Claims of the King of Persia to countries taken from him by the Ottoman.
Allegiance and dependence.
This king has pretensions and claims to the countries taken from him by the Ottoman emperors, on one side from the river Euphrates to Babilonia, on the west to the countries of Benbech[717] and Lesser Armenia, in which are comprised Urfa,[718] Merdin,[719] Bira,[720] Adiligus, Bitis,[721] Van, Vastan, Cassan,[722] Calasci, Haligan, Baiiburdt,[723] and other places. This king has the allegiance and dependence of a Christian named Lentul[724] Deghi, Prince of the Georgians, who is his tributary, and pays every year twenty thousand ducats; he has his state near the Caspian Sea. This prince, in case of war with the Ottomans, could assist with ten thousand Georgian horse, all robust and valiant men.
Chindi, inhabitants of the mountains of Armenia, and their forces.
There are also some Turkish chiefs named Chindi inhabiting certain mountains in Lesser Armenia, towards the Mediterranean;[725] and these Chindi, when all united, may amount to seven or eight thousand cavalry, of great excellence, and always eager to fight against the Turk.
Conclusion.
This is all, most Serene Prince and most Illustrious Noblemen, that in the space of one and twenty months passed since the day I left the feet of your Highnesses to go to Persia, till my return, I have diligently observed of the affairs of that realm.
FINIS.
FOOTNOTES
[681] Tamasp.