‘GAZETTEER OF PERSIA VOL. I Comprising the Provinces of ASTARÁBÁD, SHÁHRUD-BÚSTAN, KHÚRÁSÁN, AND SÍSTÁN’ [‎328v] (663/722)

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After seizing the Shahrud Bustan defile, the force could advance up the
valley of the Gurgan and over the Kafr and Sultan Maidan passes on
Mashhad. The routes connecting Shahrud with the Caspian are very
impracticable. The tent of Imam Bayazid, a sacred shrine, is much visited
by pilgrims ; but is an unpretending pile of loose stones. The grave of
Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Mahmud Azfm Khan is near it.— {Fraser, Morier, Clerk, Taylor,
Fashvick, Forster, Co7iolly, Gibbons, Ferrier, Bellew, Marsh, MacGregor,
Napier, Lovett, Stewart.)
SHiHRtfD—L at. , Long. ; Elev.
A district of Khurasan. It extends from Tash, north-west of the town
of Shahrud, to the - Kal Mura stream, a distance of 105 miles, and from
the crest of the Khush Ailak range too far into the Kavir, a distance of
not less than 70 miles, so that the area would be more than 7,000
souare miles : some put it at 10,000. That portion of this tract which
is drained bv the Rud-i-Shah is known as the Julgah-i-Bustan j and this
consists of a fine alluvial tract, with many large villages and much cultiva
tion. To the east of this at the foot of the outer spurs from the Khush
Ailak is a tract known as Julgah-i-Magas-i-Gilan, which is dry and arid,
with little water.
The subdivisions of this district are—(1) Ziristak, which comprises the
west portion and all the principal villages in it; (-2) Kuhpaia, which consists
of all t he country in the higher part of the hills in the north; (3) Sarhad, *
consisting of the upper part of the Bustan valley and the hilly country
above Magas and the plain of Magas itself; (4) Biarjumand, the tract
Wing between the above and the desert; (5) Turan, east of Biarjumand, a
desert tract, with seven or eight hamlets ; and (6) Farumad, a small hilly
tract lying across the Kalshus on the borders of Juvam and Sabzawar.
The inhabitants of this district are designated Arab-wa-Ajam, Arabs and
Persians ; though there is a small proportion also of Turks. • The first
are the descendants of the Arab conquerors ; but the three races have now
fused so completely, that they are indistinguishable in feature and lan
guage. One of the finest regiments in the Persian army is called the Arab-
wa-Ajam, and is celebrated for its valour.
The population of the district is estimated at only 32,000 souls, exclusive
oF Nardin, which may have 2,000 more. The force maintained numbers
about 1,000 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 3 guns.
Some salt is found in the district. The price of foodgrain is about 3^
maunds wheat and 5 4 maunds barley per kran. In the production of grain
Shahrud Bustan is not inferior to any district of Khurasan, save Sabzawar.
Gardens and vineyards cover a large area, and more cotton and silk are
raised than elsewhere; but the production of foodgrain is very scarce.
In the northern portions the demand for staples of exports prevents the
export of surplus grain; and in the southern buluks the water-supply is
deficient, of ten impregnated with salt, and unsuited to grain crops.— {Belleiv,
MacGregor, Napier, Lovett.)
SHAHRWAN— Lat, , Long. ; Elev. '.
A village in eastern Khurasan, 34 miles west of Khaf/on the road to
Herat.— [Chi 'istie.)
SHAHST KULLA— Lat. , Long. ; Elev. '.
A stream in Khurasan, 94 miles west of Astarabad, on the road to Kurd
Mahalla.— [Napier.)