is used by the Turks as an ornament, and probably as a symbol, of their dominion, or in connexion with their religion. This may have originated in the following fact:—Mahomet, at the introduction of his religion, said to his followers, who were ignorant of astronomy, "When you see the new moon, begin the fast; when you see the moon, celebrate the Bairam." And at this day, although the precise time of the lunar changes may be ascertained from their ephemerides, yet they never begin either the Ramazan, or the Bairam, till some have testified that they have seen the new moon. (Cantemir's History of the Othman Empire, pref. pp. iv, v.) But the ancient Israelites had precisely the same custom in commencing their "new moons and appointed feasts." (See Calmet, art. "Month.") That which may properly be called the standard of the Turks, is the Sanjak Cherif, or Standard of the Prophet. It is of green silk[5], preserved in the treasury with the utmost care, and never brought out of the seraglio but to be carried to the army. This banner is supposed by the Turks to ensure victory, and is the sacred signal to which they rally. (De Tott's Memoirs, vol. ii. pp. 2, 3.)