'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.' [‎374] (451/905)

374
KURDS AND YuRUKS.
[CHAP. XVT
brass clasp over the trousers; and their chief ornaments are
small silver coins and beads attached to the hair, whilst those
of the rich ladies consist of gold or coral, sparingly used:
these last have a high pointed head-dress, which is no less
remarkable than that of the men, and is composed of a great
many coloured silk handkerchiefs. Household occupations,
spinning goats' hair or wool, and making bags, carpets, &c.,
are the employments of the women. Out of doors their faces
are sometimes covered, but this is not the case within : they
are passionately fond of dancing and other amusements, which
they enjoy in common with the men ; and their fidelity shows
that they appreciate the confidence which is reposed in them,
character bf The character given of the Kermanj of Assyria 1 is very
the Kurds. f rom that which is attributed to the Kurds of Asia
Minor, among whom theft and robbery, indifference to their
ill-understood religion, the absence of truth, and relentless
revenge, extensively prevail. These bad qualities seem to be
the natural result of their state of half independence, and of
the bloody feuds which are carried on amongst themselves;
yet it cannot he denied that the Kurd has some redeeming
points : he is a good husband and father ; a faithful member
of the patriarchal community to which he belongs, and he is
ever ready to impart hospitality to strangers. He engages
frequently in athletic exercises, and he enjoys in a high degree
music, dancing, with other amusements which are the usual
indications of a mild disposition.
Dress of the The dress of the Yuruk, and other Turkoman tribes, may
Yuruks, &c. ga .^ a middle pl aC e between that of the Armenians
and of the people just mentioned ; the cloaks which they wear
are generally white, and of rough home manufacture. But
the most remarkable portion of the dress is the red tarbush,
which is allowed to fall behind over the folds of a white
turban. The figure of the Turkoman is good and athletic,
but his countenance is not prepossessing, being broad and flat,
with sunken eyes ; his arms are—a lance, a sahre, and a short
gun or pistols; horse exercise, smoking, and tending their
flocks, are the sole occupations of the men.
1 P. 125.