The Qaragozlu tribe and
their hospitality to strangers
The
inhabitants of Persia have always been famed for their great hospitality to
strangers; but the chiefs of the warlike tribes of that country are, beyond all
others, remarkable for the manner in which they perform this courteous duty.
The conduct of the Khan of the tribe of Karagoozoloo to the British mission
which some years ago visited his government at Hamadan, may be adduced as a
proof of this fact. He had prepared, for their accommodation, his own house in
the town, and removed to a country-seat, which was at some distance. To this
residence he one day invited the whole party; and, at his particular desire,
every person, from the highest to the lowest, went. The train of the English
envoy was increased by that of a Persian ambassador and his suite, who were
proceeding to India. The cavalcade reached the khan’s abode at an early hour,
and staid till near midnight. Nothing could exceed the magnificence of their
entertainment. They were not, however, aware, till they had taken their leave,
of the extent of the attention with which they had been treated. When they
mounted to return home, they were informed, that during the time they had been
at dinner a sudden and severe frost having come on, every horse and mule
belonging to the party, amounting to nearly two hundred, had been rough shod,
to prevent any accident occurring to the guests of the khan. All were alike
struck with admiration at this remarkable proof of the kind and munificent
hospitality of their noble host.
Sir John Malcolm — The History of Persia, Vol. II
(1815)
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