'Military Report on Iraq. Area 2 (Upper Euphrates)' [‎16v] (37/140)

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About half a mile upstream of Ramadi the Aziziyah canal
leaves the right bank of the river and flows in a south-south-east
direction into the Habaniyah lake about 5 miles south-east
of the town. Cultivation is carried out on both banks of the
canal from its head to the lake. Just below the intake the canal
is crossed by a stone bridge on the main Ramadi-Hit road.
About the same distance downstream of the town lies the
incomplete Habaniyah escape. This was under construction
by the Turks when war broke out, but was never completed.
The Habaniyah lake is a large tract of brackish water of
about 100 square miles situated about 5 miles south-east of
Ramadi. It is never dry and a little cultivation is to be found
on its shores. The water would be drinkable in case of
emergency.
Water .—Unlimited from the Euphrates.
Supplies and Commerce .—There is a well-stocked bazaar with
60 shops from which practically any necessaries can be obtained
including a limited amount of tinned food, cigarettes of
European manufacture, tobacco, matches and Manchester
cotton goods. A small quantity of black oil (a few gallons a
day) is obtained from a well called Nafathah on the left bank
of the river 10 miles north-east of Ramadi. This is only used
for doctoring camels and sheep by the tribesmen, and no
attempt has yet been made to find out the productive cajjacity
of this well.
Ramadi is the market town of the Dulaim of this district,
who grow large quantities of wheat, barley, bhoosa, rice, fruit
and vegetables. Some of the Badawin also come into the town
to purchase supplies. Sheep can be obtained from the semi-
nomadic Dulaim elements.
Below is an estimate of the amount of supplies available for
one year:—
Sheep
Fruit
Fuel ...
Rice ...
Vegetables ...
Barley
Hay and Bhoosa
3,000
Tons.
20
221
5
50
300
250
Grazing .-—Depends on the quantity of rain ; in a good year
unlimited in the winter months, but owing to rain shortage in
the winter of 1920-21 there has been practically no grazing
worth speaking of.
Transport .—Town could produce 50 camels and 150 donkeys.