'Military Report on Iraq. Area 2 (Upper Euphrates)' [‎11v] (27/140)

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it was moved about 25 years ago from the old site which was
on the river bank and in danger of destruction, as the river
began to cut out a new course. The ground between the town
and the river is low and marshy and is cultivated with a few
fruit gardens, but there are practically no date trees. There
are two main streets running at right angles to each other,
and the houses are mostly of stone construction. Albu Kamal
is regarded as the centre of the Aqaidat tribe and is the market
town for grain, which is grown in considerable quantities
in this area.
Water .—Unlimited from the Euphrates.
'Supplies and Commerce .—There is a small Badawin bazaar
from which the usual commodities can be obtained. The chief
product of the surrounding country is grain, which is brought
into Albu Kamal and exported downstream. It is estimated
that the area under cultivation produces 5,000 tons of wheat,
barley and maize annually.
Crazing .—Grazing depends entirely on the quantity of rain.
In a normal year in the winter months there is extensive grazing
on both banks of the river, but in the winter of 1920-21 it was
practically non-existent owing to the shortage of rain.
Transport.—200 to 250 donkeys could be produced and also
a few camels and mules.
Fuel .—Imported from Dair-al-Zor district.
C ommunications .—
(i) On the main road between Baghdad and Dair-al-Zor
passable for all arms except in wet weather.
(ii) Track across the Jazirah to Mosul (185 miles).
(hi) Track across the desert to Kubaisah (112 miles).
Inhabitants. Total population of town approximately
750, of which practically all are Sunni Muhammadans, with
a very few Jews.
Camping Grounds .—Unlimited on either side of the town.
A landing ground for aeroplanes was made 2 miles north
east of the town when we were in occupation, but it is not
known what the condition of the ground is to-day.
Administration.—In Turkish times Albu Kamal was the
headquarters of a Qaza.
—- Dair-al-Zor. —Dair-al-Zor is a town of some 1,200 houses
situated on the right bank of the Euphrates, 192 miles upstream
°/ AmA i and 115 downstream of Raqqa. The town stands on
rising ground above the river opposite an island, and is some
what European in appearance, having good roads, public