"تقرير عسكري عن بلاد الرافدين (العراق)" [ظ‎‎١‎٠] (٢٢٦/٢٥)

8
Muhaddasi describes it as famous for its carpenters.
Oranges, lemons, and the date-palm flourished abundantly
here, and a large Friday Mosque stood in the midst of
the town. Moslem tradition stated that the Ark first
rested on the hill above Sinjar during the flood; but
afterwards, continuing on its course, came finally to rest
on Jabal Judi on the east side of the Tigris. Further,
Yahut adds that Sinjar was also famous as the birthplace
of Sultan Sinjar or Sanfar, the last of the great Saljuks,
son of Malih Shah. According to Kazwini, Sinjar in the
7th (13th) century was remarkable for its bath-houses,
which had beautiful mosaic floors, and ibn Baluthah, who
passed through the place in the 8 th (14th) century, refers
to its fine Mosque. The town wall, 3,200 paces in circuit,
was built, according to Mustanfi, of mortared stone; most
of the houses went step-fashion up the hill slope, and its
gardens produced great quantities of grapes, olives and
sumach.
Population .—The population of Balad Sinjar is about
2,500, composed of Yezidis, Moslems and Christians. The
Yezidis and Christians form the majority of the
population.
('ommerer and S)rpplie!<.- The town is in the middle of
a rich agricultural district and could be used as a collect
ing centre for cereals. The chief products of the Sinjar
hills, dry figs and raisins, are largely exported to Mosul.
Large numbers of sheep also graze in the vicinity. The
principal merchant is Najm Abdullah, a Christian and
Mayor of the town, ft is estimated that the town could
support an infantry brigade indefinitely.
Water .—Water is obtained from a stream on the west
of the main town. It is only possible to water fifty
animals at a time at present.
Crazing .—Grazing for flocks in the Sinjar plain and
southwards in the Jazirah is unlimited between December
and May. Camel grazing exists all the year round.
Transport. —Camels—500 obtainable from Mutaiwid,
Tai and Juhaish through agency of Najm Abdullah.
Mules—50.
Pack-horses—50.
Donkeys—50.
No wheeled transport is available, although town is
accessible to wheels.