[199] Nesa, frequently mentioned in the Middle Ages, situated in the north of Persia. Its ruins have been visited by many modern travelers in the neighborhood of Ashkabad.
[200] Abiwerd is more correct; it is the modern Kahka, a station on the Trans-Caspian line.
[201] Curiously enough, the same custom still prevails in Persia, for when I visited this land three hundred years later, disguised as an Osmanli, I had much to suffer from the indiscretion of the Shiite fanatics. By night and by day, on the march and at rest, it was always this same vexed question of the succession, which had to be discussed.
[202] Murabba, "quatrain," a poem consisting of four-line verses.
[203] Ashura days, the first ten days of the month Muharram, which, especially in the Shiite part of Persia, were kept as holy days.
[204] Boluk-Bashi, a degree of rank amongst the Janissaries; literally, "captain of a division."
[205] In the immediate vicinity of Teheran.
[206] Kurdji-bashi, "chief armor-bearer."
[207] This surely must mean a month and a half after entering Persia, for the distance from Rei (Teheran) to Kazvin can easily be accomplished in two or three days. Kazvin was at that time the capital of Persia.
[208] Divan Bey, "first secretary."