'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎375] (452/905)

CHAP. XVI.] THE TURKOMANS, KURDS, ETC.
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The women do not cover their faces, nor do they stain the
skin. They are brunettes, and are generally ruddy, with
expressive countenances; their figures are good, and their per
sons are cleanly, without being loaded with ornaments. They
have yellow boots, crimson trousers, and a white upper dress
of ample dimensions. Some wear a red tarbush, falling
towards the front instead of behind, as is the case with that of
the men, whilst others braid their black hair in tresses
beneath a band formed of Venetian sequins, or other gold
coins; and it is usual to have a ring through the left cartilage
of the nose. Besides culinary occupations, the women are
employed in spinning wool, and making carpets, bags, and tents.
The Turkomans came into Asia Minor towards the begin- Character of
^ the rurkomans.
ning of the 12th century, and they may be said to belong to a
modern period compared with the Kurds, who are probably
the descendants of one of the ancient stocks; but the Turko
mans have greatly the advantage over the latter people in
quietness and simplicity of character. Nominally they are
followers of the Koran; but its precepts and tenets have
scarcely reached these wanderers, who are at the same time
nearly free from the crimes of theft and depredation.
That pride of birth to which the Kurds and others attach
such importance is almost unknown among them; and they
differ from easterns in general, in giving portions with their
daughters, instead of receiving a compensation on the occasion
of a marriage. Camels, goats, sheep, and oxen, constitute their
wealth : the last are used as beasts of burthen, on which they
place panniers to carry their families, and occasionally the
large double bags filled with grain, 1 which, as well as their
arms and clothes, they purchase; the simple fare already men
tioned satisfies their truly primitive wants.
The sun-burnt and athletic Xebeque 2 may be readily distm- The xebe q «es.
guished from all the other inhabitants of the peninsula by his
sinewy bare legs, his showy vest, and towering, half-Turkish
half-Kurdish turban, with pendent silk fringes partly shading
a deeply-coloured manly countenance; but more especially by
1 See piate y 4 See Plate XLIX.
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