378 
BEG JAN. 
an encampment, which is then called an Obah. Beyond these is the 
tribe of Tekeh, the largest and the most powerful. It extends beyond 
the Atrak, and generally is at variance with the Yemout and the 
Guklan, who for mutual preservation are in strict alliance with each 
other, and whose united forces are sufficient to oppose those of Tekeh. 
It is at variance also with the Persians, and whenever the parties 
find a fit opportunity, they do not fail to make inroads, and carry away 
booty and prisoners. Beyond these again are the tribes of the Keik and 
Kargij situated near the Jihoon. The Yeylak, or summer quarters 
of the Yemout is on the banks of the Atrak, and that of those who 
inhabit the Atrak, in the Balkhan. Their Yeylaks and Kishlaks are 
most strictly defined; the Cliarwah, who are the richest, taking the 
best, whilst the poorer families, who are called the Chumal, put up with 
the secondary situations. Every tribe is independent, and each family 
acknowledges only its own chief; but every twenty or thirty families, 
which generally form an encampment as before observed, have their 
elder or Reishsefeed chosen from among themselves. He merely pre¬ 
sides over the affairs of his particular obah ; but when the interests of 
the whole tribe are concerned, as on questions of war or peace, of 
distant expeditions for chappoWf or any other general object, then the 
chief Reishsefeeds, who are then called On-baskis, collect together in 
council, and the remainder abide by their decisions. There appears 
to be a very equal distribution of riches amongst them, and each family 
seems to have as much independence and liberty as can be enjoyed by 
man. Their Reishsefeeds are neither the most rich nor the most pow¬ 
erful, but those who have gained the greatest experience. 
The Turcomans however have a sort of spiritual chief, who sways 
only by the force of poverty and forbearance. He resides at Bokhara, 
and enjoys the title of Khalifeli, or Calif. The history of Beg Jan, 
father to the present Prince of Bokhara, is very remarkable, because 
it shows the great power that may be acquired over a bigotted and 
ignorant people by one who will put himself to the trouble of affecting 
austerity and devotion. Beg Jan was revered as a saint, and every part 
of his conduct tended to establish his reputation in that character. 
