'Handbook of Mesopotamia. Vol. I. 1918' [‎151] (160/568)

ADMINISTEATION
151
tions of the Muhaisin—is assembled every month and gives its
consent in matters of importance. The present Sheikh, Khazal
Khan, K.C.S.L, K.C.I.E., has shown himself a capable ruler. The
only part of his dominions where he has had serious trouble in
maintaining his authority is the Hawlzeh district.
The Sheikh holds very large tracts of southern Arabistan as his
private property by grant from the Persian Government, on con
dition that he shall not sell or transfer any land to foreigners.
On Turkish territory along the Shatt el-Arab are a large number
of Muhaisin and Ka'ab Arabs. Before the War these were wholly
under the jurisdiction of the Sheikh of Mohammareh and owed him
military service. They paid taxes to the Ottoman Government; but
the revenue raised by the Turks from the Sheikh's private estates
on their territory (which are inhabited by his tribesmen) has been
remitted to him by the British Government.
The revenue of the Sheikh's government is derived from taxes and
dues, the nature of which varies from district to district. For the
most part they are levied either on land or on produce. The Sheikh
possesses a large private income from his estates, and uses it for
political purposes.
The customs of southern Arabistan have been a part of the
Imperial Persian Customs, and have been administered accordingly,
with the co-operation of the Sheikh.
Northern Arabistan. — There has been a Persian governor in
northern Arabistan, resident either at Shushtar or at Dizful. Theo
retically this Persian official is Govern or-General of the whole of
Arabistan, with supervisory powers of the Sheikh of Mohammareh.
Actually he has had very limited authority even in the northern
province. The chief object of the Persian governors has been
described as being 1 to obtain the goodwill of a few powerful indi
viduals whose assistance will enable them to collect the revenue and
any further sums extorted upon which they can agree'. The revenue
6 consists in the country of taxes on produce, not on land ; and in the
townships on industries and shops'.
In the cities of Shushtar and Dizful the real power has generally
lain in the hands of the mujtdMds (religious leaders). Outside these
cities the chiefs of the Bakhtiyari, Sagwand, Beni Lam, Kathlr, and
Beni Sa ad have dominated the country. The influence of the Sheikh
of Mohammareh reaches as far as Dizful, and there is considerable
rivalry in this region between the Sheikh and the Bakhtiyari
khans. The Bakhtiyari hold Ramuz and its district at an annual
rent.