‘Military report on south-west Persia, including the provinces of Khúzistán (Arabistan), Luristán and part of Fars.’ [‎33r] (70/470)

43
Ram-Hormuz plain.
The rivers—
Karun {see piges 41, 71, 17S, 195, 193, and part III)
Jarrahi {see page 47,,
Hindiyan {seepage 46),
break through the range. It also occurs on either side of the latter river (known
locally as the Zeitun hills), and consist of a confused sea of tumbled undula
tions rising to a height of 900 to 1,400 feet above sea level, and composed of
clays and sandstones [see pages 307, 303, 348). Springs and streams are rare,
and the water lying in the beds of the dry water courses is saline.
The alluvial plains of Itam-Hormuz is fertile and occupied by various
tribes of Arabs, some nomads, some settled in villages.
The chief tribes are the Ali-Khaims, Ali-Bu-Kurd, Shuli,
Ali-Bu-Murad, and Gurgi (see pages 332 to 334).
The chief villages are Ram-Hormuz, containing 250 families; Deh Yur,
the residence of the chief of the Ali-Bu-Kurd ; Kal'a Shaikh, on the banks of
the Kurdistan; Sultanabad, Jaizan, Aliabad, Kherfend, and Chah Mula,
a mud fort on the Kurdistan.
Under a settled government the fertility of this plain is such that it is
capable of becoming a vast grain Held. It also produces rice, dates, melons,
&c. The district pays a tribute of 14,000 tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. .
Ram-Hormuz was formerly included in the Government of Pars, and was
under the Chiefs of Behbahan, by whom, however, it was ceded to the Bakh-
tiaris for assistance rendered against the Persians by Muhammad Taki. The
latter, without success, endeavoured to settle several of his tribes in this
plain. The Persian Government opposed him, and the Kuhgehlu and Arab
tribes harassed the settlers.
In the Garmsir villages to the eastward of Behbahan, Persian is generally
spoken; to the westward, Arabic is spoken, and Persian
not always understood. About the Karun as far north
as Shustar, Arabic is the only spoken language, and in the villages and
encampments, as a rule, Persian is not understood except by a very few.
The plain of Zeitun is exceedingly fertile and well watered by the
p f , Hindiyan river. It is studded with villages. This dis
trict, as well as that of Ram-Hormuz, has suffered on
account of Government exactions; the prosperity and improvement of both have
been nipped in the bud, and they are to-day less cultivated than they were
years ago, for here are the remains of villages, canals, &c , &c., indicating for
mer prosperity and population.
The plain of Behbahan resembles in character and soil that of Ram-
Hormuz, which it adjoins, and that of the Garmsfr,
bordering the gulf. It produces excellent crops of wheat
and barley, and is well irrigated by canals drawn from the Kurdistan river.
The district, together with that of Shulistan (see page 55), pays a
tribute of 24 to 30,000 tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. .
The plain contains the ruins of several towns, i.e., near Kai-kaus, 8 miles
north-west of Behbahan ; Arrejan, 4 miles to its north.
In the winter the narcissus covers it (see page 329).
Besides the road to Isfahan through the Tang-i-Tekab, described as route
Alternative road to No. 4, another path leads from the plain through the hills
Isfahan via Tang-i-Sau- by the Tang-i-Saulek, lying 26 miles north-north-west of
lek {Salak). Behbahan (seepage 329), and in the Kuhgehlu hills.
The Tang resembles that described in page 306 ; a mountain stream traverses
it; beyond it are bas-reliefs described by De Bode.
Plain of Behbahan.
Ruins.