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1927

Sunday 10th July, 10th Muharram

Went down in the morning with Alban to see the Muharram procession. First went into the place to see them cutting
themselves before the show, rather a horrible sight, a great arch of men & boys in white clothes going round & round, shouting
"Hardar" with drums in the centre, each man flourishing a sword. Gradually get worked up & slash themselves over the
forehead, having shaved off their hair for the occasion, their clothes become absolutely covered with blood. Left there & went
onto the roof of the Jew's house from where we watched the show, it is just like a mystery play, they act the battle & the whole
thing, on horses & camels, men dressed as women & some in uniform & armour. All the while thousands of women on the
housetops screaming & crying. Quite a cool day.

Afterwards went to bathe in Idari, simply lovely, the colours of the water were exquisite. After tea went with the Sec of the
Biladya to see some houses on the edge of the town. Still quite cool weather, a hot dry wind & I think a sandstorm on the
mainland. Called on the Shia Kadi, Seyed Ednan. A nice little man in a huge black turban in a beautiful clean house.

Monday 11th July

Busy day as I found a lot of letters & things to get done, also had a court. Tennis at Mission in the evening.