'Kurdistan and the Kurds' [‎7v] (14/122)

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The climate is reported by one authority to be good, whereas another
says that it is far more dangerous than Jezirat-ibn-‘Omar as regards
malaria, and that the water of the Khabur is very unhealthy, in conse
quence of having passed through several villages higher up the stream.
Wheat, barley, rice, and many kinds of fruit are grown here; there is fair
grazing for sheep in the near neighbourhood. It is also reported that
there are undeveloped coal-mines in the hills north of Zakho, at Marsis,
at Harbol, and near Sheranis. It is the headquarters of a qazd. The
population indues Kurds, Chaldteans, and Jews, with some Arabs.
About one and a half hours’ journey to the east of Zakho are two
areas of petroleum-springs, on the right bank of the Khabur. Part of
this petrolem is purified by the local Kurds in a cauldron-installation near
the springs, but the larger part of the supply is sent for preparation to
Zakho, where there are two cauldron-installations. The residue consists
of the by-products of tar, which serves for fuel to heat the cauldrons.
The business is in the hands of a, contractor, but it could certainly be
worked more profitably by the state. The springs need cleansing and an
estimate of (heir capacity is required. They should also be roofed over
and enclosed to prevent the entrance of impurities. The Gargariyah
Kurds, of whom little is known, are reported to live about midway between
Zakho and Mosul, on the eastern bank of the Tigris.
Rowanduz is sit uated close to the Persian frontier, about 80 miles
east of Mosul, on a sloping tongue of land which runs down to the ravine
of the Rowanduz Chai; this stream is crossed below the town by a wooden
bridge without parapets. A little less than a mile to the north an old
Kurdish blockhouse commands the town. Water is plentiful; grapes are
grown, and a little wine is made. Trade is chiefly carried on in gall-nuts,
wool, and goats’ hair. Among the inhabitants the Kurds are a pre-
pondeniting element. It is the seat of a qaimmaqdm.
Alton Kdpru, (nr the “ Golden Bridge”; in Arabic, El-Qantarah),
stands on an island in the Lesser Zab ; its western channel, which is dry
most of the year round, is crossed by a bridge of three spans; the eastern
one is traversed by a bridge of a single span, 60 feet wide. The population
consists mostly of Turkomans, with a. sprinkling of Arabs and Kurds, who
are ill-disposed to the Turks. The prevailing language is Turkish.
There is a small trade in wheat and barley, which are floated on rafts
down the Tigris and exported; there is also some traffic in wool and
timber from the hills. Drinking water is obtained from the hills.
Kirkuk is built on the main road from Baghdad to Mosul, about 187
miles north of the former city. The town lies on the left bank of the
Ilasa Su : the citadel stands on a large flat-topped mound, 180 feet high.
Owing to the sheltered position of the place, the climate is exceedingly
hot, and rather unhealthy in the summer. The inhabitants are of many
races and religions, but the principal element consists of Turkomans,