Its commander or Odabashi is always chosen from
among the Janissaries of Damascus. It serves the Arabs of the Djebel
Belka as a depot for their provisions. To the west of the castle the
mountain of Belka terminates. The Arabs of Belka live in tents round the
castle, and are Felahein or cultivators of the ground.
8. One day’s journey from the latter is the Kalaat el Katrane [Arabic],
whose Odabashi is likewise a Janissary from Damascus. It has a Birket of
rainwater. At one day’s journey to the N.W. of it is the Kalaat Kerek
[Arabic], from whence the Arabs of Kerek bring wheat and barley for sale
to the Odabashi of Katrane, who sells it again to advantage to the
Hadjis.
9. One day’s journey Kalaat el Hassa, [Arabic], with a fine source,
whose water is drawn up by means of a large wheel. The castle is built
in the middle of a Wady running from E. to W.; in the winter a river
runs through the Wady, which is dry in summer; but at a quarter of an
hour W. from the castle, there are several springs of good water, which
are never dry. They collect into a river which empties itself into the
Jordan or Sheriat el Kebir at two days’ journey from El Hassa. The
Fellahs who live round the castle in the Wady, in several small
villages, sow Dhourra and barley, those that live towards the western
mountains, sow for their masters the El Hadjaia Arabs [Arabic], and
receive from them half of the harvest in return. To the S.E. of El
Hassa, on the northern side of the Wady, about five hours distance from
El Hassa, is a high hill, called Shehak [Arabic], which is visible from
Masn and Akaba. At the same distance due east from El Hassa is a
watering place called Meshash el Rekban [Arabic], where water is found
on digging to a small depth. To the S. of Wady el Hassa, in the Djebel
Shera, is the town of Tafyle. South of it the Shera spreads into four or
five branches, and embraces the whole country as far as Djebel Tor. At
two days journey from Wady el Hassa, is a road leading along the summit
of the mountain towards Gaza; this road is called Akaba, or more
frequently Eddhohel [Arabic]; it is much frequented by the people of
Tafyle and the Arabs Toueiha.
10. Half a day’s journey is Kalaat Aeneze [Arabic], with a Birket of
rain-water.
11. Another half day’s journey Kalaat Maan [Arabic], where the Hadjis
remain for two days. Maan has a large well of water. The town consists
of about one hundred houses on both sides the Hadj route, which divides
the town; the eastern part is called Shamie, the western Maan.
