Ashita (near Amedi)

At noon we came to the mountains, from which we overlooked the whole district of Tyary. The country, though but little recovered from the ravages under the tyrant Buder Khan Bey, appeared most beautiful. Villages, or rather clusters of cottages, were dotted on rugged hills, and upland glades; whilst scattered poplars, and mulberry trees of most majestic growth, surrounded with luxuriant fields, and active reapers, completed the impressiveness of this vast amphitheatre. The descent occupied us two hours. At the foot of the mountains we met several Nestorians, who kindly conducted us to the house of the Kashisha, or Priest, Dincha, where we found good accommodation for the night. In the evening most of the Nestorians in Asheta assembled in the house of the Priest, in order to see me. They related to me their sufferings, massacre, and spoliation under Buder Khan Bey; but as the recital of these horrid atrocities is too shocking to human feeling, I shall not dwell on this tragical subject. They were just now again recovering from this dreadful calamity, when Naroolah Bey, the chief of the Hakhary, threatens them with anther dreadful invasion. They have applied for assistance, and I hope steps will be taken to prevent the annihilation of this harmless community of Eastern Protestants. Stern (1848), p 119

Oct. 20. [1848] — The serene and cloudless evening was followed by a cold, wet, and dismal morning. All the Nestorians assured me that this change in the atmosphere was the harbinger of winter, and that snow would fall in a few days, and intercept all communication with the other mountains. Stern (1848), p 119; in Asheta