‘Military report on south-west Persia, including the provinces of Khúzistán (Arabistan), Luristán and part of Fars.’ [‎53v] (111/470)

78
KalVi-Tul traverses the spur separating it from Mai Amir. There is no water
along the hitter till the fort is reached {see Appendix A, page 326).
Crossing the range of mountains called Gilgird or Chiliwir, we find the
valley of Susan already described {see page 72). From Mai Amir these
mountains are traversed by three passes, all of which are most precipitous and
difficult.
, r. , To the east of Susan is the lofty mountain of Tauwah
Doverah, where there are said to be sculptures.
Rors To the east of Tauwah Doverah is Bors or Bars,
which is behind the great range of Mungasht.
Beturning to the plain of Itam-Hormuz, towards the western extremity,
. cn , , „ which is usually called Mazehbenan, we find the conti-
itawand, and Akfli. nuation ot the low lulls, winch run parallel to the great
chain from Behbahan and terminate in the hills near
Shustar. Here, however, they are of greater elevation than at the north-east
extremity of Ram-Hormuz, and frequently rise into peaks of considerable height,
such as Tal Khayyat (Tul-Keyat). These hills are only to be crossed by very
difficult footpaths, scarcely practicable for horsemen. To the east of this chain
we have the plain of Gurgir, in which are the ruins of an ancient Susanian city.
To the north-west of Gurgir is the plain of Baitawand.
The extensive plain of Baitawand contains some fresh water rivulets, and
is one of the few cultivated districts in this part of the country. Through it
flows the salt stream named Shurish, which falls into the Karun, 0 miles
north of Shustar. In the spring the whole tract of country east of Shustar
is carpeted with wild flowers and presents the most beautiful appearance
that it is possible to conceive {Rawlinson).
To the north-east of Baitawand is another branch of the sandstone and
gypsum hills, which, leaving the principal range near Gurgir, unites with
the hills of Shustar near Akili. Crossing these hills, which are usually known
by the name of Turk-i-Uiz, we come to a small plain abounding with the
Masj id-i- Suleiman. honar (jujube tree), in which are the ruins called Mas-
jid-i-Suleiman.
They consist of a lofty platform, on the summit of which are the founda
tions and ruins of a building. Several broad and spacious flights of steps,
built of large and roughly hewn stones, lead to them. The steps are still in
good preservation, although the stones have not been united with cement.
Such are the ruins of the Masjid-i-Suleiman. It is remarkable, however, that
there are no remains in the province of Khuzistan, to which so many traditions
attach, as those respecting this mosque of Solomon. The Bakhtfans relate the
most singular stories in which the names of Solomon, Ali, Rustam, and Shapur
are jumbled together in an extraordinary manner. To the south of the
Masjid there are ruins, evidently Sasanian, in a valley called Kalga. Near
Kalga are bitumen pits {see pages 44,334, 353). To the north of The masjid
is a small valley called Ab-Garmayeh and Chashmah Ali. To the north-east
the country is the most mountainous, scarcely inhabited, and extending to the
river Kanin.
lo the noith-north-east of Shustar is Kuh Fedelak, a continuation of
Kuh-Fedelak. ^<3 same low limestone range. Through these moun
tains the river forces its way into the jflain, leaving
the hills. To the vest of the Karun this chain abruptly ends in a limestone
hill overhanging the town. Beyond it is the extensive plain between Shustar
and Dizful.