File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎262v] (533/834)

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and a traverse of similar blocks running north and south across
it, broken by a central gap facing east and west; in the inter
stices between the traverse and the circumference lesser circles
were scattered about. Of the two groups of ruins that of
Firzan is the more perfect and distinctive, owing to the greater
use in its construction of large blocks of stone, whereas the
circles of the other are largely of rubble and smaller stones.
Finally, the effect of foreign influence is enhanced by the solid
workmanship of the subterranean aqueducts and the intricate
irrigation system of which they form part ; the type is found
elsewhere in Arabia—in the Aflaj district, at Qatif and, doubtless,
at other places ; and there can be little doubt that the Kariz of
Qatif dates back to times when Persian influence was predominant
on the coast. Is it possible that Kharj itself, and, if Kharj, the
Aflaj also, owed their prosperity to Persian settlements, long
since wiped out by successive waves of Arab invaders from the
south ? It seems to me not altogether improbable that the very
name of the race which prospered in this fertile valley in the
days of yore still survives in a form corrupted by forgetful
centuries, Firzan—Fursan—the Persians.
KHURMA PAST AND PRESENT.
The following extract from a communication of Mr. Philby,
dated August 18, is of interest as giving fresh data about the
boundaries of the border-tribes between the Hejaz and’Nejd and
the questions of jurisdiction which are involved therein :—
“ As already pointed out, Khurma is only ten miles east of
the unquestionable boundary of the Buqum and Subai tribes,
namely Shaib Shaba. The question at issue, therefore, is the
jurisdiction over the western section of the Subai tribe whose
capital is Khurma and whose eastern boundary is Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Naim,
one hundred and twenty miles east of Khurma. The adjudication
of Khurma to the Sherif, therefore, necessarily implies extending
the boundary of the Hejaz to a line about two hundred miles or
more east of Taif. This brings up the question of the Ateiba
highlands extending another one hundred miles eastward of
Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Nairn, and, as the Sherif claims jurisdiction over the
Ateiba, the boundary of Nejd falls back very nearly to the
line Tuwaiq.”
It will be remembered that several months before there was
any trouble at Khurma (see Bulletin No. 41, page 69), Emir
Feisal stated that about five years ago Ibn Saud had agreed,
through his brother Saad ibn Saud, to recognise the Sherif’s
authority in Wadis Khurma, Bisha and Ranya. The Sherif was
recognised as overlord of the Ateiba, and Ibn Saud as overlord
of the Qahtan. Ibn Saud was to hold sway in Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows.