Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 23

From Amiba'a original: 阿彌巴阿 (Amiba'a); likely referring to the frontier region near Amadiya or the Ottoman-Persian borderlands in Turkey original: 都魯機 (Duluji); referring to the Ottoman Empire to the southern coastline, the landscape is dominated by deep mountains and vast valleys. These regions are filled with winding caves and caverns that frequently serve as dens for bandits. In peaceful times, these groups occupy themselves solely with plunder and robbery; however, in times of war, they can be recruited to serve as the vanguard of the army.

Because the northern border faces Russia original: 俄羅斯 (Eluosi), there is a constant fear of invasion and encroachment. Consequently, in recent years, the King moved the capital to the south and established a navy for national defense on the Caspian Sea also known as the Inner Sea, the Salt Sea, or the Northern High Sea.

The population of the kingdom is rumored to be two hundred million This figure is a significant historical exaggeration typical of reports reaching China at the time; the actual population of Qajar Persia was likely under 10 million. The people are mostly of a yellow complexion, described as robust but lacking in refinement. There are many different types of foreign residents and nomads living within the borders, and the languages spoken are diverse. Among them are those who speak English original: 額力西 (Elixi), those who speak Arabic original: 阿丹 (Adan), those who speak Roman original: 羅汶 (Luowen); likely referring to Greek or Latin-derived dialects, and those who speak Turkish original: 都魯機 (Duluji).

Regarding their customs, they are perceived as superficial and lacking in sincerity. They are skilled at flattery and place great emphasis on formal etiquette. Upon a first meeting, they treat a stranger like an old friend; however, after a long acquaintance, one realizes that they only care for themselves and have no true regard for others.

Their extravagance 奢靡 (Shemi); a term often used by Qing scholars to critique the moral decay of foreign or wealthy societies is considered the greatest in the East. The exterior of their palaces is constructed of grand and beautiful brick and stone, while the interiors are filled with resplendent decorations. Their clothing is adorned with pearls and precious gems; a single garment can be worth over one hundred thousand pieces of gold, sometimes reaching as high as twenty...