Two years in Kurdistan

PREFACE

Wherever possible in the pages that follow the recognised method of transliteration for Arabic and Persian place-names has been followed. It has been necessary, however, to make some variation in the case of Turkish and Kurdish names. The spelling " Koi " has been used throughout instead of the more usual " Keui," as it is simpler and approximates more nearly to the actual pronunciation.

No Bibliography is given, and the only books other than ordinary works of reference which have been consulted are C. J. Rich's "Residence in Koordistan" 1836, and Major E. B. Soane's "To Mesopotamia and Kurdistan in Disguise," 1912. Two appendices will be found at the end of the volume, in one of which a brief account of the administrative system of the Turkish Empire is given, and in the other a summary of events in Mesopotamia from the Turkish Armistice in October, 191 8, to the end of 1920.

The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance rendered to him, firstly, by Sir A. T. Wilson, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. ,C.M.G., D.S.O., through whose encouragement chiefly this book came to be written; and secondly, by Captain C. A. G. Rundle, M.C., who amongst other things has kindly consented to correct the proofs.

To Captain F. C. de L. Kirk he owes a great debt for permission to reproduce his admirable views of the Rawanduz district. It is regretted that it is only possible to use a few of the magnificent photographs which he took in that neighbourhood. The contributions of Major E. Noel, CLE., and Captain J. A. H. Miller, R.A.M.C.,are also gratefully acknowledged, especially the latter's portrait of Hama Agha. For a few of the illustrations the author is uncertain as to whom he is indebted, and would apologise for using them without the photographer's permission.

The author further wishes to express his gratitude to Miss Sybil Abram, of Reading, for typing his almost illegible manuscript, and to the publishers for the kind consideration they have shown towards him throughout his dealings with them.