PREFACE


The present monograph offers an English translation of the accounts of the historical voyage of Pir Sabzali in Central Asia he launched in 1923. It is intended to provide a readable version, related as closely as possible to modern knowledge, but making no claim to meet the requirements of the specialist. It is however the first attempt of the English rendering, but how much more needs to be done, and better done than in the present monograph, I am first to recognize. The ground however for further work is now almost cleared.

The voyage of Pir Sabzali in Central Asia was an adventurous venture. To have dared the dangers of rushing torrents in the impenetrable hilly tracks, the freezing cold of merciless winters of Central Asia, the steep and snow-covered mountains, etc. is no mean of a great achievement. He rode over mountains with deep, narrow and tortuous valleys, the rugged hillsides and gorges, traversing many rivers and plateaus and returned safely from the ditch of death.

Is it not a matter of great surprise to learn that he had no map, telescope, mariner compass or masks to protect against the wild blizzard, or any other mean to monitor the directions of the journey. He travelled during the period when the mountaineering expeditions and trekking were not in vogue or developed in Central Asia, and also no tourist industry or communication flourished. It was however a special expedition to convey the message of the Imam from village to village, and examine their conditions.

It is hoped that the scholars, teachers, students and the interested readers will take benefit from its reading. In a monograph like the present, many errors will doubtless be found, and I shall feel most grateful for any corrections, or notice of omission. My hope is that others may be induced to set to work in this field, and if this essay soon superseded by a more comprehensive survey of the ground, it will have served its purpose in having prepared the way for better things.

I owe a debt of gratitude of Mr. Aziz R. Germon for designing the monograph. I am also grateful and will always remain so to Mr. Nagib Tajdin of Canada for taking close interest in my study with all the times.

MUMTAZ ALI TAJDDIN S. ALI

Address:
B/17 Noor Apartments,
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Karachi. Pakistan

Email Address: Samina45@super.net.pk


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