 Ali Bey, one of the few foreigners to gain access, reported in 1807 that,all the sepulchres of the patriarchs are covered with rich carpets of green silk, magnificently embroidered with gold; those of the wives are red, embroidered in like manner.The sultans of Constantinople furnish these carpets, which are renewed from time to time.Ali Bey counted nine, one over the other, upon the sepulchre of Abraham.