Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/25

6 "As early as the time of Jagatai himself, his summer camp was in the vicinity of Almalik, and when Hulagu was on the march from Karakorum to destroy the mulahid or 'assassins' in Persia (A.D. 1254) the princess regent Organah, widow of Kara Hulagu, grandson and successor of Jagatai, came out from Almalik to receive him with due honour." Hence it would appear that Almalik was one at least of the capitals from a very early date. In the following century, about 1330-34, we find Ibn Batuta observing that it was the proper capital of the kings of this dynasty, and that one of the charges brought against the Khan Tamarshin which led to his supersession was that he always remained in Mawar-al-nahr, and for four years running had not visited Almalik and the eastern dominions of his family.

Bishbalik-Ourumtsi was at first the head-quarters of the Khan, but it was afterwards transferred to Almalik.

Marignolli gives the following account of his visit to the great Khan:—

"We went to the first Emperor of the Tartar tribes and laid before him the letters which we bore, with certain pieces of cloth, a great war-horse, some strong liquor, and the Pope's presents. And after the winter was over, having been well fed, well clothed, loaded with handsome presents, and supplied by the king with horses and travelling expenses, we proceeded to Armalu,