'Gazetteer of Arabia Vol. I' [‎115] (130/1050)

AFA—AFI
115
Another authority describes the Afaj locality as follows:—
Afaj is situated on the eastern extremity of the Khor-al-Afaj and on the left bank
of the Shatt-al-Afaj. It consist of a few scattered collections of huts which include
a bazaar with some small Aops. It is a place of no special importance.
The Shatt-ad-Digharah conveys water from the Shatt-al-Hillah to the Khor-al-Afaj,
which overflows down the Shatt-al-Afaj. The northern portion of the Khor is shallow,
while the southern portion is deep ; its eastern end terminates in an impassable swamp
with tall reeds.
The Shatt-al-Afaj leaves the Khor in an easterly direction and after 2 or 3 miles
turns south by east. In flood its waters probably reach the bed of the Shatt-al-Khar,
but normally this river disappears in the desert. At Afaj it is wide, deep and impass
able except by swimming or by means of quffahs, of which there are a few available.
There is no bridge. The water in the Shatt-al-Afaj here is perennial and always fit to
drink, except that in the dry season it has an unpleasant tasle.
Rice, wheat, barley and millet are cultivated in the Afaj district, which also supports
large flocks of sheep, with herds of cows and buffaloes. Camels are procurable at certain
seasons.
Routes connect Afaj with Bghailah, Mahairijah and Qal'at Sikr : there is a route both
on the north and the south side of the Khor connecting Afaj with the Shatt-al-Hillah.
AFAL (W adi)—
An important watercourse, in north-western Hejaz, which is a right-bank tributary
of the Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. 'Ainunah {q.v.) The general direction of its course, which is about 30 miles
long, appears to be south.— [Hunter's map of Arabia.)
'AFALIQ (B in).—•
The chief family in the Farlq-al-'Ayuni quarter of Mubarraz (q.v.) town in eastern
Arabia.
'AFAR—
A term frequently used in connection with the 'Awamir and apparently denoting the
portion of that tribe which inhabits the territory called 'Afar or Dhafrah, between
Mahot and Dhufar. The 'Afar include representatives of many sections.
'AFARIN (T ribe)—
See 'Ataibah (tribe); a sub-division of the Roqah section.
'AFFAR—
A mountain village in Yemen, lying nearly 50 miles north-west from Sana*a.
AFI—
A village in Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Ma'awal (q.v.) in the sultanate of 'Oman.
'AFlF—
A well known watering-place in southern Najd, on one of the main routes between Qasim
and Mecca. It is situated about 150 miles south-south-west from 'Anaizah, and, though
it has an elevation of 4,615 feet, lies in a hollow encompassed by low, basaltic mountains.
There is one good well, lined with dry, rude masonry, and containing fairly abundant
water at about 60 feet.
'AFIQ-AL-ASMAR—
Some hills in Hejaz, to the north-west of Qal'at Dar-al-Hamra. The Hejaz rail
way runs along the foot of the eastern slopes of these hills, of which the elevation is report
ed to be about 4,500 feet above sea-level.
'AFISAH—
One of the Aulad Wasil families of the Braih division of theBani Mutair {q.v.).
Q2