176 Ibn HuolcuVs account of Khorasan. [No. 2. 



This district became the centre of the noted sect or tribe of 

 Esmaeeluh or Mulaheduh ; the assassins of European story. 



Btjlkh. 



Bulkh is considered to be the capital of the ancient Bactria. In 

 Moslem history, this city has ever been highly celebrated, even 

 called the Paradise of the world. The old ramparts and castle, went 

 by the name of the Hindoo fort, it was destroyed by Ukhnuf ben Kues, 

 a new city then arose under the order of Aboo- Moslem the gover- 

 nor of Khorasan. On the high road of contending armies, its vicissi- 

 tudes have been numerous ; it now lies under the ban of " ruin and 

 decay with no remains of interest beyond its name." The numerous 

 gates mentioned, will be of the fort and of the town. The designation 

 to the hills of Koo, is a fragment probably of Hindoo Koosh — or 

 may be Gor or Guz the last I take as the valley of the Bulkhab is 

 called Guz. 



Sumungan, according to Moorcroft is now designated Uebuk — 

 " the first view of Uebuk was rather imposing, presenting a castle 

 on an insulated eminence" — it proved to be in ruins, but to possess 

 some claims indicative of its antiquity. 



"Wurwageer is doubtful, by the distance and bearing, it would fall 

 near the position of the modern Eundooz in the direct line from 

 Bulkh to Budukshan. 



Shuboorgan is mentioned by Marco Polo. 



Wukhsh, the arch type of Oxus is apparently beyond the river of 

 that name, lying N. "W. from the stream at no great distance. 



Khotul. — The Khotlan of the maps, is a large district lying on the 

 bend of the Oxus above Budukshan, near the spot marked Durwaz 

 ■ — the town of the name is mentioned in the ]S"ozhut-ul-Koloob as an 

 important place but in ruins. 



Khuryab has a local authority attached, as Khurgeez the wander- 

 ing tribes of the steppes of the Poshte Khur of the Pameer range. 



Budukshan is a well understood district, the Balashan of Marco 

 Polo. 



Talkan is " a small place under a fort of no importance," perhaps 

 four hundred houses. 



Eshkemesh is probably the Scassem of Polo, but Wood places an 



