'Military Report on Iraq. Area 2 (Upper Euphrates)' [‎16r] (36/140)

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Grazing .—Fair grazing fur a cavalry squadron in the winter
months, but plentiful for sheep and camels.
Transport .—The town could produce about 500 ponies
and 1,000 donkeys on demand.
Communications .—
To Ramadi by road (50 miles). Passable for all arms in
good weather.
To Kubaisah by desert road (64 miles).
To Karbala via Shifathah (60 miles). Passable for Ford
vans in good weather.
To Najaf by desert road (80 miles). Passable for Ford
vans in good weather.
Inhabitants .—Approximate population of Rahhaliyah is
2,000, all of whom are Muhammadans. There is a big negroid
element. The inhabitants are divided into three families or
houses, for details of which see tribal lists under Chapter VI,
“ Tribes.”
Camping Grounds .—Unlimited in the neighbourhood of
drinking spring 400 yards north of the town.
Administration .—Mudir under the Mutassarif of Ramadi.
Ramadi .—Ramadi is a modern town of about 400 houses on
the right bank of the Euphrates, 27 miles upstream of Fallujah
and 33 miles downstream of Hit. It stands on slightly
elevated ground about 500 yards inland from the river, well
surrounded by date palms which exist on the right bank only.
About 1|- miles downstream of the town there are extensive
date gardens also. Large tracts of land on both banks of the
river are under cultivation, irrigated, by water lifts, also on
the right bank by the Aziziyah canal. The town gives the
impression of cleanliness rarely met with in Mesopotamia,
the main streets being broad, in good repair, well swept and
lit by electric light. The more important buildings are also
above the average for a town of this size, there being a good
Sarai, Political House, Police Khan, and several well-appointed
residential houses of a good size, including that of Ali Sulaiman,
the paramount Shaikh of the Dulaim, which stands m the palm
gardens on the right bank upstream of the town. A new bazaar
has just been completed which, when all the shops are occupied,
should be one of the best in any town of the same size as Ramadi.
There is a general air of progress in the town, accompanied
by efficient administration and prosperity.
(There is a boat bridge across the river miles downstream
of the town, for description of which see page 8.)