Persia

Sources from old books

1618. The glory of England, or A true description of many excellent prerogatiues by Thomas Gainsford.

The Empire of PERSIA.

ON the fourth principall palace of the worlds maiesty, attendeth the expectation of the Persian, who though he cannot boast of 128. regions, as in the time of Hahashuerosh: of intruding into Greece, and subiecting the Ilands of the Hellespont, as in those confused Anarchies of Corinth, Athens, and Lacedemon: of re-edifying of Babylon, and swelling with prosperity and glorious armies, as when Darius and Alexander the great made slaughter proud to haue the fields furnished with gold, pearle, and treasure: of a since regathered and compacted mightinesse, when the Roman Crassus was subiected to the calamity of an vnfortunate ouerthrow: and of a strained originall from Perseus, who aduanced that magnificent structure of Persepolis amongst them, and made the people proud of their denomination, because he was the sonne of Iupiter, and they the off-spring of the supreame God: yet doth hee still command many regions of Asia, with reputation of a principall Monarch. For the Kingdomes of Saca, with the magnificent exployts of Tolmilanda, that glorious Queene, the Virago of her time, and mirrour of her Sex: the regions of Bactriana, Sogdiana, and many other nations compassing the East and South of the Caspian, lie still prostrate vnder the feet of this Empire: but because I finde the best authours diffused in the•… discouery, and neuer conferred but with certaine Armenians, who had trauelled into those parts, by whom I only vnderstood of much tyranny amongst them, and that their greatest exercise was rapine and murthering of passengers, with other mischeeuous practises, both on the confines of Media and India, without forme of gouernment, or controll of superiours, as flying into the mountaines, and securing themselues in the dangerous passages, in despight of any forces to be raised against them: so that they still remaine vnsubiected and vnpunished, more then a generall acknowledgemet of title and willingnesse, to make the Persian the arbiter of such controuersies as are raised amongst them. I desist from further dismantling their sauagenesse, as a liuing misery, without either forme, or order of discipline.

I might also be affrighted from poorer relations, in regard the locuplent history of Turkie, especially Chron•… Turcarum in Latine, the Tartarian Tamberlaine, and valiant Scanderbegg of EVROPE, or if you will George Castriot of Epirus with some others, haue spread abroad, an open carpet of pandecticall ampliation, concerning the conquest of these places and people, by another name Parthians, including Media, sollemnizing the ostentation of Samerchanda, and making Tauris with other Cities of Persia the seates of his reziance, wherein this Tamberlaine proceeded so farre, that after the victory ouer Baiazet, he put a Tyara * 1.12 on his head in imitation of the auncient Cydaris, and Persian former renoune. I will therefore be the more sparing either in exprobating them that esteemed him at the first a theeuish robber, a base shepheard, or at the best a barbarous Scithian: or exasperating the displeasure of credible Authors, who haue confounded one another with disparitie of opinions, concerning the alteration of these people euen in our moderne times; especially since the Emperors of Constantinople neuer looked backe on the terrors of their vengeance, nor forward on the preuentions of their dissolution: yet because I must now keepe a proportion in my discourses, I will gently lead you a neerer way to the knowledge of such occurrences, as my poore endeauours haue obtained.

About the yeere of our redemption 1360. after many * 1.13 mischeeuous practises, and intestine broiles amongst the Mahumetans, or Saracens, now Persians, Turkes, and Moores a worthy Conqueror amongst them, and especially Prince named Sophy, aduanced his head ouer the rest, and obteining the Towne of Abdenelis attempted likewise the principalitie ouer all those factions, that stroue to aduance the honour of Mahomet, and gaue way to the strong receipt of his imposturing Alcaron. This Sophy from the bloud and consanguinity of Alis Muamedes in the right of his wife Musa, Cusinus challenged the Empire, and lifted vp the armes of a mightie power to ouer-awe the turbulent spirits almost left breathlesse by a long and tedious dissention, (for at that time the Calipha of Babylon was extirped, and new authority with new names, obscured the first originall of the Persian greatnesse, and quickly altered both the Princes and people, teaching them other customes euen in ciuill and mutuall conuersation, with the well entertained religion.) But Hosenus the sonne of Alis stomaching his Vnkle Sophies proceedings, as hauing twelue sonnes of sufficient hope, like a Hieroglyphicall resemblance of a sheaue of arrowes bound together in one quiuer, proclaimed his right to the Persian Cidaris, and well conceiued opinion of his interpretation of the Alcaron, at such time as the Turke, assisted by the Tartars, aduanced a standard of opposition, publishing, that whosoeuer affected their enlarging of these religious secrets should weare a Tiara on his head of purple with a Tulliuant: wherupon both Turkes, and Persians in infinite numbers bandied seuerall parties, vntill at last great armies tooke vpon them the deciding of these controuersies, and by many auxiliary forces both of the Northren regions, and all the Arabians, filled the fields of Asia with tormenting quarrels: where by the way you must consider, that both Persians, Turkes, and Medes, with Arabians aunciently called Saracens, doe in a manner adorne their bodies and heads all alike, and may be thus worthy distinguishment and obseruation, First in the Tyara, which is a round ornament of the head, in the Turkes, more formally called a Turban: in the others not so curious, but either interwinded like a rowll; or in some places plighted, at in Munster in Ireland. Secondly a Cidaris, which some will haue a hat, or cappe of veluet, or cloth of gold, on which they wreathed their Tiara, or linnen scarffes. Thirdly, a little swelling crowne some foure or fiue inches higher, then the wreath, or Turban called by them a Tulliuant, and cannot be resembled better, then to your younger Merchants wiues of LONDON in their hat-cappes. Fourthly, long coates or gownes with halfe-wide sleeues: yet vnderneath they haue a shorter, girt to them more closely. Fiftly, a large girdle either of net-worke silke, or other curions needleworke, hanging downe as low, as the skirt of the inward coate. Sixtly, a Stola, or robe of Honour particoulored of dellicate stuffe, or veluet. Seuenthly, a Semiter, of a reasonable bredth and bending like a bow, or as much as the sheath will giue ease for entertainement. And last of all fine coulored shooes plated with iron, and turning vp at the toe with a peake.

After many conflicts Hosenus the immediate Heire of Alis preuailed against his Vnkle Sophy, and set the crowne on his owne head with remembrance yet of the others glory so farre, that he was proclaimed Hosenus Sophy 〈◊〉 in the next generation the sanctity of Guines the sonne of Hosenus continued with such applause, that the 〈◊〉 were reputed Heretikes, and suffered that contume•…s diuision, as now the Papist and Puritane in EV•… but so the fortune of Guines Sophy preuailed, that 〈◊〉 laine himselfe tooke armes in his defence, and as a principall Sectarie of Mahomet made the colourable suppreding of Heretikes (for so doe Turkes, and Persians reciprocally vpbraid one another) the stimulatory cause 〈◊◊〉 all Asia minor, vntill the Emperor Baiazet with 〈◊〉Turkes fell vnder the stroakes of his warlike hand: Next vnto him succeeded Secaider, as obstinate as his father, and as successefull in enlarging their Mahomets blasphemies, of whom I will say no more, seeing they acknowledge one God, one Prophet, and circumcision, differing onely as I said in the antiquity of their Rabby, and idle nicety, for which they haue set in combustion the Countries of the East, and with violent entercourses diuided the spoiles of Asia. For this Secaider attempted the conquest of Georgia and Mengrelia on the West of the Caspian, who being Christians according to the superstition of the Greeke Church, submitted to certaine conditions, as tolleration of religion, paying tribute, and disclaiming to assist the Turke against them: whereby they obtained a kinde of peace and protraction, vntill againe the Persians declined in their fortunes, and could not preuent the forwardnesse of the O•…oman glory: yet euer since there hath beene an intermixture and admittance on all sides, especially in the interims of their truce; and when counterchangeable Embasies haue passed betweene them. Besides, from an absolute tradition of the East, which that lasciuious Mahomet inserted, as a tolleration and princely prerogatiue from Ahasuerosh instance, or if you please Salomons Concubines, all the beautifullest Virgins are taken vp between Persian and Turke, euen perforce out of the laps of Christian mothers, and sequestred with purifying oyle, and •…e fare for the Emperors pleasure: witnesse SIR 〈◊〉 SH•…S LADY, who was a Christian Georgian either liuing with some kinred in the freedome of religion, or taken out of the Seralio (wherein he was exceedingly fauoured) before shee was graced with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 presence; otherwise, it is death to marry a Christian, or a Persian to bee married to a Christian.

Thus you see how the name of Sophy began, and was added to the Emperours titles, as the Abimelech•… to P•…e Pharaoh and P•…olomeus to Aegypt: yea, within our memorie, the Soldan called Cairo new Babylon, and Caesar was, and is an attribute to all Emperours, since Iulius and Augustus. But no sooner had the distinction of these people, Persians, Turkes and Moores, from an interpretation of their law, limited the seuerall subiects within certaine bounds of strict allegeance: but time and curiosity corrupted all their manners, and neither Herodatus▪ 〈◊〉 nor Pliny, liuing now amongst them, would suppose them the same nations, for whom they tooke such paines in their descriptions: so that who viewes them now, must not looke vpon their riches and glory, otherwise the•… •…pon mighty conquerours, and magnificent people •…yet because there are some differences amongst them, according to a breuiary obseruation, wherein my time was employed, and that as the Iewes repined at the Samaritans, the •…ritans at the Galilaeans: so heer is the same discrepancy •…ut extending to particulars of better consequence 〈◊〉 •…e thought good to publish these vses. The Persian is 〈◊〉 minded, liberall, sociable, and farre from affect•…on. The Turke is dogged, proud, sparing, and contemp•…, •…s not knowing either consanguinity, neighbor-hood, or any thing but the name of a •…aue. The Persian 〈◊〉 noble-men, loueth such as we call hawke-•…ee, from 〈◊◊〉 commendation of Cyrus, weareth his vpper •…p w•… •…g and turning mustachoes, boasteth of his 〈◊◊◊〉 in propagato sanguine, is glorious in app•… 〈◊〉 •…ous, enclining to peace, and de•…rous of ple•… 〈◊〉they giue life vnto by solemnizing of feasts, whereat their noble wiues may meet, except when they are heated to lasciuiousnesse, then are they sent away, and concubines inuited to make wantonnesse the fuller, to which they come by degrees, beginning with a modest shamefastnesse, but more bold, at last set open all the doores of petulant and luxurious variety: nor are they ashamed to produce instances of Darius banquetting in Susa 180. dayes, with all his Princes: of Baltashars solemnities, when the cups of of gold were filled, and the beds of iuory spred: of Alexanders the Conqueror, imitating the Persian brauery, and reiecting the barren and shuffling customes of the Grecians, and diuers others, whose inuentions and customes are remembred to set on flame the already burning fire of their voluptuousnesse. The Turke contemneth such formality in condition: yet is more curious in apparrell; for his Turban is delicately plighted, and when it raines, hath a hood to couer it, his vpper gowne is cleane brusht, his mustacho carefully preserued, his beard the grace of his countenance, and many other delicacies maintained, while hee is resident in corrupted cities, seeming more solid, tyrannous, warlike, and knoweth nothing but obedience, as coniured to raise vp all the trophees of his endeauours to the glory of Othoman: yea, in his matters of incontinency, he runneth also a strange race, with a more impudent violence then the Persian, as if the Satyre were exemplined: Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt: and both from that horrible corruption of the Grecians, haue admitted the defiling of males, and the better sort do both geld and keepe Eunuchs, and other to the same purpose. The Persian loueth learning, painting, exercises, and many generous qualities. The Turke scorneth any language but his owne, supposing him a right Politician, who speaketh or learneth his, careth for no quality, but riding, shooting, and playing at chesse, contemneth many superfluous customes of Europe, and hath in derision, yea in malicious contempt all the ceremonies of the Westerne Churches, by reason of their images, and foolish prophaning of God through idolatry. Thus then from India to Arabia East & West, and from the Caspian to the Persian Gulph (where the great Euphrates emptieth his streams, and vnder whose shores is that famous Ormus scited, where they fish for pearle, and trauell six weekes together, from Damascus and Cairo to the same, with 6. or 700, cammels and asses in a company, to carry their prouision, for feare of the theeues of Arabia) preuaileth this Emperour, possessing withall diuers cities on this side Ganges, as intermingled with the Portugals: so that in India at this instant you haue many ports and harbours of fortification lying intricately diuiuided betweene Turkes, Persians, Spanyards, and the Indians themselues.

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THE KINGDOME OF PERSIA, OR THE EMPIRE OF THE SOPHI. (Book Persia)

THE Persian or Sophian Empire, as it was renowned heretofore, so now also it is very famous. The Inhabitants are Persians. They are called also Ayami, or Azamij, from the Kingdome of Azamia, which some thinke was heretofore called Assyria: they were called Persians from Persides, and Cheselbas from the red Cap or Hatt which they used to weare. They were called Sophians from Prince Sophos. The Kingdome of Persia is situate betweene the Turkish Empire,* 1.2 the Tartarians, the Zagatheans, the Kingdome of Cambaia, and betweene the Hircanian or Caspian Sea, and the Persian Bay. It hath thereof on the East the Indies and the Kingdome of Cambaja, from which it is separated and parted by the Mountaines and Desarts: on the North are the Tartars, neere the River Albianus or Oxus, the rest is enclosed with the Caspian Sea: on the West are the Turkes neere the River Tigris. and the Lake Giocho: on the South it is washed with the Persian Bay, and the Indian Sea, which is a large space of ground, for it containeth 38. degrees of longitude from the East to the West. And from the South to the North 20. degrees. Concerning the temper of the ayre of Persia, Q. Curtius, Lib. 5. writeth thus. There is no whole-sommer Country in all Asia: for the ayre is temperate, here a continued shady Mountaine doth qualifie the heate thereof: and there it is joyned to the Sea which doth cherish it with a temperate warmth. But this Country is not all of one quality, nor of one soyle. That part which lyeth toward the Persian Bay, in regard it is watered with Rivers: and also that part toward the Caspian Sea, having pleasant Rivers, & a milde gentle Ayre, are both happy and fruitfull, and doe yeeld all kindes of fruits, and doe breed all kindes of living creatures. It hath abundance of Wheate, Barley, Millet, and the like Graine, and also Mettals and Pretious Stones, and Paulus Venetus witnesseth that it hath great plenty of Wine. The other parts are desolate by reason of the heate and drynesse. Moreover the Persians were at first an obscure Nation, but they grew famous afterward by their King Cyrus, who having gotten the Empire Media and Lydia, joyned it to Persia, and so having conquerd Asia, and subdued all the East, he left it a faire and flourishing Kingdome. Cambyses succeeded his Father, who added Aegypt to the Empire, after whom Persia continued in one Estate untill Da•ius raigned; who being conquerd by Alexa•der of Maced•n, lost his life together with his Kingdome. It was governed by Kings 230. yeeres, as Q. Curtius affirmeth. Lib. 4. and the Prophet Ieremiah doth assent unto him at the 9. Chapter of Daniel. But now the Persian Empire which is subject to the great •ophy, is accounted one of the most potent Empires of all the East, which though it were sometimes oppressed by the Sarazens, and sometimes by the Tartars, yet it grew up againe in the raigne of King Ismael. The Countries which are subject to the Persian Empire are these, Media, Assyria Susiana, Mesopotamia, Persis, Parthia, Hyrcania, Marg•a•a, Bactriana, Par•pamissus, Aria, Drangiana, Gedrosia, and Carmania. Media is now called Servan, which is situate betweene Persia, and the Hyrcanian Sea, it hath on the East Hyrcania and Parthia; on the West the greater Armenia and Assyria. It is devided into the greater or the Southerne, and the Northerne Atropatia. The latter is colder, and therefore lesse inhabited. The chiefe Citty is Sm•chia, there are moreover these Citties, Derb•nt, Eres, Sechi, and Giavot. The greater is more inhabited: it hath also the Citty Tauris which is placed at the foote of O•ontis, being 8. dayes journey distant from the Caspian Sea. The compasse of it is almost 16. miles, in which it is supposed that there are 200000. Citizens. The Ancients did call it E•batana, where the Kings of Persia doe dwell in Summer. In the same Country there are Turcomian, •aru, Sus•an, Nassiva, Ardavil, and Marant. Assyria which is now called Arzerum, hath on the East Media, on the West Mesopotamia: on the North Armenia, on the South •usiana. It had heretofore these Provinces, Arrapach•tes, Adiabena, and Sittacena: the Citty Ninive is by Tigris, which is 60. miles in compasse. Susiana is now called Chus or Cusistan: it was so named from Susis a chiefe Citty, which is 15. miles in compasse▪ and was so called from the Lillies which grew there, as Atheneus noteth, for Susum in the Persian language signifies a Lilly. Mesopotamia, which in Scripture is called Padan Aram, is now called D•arbecha, it is situate betweene the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris, whence it was so named, because it lyeth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or in the middle betweene two Rivers: this Country hath a divers situation: part of it the Rivers doe fertilize or make fatt: part of it is dry and barren, and without Grasse, or Trees. The chiefe Citties are O•pha, which is 7. miles in compasse, and Ca•amil which is farre greater than it being the Metropolis of Mesopotamia, which Selimus the Turkish Emperour tooke from the Sophi. Merdin is the seate of the Patriarke of Chaldaea: and Mosus of the Patriarke of the Nertorianians, whose authority reacheth even to the Indies and Cathaja. In Persidis, which they call now Farsi, or Parsitum, there is the chiefe Citty Siras, which was heretofore called Pers•polis, which was the Seate of the Magi. Pliny calls it the head Citty of the Persian Kingdome, and Q. Curtius the royall Palace of the East. Hyrcania which is now called Grigta, or Cor•a, or Dargame•t, is next unto the Caspian Sea, which is therefore called the Hyrcanian Sea. It hath these Citties Hyrcana, which the Scythians call Carizath, also Besta, and Mesandra. Margiana which is now called Iselbas, is bounderd on the North with the River Oxus. The chiefe Citty is Iodion, which was anciently called Antiochia. Bactrina, now called Batter, or Charassa, is a part of Tartaria. The Citties are Bactra, which is now called Bochara, and also Istigias. Paropamissus is a part of Bactriana by the Mountaine Paropamissus, it is now called Candahar, or Amblestam. The chiefe Citty is Candabar which is a famous Mart Towne. Aria is so called from the Metropolis thereof Eri, which is 13. miles in compasse. Carmania which is called Circa, or Chermaine reacheth to the Indian Sea, even to Gedrosia, having many Citties and Havens. The Metropolis is Chirmain. There are also in Carmania these Kingdomes, Ma•ram, Era•a, Guadel, and Paran. Some doe falsely suppose Gesia to be Guzarate, seeing Guzarate is the Kingdome of Cambaja. Babylon is situate betweene the Persian Bay and Mesopotamia, and on the right and left hand it is enclosed with the Desarts of Susia, and Arabia, is was so named from Babylon the chiefe Citty thereof. Chaldaea ioyneth to it. In Chaldaea was the Citty Vr, which Iosephus calleth Vra, from whence Abraham being admonished by God removed and went to Haran in Mesopotamia. This Kingdome hath many Rivers, as Canac, Araxes, and •i•us, which doe water the Southerne part of Media. In Assyria is the River Tigris. In Susania the River Enelaeus: Mesopotamia hath the River Euphrates: In Margiana Oxus, Arius and Margis. Bactria hath the Navigable River Ochus, and others: in Aria are the Rivers Arius, Toncletus, Arapenes, and others. It hath also divers Mountaines, as Orontes in Media, and the Mountaine Coronus in Hyrcania. Also the Mountaine Taurus which cutteth thorow the middle of Persia, which hath divers names given it by the people that dwell neere it. It hath also many woods, especially Parthia is very wooddy, and the Northerne part of Hyrcania which hath great woods, which have store of Oakes, Pinetrees, and Firre-trees, and are full of wilde Beasts, as Tigers, Panthers, and Libards. Also Aria is full of Woods and Mountaines, as also all Persia. Concerning the publike works, there are many stately and magnificent Buildings in this Kingdome, and especially in Babylon. As that magnificent Bridge in the Citty of Babylon, which the Queene Semiramis built over Euphrates, concerning which see Munster, Lib. 5. who also in the same Booke describeth a strange Garden which Semiramis caused to be planted. In the Citty Susia was the Castle Susa, in which the Kings of Media dwelt, which as Cassiodorus reporteth Memnon built with stones laid in Gold in stead of morter: this is one of the 7. wonders of the world. But of these things enough, I come to their manners. They created their Kings out of one Family. He that did not obey the King had his head and armes cut off, and his Carkasse was afterward left unburied. They had all of them many Wives, and many Concubines, which they kept for Of-spring sake, that they might have Children by them. They never consulted of waighty matters but when they had their Cups about them, for they supposed that they could then determine better of matters than when they were sober. Acquaintance and equalls did salute one another with a kiss•. The 〈◊〉 ••rious did shew reverence by outward gestures.

They buried their dead bodies in the ground, and anoynted them with waxe. It was counted a hainous offence to laugh or spet before the King. Concerning the burying of their dead others doe write the cleane contrary, namely, that the Persians did bring forth the bodies of their dead without the Citty into the Fields, and there cast them forth naked to be devourd by Dogs and ravenous Fowles. And moreover that they would not suffer the bones of the dead to be buried or interr'd. And when any Carkasse was not presently devoured by the Fowles and the wild Beasts, they accounted it an unlucky signe, superstitiously beleeving that that man had a wicked impure soule, and therefore worthy of Hell, and his neighbours did lament him as a man who after this life had no hope of Felicity. But if he were soone devoured by the Beasts, they judged him happy. But now the Persians are more soft and gentle in their manners and behaviour then either the Turkes, the Tartarians, or the Sarazens. They are by nature liberall, and doe love civility: and they reverence Learning and Arts, but especially Astrologie, Phisick, and Poesie. They use Parents and Brethren with much respect: and Nobility of blood is greatly esteemed: wherein they differ from the Turkes, which make no differences of blood or dissent. Moreover, they doe entertaine and use strangers curteously: but yet they are very jealous. So that they suffer not their Wives to come in a strangers sight, though in other matters they use them with great respect, contrary to the maner of the Turkes, who use their Wives like slaves. The Persian women are very faire. They doe addict themselves to Mechanick Arts, and especially weaving of Silke stuffes which are transported thorow all Syria, and other Easterne Countries. They did feed heretofore on the fruit of the Turpentine Tree, and on Acornes, and wilde Peares: their daily food after running, or other exercises of the body was hard bread, their drinke was water. They get much by buying and selling of Pearles, and sweet Spices, but especially of Silke, of which here is great store.

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

Of PERSIA and the Provinces thereof.

PERSIA is bounded on the East with the River Indus, on the West with Tygris and the Persian gulfe, on the North with the Caspian Sea, and the River Oxus, and on the South with the maine Ocean, the people are much addicted to hospitalitie and poetry; in their complements lordly, in their apparell phantasticall, in their expences magnificent, and in their lives lovers of learning, nobilitie, and peace.

This Empire containeth these severall Provinces.

• 1 Persis.
• 2 Sussiana.
• 3 Caramania.
• 4 Gedrosia.
• 5 Drangiania.
• 6 Arica.
• 7 Arachosia.
• 8 Parapomisus.
• 9 Saccha.
• 10 Hircania.
• 11 Ormus.

Of all which in briefe, and no further than may concerne my present purpose.

In Persis now called Far, having the gulfe of Persia to the South limit, Caramania for the East, Susiana for the West, and Media for the North, was seated Persepolis the ancient seat of this Empire, which Alexander at the request of his Curtisan Laies commanded to be set on fire, but afterward repenting him of so great a folly and so unworthy an act, he reedified it, though yet now having lost much of its former beautie, and giving place to the famous Citie of Casbin, the residence of the present Sophies brought hither from Tauris by Sophie Tamas.

The commodities that this Country is in generall found to affoord for merchandize, is silkes of all sorts, raw growing plentifully in 1 Bilan, 2 Gilan, and 3 Aras, some precious stones, many sorts of drugges, wrought silkes, Chamblets, Carpets, shashes, callico's, and many excellent Armes used in warre both for horse and man, which is here so well tempered in the framing and making (with some vertuous simples) that it makes it both hard and excellent for use, and preserves the same cleane from any rust or perishing.

In Gedrosia, Drangiana or Sigestan, Aria now Sablestan, Aracosia now Cabull, Parapomisus, Saca and Hircania, I find not any thing worthie the survey, therefore I willingly passe them over and close these Provinces with the Citie of Sciras, which is comprehended in this tract.

Of the Trade in generall of PERSIA. THE trade of PERSIA as it is found subsistent in these daies, consisteth more by an Inland then a maritime traffique; for if the large extent of the Sophies dominions be well considered, and the neighbouring regions whereon it bordereth, it will be found that it wanteth many things to make it eminent: It is plentifully supplyed of commodities, and those also of excellencie, as of silver in great quantity, raw silke in aboundance, and of some drugges naturally growne: but when the industry of the natives is surveyed, it will be soone discerned that the costly, rare and rich carpets here made, the curious and fine cotton clothes here wrought; for their tulbants, girdles, shashes, shireing and the like, interwoven with silke, and not seldome with silver and gold; and the daily use thereof not onely in PERSIA it selfe, but throughout India, Arabia and Turkey; witnesse to the World the ingeniousnesse of this Nation: the greatest want and impediment of trade that they have here is of Sea-ports and Havens, of which they are much scanted; they injoyed once a large tract of land lying along the Caspian Sea, from Derbent on the one side, bordering on the Turkes, to Deristan on the other, bordering on the Tartars; but of late daies the same is much shortned, for the grand signior hath laid Tauris one of his metropolitan Cities for his limits, and the Tartar hath entered as farre as Minerdon, so that he hath onely left him upon this Sea the Ports of Gilan and Pismir, that are of any consequence, wherein much trading is not exercised, by reason of the ill neighbourhood of the Turkes, Muscovits and Tartarians, coasting the Caspian Sea. In the Persian gulph he did i•…joy the commodious and famous Towne and Port of Balsara, taken from him by the Turkes about 60 yeares past, and Ormus in the entrance of that gulph is but lately reduced to his scepter by the valour of the English, though anciently belonging to his crowne. The Ports of Iasques and Combrone being the onely two Sea ports he injoyes upon that continent of any quality, to which and Ormus all the trade of PERSIA toward India is observed to be driven, and to which the Portugalls, Dutch and English resort unto for their silkes, and others the rich commodities of PERSIA; and where each of them have factories and residencie for the trade of this Countrey: now on each side of PERSIA by land-ward he •…s invironed by three mighty and powerfull Nations, with whom •…e is sometimes in warres and sometimes in peace, the Mogulls Countrey and Tartar on the one side, and the Turkes on the other. For the trade thereof; It is observed that PERSIA yeelding yearly incirca 12000 coles of silke, which is the prime commodity of this Kingdome growing principally and made at Gilan, Bilan, Mahmody and Araste, (which last affords that sort of silke which we call vulgarily Ardasse,) the one third part of which is conceived to be •…ented into Turkey, transported by Camels into Aleppo, Damasco, Constantinople, Brussia in Natolia, and of late daies to Smyrna, and •…rom thence conveyed for the most part into Europe, principally •…o England, France and Italy, where the same is spent and consu•…ed, in returne of which they have from Syria and those parts principally rialls of 8/8 Spanish, some gold and some sorts of cloth, •…oollen and silke stuffes brought thither out of Uenice, Marselia and London. Another third part of the said silke is carryed to and spent in Agria and the dominions of the Mogul, into Ormus, Iasques, &c. and thence by the Indians and Arabians into Sarmacand, and other the dominions of the great Tartar, and into Astracan and other the dominions of the Moscovite, in returne whereof they have the spices of India, the drugges of Arabia, the rich furres of Russia, and the pretious jems of Cathai, and other the commodities of Tartaria; and the other third part is imagined to be spent for their owne use and clothing at home in their owne Countrey, so that by vertue of this sole commodity which this Countrey thus abundantly affordeth, and which is so sought after by all other Nations, (and the curiosity and luxurie of this Nation in generall) they have the commodities of all other Countries in returne thereof brought unto them. Divers propositions have beene made, and divers inventions proposed, and sundry treaties have beene set on foot, onely to compasse the sole trade of these silkes of PERSIA, with the Sophie himselfe, who challengeth a property therein throughout his whole dominions. The Dutch have more then once thrust at it, and to have it delivered at Astracan, and so to be convaied against the streame of Uolga into Moscovia, and so to Holland: but the summe and stocke required was so vast to compasse and mannage it, and the propositions and passage so difficult and dangerous, that they gave it over with this opinion of the World, that they indevoured to swim against too great a streame, and that they had some plot to set it afoote, and never intended to goe through with it, or otherwise were not able to compasse the same; since which the Duke of () hath put on for a branch onely thereof: but when the account came to be made up, his meanes was too meane to goe through with that small proposed part he aymed at: and lastly the English East India company, (as Merchants measuring their actions with the weight of their purses) have more prosperously succeeded; and in Hispahan have contracted with the Sophie for a round quantity, who have Merchant-like performed on their parts the conditions agreed upon, so farre to his good liking, that by his late Ambassadour in England, the whole yearly growth was tendred and offered to them; but his ill performance in the lesser, made them question the like in the greater; and therefore to their honour refused it. Now as concerning the lesser parts of this Countries traffique, which consi•…ts in the manufactories of this Kingdome; I passe them over in silence as being of lesser consequence, and hasten to Tartarie the next Countrey, bordering upon the Persians.

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

XXVIII. Persia,

E. India, N. Tartary, S. Sea, W. Media, under the 3^d, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th Clime S. days thirteen hours. N. fifteen hours, healthful and shady; the people half skilfull in Physick, Poems, Astronomy, Horseman-ship, Archery, Magick, and among other manufactures in making Silks, and Cloath of Gold; all the Christianity there was planted by St. Thomas. Hath

1. In Susiana, W. Babylonia, N. Assyria, S. Tygris, called Havilah, famous for Gold Bdellium and Onyx stone,

1. Aracca and its bituminous water easily fired, and not easily quenched.
2. The Ruines of Susa.
3. Elimais rich by Pilgrimages with Sela on the Bank of Eulaeus, that emptieth its self into Sinus Persicus, of so pure a stream, that the great Persian Kings would drink of no other water.
4. Jaaroone inhabited by Jewes Suum and Casa.

2. In Persis, W. Susiana, N. Media, E. Carmania, now Fars, where some Dates, Palmes and Emeraulds are found; and in one part of it abundance of Roses, Rosewater, Cordovans, Corn, Fruit and Cattle; are

1. Ausinza on the Bay, between the mouths of the Rivers Bagradas, and Brisoana, as
2. is Jona Capolis.
3. Axenia now Lansilla.
4. Shyras raised on the ample ruines of Persepolis (burnt by Alexander in a drunken fit, at the instigation of Lais) neer the banks of Araxes, now Bindimir the Metropolis, nine miles round in a plain, hemmed with Mountains, famous for Gardens, and Mosches with their golden lights, and a thousand Lamps; affording Good Wine, pretty Women, pleasant fruits, and a gallant people.
5. Well-wooded and watered Moyown, N. E. Shyras.
6. The high Mountain and Castle of Banneraw.
7. Berry, a School for the Arabick tongue, &c.

3. In Carmania, W. Persis, and the Gulf of Persia, N. Parthia, S. Indian Sea, affording neither good Port, nor good coming to it all the two hundred leagues on the Sea coast, to carry off its poor Commodities, such as Dates, Myrrhe, Arsenie, Brass, Iron, Alabaster, Fish and little Silver; are

1. Cyrza and Gochorta, two Port Towns.
2. Alexandria.
3. O•tespana.
4. Armuza, on the shore of the Persian Gulf.
5. Populous Gunbroone.
6. Jasques in Cape de Jasques.
7. Charmania (Chyrman) notable for cloath of Gold, and Scymitars. 3 In-land Lar, and its goodly Market place Mosch, and Cittadel of Mosai{que} work; through this Country Alexander marched after the Conquest of India in a fortnights continued fit of drinking and revelling.

4 In Ormus, an Isle in the entrance of the Persian Gulf (which after a narrow streight openeth to the City Balfora, and is two thousand five hundred Italian miles compass) twenty miles round, affording only Salt, and notwithstanding its so hot, that the people are forced to live in Caves; and so unhappy that they send to other Countries for water; is so well Scituated, that the Wealth of Persia and East India is brought to its great Mart Armuzium (two miles round) in the end of the Isle, and thence conveyed by water to Euphrates, and thence by Boats, or Camels to Aleppo, Alexandretta and Tripolis, till it was destroyed by the help of the English, 1622. who have therefore customes of all strangers that traffick at Gambroon, whither the trade of this place was removed.

5. In Gedrosia, W. Carmania, S. Indian Sea, E. Gambaia or Guzurat in India, a barren place, affording onely Nard, and Myrrhe, but a poor Village is the chief City.

6. In poor Drungiana, S. Gedrosia; is

1. Prophthasia now Sistan.
2. Sige or Sigestan,
3. Mulebet,
4. Pharazada.
5. Arvada.

7. In Despicable Arachosia is no place memorable; but

1. Alexandria now Cabal at the foot of Taurus.
2. Sin.

8. In Para Pomismus, N. Bactria, E. India, W. Ana, dark with hills; is Candabor, the Metropolis of great trade, by reason of the Scituation of it on the borders of India.

9. In Aria, W. Parthia, E. Para pomismus, where is in some places a strong wine that will keep colour, and tast eighty years, something like Myrrhe and Saphyr: there are now only,

1. Heri or Eri on the banks of Arias, called the City of Roses, very strong.
2. Sasuar.

10, In Parthia, E. Aria, W. Media, N. Hyrcania, S. Carmania, now Arach, nothing but sand, unless it be under the woods, where are things for necessity, none for riot; the people slavish, nimble horse men, and Archers: the Country not passable for the Sands, were it not for Caus-wayes and Castles at each three miles end; are

1. Hispan raysed out of the ruines of Hecatompyle, called by the Inhabitants, Half the World; nine miles round in a plain with Gardens, Baths, and Mosches, and a cloystered quadrangular market place, well stored with Merchandises, and Drugs; in the quadrangle whereof they use horse races, and other warlike exercises.
2. Jelphea on the other side the River, inhabited by Armenian Christians for a great Poll.
3. Croom, a large, pleasant, and healthy place on a Riveret.
4. Casham, rich and well built, and filled with Artizans in Silks, Sattins, Cloth of Gold, and Carpets; adorned with a beautifull Caravans Raw to entertain strangers.
5. Tangaunt where the King of Persia hath an incomparable House, for Gardens, Groves, Ecchoes, and Labyrinths, &c.

11. In Hircania, S. Parthia. N. Caspian Sea, E. Mergeana; the people of which place starve their Parents at seventy years of age; fruitful in pasture, wheat, wines, figs and other fruits; full of Forrests, and those Forrests full of Panthers, Leopards, Lyons, Tygers, &c. Is

1. Hyrcania Hyrcan.
2. Ashoraffe two miles from the Sea in a spacious plain, containing two thousand houses, adorned with two great Pallaces, the Furniture of one of which was valued by a Merchant at twenty millions.
3. Farabont, on a navigable branch of the Caspian Sea, well traded, especially by Muscovy Merchants, for Silks, whose ships come from the Volge, which dischargeth it self into the Caspian Sea by seventy mouths in March, and return in July; it being from thence to Astracan but ten dayes sail; famous for its Gardens, a Pallace, and a Market-place.
4. Chiachoporo on a River, the water whereof is for eleven months sweet, and for the twelfth salt.
5. The well-watered and wooded Barfrushder and Omoal resorted to by People of seven Tongues.
6. Stava, a Town of great Traffique for raw silk.
7. Mesander, whence the Province Mesandrum.

12. In Sandy Morgiana, W. Hyrcania, E. Bactria, N. Tartary; besides huge Vines as big as a mans middle, with clusters of Grapes two cubits long, of Noahs planting, as it is thought here; and the City Alexandria, now called I•dian; the chief place in the Country neer which is Jas•nium on the confluence of Margus.

13. In Bactria the greatest part whereof S. and W. is nothing but sand, which is travelled only in the night but towards the River Oxus, plentiful in wheat, and all grain except Oav•s, rich Mettals, and some Precious Stones, as Emeralds, Chrysolites and Jacinthes: is

1. Bactria at the foot of the hill S•gdii now Bochor, the Metropolis well fortified and stored.
2. Istigias, the pleasantest City in the East.
3. Eucratidia, Alicodra, Charra Charia, all these under the Persian Sophi, except here and there some places taken by the Turks, and others under the Muscovite and Portugez; the first whereof manageth the Trade of the Caspian Sea and the latter, that of the Southern Ocean.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

• PERSIA, or the Empire of the SOPHY of PERSIA, with its several Provinces, as they lie
  • Towards the CASPIAN Sea, or Sea of BACCU and SALA, which makes the Northern part of PERSIA; and are those of
    • Servan,
      • Tauris,
      • Sammachi,
      • Servan,
      • Ardevil,
      • Serga,
      • Bacca,
      • ••k•era.
    • Gilan,
      • Rast,
      • Gaxhar,
      • Mazandaran,
      • Layon,
      • Mosun,
      • Gilan,
      • Cassabi,
      • Gadiour.
    • Dilemon,
      • Allamoed,
      • Dilemon,
      • Thalekan.
    • Tabarestan,
      • A••er••ad,
      • Zar•••••,
      • Mag••••n.
    • Gorgian,
      • Gorgian,
      • Ob••oen,
      • Dar•egan,
      • Semnan.
    • Rhoemus,
      • Bestan,
      • B•y••,
      • Zabrawar,
      • Thous,
      • Mas•ndn,
      • Feraway.
  • In the MIDDLE; to wit, those of
    • Churdistan,
      • Naksivan,
      • Merend,
      • Choy,
      • Maraga,
      • Salmas,
      • Ourmaya,
      • Cormaba.
    • Ayrack, or Yerack-Agemi,
      • Hispahan,
      • Casbin,
      • Saltania,
      • Dankane,
      • Hamadan,
      • Hrey,
      • Sauwa,
      • Kom, or Com,
      • Kargh,
      • Cassian,
      • Yesd.
    • Chorasan,
      • Thabs Gilack,
      • Kayem,
      • Thon,
      • Zuzan,
      • Mexat,
      • Nichabour,
      • Zarchas,
      • Firabad,
      • Maruwe,
      • Bonregian,
      • Balch,
      • Herat.
    • Sablestan,
      • Zarang,
      • Bost,
      • Necbesaet,
      • Gisna-Cassaby.
    • Tocharestan, — Thaalan.
    • Candahar, — Candahar.
    • Patanes, — Grees.
    • Bach, — Balch.
  • Towards the South, and washed by the ARABIAN, or INDIAN Ocean; and by the Gulph of BALSORA and ORMUS; and are those of
    • Chusistan,
      • Souster,
      • Askar Moukera•,
      • Ardgan,
      • Hawecz,
      • Ramhormoz,
      • Siapour,
      • Saurac.
    • Fars,
      • Chiraef,
      • Aftackar,
      • Lar,
      • Darabegred,
      • Stahabonon,
      • Gombroun.
    • Kherman,
      • Cherman,
      • Girost,
      • Zirgian,
      • Mocheston,
      • Guadel,
      • Nahyan,
      • Patanis.
    • Sigistan, — Sistan.
    • Mackeran,
      • Mackeran,
      • Basir.
  • Together with several ISLES, as they lie in the Gulph of BALSORA, and nigh unto PERSIA; the chief among which are,
    • Ormus, — Ormus.
    • Queixome.
    • Pulor.
    • Coyar.
    • Ficor.
    • Lar.
    • Mulugan.
    • Garge.

PERSIA.

THe Kingdom or Empire of the Sophy of the PERSIANS is one of the most famous and greatest of all Asia; it extends it self from the Tigris and Euphrates on the West, almost to the River Indus on the East; and from the Gulph of Persia and the Arabian and Indian Sea, which bounds it on the South, unto the River Gehon, and to the Caspian Sea, now the Sea of Baccu, or Tabarestan, which are its Northern limits;* 1.1 so containing about 600 Leagues of length, and 500 of breadth, being seated under the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth Climats. Nevertheless this is but a part of the ancient Empire of the Persians; for the Assyrians having ordinarily held in Asia all that which both Turk and Persian at present possess; and that Monarchy having begun under Ninus, and lasted under thirty and odd Kings 13 or 1400 years, ending in Sardanapalus, divided itself into that of the Medes and Babylonians, who continued it little less than 300 years, afterwards the Persians made themselves Masters of it: and these during 200 and odd years, which they Reigned, remitted to it the best part of what the Medes and Babylonians had possessed. But when they would have passed into Europe, and have seized on Greece, the Macedonians and Greeks leagued themselves together,* 1.2 and naming Alexander King of Macedon their Chief, descended into Asia, several times defeated Darius, ruined the Empire of the Persians, and gave a beginning to that of the Macedonians.

Alexander the Great held this Empire but few years, and dying, it was divided among many of his Captains; who took in the end the title of Kings, and waged War against each other, till the Romans seized the Western, and the Parthians the Oriental part of that Monarchy; these Parthians freed themselves from the Rule of the Macedonians 250 years before the Birth of Jesus Christ, and Reigned near 500 years. Artaxerxes restored the Persians 228 years after Christs Nativity. The Caliphs of Bagdat became Masters about the year 650. The Tartars in 1257, or 58. The Turcomans in 1478. Xa, or Xecque Ismael-sophy re-established the Persians, a little after the year 1500; and though they possess only the Oriental part of the ancient Empire of the Persians, yet it is still very great and powerful.

• 1.3And we find at present under it, all that the Ancients knew under the names of Media, Hircania, Margiana, Assyria in part, Parthia, Aria, Paraponisa, Chaldea, or Babylonia in part, Susiana, Persia, Caramania, Drangiana, Arachosia, and Gedrosia; all these Regions taken apart being great, fair, rich, and populous.

• 1.4The Province of SERVAN hath for its principal City, 1. Tauris, being the Summer-Seats of the Persian Sophies, containing in Circuit about 16 Miles, and including above 150000 Inhabitants, before its being so often taken, and retaken by the Turks and Persians. It is strongly fortified, seated about six days Journey from the Caspian Sea, in a cool and wholsom Country, and encompassed with several great Towns of note, famous for their Manufactories. The People in this part being more addicted thereunto, than unto the Sword. The Commodities that are here found,* 1.5 are Silk, raw, and in several Manufactures; Cottons, Wool, Galls, Alum, some Spices and Drugs, with several other Commodities. 2. Sammachi; And, 3. Servan, once both the Metropolis of this Province, abounding in Silk and excellent Carpets, to which the People are wholly addicted. 4. Ardevil, was the Signory and Birth-place of Xeque Aidaz, Father Ismael-sophy, who restored this Empire to the Persians about the year 1500. Here are many Tombs of the last Kings of Persia. 5. Bocca, a place of so great trade, that the Caspian Sea oft takes its name: Near the City there is a Spring of Black Oil, which serves to burn throughout all Persia.

• 1.6The Province of GILAN, or GƲEYLAN, contains five Governments, of which the chief Cities are Rast, Gaxhar, Layon, Gilan, Mosun, and Gadiour, besides about 30 fair and rich Cities; Mazandaran, which some separate from, others joyn to Gilan, hath in its Government 25 Cities, and in the City of Mazandaran about 50000 Souls. All these quarters would have revolted in 1594. but Xa Abbas soon brought them to their duty, and chastised them for their offence.

• 1.7The Province of DILEMON hath its Metropolis of the same name; then Allamoed, Gowar, and Thalekan. In the description that those of the Country give us of these places, Allamoed seems to answer to Dilemon.

• 1.8The Province or TABARESTAN extends more than 60 Leagues on the Coast of the Caspian Sea, which is often called TABARESTAN from the name of this Province. It stretches 100 Leagues up the Land, containing in its Territory 12 fair Cities; of which Asterabad, or Starabat, which hath something of common with the name of the Province, is the principal; then Maglasen, Zariach, and others: this Country affords quantity of Silk.

• 1.9The Province of GORGIAN touches not the Sea, the chief City is of the same name; then Obscoen, Damegan, and Semnan. Gorgian answers to the ancient Hircania Metropolis.

• 1.10The Province of RHOEMƲS is in the East of TABARESTAN and GORGIAN: Its chief Cities are, 1. Bestan; then 2. Beyad; 3. Zab•awer; and 4. Thous, higher in the Land; 5. Feraway; 6. Masinon, and others toward the Sea and Mouth of the River Gehon. Nassir Eddin, that excellent Mathematician, was a Native of Thous, who drove Mustalzin from his Caliphat or dignity of Babylon, because Mulstalzin had demanded of him, Where were his Horns. So dangerous it is to mock a man of Spirit and Courage. The City of Thous is esteemed very considerable, being large, and encompassed with a noble Wall, adorned with stately Structures, and among others with about 200 or 300 Towers, distant from one another a Musquets•ot. It is famous for the stately Sepulchre of Iman Risa of the Family of Ali, one of the Twelve Persian Saints, where great Devotions and Ceremo•ies are performed by them, which brings in a great Revenue to this City.

• 1.11The Province of CHƲRDISTAN is divided into three Parts or Provinces, of which Salmas is the chief City of the first, Maraga of the second, •nd Cormaba of the third. Besides which there are a great number of fair Cities, as 1. Nakziovan, 2. Choy, 3. Guienche, &c. Salmas is near the Salt-Lake of Kannudhan, which yields Fish only at a certain time of the year. This City hath under its Jurisdiction 20 other strong and fair ones; yet is not without those wandring People which live under their Tents. Maraga is 〈◊〉 or 4 days Journey from Tauris, 5 or 6 from Salmas. Near Maraga the Per•ans were defeated by the Sarazens, about the year 650, and their Monarchy •ell into the hands of the Califfs. Cormaba is on the East of Tigris, and not •at from Bagdad and Mosul. Its Inhabitants are esteemed the true Curdes, as good at incursions as the Arabs, who lose nothing they can catch. Near Choy are the Calderonian Champains (of Chelder,) renowned for the Battle between Selim, Emperour of the Turks, and Ismael Sophy of the Persians; where this last, who had till then almost always been Victor, was defeated and lost a great Battel; and after it Tauris, where was his wife Tallucanum and his Treasures: but whilst he prepared new Forces, the Turks retired to Amasia. At Guienche, formerly a City and a Kingdom, contains likewise 7 or 〈◊〉 fair Cities, the Can Caidogli caused to be builded one of the fairest and strongest Towers that is in Persia; besides the Stone, making use of the Heads of 540000 Turks, which he had defeated in those quarters, and which he caused to be bruised among the Morter.

• 1.12The Province of AYRACK is the fairest and richest of Persia. The Sophies have for sometime past made here their residence; formerly at, 1. Casbin, at present at. 2. Hispahan, which are two great Cities; 3. Cassian, 4. Hamadan, 5. Dankana, 6. Sauwa, 7. Com, 8. Yesd, 9. Soltania, 10. Hrey, 11. Cochera, 12. Kargh, with several others, are likewise very fair. Near Hrey is gathered excellent Manna. Soltan hath great quantity of the fairest Fountains, and takes its name from the Soltans, which sometimes resided here. Yesd yields the richest and fairest Tapestries in the World. Near this City, and on the Mountain Albors, there are yet some worshippers of Fire, which have used it above 3000 years. Hamadan hath born the title of a Kingdom, and had 15 Cities under it. Casian produceth many Silk and Cotton Manufactures, and hath drawn to it all the Traffick that was at Com, not suffering any Vagabonds or Beggars. Com hath been as great as Constantinople; but Tamerlain having ruin'd it, it could never regain its splendor. The Inhabitants addict themselves to labour in their Vineyards and Gardens. Its Bridge is of Stone, and the fairest in all Persia. Casbin was the residence of Xa-Thamas, when the Turks had taken Tauris: Some esteem it the ancient Arsacia, others Ecbatana. It is not well built, but great, and filled with no less than 100000 Souls; its fair Palace, its many Bazars, and its Atmaiden, are remarkable. Bazars are places or great Streets, where there are but one sort of Merchants; the Atmaiden, or greater Market, which is about a mile in Circuit.

• 1.13Hispahan, the Metropolitan City of the Persian Monarchy, seated in the Parthian Territory, which in its scituation is pleasant and delightful; in its Soil, fruitful, and well watered by the River Sindery; in its Air, serene and healthful; and for bigness, is now become the greatest City in all Persia, whose Walls are in circumference a reasonable days Journey. Its buildings, which are many, (scarce containing less than 75000 Houses) are proud and elegant, and was said to be once so populous, that it gave entertainment to 500000 Inhabitants. But after a certain Revolt, (for which they were severely chastised by the command of the Prince) it hath not had so great a quantity of People; yet it is exceeding populous, and much frequented by Strangers; rich in Trade, eminent for all sorts of Exercise, and more magnificent as being the residence of the Sophy of the Persians, who had here built divers Palaces, which are inhabited by his Nobles; so rich and stately, with Gardens so delightful and magnificent, that not the industry of man, nay, scarce his thought can comprehend or imagine any thing more beautiful. This City, besides its Walls, is fenced about with a Ditch, and defended by a strong Castle. The chief buildings are the Palaces, the Mosques, the Hummums or Hot-houses, and the Mydan or Market-place, which without dispute is the fairest, richest, and noblest Building in the World, being about 1000 Places in length, and 200 in breadth: The inside resembles our Exchange, being filled with Shops, where all sorts of rich Commodities are vended; and sustained by Arches; and below, furnished with such things, both for Food and Rayment, as the Country affordeth.* 1.14 On the West-side are seated two stately Palaces or Seraglio's, for the King and his Ladies, far exceeding in state and magnificence all other the proud Buildings in this City; the Walls being of Red Marble, and pargetted with divers colours, and the whole Palace paved with fretted and Checkered work, over which it is spread with stately Carpets; the Windows are made of Alablaster, and white and spotted Marble; and the Posts and Wickets of massy Ivory, checkered with glittering Ebony, so curiously wrought in winding knots, that it may sooner stay than satisfie the eyes of the Beholder. To which stately Structure there is joyned a no less pleasant, and delightful Garden, wherein are no less then 1000 several Fountains, Brooks, and Rivolets, furnished with store and variety of curious Fruits, together with what else may make a place delightful. The great place of the City is before the Palace, where the Sophy ordinarily resides. The Fruits in and about this City are the best in the World; their Vines yield in nothing to those of the Canaries:

Their Horses and Mules are fair and good; their Camels so strong, that they carry almost twice as much as those of other places. They have permitted in this City some Monasteries of Christians, as of Carmelites, Augustine Fryars, Capuchins, and others.

• 1.15The Inhabitants do all their affairs on Hors-back, as well publick as private, in the buying and vending of their Commodities. But the Slaves never ride, which makes the difference betwixt them. This City being the residence of the Sophy, and being inhabited by so many eminent persons, which always attend this Monarch, makes it to have a great Trade, and be much frequented by Merchants almost from all places; as English, Dutch, Portugals, Arabians, Indians, Turks, Jews, Armenians, &c. whereby it is furnished, not only with all the Native Commodities of Persia, as Gold and Silver, Raw Silk, in such great quantity, that they furnish most part of the East; as also other places, some Drugs and Spices, Wine, Fruits, &c. Also sundry curious Manufactures, as, Carpets, Arras-work, Hangings, &c. Cloth of Gold and Silver, Fine Cotton Cloths, with several other Commodities which are here made; but also with those of Arabia, India, China, and Turky, which hither are brought in exchange for theirs, by Caravans or Camels, Dromedaries, and Mules, by reason they want the benefit of the Sea. They had formerly the benefit of several good Ports, as, Tauris and Balsora, but now in the custody of the Grand Seignior, together with some others: The Ports that they now enjoy, and make use of, are Ormus and Jasques. In this City is erected a Column or Pillar, composed of the Heads or Skulls of Men and Beasts, being about twenty foot in circumference at the Basis, and exalting it self near sixty foot in height. Now the reason of erecting of this terrible and horrid Column and Monument, was this. The People surfeiting with Luxury, through their Pride and Impudence, denied their duty to their Soveraign, not only in refusing to contribute a small sum of money (being towards the extirpation of the Turks and Tartars, who did much annoy the Kingdom) but also audaciously opposed his entrance; whereupon he vowed revenge: And having made a forcible entrance, in his rage fired a great part of the City, pillaged each House, and in two days, he put to the Sword near 30000; and to terrifie others, erected a Column or Pillar of their Heads.

• 1.16The Province of CHORAZAN, is the greatest of all Persia; some divide it into Cohazan, Chorazan, and Chowarazan, which others esteem to be the same. It hath every where a great number of brave Cities, as, Kahen on Kayem, which yields great store of Saffron. 2. Thou abounds in Silk Manufactures. 3. Mesched or Mexat, is the chief of Chorazan, and shews the Tombs of many Persian Kings. It is about twelve miles in compass, and hath about 100000 Inhabitants. Its Territory is fertile, its Inhabitants well made, strong, and warlike. 4. Herat is likewise called Salgultzar; that is. The City of Roses; it producing greater quantities then any City, in the World besides. It yields likewise Rhubarbe and Vines, which last a long time; and so much Silk, that there are sometimes 3 or 4000 Camels loaden in one day. 5. Nichabour so near to Rhoemus, that some conceive it belonging to it; others make it a particular Province: The City hath been much better peopled then now it is. Tamerlane here, and hereabouts, put to death in one day about 400000 persons. 6. Bouregian, is near a great Lake of the same name. This Lake receives many Rivers, but like the Caspian Sea, sends not one to the Ocean. But let us return to the more Southerly parts of Persia; we will say nothing here of Yerack, since the Turk at present holds it, with several others.

• 1.17The Province of CHƲSISTAN, answers to the Ancient Susiana, the Soyl is so fruitful, that it often yields 100 or 200 for one. Its Cities are Souster, Ardgan, Hawecz, Asker-Moukeran, and others. 1. Souster is the Ancient Susa. Here the Prophet Daniel had the Vision concerning the determination of the Persinn Monarchy, and the beginning of the Grecian; and where Ahasuerus kept his great Feast, which continued 183, days, for his Princes and Lords, imitated to this day by the Sultans of Persia, who do annually entertain their Nobles, where Ahasuerus kept his Court, when Esther demanded grace, in favour of the Jews; andt here where Mordecai was exalted to the place and charge of Haman, who was hanged on the same Gibbet which he prepared for Mordecai.* 1.18 It is held, that the ancient Palace was built by Memnon (Son of Tithonus, who in the Trojan Wars was slain by the Thessalans,) of the spoyls of the Great Thebes in Egypt; and that with such expence and magnificence, that the stones were bound together with Gold; but whether this be true or false, without doubt, it was very rich; for it is said, that Alexander found here 50000 Talents of uncoyned Gold, besides Silver Wedges and Jewels of an inestimable value. This City is of about 25000 paces in circumference, and is the residence of the Sophy in the Winter season. 2. Ardgan a fair City, on the borders of this Province, and not far from Hispahan. 3. Hawecz called by the Arabian of Nubia, Ahuaz, and made chief of the Cities of Chusistan, which he calls Churdistan. He places next to it Askar-Mocran, alias Askar-Moukeran, on the River Mesercan, where there was a Bridge supported by twenty Boats. 4. Tostar with a River of the same name. And 5. Saurac with some other.

The heats in these parts, in the Summer season, are so great, especially towards the South part of the Mountain; that the Inhabitans are forced to forsake the Cities, and retire themselves into the Mountains for coolness.

• 1.19The Province of FARS or FARC, formerly Persia, now a particular Province, hath a great number of large, rich, and beautiful Cities. As 1. Chirdef, which is said to be about 20000 paces in circumference; where sometimes the Sophy hath made his residence, scituate in a large and pleasant Plain, well built, and beautified with fair Gardens, and magnificent Mosques. Two of which are larger than the rest, and beautified with two Spires or Steeples, covered with a painting of Gold and Azure: These Mosques, by reason of 1000 Lamps which are kept burning, are as light by night, as by day. This City for its good Wine, pleafant Fruits, gallant People, and above all, for its pritty Women, may compare with the best in all Persia. The Ladies here are so fair and pleasant, that Mahomet passing through these quarters, would not enter this City for fear lest he should lose himself in its delights. The Soyl is very good, and Mastick is gathered in its Forests. The Arms they make here, are excellent. 2. Astachar was one of the greatest of these quarters, as likewise in the time of the Arabian of Nubia. The ruines of its Castle Chilminare, shew the remains of the ancient Palace that Alexander the Great burned, at the solicitation of the Curtisan Thais. At the taking of which City, Alexander for his share found 120000 Talents of ready money, besides the Plate, Images of Gold and Silver, and Jewels of a vast value: But its beauty did surpass it riches, having its Royal Palace built on a Hill, environed with a treble Wall; the first in height sixteen cubits; the second 30; and the third 60: All of them of Black polished Marble, with stately Battlements, on which were 100 Turrets. Nor was the outside more stately than the inside, which was built with Cyprus Wood, and beautified with Gold, Silver, Ivory, Amber, and such like. 3. Lar or Laar, hath been the chief of a Kingdom, and giveth name to the Larins, Pieces of very good Silver which they coyn. 4. Near Stahabonon, a pritty Town, the Momnaki-Koni, that is, the precious Momy is drawn out of a Rock; but it is onely gathered for the Sophy, who carefully keeps it: Being a most assured counter-Poyson or Antidote, and an excellent Salve against all Cuts or Ruptures, even within the body. Bezar comes likewise from this quarter. 5. Chabonkera. 6. Darabegerd: and 7. Baesd, are on the confines of Fars and Kerman. Some esteem them under the Province of Fars, others under that of Kerman; others make that a particular Province, which takes its name from the first of them, and which certainly is the greatest and the fairest. Darabegerd, as I believe, is the Valasegerd of the Arab, and the ancient Pasagardae; there, where sometime resided, and where was the Tomb of Cyrus, who here by this place defeated Astyages, the last King of the Medes, And 8. Gombrone, seated on the Gulph of Persia, a fair Town, well frequented; and where the English, Dutch, and Portugals, keep their Factories for the benefit and support of the Trade; this place being now the Scale of Trade for all Persia (as was formerly Ormus and Jasques, being at present of little use.)

• 1.20The Province of KHERMAN, of old Caramania, is one of the greatest, but not one of the best of Persia; yet they send forth several Commodities, as Steel, Tarquesses, Rose-water, Tutty, Bourbatan, Hebe, or Kilworm, of which they make the Confection Alkermes, Sarmack, which are black and shining Stones, which cures sore eyes, and paints black. Carpets the best in Persia, after those of Yesed (those of Chorazan hold the third degree.) Arms which the Turks buy at any rates, and Scimitars, which will cut a Head-peece without blunting the edge. The Country is somewhat uneven and Mountainous, which causeth barrenness; but the Vallies are very fertil and delightful, every where adorned with Flowers, and especially Roses, of which they make a great Revenue. Amongst its Cities, which are many, 1. Cherman, which communicates its name to the Province, makes a great quantity of Cloth of Gold and Silver; As also those Scimitars aforementioned. 2. Zirgian. 3. Nahyan, and others, are likewise in some reputation; but the Coast of Ormus is of great esteem, after it Mochestan.* 1.21 4. The City of Ormus is seated in an Isle at the Mouth of the Gulph of Persia, being in compass about 20 miles; the City well built, and strongly fortified, seated at one end of the Isle, being in compass about two miles, adorned with a fair Market place, and some Churches; famous throughout the World for the great Trade, there negotiated; but of itself, exceeding barren, and only composed of Salt Rocks, of which their Houses and Walls are made; and in the Summer, is found so excessive hot, that the Inhabitants are forced to ly and sleep in Wooden Cisterns made for the purpose, and filled with Water, where both the Men and Women ly naked up to their Chins. In this Island there is no fresh Water; but what they fetch from other places there adjoyning, which they keep in Cisterns; from whence they likewise get other Provision for their Food, being seated not above 12 miles from the Continent. The Commodities that are here found, are the rich Gems and Spices of India; The Tapistries, Carpets, &c. of Persia; the Grograms, Mohairs, and Chamblets, of Turky; the Drugs of Arabia, &c. The People hereof, in their Religion,* 1.22 in their persons and habit, have something of the Arabians in them, but more of the Persians. 5. Mochestan is the ordinary residence of the Kings of Ormus, because it is cool, its Waters excellent to drink, and its Land fruitful in Corn and Fruits, which is not found in the Island. 6. Guadell: and 7. Patanis, are the most famous Ports of the Coast.

• 1.23The Province of SABLESTAN, inclosed with Mountains, between Chorazan and Khermon; it answers to Caramania Deserta; yet it hath many Cities and inhabited places, amongst others, Zarany towards Khermon. 2. Bost. 3. Nechesaet, and 4. Gisna-Cassaby, towards Chorazan. Some place here Balasan, from whence come the Balais Rubies.

• 1.24The Province of SIGISTAN, SISTAN, or SAGESTAN; PATANES, CANDAHAR, and MACKERAN, are the most Easterly Provinces of all Persia, and nearest the mouth of the Indus. Sistan is the chief City of Sigistan; Mackeran of Mackeran, which is seated on the Sea; and also Basir, which seems to keep its ancient name Parsis. The River Ilmenel, waters all these Provinces, and falls into the Indian Ocean, not far from the Gulph of Indin. Also Grees is the chief of Patanes, and Candahar of Candahar.

• 1.25These are the Estates of the Persians, and we are to observe, that his principal neighbours are, the Turks on the West, the Tartars on the North, the Mogols on the East, and the Portugals on the South, in and about the Gulf of Ormus. These last cannot deprive him of any great part, their design being only to maintain their commerce in the Indies, yet they cease not to perplex him on the Sea; and have divers times taken and retaken Ormus from him. The Mogols; the Tartars, and the Turks, are troublesom neighbours unto him, and oft times his Enemies; because they are powerful and capable to seise on whole Provinces; which he recovers rather by strength, then otherwise:

For it must be confessed, that the Persians are more Active in their Arms, then all their Neighbours, except the Portugals: And they are likewise esteemed more courteous to strangers, more civil in their conversation, and more exact in their Policy and Government,* 1.26 then all the Mahometans. And if we would compare the manners of the Turks, with those of the Persians, we should find a great difference, and often much contrariety: For the Persians are courteous to strangers, the Turks abusive: The Persians esteem study, the Turks neglect it: The Sophies of the Persians hold in honor, their Brothers and Kinsmen, the Turks oft put them to death: The Persians have amongst them great quantity of Nobles, the Turks make account of none but the Officers sent them from the Port: The Persians have the Cavalry, the Turks the better Infantry: both the one and the other are Mahometans, but they explain their Alcoran so diversly, that that alone is capable to carry them to the ruine of one or the other Empire, if they could effect it; and it seems, that the disposition of the one, and the other estate is very different, caused by their contrary manners, which makes them follow Maxims quite different from one another.

The Empire of the Turks is divided into many parts, cut asunder by several Seas, one upon the neck of another, and bygre at navigable Rivers; as the Danube in Europe; the Nile in Africa, and the Euphrates in Asia; which gives it great advantages, both for Trade, and the transport of its Forces; Whilst the Empire of Persia, consisting of an entire and solid Mass, full of Mountains in the middle of the Countrey; few navigable Rivers, and those which are distant one from the other, and falling into divers Seas, that they can have no communication one with another. Trade cannot be commodious, but abroad; and if they have occasion to transport any Troops from one Coast to another,* 1.27 it cannot be done without the expence of much time and pains: And it is for this reason, the Persians serve themselves more of Cavalry, who at a need, are able to put into the field One hundred thousand Horse, and they have for the most part ready, 30, 40 or 50000: They entertain little Infantry, and those for the most part are strangers.

• 1.28The Empire of PERSIA, is of a large, and of so different a nature, as one would not take it to be the same, being in some places very barren, cold, and comfortless, scarce affording either Food for Man or Beast, as are the North parts which ly betwixt Mount Taurus, and the Hircanian-sea, whereas Southerly it is very fruitful, the Soil rich, affording plenty of Corne, Wine, and all things necessary for the use of man, being pleasant, full of rich Pastures which are stored with abundance of Cattle, the Country watred with streams. The Persians are of a low stature,* 1.29 yet have great limbs, and strong, they are of an Olive colour complexion, hawked nos'd, and black hair'd, which they shave every eight days, and those which have not black hair naturally, by art make it so, as being in great esteem amongst them, they paint their hands and nails of a reddish colour. In their habit they follow much of the Turks, their clothes have no proportion to their bodies, hanging loose and large, much in the fashion of the Womens; their Mendits, by the Turks called Turbants, are made of Cotton, Cloth or Silk, Stuff, which is fine and of several colours, which they wear on their heads, as we do Hatts, many of them wear them of Red, but the Priests, as also his other Garments are white, their Garments they girt about their waists with a Scarf; under these Garments they wear breeches like our drawers, their stockings are for the most part made of Cloth without any shape in them their shoes are picked toed, and like slippers; by reason of their often putting them off and on, not wearing them in Houses. The Women wear much finer Stuffs then the men, and have nothing to ty about their waists, their drawers, stockings, and shifts are like those of the men; they wear their hair loose about their shoulders in several tresses, having no other Ornament except it be 2 or 3 rows of Pearls, which they fasten to their fore-head, and so hangs down on each side of their face to be fastned to their chin; the young Maids wear rings, and bracelets about their hands and armes, also rings with precious stones in their right nostrills, as the Tartarian Women do. The Women in the Streets goe with while Vails over their faces, down to their knees. The People in this Nation as well Men as Women, according to their degrees in honour, or riches do exceed in costly habits, in which they are exceeding neat and curious, not admitting so much as a spot upon their Clothes, which neatness they like wise observe in their Houses, which are for the most part well furnished; as also in their meats and drinks, which are excellent, delightful and curious. They are great dissemblers, and much addicted to ill language if provoked to it. They are of a good nature, and very sensible of kindness done to them; but where they hate, are mortal enemies: They are couragious and good Souldiers, great haters of Cowards; very ingenious, of a ready Witt, and sound Judgment, much addicted to reading several Authors, which tend to the knowledg of Poetry, Philosophy, the Law, Medicine, several of the Mathematicks,* 1.30 as Arithmetick, Geometry, Astronomy, and its influences, as Astrology, which they give much credit unto. These and the like Arts and Sciences are studied and taught young Students at several Colledges and Ʋniversities, by experienced persons in the same, who there reside. They are very ingenious in Fire and Water-works, are great lovers of their pleasure, in several recreations, as Hawking, Hunting, Riding a tilt, &c. they are very complementory, obliging, and curteous, especially to strangers, not addicted to covetousness, usury being forbidden amongst them; they are generally much given to Luxury, not contenting themselves with several Wives, but must also have the use of Concubines, which is allowed them; they are also given to Sodomy, but Adultery they severely punish. When a young man desires to marry, and hath heard of a maid as he thinks he can love, he hath some of his friends to treat with her parents or friends about it; for the maid is not to be seen, and if they agree, then they proceed to Articles,* 1.31 which is to be performed by the friends of the Bridegroom, it not being there the custom for the man to receive a portion with her, as it is here with us, but contrarily, the Dower which by both of their friends is agreed on, he either sends unto her two or three days before the consummation of the Marriage, which is either in Money or Goods, as a recompence to her Parents or Kindred, for their care in her education; or else engages to pay her if in case a Divorce should happen, which is usual amongst them upon a dislike or disagreement, as being allowed of by their Law, this done their Agents, in the name of the betrothed couple, go to their Priests or Ecclesiastical Judge, who being satisfied that it is done by the mutual consent of their friends, marries them by the said Agents, but very privately: the Marriag day being agreed upon, the Bridegroom sends his Bride several toyes, as Pendants, Bracelets, Rings or the like Ornaments; also several dishes of meat, for the entertainment of her friends and relations; who about the evening brings the Bride to the Bridegroom, being mounted on a Horse, Mule or Camel, being covered with a Vail of Crimson Taffety, over her face down to her knees, and accompanied all the way with Musick, and being entred the Mosque, the Muloy demands their liking; then the Bride requireth three things, viz. Bed-right, Food and Rayment; and the Parents having declared their consent, the Priest encircles them with a cord, conjoynes their hands, takes a reciprocal Oath, and calls Mahomet to witness, which ended the Caddi enrolls their names, with the day of the month, year and hour of the day of their Nuptial, and so dismisses them; and being come to the Bridegrooms House, they take her off, and lead her into a room where she and her friends sup, the Bridegroom and his friends being in another room, and after supper is ended, they conduct her to another room where she is to ly, to which the Bridgroom is soon brought, where he receiveth his first sight of her, the campany with-drawing themselves out of the room, he falls to his embracing her, and after the first enjoyment of her, he leaves her, and goeth to his friends, to spend some hours in their company; if he finds that she hath lost her virginity before, he hath-power to cut off her Ears and Nose, and to turn her, and her relations and friends out of doors, which is a great disgrace unto her and them; but if she be a pure Virgin, then he sends the tokens of it, by an ancient Woman, to her relations, and then for joy they continue their entertainments three or lour days together, having several divertisements, as Musick, Singing, Dancing, or the like, the next day after their Marriage, they both wash and bathe themselves, they are allowed by the Law four Wives, (of which the first hath the preemency,) but they must be of their own Religion; and for Concubines, they may be of any Religion, and have the liberty of taking as many as they please, paying them a certain stipend or salary,* 1.32 as they shall agree by they week, moneth, or longer, as they shall agree, at the end of which term, they are quit from their Obligation; and may leave each other without another agreement made betwixt them, the men are exceeding jealous of their Wives, insomuch as they are forbidden the liberty of society with any man, which custom is used among the Italians.

• 1.33In their Feasts they are very stately, having not only all varieties of Meats, as Flesh, Fowles, Fish, Baked-meats, with excellent Wine, and great attendance, but also pleasant Fruits, stately Banquets of Sweetmeats, and to make their entertainments complent, they are furnished with curious Musick, as well Vocal as Instrumental, their Rooms or Halls, where they make these entertainments, are very spacious, and curiously adorned with stately Hangings of Tapestry, and beautified with varieties of Paintings, but most of them being naked Figures which amongst us would be accounted unseemly, their rooms being perfumed with sweet Odors and Waters, so that nothing is wanting for the pleasing of the senses; their way is to sit upon the ground on Carpets, being the Custom of the Turks and other Eastern Countries so to do; being also used to Collations in afternoons and nights, wherein they have excellent Fruits, Sweetmeats, Wine, Musick and Dancing.* 1.34 They are great lovers of Women, insomuch that at their Feasts they are always furnished with them, being such as they call Dancing-women, who being brought up in Dancing, Singing, and playing on Instruments, make it their imployment so to do at Feasts; these Women for the most part are very handsom, and richly attired, having about them costly Jewels, Pendants, Rings, having about their legs Bells, like Morris-dancers; and he who hath a desire to enjoy a Woman, riseth from his Seat, and taketh which of these Dancing-women he most fancies, and goes into a private room, and after he hath enjoyed her to his content, he comes to his place, and the Woman goes to Dancing, without any shame to the one, or notice taken of the other. They are much given to drink Wine, Tea, and Coffee.

• 1.35The Persians are very strict, superstitious, and ceremonious in their Religion, (as the Turk is, but differ much from them in the exposition of their Alcoran) as in their Pilgrimages to Mecca, in their Sacrificings, in their observing of days, on some of which they will not do any business, either tending to profit or pleasure, refraining from all Acts of Sin as nigh as they can, and one of these days they hold to be the next Wednesday before the Vernal Equinox, by which they begin their new year, in their processions, and celebrated Festivals in commemoration of their several Saints, which they perform with great devotion, mixt with no less state in their several Sepulchers, where their Saints are interr'd, which are very large and magnificent Structures, so rich in Gold and Silver, with which it is adorned, as well in Lamps and Candlesticks, as otherwise, that it can hardly be exprest; in which places they have their Priests, which attend and offer up their devotions and explain the Alcoran, which they read out of Books, which they have in their Library being Manuscripts either upon Paper or Parchment, being curiously bound, neatly painted within, and covered with Plates of Silver or Gold, caryed or imbossed, or with paintings; also the Persians have not the same Miracles, the same Saints, the same Mosques,* 1.36 and the same Ceremonies as the Turks have; they use Circumcision, but not till the Children are 7, 8 or 9 years old, they are very devout, especially in their prayers, which they use five times a day, as being obliged by their Religion so to do; also in their Prayers for the dead, over their Graves which devotion is used during the time of their Lent, which they keep for a month, in which time they neither eat nor drink betwixt Sun-rising and Sun-setting, but in the n•ghts they eat and drink what they please; yet for a sum of money they may have a dispensation: they interr their dead within three hours after the life is departed, unless it be in the night, so that then they let the corps alone untill the morning, they wash or bathe the bodies of their dead, before they are interred, in a great Cestern,* 1.37 which they have for the same purpose near the Church, to which place they are carried on a Bier in their Clothes, and after they are stript and Washt, they put them in clean linnen, anoint them, and so bear them to the Grave, being accompanied with his Friends, Relations, Servants, &c. in this order; first goeth those of his blood, rext his Varlets, who go naked to the Waist, the rest in troozes, who to express their love, scratch, and burn their Breasts, Arms, and other parts, so that the blood oft issueth forth; then follow many youths on whose shoulders are affixed some texts taken out of the Alcoran, together with Elegies of the deceased, in the next place follow several persons of the best ranck, each holding a cord that is affixed to the Hearse; and on every side abundance of People bearing in their hands, Garlands of Flowers, Lawrels, and such things as befit the Season, then follow some Horse-men half naked, who oft times massacre their carcasses, and in the last place follow weeping-Women, that is, such as are hired to weep and howle, the better to provoke others to passion; and being brought to the Grave, the Priest after he hath performed several Ceremonies which he readeth out of the Alcoran, the Corps is interred with his head towards Mecca, his face towards Heaven, and his armes expanded, (as they say) to imbrace their Prophet Mahomet, placing two Stones, one at the head, and the other at the foot of the Grave, on which are ingraven in Arabick Characters, the persons name, quality and time of burial, and so take their leave, but for a good while cease not to visit the Grave twice a day, beseeching Mahomet to succour him against his two bad Angels, of whom they have this opinion; So soon as the Corps is interred, there are two hiddeous Devils assaile him, the one they call Muengar, which is armed with an Iron Club, and the other Quarequar, armed with a Hook of Flaming brass, and in this horrid posture, they view the Carcass, and in an insolent manner, command him to raise his head, to fall prostrate upon his knees, and begg his soul, which then re-enters the body, and gives an account unto them of all the actions of his life, and upon examination and confession, if it appear that his life was good, they vanish away like Spirits, and two good Angels come (apparelled in white) to be a comfort unto him, and protect him untill the day of doom, not stirring from him, but sitting one at his head, and the other at his feet. But on the contrary, if it happen that his life is found bad, then these Infernal Imps are his tormentors, the one knocking him on the head such blows with his Iron Club, as beats him (as they say) ten yards into the Earth, and the other drags him up with his Flaming hook; and thus is he knockt down by one, and dragged up by the other, untill Mahomet sends him a deliverance; and this (as Sir Tho. Herbert relateth in his book of Travels) is their belief, which if it be true, I doubt they will have many a sound knock and torne place before their delivery. To persons of quality, they observe more Ceremonies than to those of the ordinary degree, making Feasts on the third, seventh, and fortieth day after the Corps is laid in the Grave, at which Feasts they are charitable to the poor in their Almes Deeds.

• 1.38The King of Persia governs by an absolute power, disposing of the lives and estates of his Subjects as best pleaseth him, making his Will his Law, not any one daring so much as to murmure, though his actions are never so much unjust. Their Kings come to the Goverment by succession, and not by election, insomuch that if the King hath no Children which are lawfully begotten as by his Wives, for want of such those of his Concubines shall succeed him.

• 1.39Upon the Coronation of their Kings, amongst other Ceremonies, he is presented with a Crown, by one of their chiefest Lords, which he takes putting it to his forehead, and after kissing it thrice in the name of Mahomet, and of Aaly, he delivers it to the grand Master of the Kingdom, who puts it on his head, the People making great shouts and acclamations, kissing his feet, and presenting him with great presents, which done, the rest of the day they spend in feasting and other jovialties, but in all their Ceremonies there is not so much as an Oath imposed upon him; as, for his well governing them, and keeping and preserving their fundamental Laws, and other of their rights; as amongst us done, but all being left to his sole power, as being absolute.

There are belonging to the Court several Officers, as Chancellor, Secretary of State, Controller, Master of the Horse, Master of the Ceremonies, together with several other Officers,* 1.40 as amongst our Courts are found. The Administration of Justice is decided by the King, but first tried by the secular Judges who examine the same, and deliver up their opinion to the King. They have several strict and severe punishments, which they inflict upon the offenders according to the hainousness of their crimes, for some offences they cut off the Ears or Nose, sometimes the Feet or Hands, for others to be beheaded, for some again, they are tyed between two boards and so sawed asunder, with several other cruel deaths which are too tedious to name. In their Military affairs they are very experienced,* 1.41 their Army consisting only of Horse, who have for their Armour Darts and Javelins, yet have they some in the nature of our Dragoons, which are mounted on Horses, who have Muskets for their Arms, as for an Army of Foot, together with the assistance of great Guns by them, is not so much set by, as being troublesom, and a detarder of them from their speedy and great marches, they are very expert in all stratagems of War, which gives them a great advantage over their enemies.

Here doth inhabit a sort of People called Gaurs, and are of a much different Religion from the Persians, observing divers Ceremonies peculiar to themselves. In their Baptism they use no Circumsition, instead of which they wash the Child, &c. At their Nuptials after the Priest hath said some Prayers, he takes water, washes both their fore-heads, and gives the Benediction. When they are sick they make Confession to the Priest, and bestow their Almes in hopes of Pardon of their Sins. They bury not their dead, but carry them to certain enclosed places, where they fasten them to high Stakes, with their faces towards the East. They bear a great adoration to Fire. They are exceeding cleanly in all things, and wash often in Cows-piss, which they hold to be a good purification. Upon confession of their Sins to their Priests, they are constrained to Penance, in which several Ceremonies are observed. They have so great esteem for Doggs, that when any die they are carried out, and prayers are made for them.

They have great quantity of all sorts of Cattle, Grain and Fruits. Amongst their Fruit-trees, they have great quantities of white and black Mulberry-trees, which grow not above 5, or 6 foot high, so that one may easily reach up to the branches, and in the Spring time, when these Trees begin to shoot forth their leaves,* 1.42 they begin to hatch their Silk-worms, which they do by carrying the seed under their arm-pits in little baggs, which in seven or eight days will receive life, then they put them into a wooden dish, upon the Mulberry-leaves, which they once a day change, and take a great care that they be not wet, at the end of five days they sleep three, after which they dispose of them into Rooms or Barns, prepared for the same purpose, upon the beams of these buildings they fasten laths, or such like pieces of wood, upon which they lay Mulberry-branches, which hath the leaves on, whereon they put the Silk-worms shifting them every day, and as they grow in bigness, so oftner to twice or thrice a day; before they begin to spin, they sleep about eight days more, after which they begin, and in 12 days they have finished their Cod, the biggest they make choise of for seed; all the rest they cast into a Kettle of boyling Water; into which they often put a whisk made for the purpose, to which the Silk sticks which they immediately wind up; and that which they keep for Seed, they lay upon a Table, out of which, in the space of fifteen days comes forth great Buggs, which afterwards turn to things like Butter-flies, which in a few days they gender and lay Eggs, and then die, not eating any thing from their first spinning; which is much, for things to live so great a while without eating any thing: And of these Silk-worms thus ordered they make a great Revenue.

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

PErsia bears the Name of one of its ancient Provinces, that is now called Fars. It's one of the most considerable Kingdoms of Asia, by reason of the Riches of its principal Towns, and the Union of its Forces; it is more fertil and populous than Turkey; its Inhabitants the most civil, and the best polished of all the Mahometans. There is more politickness, and more refined Wits than in Turkey. They love good order, and justice, and favour Strangers. Its Rivers, which have this particular of having neither Pike nor Eel, are not Navigable: They commonly go under the Name either of their Cities, or their Colours: They furnish the conveniency for the making of Channels, for the watering the Lands; they become smaller the nearer they come to the Sea, and sometimes are entirely dryed up by the Diversions, that are made of them. The Neighbourhood of the Sea of Bassera, and that of the Caspian, is more fertil, and more temperate, than the Inland Countreys which have Desarts, and Mountains, where it seldom rains, for which cause the Fruit-trees receive no Water but at the Foot, and Root. This Kingdom is one of the most Ancient Monarchies of the World; the Assyrians, Medes, Persians, and Parthians, have begun their Empires here. The Policy of this Kingdom is in great esteem, the Government easie, supportable to the Persians, and to Strangers. There is no talk of Robbers; the Rights of Hospitality are so regularly observ'd, that the King will have all Foreigners to be reputed as his Guests. The Name of Scha, is bestow'd on the Kings of Persia; the Vulgar attribute to them that of Sophi; which is a proper Name. They were formerly call'd Great Kings, and Kings of kings; principally when they had Vanquished the Grecians. The Name of Sultan, which in Turkey signifies King; in Persia, only signifies the Governour of a Town. The Persians have alwayes had their Sovereign in great estimation: Still at this day they think to confirm a thing much more strongly by the name of their King, than by that of God; perhaps after the Mode of those of Achem in the Isle of Sumatra, who say, that God is afar off, and the King near at hand. The Riches of the ancient Persian Kings have been immense, as may be seen by the Treasures, which Alexander the Great found in the Coffers of Darius. Scha-Sefi, one of the late Monarchs, had for common service 7200 Marks in Vessels of Gold. Herbert says, that in his time, there has been seen in Asharat, for the service of Scha-Abbas, Vessels of Gold and others, to the value of 260 Millions of Livers.

The Persians are well proportion'd: have little experience in the Art of Navigation, tho' they be near the Sea. When the Portugals would have drove them from Ormus, they had recourse to the Ships of the English. Their Women are in great esteem, through all Asia, for their Beauty; their Horses for their agility, their Camels for strength. In the Countrey they have a saying, Bread of Yesde-Kast, Wine of Schiras, Women of Yesde. Their Religion is Mahometan, of the Sect of Hali; the King allows, that the Carmelites, the Augustins, the Capuchins, the Jesuits, have their Houses and Churches in this capital City Ispahan, where the Superiours of those Houses perform the Function of Ambassadours for Christian Princes of the Roman Communion. The Persian Tongue is so sweet and soft, that it is in little use, but amongst the Women and Poets; the King, and Persons of Condition, commonly make use of the Turkish Language. Persia is as a Go-between to the Turks and Europeans, for the Commerce of the Indies. It furnishes the finest Silk-stuffs, and the best Tapestries that are seen, Cloaths of Gold, Bezoar, Manna, Rhubarb, Rose-Water, Turquoises, which are taken at the Mountain of Phirouskou, four Leagues from Meschet, a City renowned for the Pilgrimages of the Mahometans of Persia. The Silk of Chorasan is very fine, that of Kilan somewhat courser. There are Fields of Salt, some Mines of Copper, Iron, and Steel in Chorasan, of Lead in Kirman: Gold and Silver is imported from abroad, as well as Wood. The greatest Trade is droven to Bagdad, for Turkey; to Gombru, for the Indies. The Kings of Persia do allow of Commerce upon their Coasts, but suffer not any Fortresses to be made there: the Mogul, the Emperour of China, and other Eastern Kings, take the same course in their Dominions. They have powerful Neighbours of the Turk and the Mogul. The strength of their State consists principally in its situation, there being high Mountains and great Desarts in its neighbourhood. Ismael Sophi had three hundred thousand Men in Arms, against Selim, Emperour of the Turks; the ancient Kings had sometimes Armies of seven or eight hundred thousand Men. The usual Armies now-a-days are of fifty or sixty thousand Horse, besides thirty thousand, that are kept upon the Frontiers: this number would be much greater, if we reckon'd all those who go to the Army. The Persians wear the Red Turbant, wherefore they are called Keselbas: the Tartars of Giagatay wear it green; that of the Turks is white, and that of the Grecians blew. Their Soldiers are of four sorts, Fuzeliers, Slaves, Keselbas, Lifeguard-men, all Troopers. There is a great antipathy between the Persians and Turks: Those who observe that antipathy amongst the Nations of the World, say, that it is between the Chineses and Japoneses, betwixt the Armenians and Nestorians, between the Arabians and Abyssins, between the French and Spaniards, betwixt the Italians and Greeks, between the Germans and Polanders, between the Danes and Swedes, between the Muscovites and Tartars, between the English and Scotch, between the Irish and Welch, betwixt the Hurons and Iroquins Nations of Canada.

Here follows the enumeration of the Provinces of Persia, according to the most receiv'd Relations, Arak, Fars, Chusistan, Adherbeitzan, Iran or Karabach, Schirwan, Kilan, Teberestan or Mesanderan, Chorasan, Sablestan, Sirestan, Kirman, Tzisire, and Diarbeck. These two last are between the Euphrates, and Tigris, and belong to the Turk. The Governours are called Chans or Cans, sometimes Sultans.

The City of Ispaham, the abode of the King of Persia, is one of the greatest of all Asia, compos'd of four Cities; it is likewise one of the finest, if we consider its stately Palaces, delicious Gardens, spacious Market-place, rich Bazars, Exchanges or publick places, which make the Inhabitants call it the half of the World. The Arabians, who have no P in their Alphabet, call it Isfaham. There is a remarkable Tower upon the King's Stables, all built with Goats heads, and other wild Animals, which were taken in one Royal Match of Hunting. Caswin, or Casbin, is esteemed the ancient Ecbatana, where the King of Media dwelt, where Parmenio was killed, and Ephestion died, whose Funerals cost above twelve thousand Talents; that is, twelve thousand times six hundred Crowns. Schiras is near the Ruins of the ancient Persepolis, which was burnt by order of Alexander the Great, at the end of a Feast; It has still full ten thousand Houses: a Proverb of the Countrey goes thus, That if Schiras, was Schiras, that is to say, what it was formerly, Grand Cairo would pass but for its Suburbs. The Ruins of this Persepolis are called Chilminar, i. e. Forty Columns; which seem to be the remains of the Palace of Cyrus the Great, the most beautiful of all the East. The Neighbours of those Ruins endeavour to destroy 'em entirely to free themselves from the importunities of strangers, who go to see them upon that account. What remains of 'em, shews a great antiquity of habits for Personages, and an extraordinary magnificence in the stones of the building. Those who have seen them say, that they surpass the Antiquities of Rome, and the Wonders of Aegypt. The abode of Schiras is so agreeable, that Mahomet, according to what the Persians say, would not go thither, for fear of being charm'd with the Beauty of the Ladies: and that if he had tasted the delights of that Town, he would have made it his request to God, never to have died▪ The Government of Schiras, is the most considerable of all Persia; it affords excellent Wines, and that Mummy, or Counter-poyson, which serves for Medicament to all manner of Wounds. Susa was the Court of Ahasucrus, and some other Kings. Alexander the Great married Statira there; He gave ten thousand Talents for the acquitting the Debts of those, who had a mind to return into Greece, and receiv'd there thirty thousand young Men of Recruits for his Army. This is also the place where the fair Esther obtain'd favour for the Jews, and where Mordecai was put into the place of Haman, who was hanged after that he would have caus'd Mordecai to have undergone his own Fate. The Palace of Susa, built by Darius, is said to have been enrich'd by Memnon, with the Spoils of the great Thebes in Aegypt; and 'tis famed, that the stones were cemented with Gold. After Persepolis, it is reckoned amongst the magnificent Works of the Kings of Persia, as well as the delicious Gardens of Cyrus the younger in Lydia. Congue, Bender Congo, is a City upon the Gulph of Bassora, much like that of Thoulon in Provence: 'Tis much augmented, since the ruine of Ormus, as well as Gombru; It has a Demesne, which the Persians and the Portugals have the Revenue of by halves. Lar communicates its Name to a sort of silver Money that is coin'd there; five of those Larins make but one Piaster: the City has full four thousand Houses, and a small Cittadel. Some believe it the ancient Passagarde, where the grand Cyrus, having overcome Astiages, transferred the Empire of the Medes to the Persians. Calanus, the Indian Philosopher, did voluntarily suffer death there, in the sight of all the Macedonian Army; It has several very learn'd Inhabitants; the Earthquakes, which are frequent in these parts, render it the less populous. The Frontiers of Persia, towards Turkey, have a warlike People, called Curdes, whose Countrey had been the field of several Battels: Alexander the great overcame Darius at Arbela, and they would persuade us, that there were four hundred thousand Persians killed, and only three hundred Macedonians; the Caliphs won there the Battel of Moraga, which made them Masters of Persia. Near Chuy, Selim defeated Ismael Sophi, who before had always been his Conquerour. Tabris, or Tauris, drives an extraordinary Trade, and the first of Persia; it has Walls and Towers of cut stone of a vast heighth. Ardebil is the staple of the Silks of the Countrey, and the place of burial of several Kings of Persia, amongst others of Cha-Sefi, who has a magnificent Tomb there. Bakuie gives sometimes its Name to the Caspian-Sea; It has in its neighbourhood a source of Oyl, which serves to burn throughout all Persia. Kirman, towards the Ocean, yields Wools, and very fine Steel, whereof Arms are made that are in great vogue; a Cymeter of that steel does easily cut a Helmet through, without striking hard. Moghostan is a Countrey which contains the Amadizes and the Gauls, very warlike Nations, who have perhaps furnish'd Matter to make the Fables of Amadis de Gaule. Ormus has had the Title of a Kingdom: the Soyl of this Island is subject to great heats, and produces only Salt: it has not a drop of fresh Water, but what it borrows. The Portuguese being Masters of it, had caus'd a Fort to be made in the Isle of Kesem, for the having this conveniency. The excellent scituation of Ormus, gave occasion formerly to this saying, That if the World was a Ring, Ormus was the precious Stone in it. In the year 1622, the King Scha-Abbas, took it by help of the English, and after having caused the Fortress of it to be razed, transferred the Commerce to Gombru, which he caus'd to be called by his own Name, Bender-Abassi. The Portuguese lost, by the taking of that Town, to the value of seven or eight Millions: Thus Gombru grew great, from the ruins of Ormus. The Castles, which defend Gombru, are fortified after the ancient manner. The Road is commodious, riding safe at anchor in five or six fathom Water. All Nations, who trade upon the Indian-Seas, except the Portuguese, carry their Commodities thither, and bring Velvet, Taffaties, raw Silks, and other Commodities from Persia. The English have half of the Customs, and the right of exporting some Horses, which the Persians have granted them, in acknowledgment of the Men and Ships, wherewith they assisted them for the taking of Ormus. Bahrem, upon the Coast of Arabia, and of the Dependances of Persia, is an Island known for the Springs of fresh Water, which it has at the bottom of the Sea, and for the Pearls, that are fished there, which are the best, the greatest, and the roundest of all the East. Giask, upon that Coast, is a place where is droven the greatest Commerce for Silk.

Candahar, upon the Confines of the Mogul, is a Conquest of the late Kings of Persia.