Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:The title may refer to the shrine of Shaikh Abd al-Qadir al-Gilani, in which Al Gilani’s tomb is situated. Two large domes, one of which is clearly very ornate, are visible in the background at right; a minaret appears to be located behind the decorated dome.In the middle-ground two adults, a dog and a group of children stand beside houses that extend from left to centre. A further dog and woman are visible in the background at right. The buildings at left are brick two-storeyed structures with wooden mashrabiyyas projecting towards the open area at right and in the foreground.Inscriptions:Ink, below image: 'Near the big mosque, Bagdad'Physical description: Dimensions:151 x 188 mmCondition:The print is in good condition with minor surface dirt throughout.Foliation:‘37’
Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It is the first of two items on the subject of the Euphrates expedition of 1835-37 (the other item is IOR/F/4/1701/68746).The item concerns the latter stages of the Euphrates expedition and the decision of the Government of Bombay to continue the expedition beyond its originally-assigned duration. It mostly consists of reports and letters prepared by Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition. The topics covered are:The ascent and descent of the Tigris river as far as Bagdad [Baghdad] by the
Euphratessteamer, from September to October 1836The ascent and descent of the Euphrates river by the
Euphratessteamer, from October to November 1836, including the damage suffered to one of the engines and the arrangements made for the mail being carried by the steamer to be conveyed onwards to BritainLocal reactions to the expeditionThe activities of the
Euphratesfollowing the departure of Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition, including the ascent and descent of the Karoon [Karun] river, and the return to BagdadThe assessments of Chesney and other members of the expedition of their achievements, and their recommendations for maintaining steamers on the Euphrates.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 86 and terminates at f 148, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The correspondents are the Government of Bombay and Major Henry Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq]. It is the second in a series of two items on cholera at Bagdad [Baghdad] (the other is IOR/F/4/2180/106053).The item concerns the outbreak of cholera in Bagdad and the surrounding area, where it is estimated that 30,000 people died during October 1846.The item contains a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 282/47, P.C. [Previous Communication] 5573, Coll[ection]: 9, Collection No 1 of No 139’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 868, and terminates at f 871, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This volume is a confidential handbook on Mesopotamia prepared under the direction of the Historical Section of the Foreign Office, dated February 1919. There is a table of contents which includes the following chapters:I: 'Geography Physical and Political', including 'Position and Frontiers', 'Surface, Coast and River Systems', 'Climate', 'Sanitary Conditions', 'Race and Language' and 'Population';II: 'Political History', including 'Chronological Summary', 'Introduction', 'Early period of Turkish Occupation, 1638-1834', 'Later period of Turkish Occupation, 1834-1914', and 'Commercial Developments';III: 'Social and Political Conditions', including 'Religious', 'Political', 'Public Education' and 'General Observations';IV: 'Economic Conditions', including 'Means of Communication', 'Industry', 'Commerce', 'Finance' and 'General Remarks'.There is also an appendix which includes tables of 'Exports to Principal Countries from Baghdad', 'Imports from Principal Countries to Baghdad', 'Principal Exports from Basra' and 'Principal Imports to Basra'. This is followed by a section entitled 'Authorities' which is a bibliography of references used for the preparation of the volume. This section is divided into 'Historical' (including 'Confidential Sources'), 'Economic' ('Official' and 'General') and 'Maps'. There is a pocket at the back of the volume to house maps, but there are no maps present.Physical description: Pagination: The volume contains an original printed pagination sequence.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This volume is about the construction of railways in Persia [Iran] and negotiations between the Persian Government and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) over the acquisition of islands in the Persian Gulf. It contains material relating to:The Persian Government’s interest in attracting American capital for the construction of railways in PersiaThe amount due from the Persian Government to the Persian Railways Syndicate LimitedA proposal from the Persian Railways Syndicate to connect the Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] and Isfahan-Tehran railway linesThe proposed re-alignment of the railway from Bagdad [Baghdad] to the Persian FrontierThe advantages, from a British perspective, of a railway line from Qaraitu [Quraitu] to TehranA proposal by the Persian Railways Syndicate to survey the route between Hamadan or Kermanshah and DizfulA proposal by the Persian Railways Syndicate to survey the Bagdad-Khanikin [Khanaqin] line with a re-alignmentA proposal by the Persian Railways Syndicate to survey a section of the existing line between Bagdad and QuraituA proposed re-alignment of the Mesopotamian [Iraqi] section of the Bagdad-Tehran RailwayThe assistance from British military authorities in Mesopotamia to surveyors of the Persian Railways SyndicateThe arrival of two Belgian engineers, de Kock and de Ronck, in Constantinople [Istanbul] en route to PersiaThe construction, by the Persian Railways Syndicate, of a railway between Hamadan and TehranThe approval of the agreement between the Persian Railways Syndicate and the Persian GovernmentThe views of Major-General Percy Zachariah Cox on the construction of railways in PersiaThe negotiations between Sir Ernest William Moir (of Pearson and Son and the Persian Railways Syndicate) and the Persian Minister of Foreign Affairs [Firuz Mirza Nusrat al-Dawlah] on railway construction in PersiaThe application of Anglo-Persian Oil Company Limited for a railway concession in PersiaThe negotiations of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company with the Persian Government toward a railway concessionThe position of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company on the acquisition of Abadan and Kishm [Qeshm].Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 313; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Genre/Subject MatterView of the water gate in Baghdad from across the water. At least five gufas – round boats, made from palm and straw, which are used to carry passengers and cargo – are pulled up on the shoreline in the middle-ground.A crowd of people and some lone figures stand along the shoreline and in the boats. In the background high brick walls and other structures extend from left to right.InscriptionsInk, below image: 'The water-gate of Old Bagdad with guffas in the foreground.'Physical description: Dimensions:110 x 149 mmCondition:The print is in good condition with minor surface dirt throughout.Foliation:‘42’
Abstract: Translation of a letter from Mohammed Hossein Khan Karagoozloo [Muhammad Hussain Khan Karagozlu], Minister [Vizier] of the Governor of Kermanshah, to the Grand Vizier of the Shah of Persia [Iran], Meerza Sheffea [Mīrzā Muḥammad Shafī' Māzandarānī]. The letter concerns events in Bagdad [Baghdad] following the overthrow of the Vizier [Governor] of Bagdad by Abdul Rahman Pacha [Abd al-Rahman Baban]. Mohammed Hossein Khan Karagoozloo relates the murder of Bagdadi notables and attacks upon pilgrims in the surrounding country, and recommends that the Shah send troops to defeat Abdul Rahman Pacha and take control of Erauk Arab [Iraq] for Persia.The letter was enclosed in HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, Sir Harford Jones’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 14 November 1810, which was received on 11 March 1811.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Translation of a letter from Mohammed Saudick [Muhammad Sadiq] to the Grand Vizier of the Shah of Persia [Iran], Meerza Sheffea [Mīrzā Muḥammad Shafī' Māzandarānī]. The letter concerns the overthrow of the Vizier [Governor] of Bagdad [Baghdad] by Abdul Rahman [Abd al-Rahman Baban]. The letter details the despoliation of Bagdad and the surrounding country, including the appropriation of property and the execution of many of the city’s notables. The letter was enclosed in HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, Sir Harford Jones’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company, of 14 November 1810, which was received on 11 March 1811.Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)
Abstract: A translation of a letter from Mahomed Ali Mirza [Muḥammad ‘Alī Mīrzā Dawlatshāh], the Prince of Kermanshah, to the Foreign Minister of Persia [Iran], Mirza Abdel Wahab, Moatemed ed Dowlah [Mīrzā ‘Abd al-Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī, Mu‘tamid al-Dawlah]. The letter concerns a dispute between the Pacha of Bagdad [Pasha of Baghdad], Daood Pacha [Dāwūd Pāshā], and Mahmood Pacha [Maḥmūd Pāshā] of the Babam [Baban]. The Prince details the tacit support he has given to Mahmood Pacha, and his readiness to ‘take advantage’ of the situation.The dispatch was enclosed in the letter of HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 May 1819 (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/195), which was received on 28 August 1819.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay.The item relates to the appointment of Claudius James Rich to the position of Resident at Bagdad [Baghdad]; the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the Resident of Bussorah [Basra]; Rich’s chief object of establishing secure channels of communication between England and India through the central location of Bagdad. In addition, the item refers to the offer made to Doctor John Hine, Acting Resident of Bagdad, to continue with the charge of medical duties as Assistant to the Residency. The item also includes copies of letters of introduction for Rich written by the Government of Bombay and transmitted to multiple agents and officers in Tripoli, Egypt, Malta and the Mediterranean.Folios 117-126 contain discussions of a clause (Stat G. III, Chapter 52, Sect. 57) relating to restrictions on the 'salary, perquisites and emoluments' for civil servants employed by the East India Company. In particular, the discussions centre on the previous service of Rich and whether he is entitled to emoluments and a higher allowance as Resident. The uniqueness of the office of Political Resident - and how the clause does not apply to this office - is also mentioned.The majority of the material in the item is dated from early 1808, with later material (September 1808) revealing that the Court of Directors has decided to abolish the Residency at Bagdad.Correspondents: Government of Bombay; Court of Directors of the East India Company; Claudius James Rich, Resident at Bagdad; George Cumming Osborne, Secretary to Government, Bombay; John Hine, Acting Resident in charge of Bagdad; John Elphinstone, Accountant General, Bombay; Agent or Consul of his Britannic Majesty at Tripoli; Officer commanding His Majesty's Naval Forces in the Mediterranean; Officer commanding His Majesty's Naval Forces on the Coast of Egypt; and the Governor of Malta.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 19, Season 1808/09, Draft 178, Para 78' and 'Examiner's Office November 1808'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 99 and terminates at f 131, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Extract of Bombay Commercial Consultations prepared by Charles Walking, the Secretary to the Court of Directors, in which he includes an enclosure from the Resident and joint Factor at Bussora [Basra] and from the Resident at Bushire [Bushehr], Samuel Manesty and Harford Jones respectively. The enclosure covers: the Residents’ correspondence with Persian officials; the Persian Government’s views on the establishment of British factories in the Kingdom of Persia [Iran]; the privileges and the commercial advantages that would be granted by the Shah of Persia to the East India Company (EIC); and a list of the different kinds of goods usually brought to Bushire from India.The enclosure also includes a ‘Report of the Commerce of Arabia and Persia’ (ff 208-286) based on information already available from previous reports of the Bushire Factory. The report is prepared and signed by the Residents of Bussora and Bushire. It is divided into three parts: ‘Commerce of Arabia bordering on the Persian Gulph [Gulf]’, ‘Commerce of the Red Sea’, and ‘Commerce of Persia’.‘Commerce of Arabia bordering on the Persian Gulph’ covers the following matters:Trade status in Muscat, Bahreen [Bahrain], Catiffe [Qatif], Jebarra [Zubarah], Bussora, and Bagdad [Baghdad, also spelled as Bagdat]Privileges granted by the Ottoman Empire to the British and other European nations at BussoraAccount of the main powerful Arab tribes in the region including: Benechalid [Banū Khālid], Beneattaba [Banū ‘Utbah], Whahab [the Wahhābīs], and the Montificka Arabs [al-Muntafiq Arab tribal confederation]The trade activities of merchants from Constantinople [Istanbul], Aleppo, Damascus, Mardin, Orfa [Urfa], and Diarbeker [Diyarbakir]Commodities traded including: sugar, dried fruit, rose water, coffee, spices, rice, pearls, woollen goods, metals, and opiumThe activities of vessels belonging to Arabs and Moslem [Muslim] merchants of Surat and MuscatThe European vessels in the Persian Gulph.It appears that part of the report is missing (between folios 242v and 243r). This may have been the second part, ‘Commerce of the Red Sea’.‘Commerce of Persia’ covering:The EIC’s trade activities in Persia and the attitude of the Persian Kings towards itRemarks on the Factory at Gombroon [Bandar Abbas]The Dutch Factory activities on the Island of Carrack [Jazireh-ye Khark]Events taking place in Persia [Iran] and their impact on the commerce as early as 1773The status of trade on the Island of Ormus [Jazireh-ye Hormoz]The trade with Kandahar [also spelled as Candahoor]The languishing state of the EIC’s commerce at the port of BushireThe importation to England of raw silk from PersiaThe type of woollen goods and other British products suitable for the Persian marketDescription of the arrival of a Persian pilgrim caravan in BagdadComparison between the carpets manufactured in Persia and those manufactured in England, the Wilton and Axminster carpets in particularAnnual accounts of exports and imports between the Persian Gulph, the Red Sea, and IndiaThe recommendation to establish factories at the ports of Mocha and Muscat.Physical description: 1 item (90 folios)
Abstract: The volume contains an illustrated report, with maps, correspondence and statistical data included as appendices, for the Army Council on Mesopotamia [Iraq], prepared by Sir John Prescott Hewett for the War Office, dated 10 March 1919. The report focuses on: a) the administration and expenditure of agricultural and irrigation schemes put in place in Mesopotamia for 1918 and 1919, and administered by the Imperial Government; b) the extent to which expenditure on agriculture and irrigation schemes, charged against Imperial Army Funds, is necessary for the prosecution of war; c) infrastructure development in Mesopotamia (facilities at Basrah [Basra] port; railways; telegraphs, telephones and post; water supply; electrical and mechanical installations), and questions of their financial support through military and civil funds.The appendices include: maps illustrating the scope and geographical detail of the agricultural and irrigation schemes; correspondence providing context into the circumstances surrounding the need for and implementation of the schemes; statistical data, including: irrigation scheme expenditure; capacity at Basrah port; valuation of the dockyard; admission rates for Indian troops and followers with scurvy for the years 1916, 1917 and 1918; valuation of telegraph apparatus, telephone lines.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 57; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file contains an original printed pagination sequence.