'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part II: Geographical and descriptive materials, Section II: Western Side of the Gulf' [‎42v] (84/280)

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Their character is cruel and vindictive and so suspicious that intermediaries
are generally employed in bargains. In spite of this they have few ^ quarrels,
and among them old age is respected and filial duty faithfully discharged.
Their hospitality is proverbial; hut in manner they are stern; triviality is
not understood ; and firmness of mind and body are the only qualities respected.
{d) Some are Wahabis, others Sunnis. Bigoted and intolerant but do not
carry these traits into small matters, {e) Food consists chiefly of fish, dates,
bread and milk. Bicher classes indulge in rice. Much coffee is drunk even
by lowest orders and smoking is not uncommon in spite of prevalence of
Wahabi tenets. All are dirty in person. Principal amusements are frequent
ing coffee-houses and gambling. (/) Their sole peaceful occupations are
pearling and fishing : the former can only he prosecuted from June to September;
and, during bad weather in winter, sea-fishing is impossible. They have therefore
periods of enforced idleness which in former times led to piracy and still perhaps
drives them to tribal warfare. There is practically no agriculture, (g) (h)
Men marry as early as they can support a family and when one wife passes
her prime they take another. Women marry as young as 14. The people treat
their slaves with kindness and are formally polite to one another. (?') (/)
Arms in 1835 were matchlock, spear about 7 feet long, rich dagger in girdle
and long double-edged straight sword with long handle and no guard. (8) (a) —
(g) (A) Genealogies of ruling families of all principalities are required. En
closure to Kemball’s demi-official of 30th October 1903, does not give colla
terals. Tables might include dates of birth, accession and death, so far as
possible. Cox’s genealogy of Sharga family (in his letter No. 290 of 2nd July
1902) does not give dates nor, apparently, descendants of collaterals.
UNIRAH.—Town mentioned by Whitelock as on Pirate Coast near a
cove called Muzahma, resorted to by pearlers, between R-as al Khaima and
Emm ul Kawain.
YAS (BENI).—Bombay Selection, XXIV, divides them into Beni Yas,
Manasir and Awamir. Palgrave calls them an ill-famed clan, half Bedouins,
half villagers, and all pirates. He says their chief place is Soor and that they
belong to the original inhabitants of Oman and, though devoid of its civili
sation, partake in its national and political feelings and hence are haters of
all Muslims and Wahabis. Beni Bu Eelasa appears to be name of a section.
YAS (SIR BENI).—Island of which south-east point is in lat. 2t° 16J'
north, and long. 52° 37' east. Length 6 miles north and south, breadth 4 miles.
At north-east end is ruined village and bad w^ater can be got by digging. In
centre is mass of volcanic hills, highest point 430 feet. At south-east end is
singular land-locked harbour, with 4 to 6 fathoms and muddy bottom ; entrance
only 2 cables wide; dimensions \ mile by | mile internally. Was (and is ?)
much resorted to by pearlers.
YIFE (JEBEL).—High peak in the country of the Beni Kaah,
ZAAB (or ZAAL?).—Tribe represented at Bas al Khaima and Jazirat-al-
Hamra.
ZADNA.—Or Ehadna Village. (1) About 4 miles south of Ras Eibba
on Shameiliya coast in Sharki district of Sharga. (2)—10).
Z APR AH.—Village of Manasir tribe raided by Katar people about 1888
under personal leadership of their Sheikh.
ZAHOORIYEEN —Ghafiri tribe who claim to he a branch of Ehowahir
of Bereymi, though latter are Hinawis. Zahooriyeen are in practice uncon
nected with Dhowahir and they follow fortunes of Shihiyyin to whom they
are practically subject. In cold weather they live by fishing. From May to
September they migrate bodily toHibba, Khor Fakan and Khasab, leaving care
takers behind, and bivouac in date plantations attaching themselves to one of
permanent communities at those places. Their villages are Shabus and Shisa
and all the villages in the Malcolm and Elphinstone inlets. Some of the women
screen their faces in the Egyptian fashion.
ZAI.—Hamlet. (1) Two miles inland from Rams in Ras al Khaima dis
trict of Sharga. (2) On hill. (3) Fortified. (4)—(10).