Baski • باسكی • باسكي

At sunset we arrived in Beski, a large Kurdish village, embosomed in a forest of vineyards. The Kurds gave me a rather sullen reception, and it was with great difficulty that we obtained permission to unload before one of their huts. I immediately ordered coffee to be prepared, and having softened down their ferocity by this, to Orientals, delicious beverage, they were more friendly, and with a kind mien commanded me to partake of their evening meal. As no excuse would have been admissible, I sat down on the bare ground, and with more than a dozen wild, rude men, partook of a little burgoos, or ground wheat greased with some rotten fat. Stern (1848), p 115

During our repast, one would relate to me (the Kurdish language differs little from the Persian) stories of their former adventures; two, of the murders which they committed with impunity; whilst another would curse the Ravandooz Bey, and Mahomed Pasha, who subdued and ruined them, and assured me that were it not for the terror of the Osmanlees, or Turks, I should not taste the water of the Chebar (a river near Zakho). ... This conversation did not inspire me with great confidence in the people amongst whom I unhappily found myself, but what should I do? Far from all human dependence, and human support, I realized the nearer presence of my Saviour, and entirely resigned myself to Him whose protection I so frequently and under most trying circumstances experienced. Stern (1848), p 115