The following is a description of the Hazari, which was added to the end of the extant manuscript and supplemented from later quoted sources in the adopted edition. Due to reservations about attributing it to Ibn Fadran, it is presented separately from the preceding text. It should not be considered as content directly observed by the author or as evidence that the entire original work has been preserved.
Hazal's Description
23
Harkhan-Beh visits the Great Harkhan every day, showing a humble attitude. When he enters, he always goes barefoot and carries firewood. After greeting him, he lights the firewood in front of the king. Once the fire is lit, he sits on the same bed as the king, to his right side.
Notation Translation Note Visiting the residence of Al-Hakam From this point, the description is supplemented by writings from later publications. Due to reservations about attributing it to the author, it should not be unconditionally equated with Ibn Fadran's own observations. The phrases describing daily visits and humble behavior contain characters added in the published version. Sitting on the same bed as the king, on his right side Following the distinction between the previous lord and representative, it is translated as "sitting on the right side of the king." Specific shapes of the bed or firewood, and reasons for the ritual are not mentioned in the text, so they have not been added.
The person acting as an agent for Harkhan Beph is a man named Kundur Harkhan. Furthermore, the person acting as an agent for that man is a man named Jarwishgar.
Notation Translation Kundur Hakaan A designation for someone acting as a representative of the Hakaan-Beh. The reading with vowels is provisional. We do not definitively state that this agency represents a temporary succession to the throne. Jarwishgal A designation for someone acting as a representative of the Kundur Hakaan. This is a provisional reading based on the spelling in the published version, and identification with other designations has not been confirmed.
The Great King has a custom of not attending meetings with people and does not speak to them. Besides those mentioned earlier, no one else is allowed to approach him. The authority for making decisions, resolving issues, administering punishments, and governing the country rests with his representative, Harkhan Bef.
Notation Explanation Agreements and their termination Represents the authority to decide on matters, make agreements, or terminate them. It has not been replaced with specific institutional names.
When the great king dies, the following custom is observed: A large building with twenty rooms is constructed for the king. In each room, a burial chamber is dug, and stones are crushed into a fine powder like coal, which is then spread over the chambers. Lime is sprinkled on top of that. Beneath the building flows a large river, and the tombs are built above this river. Then, it is said: "In this way, we will prevent demons, humans, insects, and all living creatures from reaching the king."
Notation Translation Note コール (Kōru) A word phonetically transcribed to represent an analogy for the fineness of powder. The type of stone being crushed or the components of the powder are not specified here. 石灰 (Sekkai) Translated according to the term used in the printed version. Specific manufacturing methods or chemical states cannot be determined from this description. 墓はその川の上に設ける (Haka wa sono kawa no ue ni sosakeru) The relationship where a building is located above a river, and the grave is placed on that river, is maintained. Waterways and building structures are not described. The following words represent the reasons people would state.
When someone is buried, those who performed the burial have their heads cut off. This is to prevent anyone from knowing which room contains the king's tomb. The tomb is called "Paradise," and people say that "the king has entered Paradise." Every room is covered with carpets woven with gold thread.
Notation Translation Note Those who buried [the king] have their heads cut off. It states that those who buried [the king] are killed in order to obscure the location of the royal tomb. The number and status of those involved in the burial are not recorded. The king entered paradise. This is a phrase used by people, referring to the tomb as "paradise." It should be distinguished from an objective statement about what happened to the king after his death.
The king of Hazal has a custom of having twenty-five wives. Each wife is the daughter of a neighboring king, and while some are welcomed with consent, others are taken by force. In addition, the king has sixty female slaves who share his bed, all of whom are extraordinarily beautiful.
Notation Translation Note Twenty-five wives Each is said to be the daughter of a neighboring king. This number is separate from the sixty female slaves mentioned later, and they are not counted as part of the same group. Sometimes they were welcomed with consent, and sometimes they were taken by force. Both consent and coercion are described. The specific situations in which someone expresses acceptance or rejection are not elaborated upon.
My wife and the female slaves each live in a separate palace. Each has a building with a round roof made of teak wood, surrounded by tents. A servant attends to each woman, keeping her separated from the others. When the king desires to be with one of them, he sends a messenger to the servant who is attending her. The servant brings her quickly, before she can even blink, and takes her to the king's bedchamber. The servant waits at the entrance of the round-roofed building where the king is. After the king has finished with her, the servant takes her hand and leaves, never leaving her side again.
Notation Translation Wife and female slave In this context, "wife" corresponds to a term for free women who are distinguished from female slaves. It inherits the distinction between twenty-five and sixty mentioned in the preceding text. Building with a round roof made of teak wood Translated according to the material name, without specifying the origin of the wood or the dimensions/structure of the building. Tent Interpreted as "tent" for what is around the building. There are also interpretations that it is a large cloth, but here we do not specify its shape or installation method. Attendant A person who separates women from others and brings them to the king's presence, and then returns them. The status of "eunuch" is not explicitly mentioned in the text, so it is not limited to that.
When this great king rides, all the soldiers also ride along with him. There is a distance of one mile between the king and the procession. All the people who see the king bow down towards him, and do not raise their heads until the king has passed by.
Notation Explanation One mile This notation corresponds to the distance unit in the original text. It does not include conversion to modern miles or meters. Bowing down before the king Describes the act of bowing with one's face to the ground as a sign of respect towards the king. The condition that the head should not be raised until the king passes is maintained.
The period during which a king is in power is forty years. If it exceeds even one day, the people and his close associates will kill the king, saying, "This person's intellect has declined, and his judgment is disordered."
Notation Translation Note Forty years Description regarding the period of reign. The following evaluations about intelligence and judgment are statements from the people and close advisors, and do not represent the translator's determination of the actual state of the king.
When the king sends out a unit, that unit will not turn its back and run away under any circumstances. If they retreat, the king will kill all those who return from that unit. Regarding commanders and the king's representatives, if they retreat, they will be summoned, and their wives and children will be brought with them. In front of them, their wives and children will be given to others. The same applies to mounts, belongings, weapons, and houses. Some people are cut in half and impaled. Others are hanged by the neck. Those who receive a lenient punishment will become stable hands for the horses.
Notation Translation Note Regardless of the circumstances Maintained a strong expression that the unit does not turn its back and run away. This is how it is phrased in the text, rather than based on verification of all actual battles. His wife and children are given to others It is stated as being done in front of commanders and representatives. The family, followed by a list of mounts, belongings, weapons, and houses, were kept separate. He is hanged Followed by the punishment of being cut in two. Translated separately from the next punishment, which is hanging by the neck on a tree. Details about the instruments or method of execution are not included. Lenient treatment The original text retains an expression that suggests relatively good treatment. This does not mean that the translator justifies the punishment. The groomer has not been replaced with a specific official title.
The king of Khazar has a large city located on the banks of the Itil River. The city is divided into two areas: one for Muslims, and another for the king and his entourage. A Muslim named Hazz, who is a slave of the king, organizes the Muslims. He is responsible for judging both the Muslims living in the land of Khazar and those visiting for trade. Only this person handles their problems and makes judgments.
Notation Translation Hazu A provisional transcription that follows the spelling of personal names used in published versions. The pronunciation, including vowels, and identification of individuals are not yet confirmed. Only this person can handle and judge their problems. The target is limited to previous residents and Muslims who visit for trade. It does not mean that this one person handles the trials of all residents.