'Persia and the Persian Question by the Hon. George Nathaniel Curzon, M.P.' [‎555] (618/714)

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THE NORTH-WEST AND WESTERN PROVINCES 555
repeat what I have often said before, that no numerical calcula
tions in Persia agree, or can be accepted with implicit confidence.
The above-quoted table is, however, useful as supplying us with a
fairly correct classification of the Persian Kurds, about which some
more ample information may be opportune.
There can be no doubt that by far the most lawless and rascally
of the Kurds are the frontier tribes, who migrate forwards and
i Fron- backwards across the border line, according to the season
tier tribes 0 f year or the hope of plunder, seeking refuge from
an atrocity in the one country by retreat to the other. Twenty-
five years ago, Mr. J. G. Taylor, British Consul at Diarbekr, penned
the following paragraph, which is as true now as when composed :
This mixed nationality of one family and the still unsettled state
of the frontier cause interminable disputes between the governments
of Persia and Turkey. The Kurds being equally at home in one
country as in the other, cross the border whenever they feel inclined
or it suits their purpose, either for business or to evade proper punish
ment due to crimes committed in one or the other country. All
attempts to levy taxes, enforce conscription, and arrest offenders are
thwarted by a hasty migration to Persia or Turkey, as the case may
be. The military cordon stationed along the line that ought, if
efficiently organised, to assist Government in enforcing order and
obedience is totally useless for either, while the jealousies and quarrels
invariably existing between the civil and military authorities thwart
any well-devised action of the former.
Of these border-nomads and Azerbaijani Kurds, the following is
the latest computation that I have received :—
SheliaTi? —Partly Turkish, partly Persian, and noted robbers;
Sunnis of Shafei sect
jf/'e^—Crossing in summer into Persia and descending in winter
to the plains of Mosul
Oramar. —A few of whom cross the Persian frontier in summer
Karapapak. —Villagers of the Sulduz and Baradost (Beranduz)
plains; Shiahs
Mikri. —East and north-east of Suj Bulak ; Sunnis and sedentary
Menkuri. —South of Suj Bulak ; Sunnis and sedentary .
Mam ash. — In district of Lahijan, west and south-west of Su;
Bulak ; Sunnis and sedentary .....
Zeza. —In mountains north-west of Ushnu ; Sunnis and robbers
Eaideranlv.■ —Large tribe on frontier near Khoi .
Tents or
Families
1,500
2,000
3,000
2,000
5,000
3,000
1,000
{ •
lii
1 Their chief, Ali Khan, is in prison at Tabriz.
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