DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.31772#0103
TEAYELS IN TUEKISTAN.
61
heights are so precipitous ancl inaccessible that it would be
almost impossible for the enemy to effect a lodgment in them.
The fort itself sweeps the whole of the approach, in addition to
which an extended curtain wall, securecl against view and
enfilade, affords a strong flank defence. The Chakmak fort is
a place of remarkable strength, its natural advantages liaving
been greatly increased by skilfully placed works, and well
selected lines of defence. These fortifications are saicl to have
been designed ancl built four years ago by Beg-Kuli-Beg, the
eldest son of the Atalik. Mahmud Beg, the “Toksabai” (Lord
of the Standard) in command, welcomed us kinclly and treated
us most hospitably, accommodating us in comfortable quarters
inside the fort, a pleasant change from the small, tattered
Kirghiz felt tent, admitting a distressing amount of cold, in
wliich we had passed the previous night.
AVe continued in the same general north-west direction on
the fourth day, passing the Suyuk Karawal, eight miles up the
Toyan, where the Suyuk stream joins, flowing from the pass
of the same name. The Suyuk pass, distant thence about two
days’ journey, is little more than a footpath, ancl is not fit for
horses ; but the roacl from the Torugat pass, about thirty miles to
the north, is used by laden camels, ancl is open throughout the
year. The Torugat is the most used caravan route from the
north to eastern Turkistan. The roacl is goocl all the way, and
the only difflculties are where it crosses the stream. In winter the
stream is, as we found it, partially frozen over for almost its
entire length. The slope from the Artush valley, height about
5300 feet, to the Torugat pass, 12,760 feet, a distance of eiglity
miles, is tolerably uniform throughout, ancl gives therefore
a regular rise of about 100 feet per mile.
On leaving Chakmak our concluctor tried to deter us from
61
heights are so precipitous ancl inaccessible that it would be
almost impossible for the enemy to effect a lodgment in them.
The fort itself sweeps the whole of the approach, in addition to
which an extended curtain wall, securecl against view and
enfilade, affords a strong flank defence. The Chakmak fort is
a place of remarkable strength, its natural advantages liaving
been greatly increased by skilfully placed works, and well
selected lines of defence. These fortifications are saicl to have
been designed ancl built four years ago by Beg-Kuli-Beg, the
eldest son of the Atalik. Mahmud Beg, the “Toksabai” (Lord
of the Standard) in command, welcomed us kinclly and treated
us most hospitably, accommodating us in comfortable quarters
inside the fort, a pleasant change from the small, tattered
Kirghiz felt tent, admitting a distressing amount of cold, in
wliich we had passed the previous night.
AVe continued in the same general north-west direction on
the fourth day, passing the Suyuk Karawal, eight miles up the
Toyan, where the Suyuk stream joins, flowing from the pass
of the same name. The Suyuk pass, distant thence about two
days’ journey, is little more than a footpath, ancl is not fit for
horses ; but the roacl from the Torugat pass, about thirty miles to
the north, is used by laden camels, ancl is open throughout the
year. The Torugat is the most used caravan route from the
north to eastern Turkistan. The roacl is goocl all the way, and
the only difflculties are where it crosses the stream. In winter the
stream is, as we found it, partially frozen over for almost its
entire length. The slope from the Artush valley, height about
5300 feet, to the Torugat pass, 12,760 feet, a distance of eiglity
miles, is tolerably uniform throughout, ancl gives therefore
a regular rise of about 100 feet per mile.
On leaving Chakmak our concluctor tried to deter us from