'A second journey through Persia, Armenia, and Asia Minor, to Constantinople, between the years 1810 and 1816. With a journal of the voyage by the Brazils and Bombay to the Persian Gulf. Together with an account of the proceedings of His Majesty's embassy under Sir Gore Ouseley, Bart. K.L.S. With two maps, and engravings from the designs of the author.' [‎378] (446/516)

378
BEG JAN.
an encampment, which is then called an Ohah. Beyond these is the
tribe of Tekeh, the largest and the most powerful. It extends beyond
the Atrak, and generally is at variance with the \ emout and the
Guklan, who for mutual preservation are in strict alliance with each
other, and whose united forces are sufficient to oppose those of Tekeh.
It is at variance also with the Persians, and whenever the parties
find a fit opportunity, they do not fail to make inroads, and carry away
booty and prisoners. Beyond these again are the tribes of the Keik and
Kargi, situated near the Jihoon. The Yeylak, or summer quarters
of the Yemout is on the banks of the Atrak, and that of those who
inhabit the Atrak, in the Balkhan. Their Yeylaks and Kishlaks are
most strictly defined; the Charwah, who are the richest, taking the
best, whilst the poorer families, who are called the Chumal, put up with
the secondary situations. Every tribe is independent, and each family
acknowledges only its own chief; but every twenty or thirty families,
which generally form an encampment as before observed, have their
elder or Reishsefeed chosen from among themselves. He merely pre
sides over the affairs of his particular obah ; but when the interests ot
the whole tribe are concerned, as on questions of war or peace, of
distant expeditions for chappow, or any other general object, then the
chief Reishsefeeds, who are then called On-bashis, collect together in
council, and the remainder abide by their decisions. There appears
to be a very equal distribution of riches amongst them, and each family
seems to have as much independence and liberty as can be enjoyed by
man. Their Reishsefeeds are neither the most rich nor the most pow
erful, but those who have gained the greatest experience.
The Turcomans however have a sort of spiritual chief, who sways
only by the force of poverty and forbearance. He resides at Bokhara,
and enjoys the title of Khalifeh, or Calif. The history of Beg Jan,
father to the present Prince of Bokhara, is very remarkable, because
it shows the great power that may be acquired over a bigotted and
ignorant people by one who will put himself to the trouble of affecting
austerity and devotion. Beg Jan was revered as a saint, and every part
of his conduct tended to establish his reputation in that character.