‘The Oriental geography of Ebn Haukal, an Arabian traveller of the tenth century’ [‎44] (97/388)

( 44 )
borders of the desert: most of the inhabitants are Ilashe-
mltes. The district of Kanserin is the pass be
tween Irak and Syria. Shehirz and Ilema are two
small towns, agreeably situated, with good water, and many
trees, and much cultivated land. ^^*2^ Mesres is a town and
district supplied with rain water. Khenaserah is a small
town on the borders of the desert.
Gherahehn is a district, of which the chief town is
Antakiah. After Demeshk, there is not any place more
delightful. It has a fortification of stone, and abounds in planta
tions of palm and other trees, cultivated fields, water, and mills.
Round the territories a horseman may go for two days. The water
flows through the streets, and amidst the chief buildings. There is
a place which they call the Sekhreh Mousi, or Rock
of Moses, to whom be peace !
L» halis is a town on the banks of the river Euphrates.
Menje is situated in the desert: rain-water is made use of
there, Sfiiheh is a small town, where there is a bridge of
stone, called the Kentereh Saiheh, than which, in
all the land of Islam, there is not a more extraordinary bridge.
Samisat is a town situated on the river Euphrates.
^2^ Hysn Mansour is a small fortress, the land about
which is watered with rain-water: here are oratories and mosques.
Hedeth and Meraash are two Small towns, plea-