'Reports of administration for 1918 of divisions and districts of the occupied territories in Mesopotamia. Volume I' [‎130r] (264/470)

Jews and Christians. In the town of Basrah the Jews are in strong force with
a total number of 6,499 (census 1918). Christians number 2,240. While the Moham
medans of this district are, as a body, somewhat apathetic and lethargic in their
outlook on life and in need of stimulus, the Jews and Christians are alert. The
Mohammedans must not only be set on the new track of progress, but exhorted
and encouraged to move along it; while it will be sufficient for the Jew and Christian
that the tract be laid, they will be on it before it is ready. So it is we have an
urgent demand on the part of the non-Moslems for British rule and an acquiescence
in the idea of the necessity of it on the part of the Moslems, with a wistful eye on
the red tarbush which the Osmanli made the young Arab wear. But the Mohamme
dan will advance, and he has not the vulgarity which the Jew has in his haste
and which excites Mohammedan contempt. But let us hope that the culture of
‘Iraq will be common to its people, identical not in expression but in its essence.
2. Revenue : Land Revenue. —The Zubair district brings in no revenue to
Government, the Shaikh having the benefit of local taxation. In the Basrah
Sanjaq date plantations provide all but a small part of the land revenue of the
Sanjaq, and revenue on such lands is collected according to the Turkish
assessment. This assessment is based on an old survey made some 40 years ago,
and represents the cash equivalent of the State’s demand as it then was. In the
period during which this assessment has been in force the value of dates has increased,
it is computed, by 500 to 600 per cent, or more. Estates have also grown in extent,
while in a few cases they have deteriorated. So it comes about that the Revenue
demand is far short of what it should be on the recognised basis of assessment,
while in exceptional cases the demand may be much greater than the whole produce
is worth. This matter was dealt with in last year’s report, but it has not been
possible to carry out a fresh survey and assessment.
The year opened with arrears to the extent of Rs. 43,478. Of this sum, Rs. 39,493
have been collected. The total demand for the current year is Rs. 7,67,824, less
remission to the Shaikhs of Muhammarah and Kuwait on their properties in this
district to the extent of Rs. 1,04,658 for services rendered to Government. Collection
has been much delayed owing to the lateness of the date season, but is now proceeding
rapidly. Remissions have again been made in cases of damage caused by military
occupation.
Tapu. —The tapu office was formerly part of that of the Political Officer.
It was transferred in 1916 to the control of the Revenue Officer and has recently
returned to its old home as part of the Divisional Administration. Statistics for
the year 1917 and 1918 are given below and show marked increase in work during
the management of Captain Brown, whose personal inspections throughout the
district have been the subject of popular and favourable comment. The strong
advance in acquisition of landed and house property by Jews and Christians is a
noticeable feature and one in keeping with the political situation, these two classes
being prepared to take advantage of the liberty found and expected to continue.
1917.
1918.
A.— Sanads Issued :—
1. Basrah and ‘Ashar from 1st January to date
2. Outside Basrah and ‘Ashar
3. Mortgage sanads - -
787
508
167
1,106
660
174
B .—Fees Received :—
92,961/- 1,59,931/2/-
C .—Value of Property Sold :—
I. Agricultural land—
1. To Mohammedans
2. To Jews
3. To Christians -
26,92,509f 15,27,899/3/-
1,07,561| 7,63,525/7/-
1,31,659 6,67,176/8/-
Total
29,31,730 29,58,601/2/-
* IO 1162—1
S