[1] For the incidents and dates mentioned in this preface, see the various chapters of the Anecdotes.
[2] He must have been born in about A.D. 1204 or 1205, to have been five years old when the family left Balkh. In 1226 he would, therefore, be twenty-one or twenty-two years of age. But see Anecdotes, Chap, i., No. 2, &c.
[3] The “‘Ulemā of Islām” are the Learned Doctors of Law and Divinity; their chief is the Lord Chancellor. They are ignorantly spoken of as “priests” and “clergy” by Europeans. There are no “priests” in Islām. The ‘Ulemā may be likened to the Jewish Rabbis. They often have followed, and do follow, all kinds of trades.
[4] There is an allusion in the word ‘Arifīn (Adepts) to the name of Eflākī’s patron, the Chelebi Emīr ‘Arif (well-knowing).
[5] Eastern Persia.
[6] The ancient Bactra, sometimes called Zariaspa, the capital of Bactria.
[7] Incorrectly written Mecca by Europeans.
[8] Of Termīz (Tirmez), on the north bank of the Oxus, near to Balkh.
[9] The two letters Yā and Sīn heading the thirty-sixth chapter of the Qur’ān are said to stand for the words, Yā insān, O man! as Muhammed is there addressed.
[10] The truly eminent author of the Mesnevī.