File 2764/1904 Pt 2 'Baghdad Railway: General negotiations 1908-10.' [‎67v] (143/799)

and sold. I fear that this is only too true. I asked him why he did not try to interest
his Patriarch and Baud Jussefani (the Roman Catholic deputy for Mosul) in the matter,
but he seemed to think they were “ occupied with political affairs ” and not very likely
to take it up. f
134. Dehok .— From Zakkho to Dehok via Batiski and Simel is two very easy
stages, but the heat as one approached the plain (24th to 25th September) was
naturally trying. Behok is a picturesque dirty little town of, perhaps, 2,000 inhabitants
(Moslem, Jewish, and a very few Christians). Its gardens and orchards are famous,
and a certain amount of wine is produced in the neighbourhood. As a rule, it is not
very good, but I have lately some which is excellent and appreciated by persons qualified
to judge. The point is worth attention. There are almonds, pomegranates, pears, plums,
famous apricots, &c.
135. Sheikh Nur Mohamed lives at Behok, and as all the officials appear to be
completely in his power, his depredations and exactions are unchecked.
136. Sheikh Nouri lives, five hours off, at Briefka, whence he descends from time
to time to harry the defenceless sedentary Yezidies of the Sheikhan nahie.
137. Baadri Head-qiM7ters of the Yezidies .—Baadri is the head-quarters of Ali
Beg, the chief of all the Yezidies, and scattered though they are through Mosul,
Biarbekir, Van, and even part of Russia, he seems to exert a practical authority in
.collecting his dues. He complains a good deal—apparently with justice—of the tyranny
of Sheikh Nouri and also of the Ottoman Government, whose policy has always been
to coerce his people, and it is certainly true that those of them who are sedentary in
the plains are harmless enough and little able to defend themselves against oppression.
I spent two interesting days with the sheikh, and striking across the plain through the
rich corn country—there are a dozen water-mills on the Khozer—returned to Mosul
(nine hours) on the 28th September.
Annex 1.
Openings for Enterprise.
The following openings for enterprise, most of which have been separately reported
during the past two years, suggest themselves as suited to the district:—
1. A machine workshop in Mosul (city).
2. A general store in Mosul (city).
3. A flour mill and ice factory An East India Company trading post. in Mosul (city).
4. A flour mill at Kerkuk.
5. Irrigation and other pumps.
6. Artesian deep well machinery for such districts as Elkosh, Telkef, &c., and
perhaps Kerkuk. This seems worth careful consideration. The proximity of mountains
makes success almost certain.
7. Cotton seed and other oil presses.
8. Manufacture of soap and candles.
9. Manufacture of alkali.
10. Tanneries.
11. Agricultural machinery and implements of all kinds.
12. Cultivation of cotton might be largely increased, e.g., in the Rania Plain. This
certainly deserves attention. As illustrating the ignorance of the surrounding country
which prevails among even the upper classes here, it may be mentioned that many of
them have been found to be unaware of the existence of the Rania and Kala-Bize kazas
of this vilayet.
13. The value of the petroleum fields at Gayara, Tuz Khurmati, and Zakkho (if
still an open question) would seem at least to deserve expert investigation.
14. The same observation applies to the coal which is known to exist in the Zakkho
and Salahieh districts.
15. Arsenic, fuller’s earth, copper, sulphur, and other minerals.
16. A mineral which is believed to be cannel coal has been found: it is hoped to
transmit a specimen to the Board of Trade.
17. Attention has been repeatedly called to the question of a bridge over the
Tigris at Mosul; but it is obviously one for expert opinion. The same applies to the
opening for bridge work on the two zabs, the khabur, and perhaps other streams. It