Page 78 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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,f 128. Tho family 0P the present Sheikh have ruled at Koweit eomo fivo generations, or
about 250 years ; for, ns these men live to tho pood age of 120 years, their generations aro! of
courso, nearly double ours, or about 50 years each. Originally the Sheikh’s progenitors dwelt
in a small fort, called Mumgussur, situated at the head of the Khorc Abdullah, near Bunder
Zobair; they were the pirates of the north of the Persian Gulf and lower channels of tho
Shat-el-Arab ; but about 250 years ago tho Busrah authorities attacked and expelled them.
The original. Sheikh then came down tho Bubiyan creek with Itis followers, and debouched on
the bay, at present known as that of Koweit or Granc. Crossing the bay, lie settled on its
southern slioro and thcro crectod a Fort or Khoto ; liouce the natno Khote, or Koweit. The
term Grane is rather applied to the shore lintfof tho cutiro bay, from its resemblance to the
curve formed by two horns, Kcor or Ghorn, meaning horn. The settlement was subsequently
increased by the eon of the founder, who erected t he longer portion of the prnsent walls which,
however, have einco been again extended along tho shoro lino as tho increase of population
from time to time demanded.
* * * * *
133. No doubt, much, of the prosperity of Koweit may bo duo to position and to tho
comparatively healthy climato : it was in ancient duys the point where the sea trad* took t°
caravans or river carriage ; it still maintains its natural advantages, and, although I would
not recommend the artificial forcing of trade from its present course, I toill still keep an eye on
Koweit for future purposes. It is, in my opinion, by no means impossible that Koweit, under
the effective development of the Gulf trade, would become the terminus for our sea going
steamers, a Coal Station, % i.d a Telegraph Station. The nr re you analyse tho question, the
more will you be probably struck by the fact that the trade of the Hast and West has a
marked tendency to resume its old hne* under improved means of transit. Kow**it appears to
me a preferable port to Basrah fob the same reasons that Karachi is preferable to Tatta.
The climate of Busrah is fatal, that of Koweit comparatively good. The water of Koweit, it
is true, is brackish, yet fever is unknown. Dysentery and ophthalmia are rare ; and when
men commence begetting new families at 80 and die at 120, the climate cannot be considered
as prematurely exhausting.
* * * * * * * *
135. Koweit has a fine broad channel of creek water running from its bay up to within
twelve miles of tho Busrah point of the river. I landed close alongside tho Zobeir Bunder,
in four fathoms, and this was tho least \>atcr I found in a midchanncl of an average width
of oue mile from the Koweit and of the creek up to its head, within sight of the date trees
on the Shat-el-Arab near Busrah. The cutting of a broad canal across these twelve miles of
fiat soil would be a work of little cost and labour.”
* * * * ♦
141. The Sheikh said that his family had always been tributary to Turkey; but I learned
from another source that, during some years, they bad hoisted their own flag; thoy found,
however, that the customs levied on their exports to Bombay were more inconvenient when
levied against an unrecognised flag than when levied against a Turkish craft. Koweit
shrinking from this foreign pressure, turned to her Sultan and suddenly changed color. Truly,
trade is sensitive as woman's modesty.
142. Be the suzerainty of tho sublime Porte, howrever, of old or recent dale, it is merely
nominal; the Arabs acknowledge tbe Turks, as wc do the 39 Articles, which all accept and
none remember.
Caloual fall/s r#» 6. In bis published report No. 67, dated 15th May 1806, relating to bis
port, 19(3. journey to Kiadh, Colonel Pelly wrote as follows about Koweit:—
*‘18. It may not be uninteresting in this place to submit few remarks on the bay of
<
Koweit—tho saciod bay of the ancients, on wln-se shores 6tood Girauhcnsis. The word firane
is said to be derived from Genern, a horn, which .the..bay is .said to resemble io shape. The
present Kowoit, from Koot, a fort, may be about a hundred years old. Originally the Shnkn*
of Koweit occupied a fort called Mongassar} on the Zobair ('reck a little to the northward.
They were the pirates at the entrance of the Shat-el-Arab ; but- being attacked by the lurk6
they sailed south, and pitching at their present position, fortified it on tbe island 6ide against
tho attacks of the Bedouins. The tract around fora radius of about 8 or 10 miles tt con­
sidered to belong to them t but it is, with the exception of two or three forts and then- 8j*r*
rounding irrigation, entirely unproductive ; the water of Koweit itself is brackish. Nevcrtne-
less, Koweit is one of ihe most thriving ports iu tho Persian Gulf. Its cr»ft are large an
numerous, trading with India and the Arabian Coasts. Its sailors are reputed the best *n
these regions. Its trade is considerable ; importing rice from Shush ter, Busrah, an °
Malabar Coast; corn from the Persian Coast, dates from Busrah ; and timber for ship ui
ing from the west Coas. * f India. On the land 6ide it barters with the Bedouins who dunng
the winter and spring, bring down “rowgban.” wool, and horses ; exchanging these for co co,
rice and other necessaries. The Bedouins have free access to the town on c°n..*
only of leaving their arms at tho gate, wlicie the Chief Sboikh and the Kadhccs sit aai y
bear the news, superintend trade, and adminster justice. A largo dinner is prepared njy
an allotted hall f«»r the entertainment of strangers. The currency at Koweit is in
Theresa dollars, Persian krans, and Turkish copper coin. Knglisb sovereigns aro °®®a9
to be found. Bills can be obtained on Busruu, Bushiro, Bombay, and the W ahabi 1