Narrative of Travels in Europe, Asia, and Africa, in the Seventeenth Century, Vol. II

EVLIYA EFENDI.
TRANSLATED FROM THE TURKISH BY THE RITTER JOSEPH VON HAMMER, F.M.R.A.S., &c. &c. &c.
VOL. II.
LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE ORIENTAL TRANSLATION FUND OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND; SOLD BY WILLIAM H. ALLEN & CO. LEADENHALL STREET.
M.DCCC.L.
LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM NICOL, 60, PALL MALL.
The summit is easily reached in nine hours, on horseback, the journey having been accomplished in that time by the Translator, in the company of Mr. Stratton, the British Minister, and B. Bielfields, the Prussian Chargé d’affaires, in the year 1804. Evliya evidently places the time necessary for rest, and Turkish indolence, to the account of the length and difficulty of the road.
See Morier’s Travels, First journey through Persia. Bushire to Shiraz: “At two o’Clock we came to Ahmadiéh, at half past two we passed a small fort called Khosh Aub , where a large body of people were waiting our passage. (In the Journey this is the first notice of the Istakball , which so frequently recurs in the future progress of the mission, as an honorary assemblage called forth to receive a distinguished traveller, and to conduct him in his passage.) They were all armed with pikes, matchlocks, swords, and shields; and gave us two vollies as a salute. They then advanced to us and being announced by the Arz-Beg , wished us a prosperous journey. They were answered by the usual civility “ Khosh amedeed , you are welcome.” As we proceeded our party was headed by the soldiery. They were commanded by a man on horseback, all in tatters, who with his whip kept them together, and excited them with his voice where he wanted them to run. Two of the chosen of the village performed feats before us on their lean horses, and helped to increase the excessive dust, which involved us. This party kept pace with us, until we were again met by a similar host, the van of the little army who were waiting our reception at Borazjoon: these also fired their muskets.”