CHAPTER VII.

TURKEY AND RUSSIA.

Origin of the Ottoman Empire--Siege and Capture of Constantinople by the Turks--Mahomet--The Sultans--_Abdul Medjid_--His popularity and power--The Koran.

The Russian Empire--Area and population--Social organization --Religious policy--Nobility--Serfs--Conscription--The Army --Progress of Russia and extension of her frontiers--_Nicholas_ --Poland, 231