448 
SULIMANIA. 
bearing their name, before whose walls flows the river Saggar- 
maw, the waters of which fall into the Pool-Zohaub. In crossing 
this fine embosomed vale, we found it abound in populous 
villages, all kinds of cultivation, and gardens. At one part we 
passed through the dry bed of a river ; but soon after came to a 
beautiful stream, called Sirchinar. It bursts from the foot of a 
high rounded green hill, bearing the title of Ali, in consequence 
of a tradition that the holy caliph of that name once pitched his 
tent on its sloping declivity. Two fine trees (indeed the only 
ones on the hill) grow on the alleged spot; and, we are told, 
they sprung from the identical wooden pegs that held down 
the fastenings of his -» horse’s heels. The pellucid fountain I 
have just mentioned, the same legend describes as starting from 
the hole into which he had stuck his spear, the moment the 
saint drew it forth again, the clear rill immediately flowing from 
the aperture. 
Four hours comprised this day’s march; bringing us to Suli- 
mania, a distance of eleven miles, over a good road, and through 
a most delightful country. 
Sulimania is the capital of a district now bearing its name, 
but which, formerly, was known by that of Kara-Choran, or 
that of Babana. It stands in lat. 35° 28' 28", long. 45° 17' 3", 
and is also the metropolis of South Courdistan. The situation 
is central, being at the foot of the Shar-i-zool mountains ; the 
remains of the old capital, which bore their name, lying in ruins 
on their eastern side. It was also the ancient city of Siazuros ; 
but having fallen into utter decay, the present town was built 
thirty-three years ago by Suliman, the celebrated pasha of 
Bagdad, and took his name. It is yet quite open, which gives 
it a very peculiar appearance in the East, and consists of about 
