'Narrative of a Residence in Koordistan, and on the Site of Ancient Nineveh; with Journal of a Voyage down the Tigris to Bagdad and an Account of a Visit to Shirauz and Persepolis.' [‎261] (296/450)

ALI MIRZA S BRIDGE.
261
lli^lier up on the river Elwan rice is cultivated,
which in autuiim renders the air very unwhole
some. I was told here that the common produce of
grain is ten to one of seed. Koordish tribes at pas
ture were scattered about the green plain in different
directions.
e halted in the plain for half an hour while I
sent on our konakjee, or courier. On our right
were the mountains under which lay the district
called Ghilan, before us were the mountains of Per
sia, behind the Koordish town of Zehav.
Crossing a small eminence we descended upon
the little town or village of Khanakeen; where we
arrived at a quarter past twelve, and where there is
a very good khan built by the Persians ; but instead
ol stopping here we crossed the river Elwan (a rapid
mountain torrent, running from south to north and
falling into the Diala not far from Kizzelrebat)
over a magnificent bridge of thirteen arches, which
was built by Mahommed Ali Mirza*, and took up
our quarters at Hajee Kara on the opposite bank.
March 23rd.
We have had a very stormy night. This morning
tl'e wind is north-west. I have just heard of a
J he King of Persia's eldest son and Governor of Kerman-
shah. The building of this bridge cost 200,000 piastres. There
had been two others, which were both carried away.