AL IDRÍSÍ.
seventh section[1] are Kia, Kír, Armáyíl, Kasr-band, Fírabúz, Khúr, Kambalí, Manhábari,[2] Debal, Nírún, Mansúra,[3] Wándán, Asfaka, Darak, Másúrján, Fardán, Kirkáyán, Kadirá, Basmak, Túbarán [Túrán], Multán, Jandúr, Sandúr, Dúr, Atrí,[4] Kálarí, Nírá, Maswám, Sharúsán,[5] Bánía, Mámhal, Kambáya, Súbára, Sabdán, and Saimúr.[6] In that part of the sea which is comprised in the present section, there are the isle of Sára, the two rocks of Kasair and ’Awair, that of Dardúr, the island of Debal, in which the town of Kaskihár, is situated; the isles of Aubkín, Mind, Kúlam-mali, and Sindán. All these countries are inhabited by people of different religions, customs, and manners. We will state all that we have ascertained for certain on this subject, confiding in Divine help.
The beginning of this section comprises, starting from the cast, the shores of the Persian Gulf, and towards the south the town of Debal. This is a populous place, but its soil is not fertile, and it produces scarcely any trees except the date-palm. The highlands are arid and the plains sterile. Houses are built of clay and wood, but the place is inhabited only because it is a station for the vessels of Sind and other countries. Trade is carried on in a great variety of articles, and is conducted with much intelligence. Ships laden with the productions of ’Umán, and the vessels of China and India come to Debal. They bring stuffs and other goods from China, and the perfumes and aromatics of India. The inhabitants of Debal, who are generally rich, buy these goods in the bulk, and store them until the vessels are gone and they become scarce. Then they begin to sell, and go trading into the country, putting their money out on interest, or employing it as may seem best. Going towards the west there are
- ↑ The Nubian Geographer's list is as follows:—Kia, Kir, Ermaiil, Band, Casr-band, Lízabur, Haur, Cámbele, Manhábere, Dabil, Nirun, Fairuza, Mansúra, Randan, Asfaca, Darec, Masurgian, Fardan, Kircaian, Cadira, Basmao, Tuberan, Moltan, Giandur, Sandur, Dur, Atre, Cálere, Bascera, Mesuam, Sadusan, Bania, Mámehel, Kambáia, Subára, Sandan, Saimur, Fahalfáhara, Rasec, Sarusan, Kusa, Kased, Sura, Nodha, Mehyac, Falon, Caliron, and Belin. (Geographia Nubiensis, pp. 56, 57).
- ↑ [“Manjábari,” Bod. MS.]
- ↑ [Generally spelt “Mansúria” by Idrísí.]
- ↑ [This is the “Annarí” of the other geographers; and one of the Bod. MSS. affords some warrant for so reading it here.]
- ↑ [“Sadúsán,” Bod. MSS.]
- ↑ [Here the Bod. MSS. add the following names—“Asáwal, Falkamín, Rásak, Asursán, and Losha (or Kosha).”]
