'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME II' [‎87v] (179/706)

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ENZALI
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the greater part of which lies to the west of a line that would join Rasht and
Enzali. It is for the most part, very shallow, but there is good enough
anchorage for ships that ply on the Caspian. There is a rough kind of wharf at
Enzali, and also a stone light-house which, however* is not of much use as
it is seldom lighted.
At Qazian there are wooden wharves, and 2 landing stages, alongside which
steamers can load or discharge.
In January 1904 the Russian Road Company obtained permission to
dredge the lagoon and construct wharves ; but it is not known (1912) whether
any work has been carried out.
There is a Russian fishing establishment just behind to the east of Qazian
the lake being full of fish.
Shipping—A certain number of ships are built here, of various sizes,
generally about 20 feet long, but all alike in shape, having the stem and stern
equally sharp and pointing upwards, while the centre is considerably lower.
They generally carry oars, but have also a mast and sail which carries them
on at a good rate when the wind is fair; but which are never used when
it is at all before the beam. Many of these crafts are to be seen running
along the shore, and lying in the mouths of the creeks and rivers up the
coast, and there are a certain number constantly trading between Pir-I-
Bazar and Enzali. They are navigated by a crew of from three to six men,
one of whom is looked np to as the master. Some of these boats are cal
culated to carry from 10 to 12 tons, and have a half deck, under which
they could stow baggage or goods out of danger from the weather.
At Enzali is stationed a small yacht of 129 tons presented to the Shah
by the Czar of Russia.
Mail streamers of the Caucasus and Mercury Steam Navigation Company
touch at Qazian twice a week in summer and once a week in winter.
They lie outside off the Customs’ House, passengers and goods being landed
in steam launches.
If the weather is very bad, steamers go on without attempting to put
passengers ashore.
Communications .—There are 2 routes from Enzali to Rasht, the land
and sea routes. The land route goes via Qazian ; it is practicable for
carriages and has lately been put in order by a Russian Engineer named
Sultanov ; a tax of Krdns 7 per carriage is charged.
Steam launches ply to Pir-i-Bazar by a circuitous route instead of by
the direct route taken by native boats ; this is owing to the shallowness
of the water in certain places, which could easily be remedied by dredging.
The Pir-i-Bazar road, owing to want of repairs, has become practically
impassable for wheels in autumn and winter. There is an alternative
route by Mubarakabad, which, owing to its having less traffic, is in better
repair. It is the property of a private individual, Haj> Agha Riza. For
native boats, Mubarakabad in a shorter distance than Pir-i-Bazar. A
certain amount of traffic goes on by this route, especially in heavy goods,
which can go up the Mubarakabad river, but have to be transhipped at the
mouth of the Pir-i-Bazar river owing to its shallowness.
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