"Historians inform us, that the Christians, an enterprising and artful race, have from the earliest times, constantly made use of deceit and violence to effect their ambitious purposes. Under the disguise of merchants, they formerly introduced themselves into Damascus and Jerusalem; in the same manner they have since obtained a footing in Hindustan, where the English have reduced the inhabitants to slavery; so now, likewise encouraged by the Beys, the same people have lately attempted to insinuate themselves into Egypt, with a view no doubt, as soon as they have made maps of the country, and taken plans of the fortifications, to attempt to conquer it."

Firman from the Sultan, 1775, forbidding the English to trade directly with the port of Suez, requiring them instead to off load their cargos at Jidda for reshipment.

"There are three scourges to beware of in Turkey; fires, the plague and Dragomen."

Ottoman proverb of the Napoleonic Era.

"It is, perhaps, a fortunate circumstance for Europe, that the efforts which have been made at different times, and which are still making, by European officers, to introduce a discipline among the Turks, have proved ineffectual; for, if they are considered in regard to their personal courage, their bodily strength, or their military habits, they will be found to equal, if not to surpass, any other body of men. A loaf of bread, with an onion, is what many of them have always lived upon; rice is a luxury, and meat a dainty to them. With this abstemious diet they are strangers to many of our diseases, and the hardships of a camp life are habitual to them; because from their infancy, they have slept upon the ground and in the open air."

J. P. Morier, the private secretary of Lord Elgin, commenting on the Ottoman troops which fought at the battle of Heliopolis in March 1800.