Arabia

Geography

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  1701 A system of geography by Herman Moll - Turky in Asia.jpg

Sources from old books

1630. Relations of the most famous kingdomes. London. by Giovanni Botero.

Arabia triplex.

THe three Arabiaes are likewise a parcell of the Empire, which is a marvellous great Country, included between two huge bosomes of the sea, in manner of a Peninsula, viz: upon the West and East with the Arabian and Persian gulfes, upon the South with the Ocean, and upon the North with Syria, and Euphrates.

The Inhabitants are indifferently called Arabians, Saracens, or Moores: Those are the true Arabians which live out of Cities in Tents, dispersed over Syria, Aegypt, and Africke: these give themselves to feed cattell, and droves of Camels. Those which inhabit Cities, are called Moores, and were once of such puissance, that they not onely subdued Syria, Persia, and Troglodytica, but likewise Aegypt, a great part of Africke, and almost all Spaine, with the Iland of Sicilie; and the Kingdome of Naples.

Two hundred yeares they kept possession of these peeces, but of some part of Spaine, 700, even untill the dayes of our fathers. And further, this accursed generation at this day, is not onely spread over all the Southerne coast of Asia (viz:) Persia, East India, and the Islands of the Indian Sea, but are likewise advanced with great prosperitie unto divers wealthy Kingdomes, famous Cities, & worthy Marttownes, yea, overall the South-coast of Africke; Under this people, the Turkes were first called into Asia to beare armes.

Of their manners we have spoken elsewhere. In their Religion they are Mahumetans, for in this Countrie that false Prophet first opened his superstitious Wardrobe.

This is a vast Countrie, full of Desarts, yet well inhabited with populous & warlike multitudes, especially toward Euphrates, and the Mountaines of Arabia felix, whither Merchants resort. The residue towards the West is sandy, by which if a man be to travell, he must have the Starres to his guide, company for his safeguard, and provision for his diet: Otherwise he shall surely lose his way, surrender his goods to the theevish Arabes, or starve in the Desart for want of food.

To secure the which passages, as well against those who live on the side of Euphrates towards Aegypt, as through all Arabia (Petrea and Deserta) the Grand Seignior entertaineth the king of those Arabians which inhabit Mesopotamia. And for this his service, as a Turkish Sanziak hee holdeth Ana and Dir, two townes situated upon the said river. He is a poore King, but accompanied with 10. or 12. thousand beggerly subjects, living and lying intents of course blacke Hair-cloth: which forces notwithstanding, these wilder ones are so infinite in multitudes, and so unpossible to be brought unto a more civill manner of living; that for their danger toward strangers, and the continuall spoiles, which they commit upon those parts of the Turkes Dominions, which every way border upon them, necessitie inforceth him also, to maintaine two other garrisons; the first of twelve thousand in Cairo, the other of one thousand five hundred in Damasco.

Wherein it is to be noted; That sithence those of Damasco, doe not only defend that peece, but are also distributed, thorow other cities of Soria (as Aleppo, Antiochia, and Ierusalem) one thousand five hundred men were not able to sustain, and answer to such a charge, unlesse by being both Ianizars and Timariots also, they have many followers and attendants. Who (as else where I have shewed you) are not onely mightie in reputation, and powerfull in number, but also every yeare accustomed to spare and cull out strong troops, warlikely and pompously provided to send into Hungarie.

For, surely without this order, all the passages of the Caravans, which yearely come from Balsara, and the Red-sea, would become so infectious, that neither Bagdet, nor Damasco, could receive the commodities of those parts, to the annuall losse of two millions of Entrado to the grand Seignior.

Amongst these it was, that Sir Anthony Sherly travelled, and found them so well governed, that without any wrong offered, he passed thorow them all in such peace, as he could not have done, being a stranger, amongst civiller bred people. The King gave him good words, without any kind of barbarous wondring, or other distastfull fashion. But at his returne to the river, he found the Master of his House, Master of his Boat, accompanied with a great sort of Arabs, who in conclusion, •o'ens nolens, forces him to send his Master three verst of cloth of gold, as a present for beholding his person.

Towards Syria, this is somewhat fertile, yet smally commended for that propertie by the Ancients; for indeed it is exceeding barren, and wanteth necessarie sustenance, wood, and fresh water. The memorable things herein are, the Mountaines of Sinai and Oreb, upon the former whereof, is at this day builded a Monasterie of Christians, following the Greeke Church, and the onely receptacle (or Inne) for way-faring Christians: other place of releese is there none.

Arabia Felix is a very large Province, better manured and watered than the other. It is adorned with Noble Cities, and full of villages; especially towards the sea side, where are many excellent places of trade. The residue, except the sand, is made manurable, either for feeding of Cattell or Camels, in which places live infinite swarmes of divers Nations, by grazing and husbandrie. It bringeth forth whatsoeever will grow in India, and that twice a yeare, in abundant manner, besides Cassia, Cinamon, Myrrh, &c. and soly, as much Frankincense, as will serve all the world. It yeeldeth also metall, and excellent pearle all along the coast by fishing. It sendeth abundance of horse and sheepe into India, whose tailes weigh forty pounds. In it are many famous Cities, as Medinat Al-naby, Mecca, Zidem, Zibit, and Aden.

This City of Aden, together with the whole Country, was in the yeare of our Lord 1538. fraudulently surprised by the Turke, and their King hanged. It is now strongly fortified, and erected into a Stately Turkish Beglerbeg-ship.

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

Of ARABIA and the Provinces thereof.

ARABIA is bounded on the East with the Persian gulfe, on the West with the red Sea, on the North with Mesopotamia and Palestina, on the South with the Ocean; the Inhabitants are extreamly addicted to theft, this •…ade being found to be the best part of their maintenance, the •…ountry is divided into three parts, Arabia deserta, Petrosa, and Fe•…x. Arabia deserta is the place where the people of Israel wandred •…or fortie yeares under the command of Moses; the most eminent Citie of this Province is Bolsora, whereto by reason that it serveth •…or through-fare from Arabia to Aleppo, and Damascus, is found a Citie of great concourse of many Merchants, and which doth •…rincipally consist more upon the commodities brought hither •…rom other Countries, as of India, and other parts of Arabia, then of any found here to be transported into other Countries; the further trade thereof by reason of my ignorance I omit.

This Country by reason of the theevish lives of the Inhabitants and the generall barrennesse and infertilitie thereof some Authours have observed in the course of their trade and merchandizing, that the sandy Deserts are the Seas of the Arabian Merchants, the wild arabs their pirats, and their Camells their shippes, usually carrying 600 li. for an ordinary burthen, and so we finde them to doe in the carriage of our goods and wares from Scanderone to Aleppo, and so backe againe, a Camells load being accounted ten Cloths Suffolke, which by statute weigh 640 li. which with the packing may be 700 li. or els two barrels or Chests of Tynne found to be incirca 600 li. and so in other commodities.

In Arabia Petrosa I finde not any Citie of trading: Esion Gebor on the coasts of the red Sea, where Salomons Navie kept station before the setting out and at their returne from Ophir, was once a famous place, and of great traffique, though now it lies buried in its owne ruines.

In Arabia faelix, Merchants should be better welcome were the Inhabitants so beneficiall to their traffique as their commodities might be made, for it is esteemed the richest and pleasantest part of all Arabia, and indeed of all Asia, abounding with Gold, pearles, Balsam, Myrrhe, Frankinsence, and many other precious drugges.

Here is those two notably noted Townes of Medina and Mecha, the one the birth place, the other the burying place of Mahomet (who in his younger yeares was a Merchant, and in his elder a cunning impostor) where Christians are forbidden to enter, lea•… they should see (as some Authours alledge) the absurdities of the Mahumetane adoration of their great Prophets Sepulcher, whose bodie inclosed in an iron chest, is said by an Adamant to be drawne up to the roofe of the Temple where it hangeth; but herein many of them are and have beene for a long time deceived, for 〈◊〉 selfe and other Merchants that have for some terme of time resided in Turkie, and specially in Constantinople, know by experience that the grand Signior doth yearly send a Carpet or rather tombecloth of greene Velvet to cover the said Sepulcher, the old being then taken away and accounted the fees and vailes of their Priests and cleargie men that attend thereon, who cut the same into severall small pieces, and sell it to the superstitious at extreame rates for precious reliques; the Tombe it selfe being seated in a Temple built in Mecha, of no great magnificence or beautie, save the cost daily bestowed thereupon in Lampes of silver and gold, wherein is Balsam and other such rich odours, oyntments and oyles continually burned, and is seated on the firme ground and not in the ayre, is above is said, and inclosed within an iron grate, wherein some by favour are permitted to enter, from some of whom I have had this relation, and is by divers Turkes that I have knowne and that have seene it and reported it to be so, and no otherwise: this large circuit of ground hath not affoorded me much matter of trade worthy observation that hitherto hath come to my hands; the most pertinent and eminent places are Mocha, the Sea-port of the said Mecha above-named, and Adam, both on the red Sea; of the trade whereof a word, so farre forth as I have gathered, and then I will conclude.

1676. A most exact and accurate map of the whole world by Donald Lupton.

XXII. Arabia

E. Chaldea, and Gulph of Persia, W. Palestine and the Red Sea, N. Euphrates, S. Main Southern Ocean; the Language Arabick, which is the Language of most Mahumetan Countries, the Alcoran being Writ, and most of their offices performed in it.

1. Hath in that Part called Arabia deserta, now Benoni, E. Babylonia, N. Mesopotamia, W. Palestina, S. Arabia foelix, Jobs Country, onely one remarkable place (being nothing but Rocks and Deserts) and that is Semischusach formerly called Saba, and some other Villages peopled by the civil Moors.

2. In the Rocky (Petrea) not travelled but in Carvans only by Merchants with their Camels, who bring their food with them, the wandring and Idle Inhabitants having nothing but Milk, Herbs, and Venison; Besides,

1. Mount Sinai, where there is a mesque of Turkish Pilgrims.
2. Horeb, now Orel, where is a Monastry of Greek Monks.
3. Hor. where is 1 Petra now Crat, neer Mount Hor. the treasury of Aegypt, and the Key to Palestine. 2 Bosra, now B•ssereth of good esteem. 3 Elama, on a Bay of the Red-sea, called Sinus Elanicus. 4 Berenice, or Ezion-Geber, the harbour for the ships going to Ophir. 5 Sur and Havilah on the Gulfs of Persia and Arabia, &c.

3. In that portion of it called Arabia the happy, now Ailman, E. of Persia, W. Arabian Gulf, S. Oceanabounding with Myrrh, Balsom, Frankincense, Gold and Precious Stones, with Corn, Cattels, Wines, quiet Roads and Harbours, besides medicinal waters, eminent for the Phaenix, and the Ostrich that digesteth Iron, are now upon the ruines of the old places mentioned by Ptolomy.

1. Egra neer Sinus Elaniticus on the Red Sea, or Algiar port-town to Medina, three dayes Journey from it.
2. Jatrib being between.
3. Medina Talnabi, ill and poorly seated, but rich by the confluence of Pilgrims that flock thither to Mahomets Tomb (and Temple where burn 3000 Lamps continually) inclosed in an Iron Grate, and covered with Velvet, sent thither yearly by the Grand Seignior, the old Pall being cut into Relicks.
4. Cufa, the Counsel-place.
5. Mecca neer Medina the great Mart of the Commodities of Arabia, Persia and India, carried thence into all parts of the Turkish Empire, no Christian being permitted to come within five miles of it, it being unwalled, no water but rain: 6000 Families yearly visited with three Carvans of Pilgrims from India, Damascus, and Grand-Cair.
6. Zeden haven town to Mecca forty miles off, well built, and of great resort, but weak in a sand on the Red Sea.
7. Zebel, the Metropolis of the Country, neer the Red Sea, well-traded for Sugars, Spice and Fruits.
8. Eltor, the onely port Christians may Inhabit.
9. The welltraded, well fortified, and capacious haven of Aden on the entrance of the Red Sea, neer the Streights, called Babel-Mandel.
10. Oran, the Key of the Southern Ocean.
11. Zean, fifteen miles square.
12. Hor, a Garrison.
13. Muskahal on the Persian Gulf neer Cape Rezel Gate, opposite to Surat in the East Indies, well fortified by the Portugeez.

4. In the Islands,

of the Red Sea, or the Sea of Edom, which are twelve not worth naming, they are so small and desolate, except

1. Dolaqua, one hundred and twenty miles long, and twelve broad, with a City of the name, where they gather Pearls.
2. Hot Camaran.
3. Red Xomou.

Of the Southern Ocean from the East of Aethiopia to the Indies.

1. Tylus with Vines, Olives, and good materials for Shipping.
2. Bairen and Gonfiar, where we have the best Pearles in the World in beds of Oysters.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

ARABIA, which may be considered in

• LAND, with its three Parts, as they lie
  • Between the RED-SEA, and Gulph of BALSERA and ORMUS; as, HYAMAN, GEMEN, or ARABIA the HAPPY.
    • Medina,
    • Chaibar,
    • Algiar,
    • Egra,
    • Soquia,
    • Mecca,
    • Ziden,
    • Nageran,
    • Dhafar,
    • Magara,
    • Zerzer,
    • Cubid,
    • Gilan,
    • Zibith,
    • Sanaa,
    • Mechlaf Atherda,
    • Aden,
    • Abin,
    • Odeida,
    • Laghi,
    • Almacharama,
    • Saada,
    • Fartach,
    • Agiaz,
    • Caxem,
    • Gubit,
    • Dolfar,
    • Pescher,
    • Nerbante,
    • Guebelhaman,
    • Alibinali,
    • Calhar,
    • Cor,
    • Tybi,
    • Dayma,
    • Curiac,
    • Spalheiro,
    • Cueva,
    • Cerique,
    • Hor,
    • Calajaoe,
    • Mascates,
    • Sohar,
    • Orfacan,
    • Doba,
    • Mocandon,
    • Mirabat,
    • Masfa,
    • Syr, or Sour,
    • Mascalat,
    • Jemen,
    • Zirisdin,
    • Lalach,
    • Elcatif,
    • Bahar,
    • Ahso,
    • Manabon,
    • Fararan,
    • Jamama,
    • Borani.
  • Near PALESTINE, or the HOLY LAND; as, BARRAAB, or ARABIA the STONY,
    • Madian,
    • Medava,
    • Sur,
    • Thara,
    • Herat, of old Petras,
    • Moab,
    • Bussereth,
    • St. Catherine.
  • Near CHALDEA, and the EUPHRATES; as, BERIARA, or ARABIA the DESART,
    • Anna,
    • Mexat-Ali,
    • Mexat Ocem,
    • Sumiscasac,
    • Sukana,
    • Faraa,
    • Kadhema,
    • Anna,
    • Abadon,
    • Tangia,
    • Thaalabia,
    • Remala,
    • Maaden Alnocra.
• ISLES adjacent, as they lie
  • In the PERSIAN GULPH, or GULPH of BALSORA, and ORMUS; as,
    • Baharem, Manama.
    • Oulximi.
    • Cori.
    • Tome.
    • Andrani.
    • Quaro.
  • In the SOUTHERN OCEAN; as,
    • Mazira, Mazira.
    • Curia.
    • Muria.
  • In the RED-SEA, or Sea of MECCA; as,
    • Tincce.
    • Camaran, Camaran.
    • Decor.
    • Zaiban.
    • Turach.
    • Muchi.
    • Monte Marzoan.
    • Genaman.
    • Chifale.
    • Cajas.

ARABIA.

ARABIA hath for its Eastern Limits, the Persian Gulph and Chaldea; for its Southern, the Ocean; for its Western, the Red Sea and some part of Egypt; and for its Northern Limits, the River Euphrates, together with some part of Palestine.

Arabia, hath been well known both to the Ancients, and at present. They commonly divided it into three parts: Baraab,* 1.2 or Arabia the Stony, which lies near the Holy Land; Berjara, or Arabia the Desart, near to Chaldea and the Euphrates; Hyaman, or Gemen, or Arabia the Happy, which advances it self between the Red-Sea, which separates it from Africa and the Gulph of Ormus, which divides it from Persia, into the Indian Ocean. And this part is the greatest, the richest, and best inhabited of all.

Arabia the Stony hath for its chief places, 1. Petra, now called Herat, which signifies a Rock, whereon it was built with an advantagious scituation; a place of great strength, and much noted as well in prophane History as Holy Writ. 2. Bostra, now called B•sesereth, rebuilt after its former Ruins by Augustus Caesar; a City of great Antiquity, and memorable for being the Birth-place of Philip, one of Alexanders Successors, who was the first of the Romans Emperours which embraced Christianity. 3. Medava, now Moab, according to the Translation of the Septuagint; and being so, the name may be taken from Moab, Son of Lots eldest Daughter, from whence the Moabites descended, of whom mention is made in the Old Testament. 4. Berenice, so named from an Aegyptian Queen, but better known by the name of Esion-Geber; here it was that the Children of Israel did encamp; where also those Ships employed by Solomon to Ophir, did make their ordinary Harbour. 5. Sur, one of the chief Cities of the Amalekites, giving name to a Wilderness there adjacent, remarkable for the great Victory which Saul gave the Amalekites, where also the Children of Israel first encamped after their passage through the Red Sea. 6. Thara, where Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were punished: And, 7. Madian, seated towards the Red Sea, being the City of Jethro, whose Daughter Zipporah, Moses took to wife.

Besides these Cities there are some others, yet the Country is for the most part Desart, and is the same where the Children of Israel wandred 40 years; there, where then inhabited the Moabites, Amalekites, Midianites, Idumaeans, and others; there, where are the Mountains of Sinai and Horeb. The Israelites being in these Desarts, lay a whole year near this Mountain, and during that time Moses received from God the Decalogue, dedicated the Tabernacle, ordained a High Priest, Priests and Levites, and established Ecclesiastical and Political Laws. There is at present a Monastery of St. Katherine, built by Justinian,; and all sorts of Pilgrims are received by the Caloyers, that is, Religious Greeks which inhabit there. The Burning Bush, in which God appeared to Moses, was near Mount Horeb. The Rock which Moses struck to have Water, was of this Mount; and likewise on this Mountain it was that Moses besought God for the Israelites against the Amalekites: also Mount Hor, bordering on Idumea, where Aaron died.

On the Coast of the Red Sea is the Castle Tor, a Borough or Walled Town, and a Port very famous, where it is believed, that the Israelites having passed the Red Sea, entred the Desarts this way: And it is likewise a great Passage, where the Caravans stop at their return from Mecca.

ARABIA the Desart, so called by reason of the vast Sandy Desarts; and the uninhabitableness thereof, scarce affording either food for Man or Beast; so that those which travel this Country are forced to carry with them their Provision, and guide themselves to the place design'd by the help of Stars, as they do at Sea; and are forced to go in great Companies or Caravans, for fear of being robbed and rifled by the wild Arabs (who here inhabit in Tents, which they remove as occasion serveth from place to place, either for fresh Pasture, or otherwise,) and yet much travelled by Merchants, who Trade into Babylonia, Egypt, and elsewhere. Some Authors have observed in the course of their Trade, that the Sandy Desarts are their Seas, the wild Arabs their Pirates, and their Camels their Ships; each Camel carrying 600 or 1000 pound weight.

The People are much addicted to Theft, by which they get their chief living, being stout and warlike Men, and not Tilling the Earth, and planting Fruits, Plants, or the like; their chief food being Venison, Milk, Fowls, and Herbs. They go half naked; their Wives they hire for what time they please, who in way of a Portion bring a Tent and a Spear to their Husbands. Both Sexes are much given to Carnal lusts, and when Women are delivered of a Child, they leave it without troubling themselves with it.

There are found in Arabia the Desart two Cities of the name of Anna or Anua, one on the Euphrates, and the other on the River Astan, not far from the Gulph of Balsora: this last is least famous; the other is the most considerable of the Province, seated both on the one and the other Bank of the Euphrates; but the greatest part and the richest is on the Arabian side. There is in all about 4000 Houses, which have been much ruined in the late Wars between the Turks and Persians. The City contains divers Isles, on one of which is a Castle. At Suskanna, a Borough upon the great Road between Anua and Aleppo, Texera saith, That the Women are as fair as Angels; if he had likewise said as wise, and had spoken truth, all Men from the four Corners of the World had been obliged to go to seek them. 3. Mexat Ali, that is, the Oratory of Ali, had once 6 or 7000 Houses, when the Sect of Ali bore sway in those quarters: there remains at present not above 500 Inhabitants. 4. Mexat Ocem, that is, the Oratory of Ocem, is not walled, nor hath above 4000 Houses. Saba, now Simiscasac, according to the opinion of Guillandin, is the place from whence the Three Wise-men departed to go to Bethlem, to adore the Saviour of the World.

This Arabia the Desart, according to some, hath divers Lords, which command it, and which for the most part are Vassals or Tributaries to the Great Turk; who holds likewise a part. But these People being more inclined to the Mahometan Sect of Ali, which is that of the Persians, than to that of Omaz, which is that of the Turks, are more affectionate to the Persians than to the Turks; and some of these Lords likewise hold of the Persians.

Others give all Arabia the Desart to one King, and will have the City, or rather the Court of that Prince, to have a wonderful disposition and scituation; and that the Prince can make it all a March or Walk when and as often as he pleases, which is still by going thither where they may best find food for their Horses and Camels; and they say, that the place being chosen, they dispose the Quarters and Streets after the ordinary manner: and at the same time pitch all the Tents; that of the Prince in the midst, and the others about alwaies in the same fashion; that part which is towards the North, South, East, or West never changing. And the Quarters and Streets have their Names and their Tents in the same form; insomuch that who once knows the order, may easily find any which inhabit therein.

This moving City, or rather this Court Errant, contains not only the Militia of the Prince, which are above 2000 Men, but likewise a great number of their Nobility, Merchants, Artizans, and divers Strangers which follow this Court.

ARABIA the Happy is a great Peninsula, which stretcheth it self from the Mountains which divide it from the other two parts of Arabia to the Ocean, being 3, 4, and in some places 500 Leagues long and broad. The Gulph of Balsora, and Ormus, otherwise the Persian Gulph, washes it on the left side; the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecca, otherwise the Arabian Gulph on the right; and the Oriental or Indian Ocean, which is there called the Sea of Arabia on the Front.

Arabia the Happy may aptly be so called by reason of the fruitfulness and richness of the Soil, which produceth plenty of Corn, Wine, Fruits, Odoriferous Spices, great increase of Cattle; also abounding in Gold, Pearls, Balsom, Myrrhe, Frankinsence, several sorts of Drugs, together with divers useful and beneficial Commodities. Also seated in an exceeding healthful and temperate Climate, and inriched with many pure and pleasant Streams and Fountains, whose Waters are Medicinal.

These People are very faithful and punctual in their Promises, boasting of their Nobility, as being descended from Jupiter; hating any base or mechanical Art, but applying themselves, some to grasing of Cattle, and others to Merchandize. Here it is held Adultery for a Man to enjoy any Woman, save those of his own Kin, as his Sisters, Mother, Cousins, and the like; whom also they take as Wives. Here in this Country are great quantities of Ostriches, which for the most part abide in the Desarts.

The Ancients mentioned a great number of different People, Cities, and Kingdoms; and we at this day find the same. The Turks possess one part, the Persians another, but much less than the Turks. The Sultan, or Xecque or Mecca, another; and divers Princes, People, and some Republicks, the rest.

Its chief Cities towards the Red Sea are, Medina, or Medina-Elnabi, or Talnabi, that is, the City of the Prophet; and Mecca: this last the Birth-place, that the Burial-place of Mahomet. Medina, though scituated in a barren and desolate place, adjoyning on Arabia the Stony; yet by reason of its being the Sepulchre of that vile Impostor Mahomet, is become a fair City (though not containing above 6000 Houses) being a place of great Trade and resort, by reason of the Pilgrims which hither flock to pay their blind Devotion. This Sepulchre or Tomb, wherein their Prophet lieth, is enclosed within an Iron-Grate, and covered with Green Velvet, having the supply of a new one every year from the Grand Signior, and the old one being the Fees of the Priests, they cut into little shreds and pieces, which they fell for great Relicks to the Pilgrims, which brings a great Revenue to them. In this Temple there are about 3000 Lamps of Gold and Silver, wherein is Balsom, and other such rich Odours, Oyntments, and Oils, which are continually kept burning. Thus much for his Tomb: now a word or two concerning his Life.

He was (as I said before) born at Mecca, distant from Medina about 60 Leagues, seated also in a barren Soil; but of great resort and Traffick, abounding in the Commodities of Persia and India, which from hence are transported on Camels to Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and other parts of the Turks Dominions. The City is very fair, filled with about 6 or 7000 well built Houses, having a very sumptuous Temple; the place not Walled, except by Mountains, between which there are four passages, which give entrance and issues to the City. Here it is made death for any Christian to approach within five miles. But to proceed:* 1.13 The Father of this Impostor was an Idolatrous Pagan, and his Mother as perverse a Jewess; at the age of two years he was left to the tuition of his Uncle, who after he had kept him to the age of 16 years, to quit himself of further charge and trouble, sold him to the Ishmaelites, who in their Markets sold him again to a rich Merchant; who at first was employed about servil work, till at last the Merchant perceiving him to be of so ripe a wit and solid judgment, advanced him from his Kitchin to be his Factor, sending him with his Camels laden with Merchandize, into Egypt, Persia, Syria, and other places; in which he was so fortunate, that he gained his Master a great Estate, together with no small fame and credit to himself. He was of personage low, but comly, with which his Mistress was so much taken, that upon the death of her Husband, his Master, she soon married him, and endowed him with her wealth. He was much troubled with the Falling-sickness, which he said were Heavenly raptures, in which he had conversion with the Angel Gabriel; he was well skill'd in Magick, by which he taught a white Pigeon which he kept to feed at his Ear, where he put Barly-corns; and this Pigeon he reported was the Holy Ghost, which instructed him in the Law he afterwards published, which was a new Religion, whereby he might bring the Jews, Gentiles, and Christians into one form of Religion; where, in a Cave not far from Mecca, with the help of Sergius a Nestorian Monk, and the aid of a certain Jew, he made the Alcoran; a Book so highly adored by them, that on the Cover is written, Let none that are unclean touch this Book, 3. Ziden, seated on the Red Sea, and in the midst of all the Coast of Arabia, serves for a Port to Mecca, from which it is distant 40 miles; well built, rich, and of great resort, which hath been walled and fortified since the Portugals have made themselves known, and are become powerful in the East. 4. Egra, by the Arabians called Algier; seated on the Red Sea, serving for a Port-Town to Medina, from which it is distant about three days Journey.

Mecca, Medina, and a good part of Arabia the Happy doth belong to Xeriff, descended from Hascem, great Grandfather to Mahomet, and for this reason both the Turks and Persians do much respect him, suffering him freely to enjoy his Estates without his paying Tribute to either: for on the contrary, the Turk causeth to be given him a third part of the Revenues of Egypt, that the Pilgrims which go to Mecca may be protected against the Arabs Beduins, who by their incursions much trouble those quarters; and not only Pilgrims, but likewise Emperours, Kings, and Mahometan Monarchs, often make him great Presents. 5. Zibit, near the Mouth of the Red Sea, is fair, rich, well built, and of a good Trade in Drugs, Spices, Perfumes, &c. It was once the Seat of a Kingdom till the Turk seized it, when he did Aden, causing the King of this place to be hanged at the Yards-arm of his Ship, and the others head to be strucken off. Seated nigh the Red Sea in a large Plain, being the residence of the Turkish Beglerbeg.* 1.14 6. Aden is the strongest, fairest, and most pleasant City of all Arabia, enclosed with Walls towards the Sea, and Mountains towards the Land. On the top of these Mountains are many Castles of a curious prospect; it hath about 6000 well built Houses, and inhabited by a miscellany of People, as Arabians, Turks, Indians, Persians, and Ethiopians, which here reside for the benefit of that great Trade, which is here driven from several parts of the World. It is scituate without the Red Sea, at the beginning of the great Ocean, and by the industry of the Inhabitants is made an Island, fortified with a strong Castle, which commands the Road. This City or Island is now become the Magazine for the Commodities of India, Persia, and Arabia.

Above Aden, and farther in the main Land, are many fair Cities, as Laghi, Agiaz, Almachazane, Sanaa, and others, subject to the Xecque of Mecca. Laghi is not far from the Sea; Agiaz, or Hagias, sometime gave its name to these quarters. Almachazane is seated on the top of a very high Mountain, and of a difficult access; it hath a Cistern capable to hold Water to furnish a 100000 Men: The Xecque ofttimes keeps Court here. Sane, or Sanaa, stands at the foot of a Mountain, and is one of the greatest, fairest, and strongest of Arabia, having many Vineyards, Meadows, and Gardens within its Circuit. Its Houses are well built, its Vineyards and Gardens well cultivated, its Walls 10 Cubits high, and its Ramparts 20 Cubits thick. Its Territory is watered with many Fountains, produceth excellent Fruits, and feeds the best Horses of Arabia.

Towards the East, and almost 150 Leagues from Aden, is Fartach, a Kingdom and City near the Sea, and having a Cape of the same name. The Tarquins are valiant, and their King defends himself couragiously against the Turks, having seen their treatment to his Neighbours of Aden and Zibit. The Ports of Dolfar, (which is the Turks) and Pescher, are the most renowned of this Coast, and send forth the best Frankinsence of Arabia in great quantity. Higher on the Coast, and farther on the Land, are the Cities and Kingdoms, or as they call them, the Sultanies of Gubel haman, Alibmahi, Amazirifden, and others.

The rest of the Coast unto Cape de Raz-al-gate is very barren; from Cape de Raz-al-gate unto that of Moccandon, the Soil is the best of all Arabia; and some would here alone confine the name of Hyaman, which signifies Happy. There are here many fair Cities, both on the Sea-coast and higher in the Land; one of chief Traffick between the East and Arabia the Happy, was formerly called Sohar; but this Trade was after transported to Ormus on the Persian side. In our time it was restored to the Arabian side, to wit, at Mascates held by the Portugals: Sohar and Mascates are between the Capes of Raz-al-gate, and Moccandon, and are not above 20 Leagues distant from each other. Within the Land are Masfa, a City and Kingdom, Mirabat, Sour, or Lyr, and others.

Beyond the Cape Moccandon, and advancing towards the Mouths of the Tigris and Euphrates, among many other places we have Elcatif, or El-Catif, a famous Port, and which communicates its name to the adjacent Gulph, which the ancients called Sinus Bersicus, and we at present the Gulph of Balsora and Ormus.

Near Elcatif is Bahar, whose Territory is called Bahareim, or Baharem; and the Isle and City before Baharem, farther in the land, is Mascalat, a City and Kingdom; Jemen, likewise a Kingdom and: City, according to some; Lazach, or Lassach, likewise a Kingdom and City; where are of the best Horses of Arabia, as at Sanaa. Lassach, Elcatif, and some other are the Turks; Elcatif is the ancient Gerra, and that part of the Gulph nearest the City called Gerraticus Sinus, and the Isle of Barem is the ancient Tylos.

There yet remains some Cities, of which some have their Kings or Sultans▪ others live in Republick, which is very rare in Asia.* 1.18 Towards the middle of Arabia are the Arabs Bengebres, a free People, and which live only of the Prey and Tribute they force from their Neighbours; yet possess they 200 or 250 Leagues of Country, and are for the most part in the Mountains. The Beduins towards Mecca are of the same nature.

Bound about Arabia are a great number of Isles which belong unto it, which are dispersed either in the Southern Ocean, Red Sea, or the Persian Gulph.

In the Southern Ocean are found three Isles, which bear the name of COCCONATI, seven by the name of ZENOBII, and two by the name of Insulae AGATHOCLIS; and lastly, CƲRIA and MƲRIA, where there is found white Tortoises, whose Shells are great curiosities.

In the Red Sea these Islands; 1. CANARAN, very hot, but fruitful. 2. DALAQƲA, being the largest of all, in length 125 miles, and not above 12 broad, having a City of the same name, where they gather Pearls; And, 3. and lastly, the Samaritan Islands.

In the Persian Gulph these Islands are found: BAHAREM, the most famous, because it hath the Pearl-fishing, the best in the Oriental parts. This Isle is between Balsora and Ormus, about a 100 or 120 Leagues from Balsora, and 150 from Ormus: It is near the Coast of Arabia, and directly opposite to the Coast of Elcatif, which is the Turks; but the Isle of Baharem, which is still the Persians, once belonged to the Kingdom of Ormus. The Waters here are almost all salt; but near Manama, the Capital City of the Island, there are Springs of Fresh-water at the bottom of the Sea, which the Divers go and fetch, gathering it into Borracho's or Goats-skins, with much cunning, and bringing it forth of the Sea, do afterwards sell it. The Pearls of this Isle are very much esteemed, both for their largeness and roundness; and this fishing is yearly worth 500000 Ducats, besides the value of 100000 and more, which is diverted. Those of the Isle of GIONFA are of no great value: those of the other neighbouring Isles are less; except it be at MASCATES, 60 Leagues from Ormus. They fish here all June, July, and August; if they begin sooner the Pearls are unripe, and not hard enough.

The Air of all Arabia is very healthful, but not; nor Rains it in some places above twice or thrice in 3 or 4 years: but the abundance of the Dew makes their Fruits excellent.

The People for the most part are of a mean stature, lean, swarthy complexioned, effeminate voices, very swift of foot, and expert in the Bow and Dart. They first exercise themselves in Manufactures, using all sort of Trade and Traffick far off; and some addict themselves to Learning, particularly to Philosophy, Physick, the Mathematicks, and to Astrology; there have been amongst them many Grammarians, Rhetoricians, Historians, and Interpreters of the Alcoran, which is in their Tongue, and which hath made the Arabick Language spread itself through all the East, at least in the most Southerly parts of Asia, and part of Africa, but little in Europe.

Those which range the Country are great Wanderers, and greater Thieves; they are divided into many Families, which know each other, and how to distinguish the one from the other. Every Family, how numerous soever it be, hath a principal Xecque, that is, a Chief, which conducts and commands them, they living almost in the same manner as the 12 Tribes of Israel did in the Desarts: They preserve a good Intelligence amongst themselves, their chief design being only upon Strangers. They assault likewise the Caravans, if they think themselves able enough to master them, or snatch any thing from them.

Their Horses commonly are little, lean, and sparing Feeders; yet couragious, swift, and of great labour: They are so skilful in managing them, that they command them as they please; and themselves are so active, that at full speed they will shoot an Arrow within the breadth of a Shilling, take from the ground those Arrows they have shot, and avoid an Arrow flying directly towards them; nor do they manage less skilfully the Sling, either in charging, retiring, or flying.

Mahomet came not into the World till about the year 570 after Christ, and began not to publish and shew abroad his Doctrine till a little after the year 600; a Doctrine intermixed with Christianity, Judaism, and Paganism, that he might draw both the one and the other; and which established its principal end in Delights, carnal and sensual Pleasures, whereto the Oriental People were very much inclined; and withal he found the means to make use of Arms for the establishment of this Doctrine; his Califs or Successors in a short time carried their Government and Religion into the best parts of Asia and Africa, and into some places of Europe.

Its People are almost all Mahometans. There are some Greek Christians towards the Mounts of Sinai and Horeb; likewise towards the Red Sea, and in the Desarts of Arabia the Stony, and Arabia the Desart. Arabia the Happy is unhappy in having the fewest; yet the Portugals hold Mascates, Calasates, and some places about it, which are Catholicks.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

THe Arabians have been first of all called Ismaelites, from Ismael, and afterwards Saracens: some derive this last Name from Saara, which signifies Desart; others from Sarake, which imports Pilfering and Robbing: those, who make the Etymology come from Sarah Abraham's Wife, say, that these Saracens, who were begun to be called Hagarens, chose rather to go under the Name of the Mistress, than that of the Maid. The Arabians, who inhabit Towns and Cities, are known under the Name of Moors: those in the Desarts, are divided into Tribes, and each Tribe into Families, which have each a peculiar Cheique, under the Cheique-General of the Tribe, called Sceikel-Kebir, that is to say, the Grand Cheique. These vagabond Arabians boast themselves to be the most noble People in the World; wherefore they do not ally themselves with any other Nations, than their own. They could never be subdued, either by the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, or Turks. They have establish'd themselves in several parts of Africa, where they possess great Dominions. They thus stray and wander for the better finding wherewith to feed their Cattel, and to exempt themselves from the oppression of the Turks. The Grand Seignior's Bashaws, who are neighbours to 'em, and the Caravans, who pass through their Territories, give some Money to the Grand Cheiques, that they may not be molested. Under Ʋlit, one of the Caliphs or Arabian Princes, their Empire extended in aright line from Messa, upon the Atlantick-Sea, to the River Indus; this length was the bigness of all Persia, greater than the Roman Empire. The Arabick Tongue is receiv'd in the greatest part of Asia, because that the Alcoran, the Bible of Mahometism, was first of all written in that Language. The continual abode which the Arabians make in the open field, has made them the best acquainted with Astrology and Physick. The Beduins, and Bengebres, who are the People the most known, are so inclin'd to Robbery, that they make their principal Revenue consist in stealing from Travellers; and say, that they have right to repeat the legitimas of their Predecessour Ismael, upon the Descendants of Isaac. They say also, that their Prophet Mahomet, has particularly left and recommended to 'em, the figure of the hand: for which reason other Nations come only among 'em in Caravans; that is to say, in great companies. Their dexterity is wonderful in managing a Horse, a Bow, and a Zagay, which is a Half-Pike: thirty Turks with Muskets, make a difficulty of attacking ten of these Arabians arm'd after their usual manner. Their Riches consist in Flocks, Herds, and Horses, which are capable of going great Journeys. They set so great a value upon them, that they keep Registers of their Race, which are from time to time approv'd of by the Judges. Horses of the most noble, and commonly Mares, are sometimes sold for three or four thousand Piasters. The Arabians eat their Meals crouching upon their Heels, whereas the Turks eat upon Cushions cross-legg'd: the oldest among 'em wear the finest Cloaths, and the gaudiest Colours. Their Predecessours prohibited Buildings, and the tilling of Lands; for that those who stood possess'd of great stocks, if they meant to enjoy 'em, were easily constrain'd to obey them, who aim'd at subduing 'em. They made also that Member of the Noble Race, Successour of the Kingdom, who came first into the World, after the proclaiming of the King. In the comparison of the Manners and Maximes of the Levantine Nations, with those of Europe, the Arabians are made to resemble the Italians; the Persians, the French; the Turks, the Spaniards.

Arabia in general, is subject to such great heats, that they are constrain'd to keep the Markets by night. There is a great number of Mountains, and few Rivers. It is divided into three parts, Petraea, Deserta, and Foelix: the two former is almost wholly in the possession of the Turks; Arabia Foelix has several petty Sovereigns.

Arabia Petraea was inhabited by the Madianites, Moabites, Amalekites, and Idumeans; Nations of whom mention is often made in the Holy Oracles. Its Inhabitants pay Tribute to the Bashaw of Cairo. Crac, otherwise Montreal, formerly call'd Petra, has communicated to it its Name: Busseret is the Countrey of Philip the Roman Emperour, who is said to have embrac'd Christianity. Tor, upon the Red-Sea, is a Port defended by a four-square Castle. There are in the places adjacent found petrified Mushrooms, white Corral, Chagrin, small Oysters, and sometimes Sea-men, or such people as are bred and live in the Sea. 'Tis said, the Red-Sea is but three Leagues broad in that place, and that the Children of Israel pass'd it over there dry-shod, when they came out of Aegypt; that it was one of the Ports, from whence Solomon sent his Fleets into Ophir, to fetch Gold. Pegs of Wood are put into the Ships of the Places, that belong to this Sea, because little Iron is to be found there. Those, who have a mind to impose, Talk as that, if they made use of Iron Nails, instead of Pegs, the Ships would be attacked and stopp'd by the Loadstone, that is found in the neighbouring Mountains. Mount Oreb is famous in the Holy Writ, for the burning Bush wherein God appear'd to Moses. Sinai is illustrious for the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, which this Prophet receiv'd: It is extraordinary high, and nevertheless the Mount St. Catherine, which is near it, is much higher.

Arabia Deserta is a Countrey, where they often want good Water; tho' there be some Wells, the Water, for the most part, is hardly worth any thing. Ana, upon the Euphrates, has an Arabian Emir. There is a King in this Arabia, who has a moving and portative City, which consists in Tents, and he causes it to be carried whither he pleaseth. He takes this course, to avoid being surpriz'd by the Turks. Sumiscasac is esteem'd the ancient Saba, from whence departed the three Kings, (or rather wise Men) to come and adore the Saviour of the World in Bethlehem.

Arabia Faelix goes under that Name, as being a good Countrey. It has Horses very much esteem'd, Manna, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Balm, Benjamin, Incense, and other Perfumes. There is so great a quantity of Incense, that from the Port of Dolfar, the Inhabitants furnish the principal parts of the World. Aden is a City of great trade, in a small Peninsula, at the foot of a Mountain, with two Castles towards the North, and a small Fortress at the entrance of the Harbour. The Portugals, at the time of their establishment in the East Indies, had Orders to make themselves Masters of Aden, Ormus, and Malaca, by reason of their important situations. The Turks prevented them at Aden, whose King they caused to be hang'd on the Mast of their Captain's Galley. Since that time, there have been some Revolutions, those of the Countrey having dispossess'd the Turks. Ormus and Malaca have been in the power of the Portuguese: the Persians have taken from them Ormus, by the help of the English; and the Hollanders, Malaca, Mecha and Medina are famous for the Pilgrimages of the Mahometans, who are in great esteem after such a Journey: they go particularly to Mecha, to pay their devotion to Kiaabee, the four-square House, which they call the House of God, as having been built by Abraham. This City, about as big as York, as containing about six thousand Houses, is a days journey distant from the Red-Sea; the place of the Birth of Mahomet, whose body was, as some Authors say, transferred to Medina, when Albaquerque, the Portuguese, would have surpriz'd the Port of Ziden, otherwise called Gidde, with design to go with Cavalry, and fetch away that Mahometan Relick. The Countrey about Mecha, produces in abundance that sort of Berry, which serves to make the Drink, called Coffee, so much us'd in the Levant, by reason of its virtue, to fortifie the Stomach, and facilitate Digestion. Medina, three days journey from the Red-Sea, is the place where that pretended Prophet lyes buryed. Endeavours have been used to make his Tomb pass for a Wonder, as if it was suspended in the Air, by the means of the Load-stone; this is not only found to be a fallacy, but Antiquity shews us such like things: Democritus, the Athenian, by order of Ptolomey, King of Aegypt, undertook to make the Statue of Arsinoe all of Iron, for to dispose it after the like manner; and in the Temple of Serapis in Alexandria; they formerly hung up, the same way, a Sun made of a very delicate Iron. The Prince of Mecha, called Sultan Scherif, is one of the most Potent of all Arabia: His most usual Residence is in Almacharana: The Grand Seignior makes him often Presents, and causes part of the Revenue of Aegypt to be given him, by reason that he's of the Race of Mahomet; and to oblige him to defend the Turkish Pilgrims. The Arabians call Scherifs, the Relations of Mahomet, the Turks call them Emirs. Fartach, Caxem, Gubel-haman, Alibinali, Amanzirifdin, Masfa, Mascalat; Jemen, are as many Sultanies, or small Kingdoms in Arabia-Felix. Mascate formerly belonging to the Portugals, has for a long while carried on the trade from the Indies, to the Mecha, by the means of the Cities El-Catif and Lehsa. Sohar in the Eastern part drove the Commerce, which has since been to Ormus, and to Gombru. Mocha upon the Red Sea, is an open Town with a small Castle. By reason of the goodness of its Haven, there resort thither Ships from all parts of the East-Indies with Merchandizes, to take in those of Europe, which are in like manner brought thither. There are Jews, Persians, Armenians, Indians, Banians. It is the place, where the Pilgrims disembark, who go from the Indies to Mecha. 'Tis much augmented, since the Ships which were bound from Sues to Aden, unload there, for the avoiding the dangerous Passages of the Streight of Bebel-Mandel.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

ARABIA.

ARabia, which the Eastern People call Arabistan, is a Country adjoyning to Africa, and lyes on the South of Turkie in Asia; it is so encompassed with the Red Sea, Ocean, and Persian Gulf, that it hath the form of an Island almost; having on the North, Syria, Diarbeck, and Euphrates: On the South, the Arabian, or Indian Sea: And on the West, the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecca.

The length of this large Region, from West to East, from the Streights of Suez to the Cape of Rakalgate, is 600. Leagues; and breadth, from South to North, 430. Leagues from the City of Aden, to the City of Karkirse in Mesopotamia, near Euphrates. This Coun∣try was the Habitation of Ishmael the Son of Abra∣ham and his Maid Hagar, from whom came the Ara∣bian•.

The most remarkable Rivers, are Chiabar, which runs by Mecca; Negeran, which passes by the Walls of Dhafar; Prim, which runs by Alibinali, Maffa; Astan, whose Course is by Jamama; and that which waters the City Almacharan.

Besides the Beglerbegs, which the Grand Signior keeps in this Country, they have Xerifs, or Princes, and some free People, who have maintain'd their Li∣berty against the Turks; especially about the middle, where it is very hard to come, by reason of the Moun∣tains. The most considerable Kings or Sultans, are those of Fartach, Amanzirisdin, and Maffa. The Xe∣rif of Mecca is the most Honourable of all the Xe∣rifs or Governours, because he is of the Posterity of Mahomet. The Bengebres and Beduins are the most potent of all the Free People. They dwell in Tents under the Mountains, and in the Forests, and spend their time in robbing, as the Tartars. The Beduins are always in great Troops about Mecca, to surprize the Pilgrims that go thither; who for that reason send great Presents to the Xerif of Mecca, that he may send his Guards to fight them, and prevent all Disorders. Arabia is the Original of several sorts of People, chief∣ly of Saracens, Arabians, Moors, and Turks, who have at several times made great Conquests in Asia, Africa, and Europe. They have been proficients in the Sciences, especially Mathematicks, in which they have furnished us with the Arabian Characters in Arithmetick. But for the more clear Knowledge of this Country we will consider it in Three Parts, Arabia Petraea, Arabia De∣serta, and Arabia Foelix.

Arabia Petraea.

ARabia Petraea hath it's Name from the City Petra, now called Herat, or Arach, i. e. a Rock; because 'tis built on a Rock. This Province hath Palestine and Syria on the North, Aegypt and the Red Sea on the West, a Ridge of Mountains, which part it from Ara∣bia Foelix, on the South, and Arabia Deserta on the East. 'Tis a barren Country, and hath nothing re∣markable in it but Mount Sinai. The Israelites remain∣ed 40 Years in this Country, after their coming out of Aegypt. It was anciently the Country of the Moa∣bites, Amalekites, Midianites, and Idumeans. This part of Arabia is governed by some Princes of their own in those places where there are not so many De∣serts. There are several People, who have no Gover∣nours, nor any setled place of Abode. They are al∣most all Mahometans, and were the first that received the Doctrine of the Alcoran. They pay Tribute to the Bassa of Grand Kair. Their chief Cities are He∣rac or Petra, Madian, Bilan, and Havana.

Herac or Crac, Petra or Montrial, is between the Dead Sea and Suez.

Madian is near Palestine. It hath a Desert of the same Name, which took its Name from Median the Son of Abraham and Keturah.

Moab is about the Confines of the Holy Land. It hath it's Name from Moab the Son of Lot's Eldest Daughter by the incestuous Approach of her Father.

For, or Elfor, or Eilan, Elano, or Eila, is a Port upon the Red Sea, with a little Stone Castle. It is the Receptacle of their Sciffs and Boats. The Israelites being persued by Pharaoh, passed through this City on dry foot under the Conduct of Moses.

Arabia Deserta.

ARabia Deserta, called by the Hebrews Kedar, is at this Day known in Asia by the Name of Arden, Beriara, or Berii-Arabistan. It is situate between Eu∣phrates and Arabia Foelix on the North and South, Chal∣dea on the East, Syria and Arabia Petraea on the West. It is more united than Petraea, but less inhabited, be∣cause of the many Sands and Deserts. It hath scarce any fruitful Land, but what lies along the Banks of Euphrates. The Inhabitants are almost all Shepherds. They have several Sovereign Princes, but all Tribu∣taries to the Grand Seigniour. Nevertheless, they are forced to pass over the vast Plains of Sand by the help of the Mariners Needle, and put themselves in Glass Chests upon Camels, which will go 12 Days Journey together. They have nothing but Pits, of which the Water is ill-tasted. It is subject to some Princes of their own, who are suffered to Rule, because an Army can't be conducted against them through their vast De∣serts.

Their most remarkable Towns are,

• ...Anna.
• ...Tangia.
• ...Mexatocem.
• ...Ali.
• ...Thaalabia.
• ...Balca.
• ...Rahabath.
• ...Sumiscasac.

Anna is the Head City of Arabia Deserta, standing upon Euphrates. It hath about 4000 Houses in it; but by the last Wars with the Turks it is impoverished, and not so full of Trade as before.

The City of Ali is near the Lake of Lamach.

Arabia Foelix.

THIS Province, which the Turks call Hiaman, is three times as big as the two former put together. It is in the fashion of an Isle almost, between the Red Sea on the West, the Indian or Arabian Ocean on the South, the Gulph of Persia or Babylon on the East, and the two other Arabia's on the North. It is a Country very plentiful in Balm, Myrrh, Incense, Gums, Cassia, Manna, and several other Drugs and Spices. They have also excellent Fruits, divers Metals, several kinds of Beasts. Their Camels and Horses, as also Coral, Pearl, Onyx-stones, which they fish out of the neigh∣bouring Seas, are much valued. The Air is very health∣ful, though it be very cold. It rains not above twice or thrice in a Year in some places; but the Dews that fall in the Night do wet almost as much as Rain, which clarifies the Air, and makes the Soil fruitful. The Arabians, which pretend themselves to be the Po∣sterity of Ishmael, are almost all lean and sawny. They are superstitious, melancholy, thoughtful and grave. Their Language is one of the finest, and most ancient, and most common in Asia, because of the Alcoran, which was written originally in Arabick. The Xerif or Schek of Mecca is one of the most puissant Princes of this Country. It is in Breadth between Forty and Fifty Leagues from Arabia Petraea to Zibit; and more than 260 in Length. The People, which have pre∣served their Liberty, are governed by Schecks, or Princes, or in Form of a Republick. All the Inhabi∣tants are almost Mahometans, and were the first of that Sect. There are some few Christians and Schisma∣ticks.

Their chief Cities are these:

• ...Mecca.
• ...Medina.
• ...Aden.
• ...Saada.
• ...Sanaa.
• ...Zibith.
• ...Fortach.
• ...Caxem.
• ...Gulielhaman
• ...Albinali.
• ...Massa.
• ...Lassac.
• ...Elcalif.
• ...Jamania.
• ...Jamen.
• ...Bahrem.
• ...Maschute.
• ...Sohar.
• ...Amanzerifdin.
• ...Mascalat.

Meque, or Mecca, stands on the Bank of Betius, or Chaibar, a Days Journey from the Red Sea. It is a large, well-pav'd, and famous City among the Turks, because Mahomet lived a long time in it, and was born there▪ Men come in Caravans from three parts of the World to pay their Devotion here. The Country about Mecca produces great quantity of Coffee.

Medina, Tetnabi, or Jesrab, or Arx-thymna, Talna∣bia, is upon the River Leakic, three Days Journey from the Red Sea. The Body of Mahomet is Interr'd here.

Aden, Adenum, is a fine City, inclosed with Walls next the Sea-side, with a commodious Haven, and Mountains on the other side, on which there are seve∣ral Castles. It hath 6000 Houses. It's Situation is in a Peninsula, with a Port. The Vessels lie between two Towers and a Bastion, where there are Guns plant∣ed. Near it is a little Isle called Cira, well fortify'd. Behind the City, at the Foot of a Mountain, is the Haven of Ʋguf, which is free from all sorts of Winds. It is a rich City, and of great Trade, which the Ara∣bians hold with Strangers. The Merchants meet by Night to avoid the great Heat.

Fortach, Caxem, Galielhaman, Albinali, Amanzirif∣den, Masfa, Mascalat, and Jamen, are so many King∣doms. Sohar in the Eastern parts had all the Trade heretofore to Ormus and Gombru.

Mocha upon the Red Sea is an open Country, with fine Houses, a small Castle on the North side, and a good Haven, where Vessels from all parts of the East-Indies come. Here also the Pilgrims to Mecca land. It is also filled with Vessels which come from Suez to Aden, which take Land here, to avoid the dangerous Passage of Babel-mandel.