DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15174#0085
chap. xiv. SHRINE OF IMAM RUZA.
69
space is devoted to the use of a cemetery, since it
is believed that the dead may rest in peace near an
Imam. There are also shady gardens to please the
living. The inhabitants of Meshid seem to delight
in burrowing in the ground ; all the houses are en-
tered by a descent; and it is said, that the earth so
scooped out has been applied to the repairs and
building of the house. The town is well supplied
with water from aqueducts and spacious cisterns.
The natives of Toorkistan will tell you, that the
Imam Iiuza removed to Meshid on account of the
wickedness of the people and the necessity for his
presence. The Uzbeks have a couplet, which states,
" that if Meshid had not its cerulean dome, it
would be the common sewer of the world." * The
Persians, on the other hand, describe it, in poetical
language, as " the most enlightened spot on the
face of the earth, for there are the rays of the
Creator of the world."f Who will judge between
the parties ? At Bokhara, a Shiah is a Soonee; at
Meshid, a Soonee wishes to be thought a Shiah.
I paid an early visit to his holy shrine ; for I ex-
perienced in my peregrinations through Meshid none
of the bigotry or jealousy which so constantly beset
Mr. Fraser. About the centre of the city the se-
pulchre rests under a gilded dome, which is rivalled
by twin minarets of burnished gold, that shed re-
* Meshid ra goombuz i subzush nubashud
Khuwarish khanu i rooe zumeen hust.
f Meshid ufzul i rooe zumeen ust
Ki anja noor i rub ool alumeen ust.
F 3
69
space is devoted to the use of a cemetery, since it
is believed that the dead may rest in peace near an
Imam. There are also shady gardens to please the
living. The inhabitants of Meshid seem to delight
in burrowing in the ground ; all the houses are en-
tered by a descent; and it is said, that the earth so
scooped out has been applied to the repairs and
building of the house. The town is well supplied
with water from aqueducts and spacious cisterns.
The natives of Toorkistan will tell you, that the
Imam Iiuza removed to Meshid on account of the
wickedness of the people and the necessity for his
presence. The Uzbeks have a couplet, which states,
" that if Meshid had not its cerulean dome, it
would be the common sewer of the world." * The
Persians, on the other hand, describe it, in poetical
language, as " the most enlightened spot on the
face of the earth, for there are the rays of the
Creator of the world."f Who will judge between
the parties ? At Bokhara, a Shiah is a Soonee; at
Meshid, a Soonee wishes to be thought a Shiah.
I paid an early visit to his holy shrine ; for I ex-
perienced in my peregrinations through Meshid none
of the bigotry or jealousy which so constantly beset
Mr. Fraser. About the centre of the city the se-
pulchre rests under a gilded dome, which is rivalled
by twin minarets of burnished gold, that shed re-
* Meshid ra goombuz i subzush nubashud
Khuwarish khanu i rooe zumeen hust.
f Meshid ufzul i rooe zumeen ust
Ki anja noor i rub ool alumeen ust.
F 3