Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Countries: Volume 23

...the Prophet’s teaching and became Muslims original: 回回 (Huihui); a historical Chinese term for Muslims and the Islamic faith. Frequently, powerful enemies from the east and the north invade the country and drive out its ruler. During the Daoguang era 1821–1850; the reign of the Qing Emperor contemporary to the author, the Turkish Sovereign original: 土君 (Tujun); referring to the Ottoman Sultan and Russia sparked a conflict. After being defeated repeatedly, the Sultan ceded all northern territories to Russia and entered into a state of subordination to them.

Although British ministers stationed there for defense strongly urged the Turkish Sovereign to hold his ground, he was unable to achieve his aims. The King the Sultan distributes rewards and punishments entirely at his own whim. For instance, if a general leading an army into battle sends news of a victory, the King orders him to cut off the ears of the fallen enemies to prove the triumph is real. The King may then grant pardons or carry out executions without any regard for legal precedents, acting with total individual authority.

His palaces are like a land of immortals, surrounded on all sides by gardens, pools, and exotic birds. Incense smoke drifts through the air, and the glitter of pearls and jade is everywhere. Yet, his officials and ministers of all ranks view themselves as nothing more than slaves.

Along the various borders to the northeast, there are nomadic tribes from the Western Regions original: 西域 (Xiyu); referring here to Central Asia who frequently raid the boundaries, kidnapping people to be sold as slaves. The Westerners likely referring to Ottoman or local forces are unable to repel these invasions or provide a defense for the territory. The total population of residents is thirteen million men original: 丁 (ding); a term for adult males used in census counting, all of whom follow...