Behind the Veil in Persia and Turkish Arabia: An Account of an Englishwoman's Eight Years' Residence Amongst the Women of the East — David Hume — John Shaqi
Behind the Veil in Persia and Turkish Arabia: An Account of an Englishwoman's Eight Years' Residence Amongst the Women of the East
David Hume · en
Of one imminent change the effect is likely to be far-reaching. The
new government has secured the services of Sir William Wilcox as
their adviser in great irrigation schemes. Irrigation in Mesopotamia
will change the whole face of the country; vast stretches of desert
will be transformed into a garden, ruined villages will be restored,
a new kingdom may be born, and Babylon possibly rebuilt. Mosul,
practically on the site of ancient Nineveh, will become easy of
access from Europe by means of the Baghdad railway and the restored
navigation of the Tigris. Its waste places may be filled with corn,
and the city be crowned once more with some of its ancient glory.
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who
have kindly allowed me to use their photographs, amongst them the
Rev. C. H. Stileman, Dr. Saati of Mosul, and the Publishing Department
of the Church Missionary Society.
I am indebted to Professor Brown's valuable book entitled "A Year
amongst the Persians" for information on the Babi religion, and to
Sir A. H. Layard's classical work on the excavations of Nineveh,
which I have frequently had occasion to consult.
M. E. H.-G.
CONTENTS
Part I
Chapter I
Early Impressions
Page
Start for Persia--Arrival at Isphahan--Departure for
Kerman--The Land of the Lion and the Sun--A rainy day and its
effects--Eclipse--Locusts--Sand-storms--Land of cats--Modes of
conveyance--Inhabitants 17
Chapter II
Kerman
Short history of Kerman--Its overthrow--City of beggars--Story
of the fort--The jackal's "tale of woe" 30
Chapter III
Persian Industries
Carpet-making--How to tell a good carpet--How
to make a carpet--The cry of the children--Shawl
manufactures--Calico-printing--Brass-work--Agricultural
industries--Water disputes--Kanats--Poppy crops--Wheat and
corn--Tobacco-growing 40
Chapter IV
The Climate of Persia
Resht, Teheran, Isphahan--Dryness of atmosphere--Cellars--Roof
life--Children attacked by jackals--Chequered history of work in
Kerman 50
Chapter V
Holidays in Persia
How to ensure a prosperous journey--Natanz--Astonishment of natives
at sight of hairpins--Pulivagoon--Mahoon--Aliabad--Prince under
canvas--Visit from a Persian princess--A Persian deer hunt 59
Chapter VI
Social Life in Persia
Kerman--House-hunting and building--White ants--Housekeeping
in Kerman--Servant question--Truth v. falsehood--Abdul
Fateh--Bagi--Recreations--Some exciting rides--Persian
etiquette--Dinner at the governor's 71
Chapter VII
The Women of Persia