[1] The following are my estimates of the mileage distances along our route from Karakilisa to Akantz:—
| Distances. | ||||
| Karakilisa-Tutakh | 23 | miles | ||
| Tutakh-Köshk | 11 |
| ||
| Köshk-Patnotz | 17 |
| ||
| Patnotz-Akantz | 36 |
| ||
| Total | 87 | miles. | ||
[2] At the time of Taylor’s journey (1868) there were some 13,500 Karapapakhs in the mutesarriflik of Chaldir, which comprised the towns of Olti, Ardahan and Ardanuch. The mutesarriflik of Kars counted 12,900 of this people, and that of Bayazid 2500 (Archives of British Consulate at Erzerum). [↑]
[3] Temperature at 9 P.M. 53° F., and at 6.30 A.M. 41°. None of my readings at Karakilisa reached as high as the first of these, though some were taken in the middle of the day. [↑]
[4] The comparison was also suggested to Koch, as he approached Sipan from the side of Melazkert (Reise im pontischen Gebirge, p. 428). [↑]
[5] Upon my ascent of Sipan during my second journey it was ascertained that the highest ridge of rock, as seen in this illustration, is not actually the southern rim of the crater. It is merely the side of the flat-topped mass of lava, upon which is situated the eastern summit. The western summit is just visible in this illustration. [↑]
CHAPTER III
ACROSS LAKE VAN
The Kaimakam of Akantz was in the company of his notables when we entered his reception room. Along the walls of the bare apartment stretched the usual cushioned seat; a row of figures, serried upon it, lined two sides. It was with difficulty that place was made for us beside him; and several minutes were occupied by the exchange of salutes, each man bowing and raising the hand to the chin and forehead. Coffee and warmth revived the drooping person of the dragoman; such was his command both of the Turkish and the German languages that it cost him little effort to perform his task. While supper and a lodging were being prepared for us, I was able to discuss plans with the Kaimakam. He promised that he would endeavour to procure a trading vessel to take us to Van on the following day. He engaged to despatch our horses thither, as soon as they should recover, by way of the southern shore of the lake. Unlike his colleague of Karakilisa, he proved faithful to his word; but I regret to say that we never saw the dragoman’s horse again. That night and the following day I attended him myself; but he appears to have died a few days after we left.[1] It was arranged that on the morrow we should visit the ruins of Arjish. I enquired of our host whether he knew of the remains of a city on the table surface of the cliff above Akantz. He confirmed the information which is given by Vital Cuinet, and said that the place was known to the learned under the name of Kala-i-Zerin. The people call it Zernishan.[2]