"تقارير إدارة أقسام ومناطق الأراضي المحتلة في بلاد الرافدين لسنة ١٩١٨. المجلد I" [و‎‎١‎٩‎٥] (٤٧٠/٣٩٤)

community, which it has earned throughout the period of British occupation.
During Ramadhan, when sickness was rife, several burglaries were committed,
owing to householders having left the town and gone out into their gardens.
Suspicion fell upon one man, who it was found, as the result of raiding his house,
was the arch thief of Suq. Since his incarceration, burglaries have ceased.
For the rest, petty thefts have probably been the work of tribesmen.
Sometimes suspicion has fallen upon Shabanah, but in no case has sufficient
evidence been forthcoming to convict. This suspicion is a relic of the old Turkish
days, when Government existed in name only and when tribesmen—the source
from which Shabanahs are drawn—came armed and looted the bazaar.
The majlis continues to do good work. While it has no magisterial powers,
it is extraordinarily useful in gathering or sifting evidence in cases sent to it by
“ order of reference,” and if its judicial processes are elementary, its “ findings ”
are usually sound or suggestive and of great help.
Conclusion .—The temper of the people is good. A community of merchants,
it is, without doubt, pro-British. The three leading citizens, Haji Hasan Hamdani,
Haji Ibrahim al ‘Amari and Haji ‘Ali al Dabbus are always anxious to render the
Assistant Political Officer their advice and help, while the people, as a whole, are
appreciative of one’s efforts on their behalf and for the welfare of Suq al Shuyukh.
6. Judicial.— The majority of the disputes that arise in this district are settled
under the terms of the Tribal Criminal and Civil Disputes Regulation.
In Suq al Shuyukh, a majlis has been instituted composed of four of the
leading citizens, two Sunnis and two Shkahs. Most of the cases referred to this
majlis are suits for the recovery of debt.
Tribal Disputes .—The evidence of an oath is accepted if the defendant swear
to his own innocence in terms which are considered binding before a Saiyid.
It has been found advisable, therefore, to appoint each Shaikh as arbitrator
for his tribe. The advantages of this are that all minor disputes are settled
according to tribal custom. It also serves to strengthen the position of the Shaikh
in his tribe. The “ finding ” is submitted to the A.P.O. for ratification.
In dealing with important cases, a majlis of tribal shaikhs is convened. The
opinions and advice of these shaikhs help the A.P.O. considerably in fiaming a
judgment.
Shar‘ah Law.—The Qadhis of the ShaFah Court are Shaikh Nuri and Shaikh
JaJar, who act as Hakim ShaFah to the Sunni and Shkah elements respectively.
7. Education. —The past year has been eventful for Suq al Shuyukh. It has
witnessed the inauguration of the Government primary school, which promises
to be of immense value in years to come to those with whom the work of civil
administration will then rest. One has been glad of the opportunity of making the
school a success, believing that it will be easier to govern a people trained m the
means of correct thinking than to have always to combat the forces of ignorance.
While it is hoped that the utilitarian side of education has not been neglected
the teaching has throughout been based upon the maxim that the aim and end
of true education is formation of the boy’s character, lo this end games have been
introduced and encouraged. Football, in particular is very popular; physical drill
under a qualified army instructor has been included m the curriculum; but over
and above all, the virtue of personal cleanliness has been persistently taught from
the first. In this connection there is an amusing incident to relate At the prize-
giving proceedings following upon term examinations, I dilated at length upon the
time-honoured theme of cleanliness. Just as the boys wene about to depart, I
nut the question- “There is something of greater importance than English or
Arab coHeWhy arithmetio-what is it?” I expected to be answered
by a shout in unfson “Cleanliness,” and intended to send the youngsters away
with this word on their lips. Instead, however, there was an embarrassing silence,
which was at last broken by one bright boy who, rising, saluted and exclaimed,
KS/'aB jlbbi l Shi'ah, who enjoy, the oonMenoo o! Sunni » well « of
Ship in the town, is instructing all the boys m the Quran, while Shaikh Nun,
the Sunni Imam, is instructing the Sunni section in the tenets of their sect
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