'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.' [‎135] (188/905)

CHAP. VII. j TARKU', AND INHABITANTS OF THE PROVINCE. 135
it occupies tlie slope of a mountain, on the crest of which is People of
the Russian fortress of Bournu j 1 and, though it contains D%best ' n '
but 9000 inhabitants, it is still considered as the capital.
The people call themselves mountain Tartars, and their
long drinking cups, made of cows'-horns, with a disposition
to be boisterous while they indulge in the inebriating liquor
called brega, 2 favour this opinion; while the use of low tables,
and some other customs, seem to indicate that they are of the
Median or Babylonian race.
The Lezgi, Trousc, Tatte, and other dialects of the Tartar Dialects and
tongue being, in Daghestan, mixed with the Armenian, Per- Religion -
sian, and Hebrew, 3 it is probable that settlers from each of
the nations speaking those languages were the immediate
ancestors of the people of that country.
Their religion is that of Muhammed, and they are divided
into Shi'ahs and Sunnies; among them are many Armenian
and Greek Christians, with a very limited number of Jews. 4
The people of the towns and plains are of middle size,
strong, and active. They are careful agriculturists and in
dustrious fishermen ; and, in character, they much resemble
the Persians, particularly in a disregard of truth, and a
disposition for theft and intrigue. 5 The mountaineers and
nomadic tribes have a Tartar physiognomy; they are also
taller and more active than the people of the plains.
In general, they are brave ; and, being always armed, they Character of
are ready to prove their courage by engaging in fatal combats the people '
on the slightest occasions. Taking revenge for injuries, and
the practice of hospitality, are held to be imperative duties.
Like the Jews, the husband can at pleasure give the talagh,
or writing of divorce, to his wife, who is then obliged to quit
his roof, leaving her children behind.
The most laborious work falls to the women, whilst the
men are occupied in the sturgeon fishery, in rearing horses,
camels, &c., and in making" occasional forays on the lands of
1 Aperc^u, &c., Tome IV., p. 187, &c.
2 Made of barley, and resembling mead. *
8 Aperqu, &c., Tome IV., pp. Ill to 129, and pp. 151 to 187.
4 Ibid. 5 Ibid., pp. 36 to 38.