Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/137

4. Haraj or Zimmet. This tax, demanded of non-Moslems only, is a religious tribute, which according to the Koran, giaours have to pay for their existence and their "infidel religious rights." According to this doctrine no Christian subject can be allowed to live under the Mohametan dominion without humbly surrendering to this demand. Under the Turkish rule, which is the best representative of the Mohametan institution, this tax is nominally contrasted with the military service of the Moslem subjects, from which the Christians are "exempt," or rather, deprived. This is an annual tax imposed upon every male member of the non-Moslem communities at the rate of two dollars each, and in advance. The Turkish Government believes strictly in cash business with her own subjects, leaving all delays for her transactions with the foreigners. This tax the government is very severe and prompt to collect. The poor who are not able to pay at the demanded time are insulted, imprisoned, beaten and even tortured in the most brutal manner, mentioned under the head of "The Turkish Prisons." Their property, houses, cattle, tools, even bedding and common utensils are forcibly sold, the buyers being mostly Mohametans or the officers themselves. This tax begins at birth and goes through life. Often the tributes of the dead are collected from their relatives or churches for several years after their death until a new census is taken. Many persons unable to pay try to conceal themselves from the sight of the collector, give up their work, and sometimes their home, for a temorary relief at least.