ENTRANCE INTO EASTERN COURDISTAN. 
535 
their villages towards the plains of Salmos and Ouroomia. Ali 
Khan, their chief, resides at Sian Kala; which, at present, does 
not contain more than eighty families ; but in times of any ap¬ 
prehended contest in this part of the empire, must be considered 
a post of the first consequence. It completely commands the 
entrance into Eastern Courdistan. The fortress, however, is in 
a sad state of dilapidation, having stood many attacks, nay, 
long sieges; and is every where marked with the depredations 
of cannon-shot. In digging out foundations for repairs, both 
balls and shells are found in the body of the hill, an artificial 
eminence, of great height. Ali Khan, the present governor, is 
gradually restoring its appearance. The town lies at its base, 
skirting the hill all round ; and his mansion stands in this lower 
circle. Walls and towers environ it also. Abbas Mirza will 
probably look to it by and by himself; for in the event of the 
Shah’s death, and any consequent disturbance from Kermanshah, 
all egress from the south-east to Azerbijan might be stopped at 
this one gate of Courdistan. The river Jigatti flows majestically 
by the foot of the Sian Kala, at about three hundred yards dis¬ 
tance ; winding onward to the lake of Ouroomia, where it finally 
pours its waters j the united currents of many streams drawn 
from the various rocky valleys of the Koflan-Kou, the celebrated 
Tiger Mountain. 
I had letters, not only official, but private, to Ali Khan, and 
found him a hearty, intelligent Courd; and, as all was peace, 
rather more intent on his stud than his castle; indeed, some 
of his horses are reckoned the finest in Persia. He soon dis¬ 
covered my taste for that noble animal, and the highest compli¬ 
ment he could pay me was to introduce me to his stables. He 
shewed me several of the Turcoman breed. This kind of horse 
