'Central Asia. Part V. A contribution towards the better knowledge of the History, Ethnography, Topography, and resources of part of Asiatic Turkey and Caucasia' [‎70] (85/360)

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BAG—BAH
says that 5,000 semi-disciplined troops are maintained, and that 100,000
men could be assembled from the tribes provided due notice were given
and the necessary payments to the Chiefs were previously made, yet I
believe the army of the Pashalic is now in a very efficient state. (Jones—
Chesney—Kinneir—Fraser.J
BAGHDADIA.—Lat. Long. Elev.
An old fort on the left bank of the Tigris, close to the ruins of Ctesiphon.
It is one of the wooding stations for steamers. (Wray.)
BAGH-IDRL—Lat. Long. Elev.
A town in the Sinjar hills, province of Baghdad, Asiatic Turkey, the resi
dence of the temporal and spiritual head of the Yezdis. (Chesney.)
BAHDINAN.—Lat. Long. Elev.
A tribe of Kurds who inhabit the valley of Amadia and the left bank of
the Tigris from the junction of the Khabur River as far as Musal. The
sub-divisions of this tribe are Sindi, Sleivani, Goli, Goyi, Artushi, Derran,
Kaidi, Shekhan, Navkur, Bowat, Najukur, Kalati, Kala Deir, Seruji,
Shirwan, Barados, Gerdi, Misuri, Berrawi, Doski, Kerki, Rekani, Nerwi,
Berrawijur, Govi, Teli, Zitk, Sherm, Zobar. Their capital is Amadia,
and the Chief of this place is the noblest, and is even looked upon as
something saintly, deriving his origin from the caliphs; but from the
ancient name of the family it dates possibly from a much more remote
antiquity. No person dare use the same vessel or pipe as is used by the
Prince of this family; not even his own pipe-bearer for the purpose of
lighting or trying it for his master. His person is so sacred that, in the
fiercest battle among tribes, their arms would fall from their hands if he
approached them. Yet he has little or no power over the savage and war
like clans who compose his people, and he receives nothing from the
revenues of his own estates. Should he want a sum of money for any
extraordinary exigency he mounts his mule and goes round to the Chiefs of
the different clans, becoming a guest for a night with each of them, when,
by the laws of hospitality, they cannot refuse his request; and in the morn
ing when he departs the Chief with whom he has passed the night makes
up a small sum as a voluntary offering to him.
He affects the state of the latter Abasside Caliphs. He always sits alone.
A servant brings in his dinner and then leaves him till he has finished it.
After having eaten enough he smooths the dish over, that no one may see
what part he has eaten. He then calls a single attendant, who removes the
dinner, brings him the basin and ewer to wash, supplies him with a pipe,
and then leaves him alone again. The Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. is very well dressed, something
in the fashion of Musal, with a Kashmir shawl on his head, wound round
a red cap which hangs down behind, and is called a fess. When he holds a
divan, first the Kiahya, or Prime Minister, enters and salutes the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders.
with an inclination of the body in the Persian manner, seating himself at a
respectful distance. The Chief of the Meruri tribe next follows, and takes
his seat by the side of the Kiahya; then the other resident Chiefs of clans,
in the order of the rank of their clans. Pipes are then brought at the
command of the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. . Only one servant is allowed to enter, who distri
butes the pipes; and when the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. wishes the divan to break up, he
orders eoffee. The Kahvaji, or coffee-maker, looks through the window,
sees how many are present, fills as many cups with coffee, and arranges
them on a tray which he brings in and hands in succession; after which