"دليل بلاد فارس. مجلد III. جزء I: من A إلى K" [ظ‎‎٧‎٩] (١٢٧٨/١٦٣)

74
’ARA—ARA
to Ramuz and thence to Behbehan and Borazjun, where the Indo-European
Telegraph Company’s line connects with Bushire. Communication by
telegram is, however, most uncertain, as the line is interrupted for long
periods at a time.
Administration. —Southern ’ Arabistan is nominally under the Persian Gov
ernor-General of Arabistan ; though in practice the Muhaisin Shaikh of Mu-
hammareh, in 1906, the Sardar Arfa ’Khazaal Mu’iz-us-Saltaneh, who bears
the further titles of Governor of the Shatt-al-’Arab and Karun and Sarhad-
dar, or Warden of the Marches, is almost independent of the Governor. In
all provincial matters, which include those of revenue and the settlement
of provincial accounts, the Shaikh is under the Governor ; but he holds his
appointment direct from the Shah and cannot be summoned to his presence
by the Governor. For administrative purposes the southern province is
divided into the districts of Shatt-al-’Arab, Ahwaz and those of Fallahleh,
Jarrahi, Ma’shur and Hindian. The last named are under tribal chieftains
who are responsible to the Shaikh for their good Government. Amongst
the ’Arab tribes the title of Shaikh is officially reserved for the Sardar Arfa’,
while their headmen are called Khillait, and are appointed by the Shaikh.
The whole force of tribal levies is at the disposal of the Shaikh ; besides which
he possesses a mercenary corp of Makrans and ’Arabs, called Baluch-i-Shah,
who are about 400 strong and furnish guards for Muhammareh, the Imperial
Customs and personal guards. A force of ghuldms, a sort of militia, consist
ing of villagers on whom the Shaikh maintains a special call, are also at his
disposal. The chief officer in the town of Muhammareh is the Naib-ul-
Hukumeh, who is practically head of the police. In most matters, however,
the Government of the Shaikh is personal and extremely stringent. The
only department of the administration which are outside the Shaikh’s con
trol are those of the Imperial Customs and Telegraphs. On personally
favourable terms the Shaikh co-operates with the former, wdiich, without
his assistance, would be helpless. This department, as in other parts of
Persia, is worked by officers of Belgian nationality ; and they also manage
the post offices and are in charge of the local treasuries. The only Im
perial official outside the Customs and Telegraphs is the Karguzar, or
representative of the Persian Foreign Office, who has dealings with Foreign
Consuls and with foreign subjects whose countries may be without consular
representation. At Muhammareh there is a British Consul belonging to
the Indian Political Service ; and at Ahwaz the British Vice-Consul who
is a member of the same service is concerned chiefly with the affairs of
Northern ’Arabistan. The only three concessions in favour of foreigners
in Arabistan, except a concession for archaeological research enjoyed by
France, are held by British subjects ; they are for roads to the north through
the Bakhtiari country and Western Luristan, and for a steamer service
on the Karun enjoyed by the Euphrates and Tigris Steam Navigation
Company. The first and third of these extend to Northern ’Arabistan,
and the second is outside the limits of Southern ’Arabistan. Messrs. Lynch
Brothers are the leading European firm in the Province.— (Rawlinson—Bell
—Foreign Department Gazetteer, IWS—Arbuthnot—lWS—McDouall—
1907.)
ARAMIL, vide CHlGHA KHUR,