'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎259] (368/496)

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opposite Khanakin, on the Persian side of the stream. It has a fine
Khan for the reception of goods and accommodation of the merchant or
traveller. Khanakin and Haji-Kara are now the frontier towns lying on
the main road between Turkey and Persia, though, strictly speaking, in
accordance with the old treaties, the Pachalic of Zohab, as far as the old
fort of Sarmil at the head of the Taki-Grirrah pass, is undoubtedly Turkish
soil. This portion of the country was lost to Turkey in 1821, by the
invasion of the Persian troops under Mahomed Ali Mirza, then Prince
of Kirmanshah. This energetic prince had reached as far as this j>oint
on his advance against Baghdad when he was attacked with cholera and
died in a few hours. The hopes and ambition of Persia died with him,
and his army returned disheartened to Kirmanshah. The territory,
however, which he then gained, has since been unwillingly recognized as
Persian soil, from inability in the Turkish ruler of Baghdad to
re-conquer it; and the surrounding tribes, taking advantage of this, in
some measure, debateable soil, repair to the neighbourhood for the
adjustment of their disputes either by negociation or by the sword. The
latter is, however, the most often resorted to, and this locality is, there
fore, one of the most disturbed in either district. The disputes between
tribe and tribe are not only adjusted here, but tribes in rebellion against
either Government find it a convenient spot for the exercise of their
lawless habits, as by crossing the barrier, they effectually secure them
selves from pursuit. This insecurity will at all times prevail, unless,
indeed, the Turkish Governor of Baghdad and the Persian Amir of
Kirmanshah mutually act for the coercion of the tribes, and the repose
of the frontier. But this is not the policy of either, as these aggressions
not only tend to keep alive the national hatred and antipathy, but serve,
in some measure, as a screen to the grasping power of the despots in
either province, who fail not secretly to foment them.* Major Bawlin-
son’s mission will, I fear, be a laborious one. Possessing the confidence of
both parties, his abilities and knowledge of Native character well fit him
for the task, which, if prosperous, will prove of great benefit to the Com
missioners at Erzroum: the habits, hatreds, prejudices, and conflicting
testimonies, however, of the tribes and factions that he is endeavouring
* This district, as well as others bordering the mountain ranges of the Zagros, h as
in ali ages been the scene of rapine, bloodshed, and strife. Both Arrian and Stra
bo repeatedly allude to these disturbed regions, and the lawless habits of the Cas-
sei, who maintained then, as at present> an independence notwithstanding their
vicinity to the capital. Alexander the Great, who finally conquered them, experi
enced much difficulty in keeping them under his yoke.—See Heeren, Vol. I., page
245—from Arrian’s History of Alexander.