The Persian Alexander: The First Complete English Translation of the Iskandarnāma 9781350989085, 9781838609597

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EVANGELOS VENETIS is Director of the Society for Hellenic-Iranian Studies in Athens and the coordinator of the Middle East Research Project of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy. He wrote his doctoral thesis on the Iskandarna¯ma at the University of Edinburgh and conducted post-doctoral research in classical Persian literature at the University of Leiden.

‘This is a book which its author has lived and breathed for more than a decade. He analysed the text in depth in his doctoral thesis and now he has translated it in its entirety, contextualising it with an impressive critical apparatus. This is one of a tiny handful of substantial medieval Persian prose romances to be rendered into a European language, and anyone interested in Persian or indeed comparative literature will also profit from this text’s distinctive approach to storytelling. Above all, it is refreshing to encounter the iconic figure of Alexander the Great, who over the course of the centuries has undergone multiple transformations at the hands of Ethiopian, Arab and Turkish authors, in Persian guise. This Alexander is a globe-trotter, visiting Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Yemen, China, Russia and Andalusia, plus the Land of Darkness and the Queen of the Fairies. En route he fights demons, cannibals and hairy-footed men. There is something for everyone here.’ Carole Hillenbrand, Professor, Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh ‘The legendary life of the conqueror Alexander the Great is a central feature of Persian literature and tradition. Several long and distinguished epics recount his adventure and demonstrate his centrality to the Persian conception of the ideal ruler. The anonymous Iskandarna¯ma is one of the earliest, and includes many tales that are found in no other work, including the eleventh-century Sha¯hna¯ma which closely precedes it. The differences from contemporary Greek and European versions are remarkable, and yet in all of them Alexander remains a model of religious devotion as well as a tragic hero who leaves the world empty-handed. Evangelos Venetis’ elegant translation is the first to make the entire work available in English, and gives us once again an Alexander whose significance straddles East and West.’ Richard Stoneman, Honorary Visiting Professor, University of Exeter; author of Alexander the Great: A Life in Legend and translator of The Book of Alexander the Great (the Greek Phyllada tou Megalexandrou).

TH E

PERSI A N A L E XA N DER The First Complete English Translation of t he Iska ndarn ma

TR ANSLATED AND ANNOTATED BY

EVANGELOS VENETIS

Published in 2018 by I.B.Tauris & Co. Ltd London • New York www.ibtauris.com Copyright q 2018 Evangelos Venetis The right of Evangelos Venetis to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in a review, this book, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Every attempt has been made to gain permission for the use of the images in this book. Any omissions will be rectified in future editions. References to websites were correct at the time of writing.

The publication of this book was made possible by the generous support of the Soudavar Memorial Foundation, which the Publishers and Editors gratefully acknowledge.

ISBN: 978 1 78453 879 8 eISBN: 978 1 83860 958 0 ePDF: 978 1 83860 959 7 A full CIP record for this book is available from the British Library A full CIP record is available from the Library of Congress Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: available Typeset in Stone Serif by OKS Prepress Services, Chennai, India

To Fatema Soudavar Farmanfarmaian, the ardent supporter of Iranian civilisation and studies worldwide

Contents List of Plates Note on Transliteration Preface Introduction

xi xiii xv 1

TRANSLATION Introductory Part

11

The Expedition of Alexander the Double-Horned One to Iran to Fight Darius, the Son of Darius

12

Alexander’s Arrival at ‘Uman and the Story Between Him and the King of ‘Uman

15

How Alexander Went to Porus Disguised as a Messenger and the Story Between Them

16

Alexander’s Journey to Kashmir and What Happened Between Him and ¯ za¯dbakht, the King of Kashmir, and his Daughter, Ma¯ha¯farı¯n A

20

¯ za¯dbakht, the King of Kashmir, and Porus’ Daughter, The Story of A Who Was Alexander’s Wife

25

Alexander’s Journey to Ceylon and What Happened Between Him and Kayd, the King of India

35

The Pilgrimage of Alexander to Adam’s Tomb and his Journey to the Land of Gold

48

Alexander, the Creatures with the Hairy Feet and the War Between Them

52

Alexander’s Arrival at Mecca and the House of the Prophet, and the Story Between Him and the People of Mecca

54

Alexander’s Arrival in Yemen and the Story Between Him and the King of Yemen

56

viii

The Persian Alexander

Alexander’s Journey to Egypt, the Disguise of the King of Egypt as a Messenger When He Went to Alexander, and the Story Between Him and Alexander

68

The Story of Alexander, Who Wished to Hear Stories from the Ruler of Egypt, and the Latter’s Storytelling

77

The Narration of the Story of King Tahta¯j by the Ruler of Egypt to Alexander

88

The Narration of the Story of the Merchant’s Son by the Ruler of Egypt to Alexander

92

How Alexander, Disguised as a Messenger, Visited Candace, the Queen of Andalusia, and their Story

96

Alexander’s Journey to the Land of Darkness and What Occurred There

102

The Story of the Scorpion, the Snake and the Youth Who Was Sleeping in the Garden, and the Wonder that Alexander Experienced

105

Alexander’s Arrival in Turkestan by way of the Akhzar Sea, and the Story Between Him and the King of that Region

108

The Story of the Barrel of Wheat Found in Alexander’s Treasure House and the Life of Bahra¯m, his Father and their Wives

109

The Story of the Hermits with the Daughter of the King and What Happened

112

The Storytelling of the King of the City with Alexander about Justice

115

Alexander’s Journey to Siyavu ¯ shgard and his Story with the King of that City

116

Alexander’s Arrival in the Land of China, the Wonders He Saw and his Story with the Kings of that Land

120

Alexander’s Arrival as Messenger at the Court of the Khaqa¯n of the Chinese Turkestan and the Story Between Them

121

The Trick of the Khaqa¯n’s Wife to Murder Him and What Occurred

136

The Story Between the Sons of the Khaqa¯n and Alexander, their Plan to Poison Alexander through his Concubine, and How Alexander Discovered that by Wisdom

140

Alexander’s Arrival in the Land of Taghma¯j and Alexander’s Visit to Alexander of that Land as a Messenger

146

Alexander’s Arrival in the Land of Demons and the Cannibal Zangı¯s, and his War Against Them

151

Alexander’s Arrival at the Well, his Story with the Zangı¯ and the Maiden Who Was with Him and her Own Story

158

Alexander’s Arrival at the Hermit’s Cloister on the Mountaintop and their Story

161

Alexander’s Arrival in the Land of the Fairies and the Story of his Meeting with Ara¯qı¯t, the Fairy Queen, and What . . .

164

Contents

ix

Alexander’s Invasion into Ara¯qı¯t’s Territory and the Arrival of Ara¯qı¯t’s Uncle to her Aid

178

The Arrival of Ara¯qı¯t’s Uncle and the Fairies at the Camp, and the Story Between Him and Alexander

180

Alexander’s Arrival in Russia, the Story Between Him and the Russians, and the Dream He Had in that Land

189

Alexander’s Arrival at the Fortress of Qa¯til the Zangı¯, the Story Between the King and the Zangı¯s, and the Seizure of the Fort

193

The Story of Qa¯til the Zangı¯ Who Sent 2,000 Men to Seek the Bride, and Alexander’s Surprise Attack on Them

200

The Story of Ra¯fi‘ the Zangı¯, Who Came to the Aid of his Brother, and their War Against Alexander

207

How ‘Anbar Received Qa¯til’s Letter, Gathered an Army and Went to the Aid of his Uncle, and the Story Between Them and Alexander

215

How ‘Anbar Came from the Fort with 2,000 Men, and the Battle Between Alexander and the Zangı¯s

219

The Sudden Assault of Buqra¯quz, Sha¯hmalik’s Son, Against Alexander’s Camping Ground, the Capture of Buqra¯quz and What Happened Between Alexander and Them

228

Alexander’s Battle Against Qa¯til the Zangı¯ and What Happened Between Them

234

The Arrival of Manku ¯ s and the Zangı¯s at Sha¯hmalik’s Place, the Battle Between Sha¯hmalik and Alexander, and What Happened Between Them

245

Sha¯hmalik’s Seduction of Ara¯qı¯t for his Son, Tafqa¯j, and What Happened

253

How the Cupbearer’s Wife Deceived Tafqa¯j and Surrendered Him to Alexander

258

Tafqa¯j’s Letter to Ara¯qı¯t, How it was Discovered by Alexander and the Deterioration of the Situation

266

The Story Between Ara¯qı¯t and Tafqa¯j, How She Pursued Tafqa¯j and the Zangı¯s, and their War

271

The Trick of Sha¯hmalik’s Daughter to Poison Alexander, How He Discovered her Plans and What Happened

273

How the Cupbearer’s Wife Surrendered Sha¯hmalik to Alexander by Means of Deceit

281

Sha¯hmalik’s Capture by Alexander and his Replacement by Arsla¯nkha¯n as a King

283

The Ascendance to the Throne by Arsla¯nkha¯n and What Happened Between Him and Alexander

286

x

The Persian Alexander

How Ara¯qı¯t and Aristotle Were Informed of Alexander’s Detention and their Plan to Rescue Him

288

Alexander’s Return to his Camp and the End of his History with Arsla¯nkha¯n

300

The Behaviour of Tarzak, Qaymu ¯ n the Commander, Qayma¯z and Aya¯z After They Embraced the Faith of Alexander

309

The Arrival of Jundu ¯ l the Zangı¯ with the Zangı¯s, the Story Between Him and Alexander, and Sha¯hmalik’s Escape to the Zangı¯s

315

The Story of Ara¯qı¯t and the Fairies’ Assault Against Sha¯hmalik’s Army and Sha¯hmalik’s Arrest

320

Alexander’s War Against the Elephant Ears and Arsla¯nkha¯n, his Displeasure with Ara¯qı¯t and How He Cast Her Away

323

How Ara¯qı¯t Went to Zubayda’s Cloister and the Story Between Her, Alexander and Arsla¯nkha¯n

330

Alexander’s Capture by Arsla¯nkha¯n at his Hunting Place and his Rescue by Ara¯qı¯t and the Army

337

Arsla¯nkha¯n’s Capture and Execution by Ara¯qı¯t, and the Conquest of the City

342

The Story of Alexander with Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, the Daughter of Ara¯qı¯t’s Uncle, the Fairies and Ara¯qı¯t

346

Glossary of Terms, Characters and Proper Names Notes Bibliography Index

357 365 371 377

List of Plates 1. The Feast of Iskandar and Nushabah, from an illustrated version of Niza¯mı¯’s ˙ Iskandarna¯ma, sixteenth century, Iran. Manuscript found in the Library of Congress, African and Middle Eastern Division, Washington, DC. No. 1-86-154.122. 2. Iskandar hunting with companions, from an illustrated version of Niza¯mı¯’s Iskandarna¯ma, ˙ sixteenth century, Iran. Manuscript found in the Portland Museum, Gift of Dr and Mrs Edwin Binney, 3rd, 72.37.2. 3. Alexandri magni imperium et expeditions (The Empire and Expeditions of Alexander the Great), 1833, by Fe´lix Delamarche, an engineer, geographer and globe maker. Found in the Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, G7420 1833.D4. 4. The arrival of Manku ¯ s and the Zangı¯s at Sha¯hmalik’s place, the battle between Sha¯hmalik and Alexander, and what happened between them. Iskandarna¯ma F., MS., Collection of Sa’ı¯d Nafı¯sı¯, Tehran.

PLATE 1 The Feast of Iskandar and Nushabah, from an illustrated version of Niza¯mı¯’s ˙ Iskandarna¯ma, sixteenth century, Iran. Manuscript found in the Library of Congress, African and Middle Eastern Division, Washington, DC. No. 1-86-154.122.

PLATE 2 Iskandar hunting with companions, from an illustrated version of Niza¯mı¯’s ˙ Iskandarna¯ma, sixteenth century, Iran. Manuscript found in the Portland Museum, Gift of Dr and Mrs Edwin Binney, 3rd, 72.37.2.

PLATE 3 Alexandri magni imperium et expeditions (The Empire and Expeditions of Alexander the Great), 1833, by Fe´lix Delamarche, an engineer, geographer and globe maker. Found in the Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, G7420 1833.D4.

PLATE 4 The arrival of Manku ¯ s and the Zangı¯s at Sha¯hmalik’s place, the battle between Sha¯hmalik and Alexander, and what happened between them. Iskandarna¯ma F., MS., Collection of Said Nafisi, Tehran.

Note on Transliteration The transliteration system employed is that of the Encyclopaedia of Islam (2nd edition) with the following exceptions: j, q, th, dh, gh, kh, sh instead of dj, k, th, dh, gh, kh and sh, respectively. The diphthongs are cited as aw and ay. The short vowels are a, u, i and the long vowels are a¯, u¯ and ¯ı. With regard to the use of articles in Arabic, the cases of wa al, dhu¯’l and fı¯’l are cited as wa’l, dhu’l and fi’l, respectively. Persian additions to the Arabic alphabet are also transliterated as zh, p and ch. Persian and Arabic names of authors are transliterated when their works are written in Persian or Arabic, for example, M.J. Mahju ¯ b. Proper names of cities and regions of the past are also transliterated, for example, Nı¯sha¯pu ¯ r. Contemporary geographical names and terms are not transliterated, for example, Shiraz.

Preface This book is the culmination of a four-year research effort, multifaceted in scope and depth, which took place in Iran (Tehran), Greece (Athens) and the Netherlands (Leiden). The author would like to express his gratitude to the certain individuals and organisations that have contributed to making this book possible; Dr Christine van Ruymbeke (University of Cambridge) for her useful pieces of advice, especially in the initial and final stages of research; as well as Dr Gabrielle Van den Berg (Leiden University) for her insightful comments. Many thanks are due to the late Prof. ¯Iraj Afsha¯r for his guidance throughout this translation, and to Dr Mehran Afshari (Centre for the Great Encyclopaedia of Islam, Tehran) for his constant support and knowledge in the field. I am indebted to the Soudavar Memorial Foundation (Geneva), whose sponsorship has enabled the translation and publication. Furthermore, it should be noted that this work has been keenly supported by Mrs Fatema Soudavar Farmanfarmaian, whose wide knowledge, invaluable help and spirit of cooperation have been always a source of inspiration for promoting research both in Iranian Studies and Hellenic-Iranian studies in particular. With her astute literary instinct, her intelligence and her abiding love for her country, she has singularly contributed to the creation of this endeavour. I dedicate this book to her. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and family for their constant support during this translation: in particular Elli Antoniades and my wife, Dr Sarah Alinia, for her patience and stamina. She cannot be credited enough.

Introduction Alexander’s life (356 – 323 BC ) captured the imaginations of his contemporaries and future generations.1 The Alexander legend spread around the globe through the oral and literary media in Late Antiquity and the early Islamic period. The oral tradition and the popular literary tradition became the main sources for the spread of Alexander’s legend to the average middle and lower classes of society. Through these sources, the future generations would immortalise his name and life. Alexander’s legendary image is attested in various cultures and literatures, both in the East and West. His life story has been adapted to the needs of different regions and civilisations. For instance, the Iranians saw the Achaemenid Empire conquered by Alexander. Whereas, due to inadequate literary evidence, Alexander’s image in preIslamic Iran remains obscure; Alexander became more popular in the Islamic than in the Mazdaean tradition. The Muslim Alexander in the Persian literary and popular tradition can be examined in the Iskandarna¯ma (Book of Alexander), the oldest prose version of the Alexander romance in the Persian tradition (eleventh century AD ). Here Alexander is both a glorious Muslim champion – a king and prophet – and a man full of weaknesses. THE MANUSCRIPT AND SCHOLARSHIP The Iskandarna¯ma manuscript is kept in the private collection of Sa‘ı¯d Nafı¯sı¯ in Tehran. The narrative is a legendary account of Alexander’s life, mainly in Central Asia. The authorship, date and location of compilation of the Iskandarna¯ma remain uncertain. So far, it has been dated vaguely between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries AD . Additionally the narrative has not been adequately studied. ¯Iraj Afsha¯r edited the text in 1964.2 In his introduction, Afsha¯r commented on the status of the manuscript and the connection between the Iskandarna¯ma and the rest of the Pseudo-Callisthenes tradition.3 Afsha¯r published a new and improved version of the same edition in Tehran in 2008. In the new edition, the editor has successfully improved the various weaknesses of the first edition.4

2

The Persian Alexander

William Hanaway’s work was the first elementary contribution to a basic knowledge of the content of the Iskandarna¯ma. He partially included the Iskandarna¯ma in his dissertation about pre-Safavid romances, in a comparative study of five pre-Safavid prose romances which he termed ‘popular’, the four others being: the Da¯ra¯bna¯ma, the Fı¯ru ¯ zsha¯hna¯ma, the Samak-i ‘ayya¯r and the Qissa-yi Hamza.5 There have been only sporadic articles or encyclopaedia entries on the subject. In her article, Rubanovich analyses the reconstruction process of the storytelling events.6 Dividing the themes into main and secondary (or inserted) stories, she contributes further to the study of the internal construction and the folk elements of the Iskandarna¯ma. Southgate wrote an article, comparing briefly the portrait of Alexander in some Persian Alexander romances.7 Hanaway’s Encyclopaedia Iranica entry on the Iskandarna¯ma is a general introduction to the Persian Alexander romances.8 In 2006, the author of this translation produced an analysis of the Iskandarna¯ma in his doctoral dissertation at Edinburgh University, which is in print. Emphasis is given to the literary connection between the Greek Pseudo-Callisthenes romance and the Iskandarna¯ma. The influence of the Sha¯hna¯ma on the Iskandarna¯ma is also explored. In terms of the historicity, special attention is paid to Alexander’s Islamic image as a means of comprehending the narrative. In this analysis, topics such as that of kingship and the Islamic profile of the main hero contribute to dating the narrative, and associate it with the historical developments of its time. THE PSEUDO-CALLISTHENES TRADITION The Pseudo-Callisthenes romance combines ancient Graeco-Roman concepts with a Christian cultural context of Late Antiquity. Alexander appears as an ancient Greek and pro-Christian ruler. He has monotheistic Christian ideas and tendencies in a philosophical framework. Concepts such as ‘divine providence’ and ‘superior power’ reflect this monotheistic background. The author of the Pseudo-Callisthenes romance lived in the transitional period between the Later Roman times and the beginning of the Byzantine chronographic and historiographical period. In the Iskandarna¯ma, Alexander is a Muslim Persian king, an image formed in the Persian popular mind during the eleventh–fourteenth centuries AD . He is actually a hanı¯f ˙ king, expanding his faith to the edges of the world.9 Thus he campaigns and has various adventures in various regions, such as Iran, India, the Arabian Peninsula, China and Spain. In the Persian popular mind, Alexander is the half-brother of Darius (Da¯ra¯) and the ‘Double-Horned One’ of the Qur’a¯n,10 and this dual identity is one of the most basic aspects of his personality in the Iskandarna¯ma.11 He is the dhu’l-qarnayn (the ‘Double-Horned One’), the one who built the Gate against the invading nations of Gog and Magog.12 The Alexander of the Iskandarna¯ma embodies two natures: the divinely protected and the human. The Iskandarna¯ma follows the main patterns of Firdawsı¯’s account with respect to the incidents of Alexander’s life; yet the popular style of the Iskandarna¯ma adds many realistic and human features to Alexander’s personality. Thus, in some cases, he is an indecisive ruler with human qualities, such as love and lust.13

Introduction

3

The Pseudo-Callisthenes account and the Iskandarna¯ma share many similarities, for they are both romances, reflecting popular traditions. The identity of the authors and the exact date that they were originally compiled remain unknown. Technical difficulties emerge from the preservation of the Persian text. The initial part of the Iskandarna¯ma Tehran manuscript has been corrupted and an extensive part of it has been lost. The Iskandarna¯ma is part of the cycle of Alexander romances, originating from the Greek version (b).14 Afsha¯r’s point about the relationship between the two accounts (the Greek Pseudo-Callisthenes and Iskandarna¯ma) through the Arabic translation of the Pseudo-Callisthenes Greek text must be considered valid in spite of the fact that the Arabic version is now lost. The Arabic version, however, was probably one of the sources that the compiler of the Iskandarna¯ma used. THE PAHLAVI PSEUDO-CALLISTHENES VERSION The main intermediary between the Greek and the Persian Alexander traditions was ¨ ldeke, the Syriac version of the Pseudo-Callisthenes romance which, according to No came from a Pahlavi translation (and not directly from the Greek text as Budge and Ciancaglini suggest)15 in late Sasanian times, a translation that has not survived to the ¨ ldeke’s present day. This Pahlavi version was the basis for the Syriac version16 and No arguments are based on the possible Pahlavi linguistic influence traced in the Syriac text, such as certain place names in Syriac of Middle Persian origin (’dwrbygn [Azerbaijan], swndyqy’ [Soghdian], and others), Pahlavi syntax and vocabulary which are obviously traceable in the Syriac text and the literary or folk character of the socalled ‘Pahlavi version’.17 ¨ ldeke’s theory18 and suggests that the Syriac version was R.N. Frye opposes No formed from an older Syriac version, based on the Greek text, and it was probably influenced by both an oral and literary Persian tradition. He favours the idea that a Pahlavi version of the Pseudo-Callisthenes romance never existed. He responds to ¨ ldeke’s arguments about the linguistic evidence and particularly the case of -l- and No -r- by using various examples. He insists that the Nestorian Christian compiler of the Syriac version had written down an oral tradition because of the great number of colloquial forms in the work.19 THE ISLAMIC MILIEU Islam in the Middle East boosted Alexander’s popular image. The interest of Arabs in belles-lettres and sciences resulted in a literary renaissance. The bayt al-hikma (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad was the centre of this literary endeavour.20 In al-Ma‘mu ¯ n’s time (AD 813– 33), various Pahlavi and Syriac sources about Alexander were rendered into Arabic; thus the motifs and traditions of Late Antiquity about Alexander were included in the Islamic tradition of the ‘Abbasid caliphate.21 Under the Sa¯ma¯nids, the flourishing of Persian literature in eastern Iran must have led to the development of Alexander’s

4

The Persian Alexander

legendary profile amongst the Persians and his incorporation in the New Persian literary tradition.22 Actually, Alexander became a part of the Islamic literary tradition and, according to some theologians, he is the ‘Double-Horned One’ of the Qur’a¯n.23 Despite the scholarly dispute over the association between the dhu’l-qarnayn and Alexander, the popular profile of the latter became widely accepted in the Islamic world, in the Arabic, Iranian, Turkic, Indian and South Asian cultural contexts.24 THE NARRATIVE The Iskandarna¯ma was created to entertain and edify its readers and audience. Through this historical edification, the romance propagates the image of the Sultan and the political system that favoured its compilation. This propagation in prose romances relies on pre-existing narrative structures that are skilfully employed in order to associate the content of the romance with up-to-date historical developments, and to associate the main hero with the patrons. The narrative contains material of literary and historical importance. In historical terms, the Iskandarna¯ma is associated with the period in which it was compiled. In a legendary account, it is hard to distinguish the historical elements from the legendary. The Iskandarna¯ma was probably first compiled in the eleventh century AD . Another interesting aspect of the narrative is the association between the concept of kingship and the image of the ruler in the Iskandarna¯ma and the andarz tradition. Based on technical details such as the type and quality of paper, the ink and the style of script, the current manuscript was compiled in the fourteenth or fifteenth century. Yet the linguistic and historical evidence of the narrative suggest that its initial compilation took place earlier. The Iskandarna¯ma was probably compiled in the early eleventh century during Mahmu ¯ d’s reign, the narrative ¯ d’s reign in the Ghaznavid court.25 After Mahmu ˙ ˙ was probably recompiled, perhaps by one of his immediate successors (Mas‘u ¯ d or Muhammad), who had every reason to propagate Mahmu ¯ d’s model of rulership. A third ˙ stage of compilation might have taken place later, due to the use of the Siyyar al-mulu¯k (Lives of Kings) in the Iskandarna¯ma. Mahmu ¯ d’s model of rulership became a classic one in the Islamic world and was later ˙ emulated by several rulers. Hence, there was every reason for the political system each time (Ghaznavids or other dynasties after them) to patronise the recompilation of the Iskandarna¯ma. The names and characters of the romance are legendary and the plot could be applied by every dynasty that lived south of the Oxus and faced the threat from the steppes. Thus, the geography and political circumstances in eastern Iran must have made the Iskandarna¯ma a classic and popular during Mahmu ¯ d’s reign and especially after his ˙ death.

Alexander’s Image: The Pre-Islamic Concept Alexander is a Muslim Iranian ruler in the Iskandarna¯ma. The Islamic aspect of his image is stronger whilst the Iranian element of his identity is strongly suggested only at the beginning of the narrative.26 Presumably the author is not interested in drawing the

Introduction

5

attention of the reader to the pre-Islamic concept of rulership. However, the pre-Islamic Iranian heritage in the narrative is reflected through three elements: Alexander’s halfIranian origin, the notion of Divine Charisma ( farr) and his association with the Iranian legendary kings. Alexander27 appears as the son of Da¯ra¯b (Darius II) and Faylaqu ¯ s’s (Philip’s) daughter, 28 reflecting the pre-Islamic tradition in Iran about his origin. This version of Alexander’s origin is briefly contradicted by the historical and less popular view that Alexander was Philip’s son.29 The legendary tradition of the semi-Iranian king shapes the ‘ethnic’ identity of King Alexander. This ethnic element is intimately associated with the preIslamic Iranian royal cycle of kings, as this was compiled in the Khwada¯yna¯mag (Book of Lords) and then in the Sha¯hna¯ma (Book of Kings). Under the influence of the Sha¯hna¯ma, the promotion of the image of the semi-Iranian king with regard to Alexander in the Iskandarna¯ma enables the author to associate Alexander with the notion of farr. At the beginning of the narrative, Alexander appears to legitimately succeed Da¯ra¯ to the throne of Iran, enjoying the acceptance of the Iranians: ‘May you enjoy your father’s throne.’30 Although the term farr is not attested in this passage, it is implied that Alexander is recognised as the legitimate heir by Da¯ra¯, just before the latter dies.31 This recognition is an implicit transfer of farr from Da¯ra¯ to Alexander since, according to pre-Islamic tradition, farr was given to the legitimately virtuous successor to the throne.32 The royal divine light ( farr) expresses the pre-Islamic Iranian concept of the infallible king, his skill in using arms and his manliness. In the narrative, Alexander enjoys divine protection and royal glory, in the same way that the Sasanian kings did. Through divine glory, Alexander acquires a supernatural profile which enables him to mediate between God and humans. For instance, farr is attested in the narrative in the episode of Alexander’s visit to Ceylon and elsewhere.33 In the Iskandarna¯ma, the legendary and historical cycle of Iranian kings from the creation of the world up to the last years of the Sasanian dynasty is another manifestation of the pre-Islamic Iranian tradition of kingship. This tradition was transmitted orally and in written lists of rulers in the pre-Islamic period. In late Sasanian times, this tradition was compiled into the Pahlavi narrative Khwada¯yna¯mag. The tradition of the Iranian cycle of kings was preserved after the Arab conquest and was preserved both orally and in literary form up to the tenth century. In the Sa¯ma¯nid and Ghaznavid courts, Firdawsı¯ produced the New Persian versified Khwada¯yna¯mag, that is, the Sha¯hna¯ma. An example of the Sha¯hna¯ma’s direct influence is the Iranian cycle of kings in the Iskandarna¯ma.34 The legendary and historical Iranian cycle of kings is of significance for the theme of kingship in the Iskandarna¯ma, for it associates the protagonist Alexander with the legendary royal past of era¯nshahr. During his campaign, Alexander appears several times visiting places associated with Iranian kings of the mythical Pı¯shda¯diya¯n and Kia¯nyia¯n dynasties.35 Alexander in the Iskandarna¯ma interacts with the heritage of past kings by visiting the place where they lived and acted. Thus, Alexander is associated with the legendary Iranian kings and as a result the text indirectly legitimises him as a righteous Iranian

6

The Persian Alexander

ruler who, like his predecessors, holds the farr. Alexander embodies the pre-Islamic model of the righteous ruler and this model is successfully combined with the Islamic concept of rule.

The Islamic Concept The Islamic model of rulership can be detected in the Islamic literary tradition, as is attested in the Iskandarna¯ma. This tradition is manifested in the Qur’a¯nic tradition of the ‘Double-Horned One’ as identified with Alexander, the influential role of the Isra¯‘ı¯liyya¯t cycle in the narrative and the andarz tradition. The Islamic literary tradition and lore forms the ideological image of the king in the Iskandarna¯ma. This material connects the narrative with the rest of the accounts in the Persian tradition. The model of the Muslim ruler as manifested through Alexander’s behaviour in the narrative is of particular interest, especially the relation between the Iskandarna¯ma and the Persian andarz literature.

Mirrors for Princes (andarz Literature) The andarz texts contain injunctions and advice to young princes and kings on appropriate behaviour, mainly on statecraft, religion and daily life. They present at length the moral ideals to which the ruler should aspire.36 The king must know everything about his kingdom. Mirrors are usually associated with religious instruction, ethics and wisdom literature. Statecraft (siya¯sa) is divided into three categories: ethics (of the self), economics of household management (of the household) and politics (of the masses).37 The origin of this genre is traced back to pre-Islamic Iran.38 After the Arab conquest of Iran, the pre-Islamic andarz heritage remained strong and was transmitted to Muslims through translations from Pahlavi to Arabic.39 The andarz tradition remained strong in the Iranian lands and was officially revived during the Iranian intermezzo.40 The importance of the Mirrors for the political life and concept of rule in Islamic Iran was overwhelming, influencing the rest of the Persian literary production. According to the andarz texts, the features of magnanimity, generosity, righteousness, piety, bravery and prudence form this ideal image of the perfect ruler in Iran. These features are also prominent in the Iskandarna¯ma, highlighting King Alexander’s personality. The andarz texts were produced in both verse and prose, interacting with other Persian literary genres. The presentation of the hero’s personal features and behaviour in the narrative interacts with conventional stereotypes for the behaviour of a king in Islamic Iran. Islamic lore and doctrinal details form the nucleus of Muslim Alexander’s profile; concepts such as those of the ‘Muslim Conqueror’ and ‘Jiha¯d Warrior’ associate Alexander with Islamic culture. Islamic lore provides the legendary framework through which Alexander’s personality emerges as the dominant figure in the Iskandarna¯ma. The key stories of the Tomb of Adam and the Land of Darkness reflect the religious and legendary material of the Middle Eastern monotheistic tradition. Thus, the Muslim

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image of the hero reflects Islamic lore and differs from the philosophical image of Alexander in Niza¯mı¯’s account.41 ˙

Dhu’l-qarnayn (the ‘Double-Horned One’) His prophetical dimension is one of the basic features of Alexander’s Muslim profile through his identification with the dhu’l-qarnayn. 42 The eschatological tradition of the ‘Double-Horned One’ in the Islamic tradition stems from a certain Qur’a¯nic passage.43 Since then, many interpretations (tafsı¯r) of the Qur’a¯nic text have been produced, but the exact historical identity of the ‘Double-Horned One’ in the Islamic tradition remains unclear. This uncertainty results from the lack of any more specific reference to the name, origin and details of the ‘Double-Horned One’ in the Qur’a¯nic text.44

The Conquering Muslim Warrior If the notion of the ‘Double-Horned One’ forms the nucleus of the Muslim profile of Alexander in the narrative, there are also a variety of aspects of Alexander’s behaviour combined with Islamic lore, which constitute other dimensions of the hero’s Islamic image; these aspects are in full harmony with the notion of the ‘Double-Horned One’. In religious and political terms, the journey of Alexander is a holy war against idolaters. 45 The geography of the world is clearly divided into da¯r al-Isla¯m and da¯r al-harb (the ‘Realm of Islam’ and the ‘Realm of War’, respectively). Alexander ˙ operates always from his base in the ‘House of Islam’ against the ‘House of War’. The angle through which the narrative presents Alexander is that of the da¯r al-Isla¯m. The infidels are always on the other side, ready to face Alexander. The reader is identified with the hero and sees the hero’s enemies as his own. The linear action of the plot moves from the Realm of Islam to the Realm of War, reflecting the basic Islamic belief in the ultimate victory of Islam over the realm of ignorance and idolatry. It is within this linear form of action that Alexander’s Muslim profile is inventively placed.

Alexander and Solomon The citation of Solomon’s name in the narrative is due to the influence of the Isra¯‘ı¯liyya¯t tradition and the so-called Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯‘ (Stories of the Prophets). The author of the Iskandarna¯ma mentions Stories of the Prophets as one of his main sources for the compilation of the narrative.46 Given the fact that Solomon is one of the main protagonists in Islamic lore,47 his role in the Iskandarna¯ma is plausible. Interestingly, Solomon exists in the Iskandarna¯ma more as a name and legend than an actual personality participating in the narrative. Solomon’s name in the narrative is closely associated and combined with the figure and action of the protagonist Alexander. Technically Solomon’s name is used in two ways: first, Alexander fully replaces Solomon in a story classically associated with the latter (leading to the equation of the two figures); and second, Alexander’s actions and behaviour are presented as being

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The Persian Alexander

similar and comparable to those of Solomon, leading to a comparison of the two figures, or even Alexander’s identification with Solomon. THE FIRST TRANSLATION In 1978, Minoo Southgate created a major abridged English translation of the Iskandarna¯ma.48 Her decision to produce a partial translation was a result of the extent and the repetitive nature of the Persian text. This was the first endeavour to familiarise the English-speaking audience with the exotic content of the Iskandarna¯ma. In her brief introduction, she refers to the Pseudo-Callisthenes tradition and the technical details of the text, details of which had already been cited in Afsha¯r’s edition. In the three appendices following the English translation, Southgate gives further details on the Pseudo-Callisthenes tradition and the Persian Alexander romances (Sha¯hna¯ma, Da¯ ra¯ bna¯ ma and the Iskandarna¯ mas by Niz a¯ mı¯ and Ja¯ mı¯‘) and the Muslim ˙ historiographical accounts of Dı¯nawarı¯, Tabarı¯, Mas‘u ¯ dı¯ and others. Her annotation, ˙ particularly for the ‘Double-Horned One’, is very useful. Regardless of the significantly abridged nature of her translation (almost one-fifth of the Persian text), and the fact that there is no analysis of the content itself, her effort is a major contribution to the study of the Iskandarna¯ma. THE CURRENT TRANSLATION At the time that Southgate’s translation was published, it was an important step for the study of the Iskandarna¯ma. However, this translation is now outdated and a new and complete one is needed. The reasons for proposing this task are explained below. Southgate’s translation is extremely abridged. The criterion for her selection was the avoidance of translating repetitive parts of the narrative and stories that are only remotely connected with Alexander’s legend. Abridged translations in Western languages have so far been the rule regarding pre-Safavid Persian prose romances (e.g. Sheikh Bighami, Love and War: Adventures from the Firuz Shah Nama, trans. W.L. Hanaway Jr. [New York, 1974]; Abu ¯ Ta¯hir Tarsu ¯ sı¯, Da ¯ra¯bna¯ma, or the Book of Da ¯ra¯b, trans. and annotated by N.B. Kondyreva [Moscow, 2000]; Abu Tahir Tarsusi, Alexandre le Grand en Iran, Le Da ¯ra¯b Nameh d’Abu Taher Tarsusi, translated and annotated by Marina Gaillard [Paris, 2005]). Translators chose the abridged form of translation mainly because of the repetitive content of these romances and their considerable extent. Yet abridged translations are defective by nature since they prevent the reader from having an overall view of the narrative. In spite of some repetitive elements in these narratives (and the Iskandarna¯ma), an overall translation gives the English-speaking reader the opportunity to have full access to the rich treasury of stories, motifs, formulas and historical information which are contained in these romances. Thus, the reader will become able to appraise the importance of this neglected genre of Persian literature. A full English translation will reveal to the Western world the rich content of the

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narrative in regard to the merged glorious Iranian past, both in pre-Islamic and early Islamic times. In general, the importance of translating the Iskandarna¯ma fully lies in the fact that this narrative reflects popular lore and concepts about Iranian history. Moreover, the narrative shows the transformation of a Western historical figure into a legendary heroic figure adapted to the Iranian national tradition and past. Thus, it can be suggested that the Iskandarna¯ma manifests the connection between Iran and the West in pre-modern times with influential dimensions for contemporary times. Its full translation enables English-speaking readers to acknowledge the connection between pre-modern and modern Iran and moreover the connection between Iran and the West, as this connection is manifested in Alexander’s Graeco-Iranian profile in the narrative.

Translation INTRODUCTORY PART . . . [1a] [Darius] the son of Darius was a descendant of Bahman and the narration of his life is detailed. Darius was the King of Iran and brother of the Double-Horned One. Darius reigned in Iran for fourteen years. He subjugated Greece to him and the Greeks paid to him annually 500 golden eggs along with other precious presents weighing 100 methqal. Philip, the Caesar of Greece, agreed with Darius’ [Alexander’s] decree.1 Then Philip sent his daughter along with a rich dowry and presents to the King of Iran Darius, with the aim that she would become his wife and thus stop the hostility between Greeks and Iranians. Then they brought his daughter with her dowry and wealth to the Pa¯rs province, the capital of the Iranian kingdom. King Darius expressed his happiness to her and he ordered that she be made happy. He also ordered that the emissaries of the Caesar of Greece should be treated in a hospitable way. Then he welcomed her with all his majesty and esteem, putting her into his harem. This girl was extremely beautiful and Darius loved her dearly. Due to his love for her, he removed the tax which Greeks paid to him and he ordered that annual gifts would be sent to the Greek Caesar from his own treasury. One night, in the following year, the girl and the King of Iran were sleeping when suddenly a bad odour came from her mouth. When the King smelled it, he became unhappy and he never let her share his bed or be in private with him again. Yet he ordered that a remedy be found for her and be brought from other areas to produce a medicine. Darius was unhappy with this development and one day he was so disappointed that he lost interest in her and became alienated from his wife. Finally, the King ordered that his wife should return to Greece along with the dowry and the rich gifts that had accompanied her when she had come from Greece as well as various gifts from his treasury. Coincidentally, his wife was pregnant but the King [was not aware of it]. His wife returned to her father who became sad. For a month, he did not sit on the throne and abstained from all pleasures. He ordered his daughter to remain in her quarters, thus concealing from everyone what had happened to her. Caesar viewed it as a disgrace that people may know his daughter had returned pregnant; hence, he ordered

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The Persian Alexander

that her childbirth remain a secret. She lay down her burden, giving birth to a boy as beautiful as the moon. The news spread that a son had been born to Philip by a concubine. The event became the cause for celebration and joy. Astrologers who were summoned by the Caesar cast the horoscope and studied it very carefully. They said to Caesar, ‘This boy shall reign over the East and the West. He shall go around the earth and subjugate all the kings of the world to him. No king shall withstand him and everyone shall pay tribute to him.’ Having heard the predictions of the astrologers, Philip concealed the true origin of the child from everyone, saying that it was his own son and taking care for the boy’s upbringing. Philip called him Alexander [Iskandar] and ordered that he receive a royal upbringing. Alexander surpassed his peers in manliness, horsemanship, polo and in the art of war. Everyone thought him to be the son of Philip. (This story is included here so that you may know who the Double-Horned One was, what his life and the manner of this birth were like, and why he was known as double-horned. Much has been said about this name and explanations of it are found in many reliable books. But it cannot be clarified unless we narrate the story from the very beginning.) Alexander was grown up when his grandfather died. Philip had made Alexander his heir, commanding his subjects to follow and adhere to him. When Philip passed away, everyone chose Alexander as their king. Nobody knew that he was the son of Philip’s daughter; everyone thought that he was Philip’s son. Alexander became the King of Greece and conquered the world through justice. He established good laws, suppressed heresy and put an end to injustice. Mankind was happy with his justice and fairness, which brought peace to the world. Kings rejoiced and sent him their good wishes through messengers. Alexander, the Double-Horned One, knew that he was the son of King Darius, because his mother had told him of his real ancestry. Yet he kept it concealed. When the kingdom of Greece was firmly under Alexander’s rule, Darius son of Bahman, who was the King of Iran, passed away. His son, Darius, born of the daughter of the King of India, became king. After his rule was firmly established, Darius dispatched a messenger to his brother, asking for tribute. By contrast, his father, from the time he sent Alexander’s mother back to Greece, had never demanded tribute. Alexander was therefore irritated by the message. He answered the letter, saying, ‘I will not pay any tribute, prepare for war.’ King Alexander, who knew that King Darius was his own brother, did not reveal the truth. THE EXPEDITION OF ALEXANDER THE DOUBLE-HORNED ONE TO IRAN TO FIGHT DARIUS, THE SON OF DARIUS It is divinely narrated that with his army, Alexander left Greece to wage war against Darius. On his way, he conquered many kingdoms, becoming their king. When Alexander was close to the Pa¯rs province, King Darius prepared an army and left the city. In Pa¯rs, there is a city called Dariusgird. When Alexander heard this word, he wept to hear the name of his father, and dispatched a messenger to his brother, saying, ‘I have not come to win your kingdom. You asked for tribute from me although your father, Darius,

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who was greater than you, had freed Greece from paying tribute. You are the one who started this hostility. There is kinship between you and me. I do not want enmity to erupt between us, to make the world bewildered and to cause deaths, for which you and I shall be blamed. Beware! Do not poison the pleasures of kingship and the kingdom which your father bestowed to you. Listen to me and take counsel, because the world is fleeing and does not remain with us. Nothing befits the memory of a king better than a good name. Be in accordance with me and stop seeking war. Follow your father in his steps, a prosperous king, because I have not come to deprive you of the kingdom of Iran. I wish to go around the world, to legislate properly wherever I go, to make kings righteous and to bring humanity towards their subjects, to have a good name wherever I pass and to protect my subjects from injustice and oppression. For what best befits a king is to shelter his subjects from injustice and tyranny, and to let the benefits of his justice and equity reach his equals. If you start this enmity and war, you will suffer the evil consequences, and the outcome will be dreadful. Set not your mind upon quarrel and hostility, and observe the rules of friendship and righteousness. Do not seek to fight me, so that the world may remain peaceful, and Iran, which was given to you by your father, may remain in your hands. I will be, for the time being, in Iran for one month and we will be pleased with each other’s company. Then I will depart without harming you and leave the kingdom of Iran to you.’ The messenger came to Darius the son of Darius to hand in Alexander’s message. He informed Darius about Alexander’s offers through friendship and harmony. Darius responded angrily and in a hostile manner, saying, ‘Only the sword will speak between us. I will not listen to Alexander’s nonsense. Go back and say to Alexander, “Leave my kingdom alone, because I will not be in peace with you. I will not free Greece from paying tribute and I will not allow you to stay in this land. Get ready for war.”’ The messenger returned and informed Alexander. It was difficult for Alexander, who knew from his mother the truth about his parentage, to fight his brother. However, he prepared for battle and they fought for four consecutive days. On the fourth day, Darius was defeated and fled to Kerman whilst Alexander went to Persepolis. He ascended Iran’s throne. The nobles and the elders came to salute him as king. Some knew that he was the son of King Darius. They said, ‘May you get pleasure from your father’s throne!’ Alexander bent his head in tears. Meanwhile, after Darius’ flight to Kerman, he had abandoned his home, wife and children in Alexander’s hands. Alexander dispatched a messenger to them and revealed the secret. He called Darius’ wife and children to himself, saying ‘I will treat you as Darius did. Relax and remain where you are peacefully. Nobody will harm you.’ Everyone prayed for him and Alexander remained in Iran for a year. Darius’ wife sent a letter to King Darius, saying, ‘This king treats us kindly and he says, “If King Darius comes back, I will give him back his kingdom and depart.”’ But when King Darius received the letter, he said, ‘I would prefer to die than be under the rule of the Greeks.’ King Darius was not aware that King Alexander was his brother. After a year, Darius formed a great army in Kerman and set out for Pa¯rs. When Alexander was informed of this, he departed from Istakhr and set his camp before Darius. He sent a message to Darius again, saying, ‘Do not bring harm on yourself. Come and sit

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The Persian Alexander

on your throne. The kingdom is yours and I will go to Bahrain.’ Yet King Darius responded, ‘It is a shame on me to be submissive to the Greeks. I will get back my throne by the sword.’ Thus, Alexander’s efforts were futile. They prepared for war again and many people were killed on both sides. Darius was almost defeated, because Alexander was strong. Darius had two ministers, Ma¯hya¯r and Ja¯nu ¯ siba¯r. They conspired, saying, ‘Darius will not continue to be king and his fall will put our lives in danger. We must assassinate him and go to Alexander, aiming to win his favour.’ After planning this scheme, they went to Darius’ tent and said to him, ‘Order everyone to leave; there is a secret we are going to reveal to you.’ When Darius acted accordingly, they suddenly drew their daggers and stabbed him. As he fell, they left the tent and went to Alexander. They bowed and they said, ‘Rejoice, O King, for your enemy is dead!’ ‘Who are you and what enemy?’ asked Alexander. ‘We killed Darius and we were both his ministers,’ they replied. Alexander was angered but he did not reveal his wrath. ‘Where is the slain enemy? Take me to him!’ he ordered. He mounted his horse and they went to Darius’ camp. Darius’ soldiers had gone and his army had dispersed. When Alexander entered Darius’ tent, he saw Darius, who was still alive. Alexander’s heart was moved. With his eyes in tears, he placed Darius’ head on his knee. He said, ‘O brother! Many times I sent you messages, declaring that I did not aim to win Iranian kingship, that the throne was yours, and that I would leave it to you and leave. But you did not listen to me. I am your brother; I am not Philip’s son. Darius, the son of Darius, was my father. Arise if you can and mount your horse. Iran and Greece shall both be yours.’ Thus, Darius found out that Alexander was his brother. And when he saw that he was a hopeless case, due to his mortal wound, he said to Alexander, ‘My brother, know that this was my fate and the will of God. One cannot doubt His will. I must think of my children and my wives. One wife is the daughter of the King of the Indians and another one is pregnant. I do not know what she will bear. Her name is Rushanak [Roxana], of noble birth, a descendant of Gudarz of Isfahan. If she gives a birth to a son, give your daughter in marriage and call him Bahman. If she bears a girl, call her Humay and betroth her to whomever you wish. Thus the name of Isfandiyar will remain. The daughter of the King of India is six months pregnant. Her homeland is near. I brought her from Ceylon. Send her to India with her dowry that her parents may give her to some other bridegroom, because she is young; or else, if you like, ask her hand yourself.’ Alexander wept and replied, ‘I shall act accordingly in everything except this. God forbid that I should desire your wife, because I have four wives, all of them free women, and forty concubines from here and from Greece.’ Darius was moved and held Alexander’s hand. Before Darius was dead, Alexander summoned the ministers before him. First, he had their hands and feet cut off, and then he hanged them. And he ordered the heralds to proclaim, ‘Treachery against one’s king is thus rewarded.’ Darius was still alive and was carried to the city. Alexander went before him on foot. They took Darius to the women’s chambers and placed him in a bed. Alexander sat next to him. Then Darius’ mother came. Her father was the King of Kashmir and she was a noble and learned woman. She prostrated herself before Alexander, then she placed her face on her son’s

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face and he passed away. His mother tore her hair and as a sign of mourning, the saddles of Darius’ horses were overturned. Alexander ordered the preparation of a tomb, placing Darius in a golden coffin in the tomb. Alexander remained in Iran for five months and then everything was settled. He sent the daughter of the King of India to her homeland with her dowry. Roxana, the wife who was pregnant, gave birth to a girl, but she herself died. Then Alexander went to Isfahan, taking Darius’ household along with him. He gave them the area between Pa¯rs and Isfahan, appointing a deputy to arrange their affairs. He then headed to Kerman and from there to ‘Uman. Ten thousand mules carried his belongings and he was accompanied by 70,000 brave horsemen. After Isfahan, he crossed many lands. Monarchs paid Alexander homage and sent him provisions and as a result, they were allowed to remain king. Yet those who were not lawful to him were imprisoned and replaced by Alexander’s deputies. Alexander was known as the ‘Conqueror of the Countries’. He went on in this manner, finally reaching the sea. His army stayed there for four months, building ships and equipping them for the voyage. Then Alexander set out for ‘Uman with a considerable quantity of provisions and spare goods. ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL AT ‘UMAN AND THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND THE KING OF ‘UMAN It is thus divinely narrated that, when Alexander approached ‘Uman, he said to his men, ‘I will go to the King of ‘Uman disguised as a messenger. People say that he is a just and fair monarch.’ The people of ‘Uman were afraid, when they heard that Alexander the Conqueror of Countries had arrived. The King of ‘Uman summoned the aristocracy and said to them, ‘King Alexander has arrived from the sea and is coming to our land. What can we do?’ His men replied, ‘The King knows best!’ Then the King said, ‘I have a plan: I will prepare rich presents and spare goods and give them to Alexander. Then I will go to meet him, because we ought to be thankful if he crosses our land in peace.’ He ordered a great quantity of provisions to be prepared and sent to Alexander. He also ordered a messenger to make apologies to Alexander and, if he found the place worthy, to invite him to stay and rest in the land for a month. Alexander was pleased and said to the messenger, ‘It is hot here and we will stay for a while. If your king prefers to come to me, I may see him and know his mind.’ The messenger returned and delivered Alexander’s message to Kasandar, the King of ‘Uman. He obeyed Alexander, and he came to salute him with many and rare presents. Alexander treated him kindly, giving him the seat of honour. The King of ‘Uman said to Alexander, ‘I am your slave!’ Alexander replied, ‘You have received much trouble from our expedition.’ ‘His Majesty’s command is binding,’ said the King of ‘Uman. Then Alexander ordered his men to show him the presents which the King of ‘Uman had brought: gold, aloes wood, camphor, rarities from lands beyond the sea and much wealth. Alexander accepted the presents and appointed Kasandar as King of ‘Uman. The latter asked Alexander to stay there for a few days and to let his men rest, because it was the hot season. ‘We will stay for about ten days,’ Alexander said. Then the King of ‘Uman

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The Persian Alexander

left. During the ten days that Alexander stayed in ‘Uman, the King sent provisions to Alexander’s camp. One day Porus dispatched a messenger to the King of ‘Uman with the following message: ‘We know that Alexander has arrived from the sea. Why did you let him come ashore? He will take our throne! He will start with you first and then it will be our turn. Have you heard what he has done to other kings on his way from Greece up to here, and what he did to Darius, the King of Kings? Now that he has already come ashore, fight with him; and if you need help, you will have it. If you cannot withstand him in war, invite him and capture him in your house. In this manner you will win yourself a great name in the world.’ When the King of ‘Uman read this letter, he grew fearful. He called his ministers and said to them, ‘Alexander will be informed of these circumstances. The secret will be revealed, Alexander will become angry with us and his wrath will destroy everything.’ The ministers said, ‘The King himself knows the solution to this.’ The King of ‘Uman took the letter as such to Alexander. When Alexander saw the letter, he admired the truthfulness of the King of ‘Uman and treated him kindly, saying ‘The King of Kings, Darius, was my brother and I did not kill him. His own ministers stabbed him and I had them immediately executed as an example for the others. On my way to this land, I treated everyone as I treated you. Those who came to us and expressed obedience were not harmed. However, those who quarrelled with us lost their lives. This will be our policy thereafter wherever we go. Our goal is to go around the earth. You will hear the news when I conquer Porus’ land.’ After ten days, Alexander departed from ‘Uman and the King of ‘Uman gave him ten elephants. Alexander and his soldiers had never seen elephants before, for there are no elephants in Greece. Then Alexander left for Porus’ land. Porus had been the king of all India before Kayd subjugated India to him. Amongst his royal possessions, Porus had 70,000 elephants and whatever else he had can be judged from this. His soldiers were numerous. He had his court at Ceylon, the capital of India, but according to some, his court was at Kashmir, the home of the white Indians. Alexander camped near the kingdom of Porus, whilst the latter ordered his men to shut the gates firmly and block the passages leading to the city. Alexander thought, ‘This man is not honest with us and does not intend to make peace. I will go to him disguised as a messenger, find out about the circumstances and learn about his wealth.’ HOW ALEXANDER WENT TO PORUS DISGUISED AS A MESSENGER AND THE STORY BETWEEN THEM It is divinely narrated that Alexander came to the city gate disguised as a messenger along with some horsemen. When the Indians saw him, they asked him about his identity and the purpose of his visit. He said, ‘I am a messenger of Alexander, the Conqueror of the Countries, to the King of India.’ When they informed Porus, he ordered that the city squares be decorated and that the elephants and lions be arrayed. Gold-belted slaves stood there in line. Then he asked

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his men to bring him to him. They brought him a golden chair to sit on and they asked him to deliver the message. He said, ‘Alexander, the King of the Earth and the Conqueror of the Countries, says, “Prepare provisions for my army, because we shall stay here for a few days. Come and visit us, if you want us to cross your land peacefully. Or else prepare for war.”’ Porus became angry. He said, ‘Who is Alexander to talk to me like this? I will put the elephants to destroy his camp.’ Alexander turned red in anger, but said nothing. Porus observed him carefully, became suspicious and thought, ‘This man could be Alexander. I will arrest him and relieve the world from his annoyance.’ He said to Alexander, ‘Stay here tonight, as long as we are considering the message, and tomorrow morning we will give you an answer.’ Alexander bowed and said, ‘The King is to be obeyed.’ Then Porus told his attendant to take Alexander to the messenger’s quarters. He honoured the messenger and sent him food and drink, as kings are accustomed to do. But Alexander through insight and divine protection perceived that Porus had discovered his identity. He said to a chamberlain who had accompanied him, ‘Be quick and find a plan, otherwise my life will not be worth two grains of barley. Porus knows that I am Alexander.’ ‘What is to be done?’ asked the chamberlain. Alexander said, ‘Give me a veil and a pair of boots and help me escape!’ In return for the veil and the boots, the chamberlain gave much gold to a woman. Alexander put them on and crossed the gate in the darkness. He rode until he reached his camp, thanking God. In the meantime, when he became suspicious of the messenger’s identity, Porus did nothing. He thought, ‘Things should be done properly.’ He summoned the merchants and the nobility, saying, ‘Answer truly what I ask, because, I swear, you will be punished if you do not speak truthfully.’ ‘We will tell you what we know!’ they answered. Porus asked, ‘Have you seen Alexander’s messenger?’ They replied, ‘Yes, we saw him after he left your presence.’ He asked ‘Do you know who he is?’ They replied, ‘Yes, we do. He is Alexander.’ Porus asked, ‘How did you recognise him and when had you seen him before?’ The merchants answered, ‘We saw him in ‘Uman. He was the guest of our king for ten days.’ ‘Do you see now that I was right in my suspicion?’ said Porus to his ministers. Then he ordered his men to take Alexander by surprise and chain him. ‘I have accomplished a wonderful deed, because I will avenge the blood of Darius and other kings,’ said Porus full of joy. When the soldiers went to capture Alexander, they found nobody in the messenger’s room. They returned and told Porus that Alexander had escaped and saved his life. Porus said shaking his head, ‘Alas! Everything is gone! When one misses the opportunity, then he can only have regret for it. Now this has come to pass and I do not know what will happen in the end.’ The next morning Alexander ordered his men to beat the war drums. Alexander led 12,000 armed horsemen and departed for the city gates. When Porus learnt about it, he put his army in order and took the 1,000 elephants which were as big as mountains. Moreover, he recruited 70,000 horsemen and infantry from the city and the rural areas. When Alexander observed Porus’ army and the elephants, which were like mountains of iron, he was alarmed. For he and his men had never come across so many elephants in

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The Persian Alexander

a single place. His soldiers said, ‘We cannot fight against elephants and we have no power against mountains of iron.’ Alexander replied, ‘Be strong for God protects us. Have courage and they will be defeated at once.’ Then he summoned the men of Pa¯rs. Five thousand dexterous marksmen from Pa¯rs came to his presence. He ordered them to build boxes and then he chose 2,000 men to carry out his stratagem. He ordered 1,000 young, strong camels to be smeared with tar and he placed the box on the blackened camels, having an archer handling each box with his bows and arrows. He then called all the Arabs in the army and two dark Arabs mounted each camel. Then they moved against the lines of elephants with bottles of naphtha and with fire. And Alexander put his troops in order, with the Indians having the right wing and the Greeks having the left. The nobles held the centre of the troops. When the army of Porus appeared before that of Alexander, Porus said to the elephant drivers, ‘Wait until you see how we perform in the battle. God forbid, if we are defeated, use the elephants!’ When the armies started the assault, Alexander’s men charged at the elephants with the blackened camels. They beat the war drums and the Arabs on the back of the camels cried, ‘God is Greatest!’ throwing the bottles of flaming naphtha at the elephants, who turned to flee in terror. However, the marksmen went on shooting them from the boxes; they killed more than 400 elephants and set the rest to flight. Alexander was gladdened when he noticed that the Arabs and the men from Pa¯rs had defeated the Indians. He attacked the enemy with all his men and broke their lines. The King of the Indians did not know that the elephants had been defeated and continued his battle, thinking that the elephants would soon join him in the battle and defeat Alexander’s army under their feet. But when he saw some of the elephants dead and some others fleeing, he said, ‘Alas! I have lost everything. It was a mistake to keep the elephants until the end and I should have attacked with the elephants first. Now I have lost everything and my life is at the mercy of this horse. At such a moment it would be prudent to escape.’ But turning his horse, Porus could not find any way to flee, for his men were all dispersed and Alexander’s army had surrounded him and his treasury. Full of fear, Porus took a gold idol from his breast, placed it on the saddle and bowed to it, saying, ‘O God, save me from Alexander!’ Alexander saw that and, spurred by religious ardour, shouted, ‘Go ahead! These are infidels, and if we kill them we will be warriors for the faith!’ The men attacked. Porus was captured and his fleeing men went to Ceylon to join Kayd. Alexander and his army seized the booty. Then Alexander entered the city and ordered his men to loot it for three days. He said, ‘These people are idolaters and it is permissible to take their property.’ But when the three days were over, he sent messengers to the city and ordered his soldiers to leave the people alone. Then he had Porus brought to his presence in chains. When Porus came before his throne, Alexander said, ‘What now?’ Porus said, ‘It was my mistake to let you escape that night.’ Alexander said, ‘I had to inquire about your army, see how you acted and how strong your army was. You relied only on the elephants. Did you see what happened to them?’ Porus said, ‘The King of ‘Uman did this, not you! He allowed you to come ashore.’ Alexander felt humiliated but before executing him, he wanted to seize Porus’ treasures. He said to Porus, ‘Spilling one’s blood is not our policy. You brought this upon yourself.

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We crossed ‘Uman and did no harm. You did not obey me. Now you are in my power. If you want to take back your kingdom and sovereignty, you must fulfil these conditions: First, renounce idolatry, turn to the Creator of Heaven and Earth and say, “There is but one God in the Seven Spheres and he has no wife or child, and no partner.” Second, you have great treasures and hoards of buried riches. Bring them before me. I will take what I want and give you back the rest. Third, go with me to Ceylon and call Kayd to surrender, and, if he resists, make war against him. If you fulfil these conditions, I will return your land to you.’ When Porus heard this, he said, ‘I can accept one of the three easily, but the other two are impossible. First, I cannot renounce my religion, which is the religion of Jamshı¯d and has been the religion of India from the time of Jamshı¯d. Second, I will not fight Kayd, who is my master. However, I will bring you the treasury and the buried treasures.’ ‘Bring us the treasures!’ Alexander ordered. After four days, Porus uncovered and sent all his concealed treasures to Alexander. He was astonished by the wealth and stored the rarities somewhere for safety. That night he imprisoned Porus again. The next day, Alexander’s soldiers said to him, ‘The wives and daughters of Porus are as beautiful as the moon.’ The King said, ‘God forbid that I allow this, for we will leave his women’s quarters intact.’ At night Alexander dispatched a slave girl with a messenger to those women, saying, ‘Be at ease and stay in your home in peace. Fear not, for nobody will harm you. If Porus is obedient to me, his sovereignty will be restored. If not, we will think of something for you.’ When the women heard this, they were relieved. They were happy and at peace, and praised Alexander, saying, ‘This is what befits a king!’ Then they sent someone to the imprisoned Porus, informing him of how Alexander had treated them and advised them, saying, ‘Obey Alexander, in order to regain your kingship and kingdom.’ Porus refused, saying, ‘He has asked me to renounce my religion.’ The next day, Alexander called Porus to his presence. Again he urged Porus to turn to monotheism, but Porus did not obey him. Then Alexander said, ‘Pay tribute and head tax, and I will give you back your kingdom.’ But Porus refused. Alexander said, ‘Then prepare for death.’ Porus replied, ‘I prefer death, than life before one such as you.’ After such a provocation, Alexander had Porus beheaded. When Alexander was finished with Porus, he sent messengers to proclaim that everything was safe and advise the people to stay where they were and live their lives as usual. Then he sat on his throne, called the guides and asked about the land, ‘Where do the roads lead from here?’ They replied, ‘To Kashmir and it takes two days to Kashmir, and fifteen days to Ceylon. When you cross this land, you will arrive in a region where the Almighty has created gold.’ Alexander appointed one of the rulers of India as King of Porus’ country. After marrying the daughter of Porus, Alexander took with him as much as he could from Porus’ treasures and wealth and left behind what he could not take. Alexander was accustomed to taking two women with him whenever he tried to hide his treasures. After they had buried the treasure, he would kill them so that the place would remain concealed. He thought he would live eternally and he buried those treasures, aiming to take them along when he returned. Yet he left treasures in many places to which he never

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returned. Alexander married the daughter of Porus, who was an exceptionally beautiful maiden. Her name was Na¯hı¯d and Alexander loved her much. He stayed in India for forty days before restoring order there. Then he set out for Kashmir. People say that 30,000 camels carried his belongings and 170,000 fighters accompanied him. Seventy thousand mules carried his treasures and his gold. No king has ever had such wealth. By water, the way to Kashmir was shorter but Alexander decided to go by land, finding it difficult to go by water. Then he left to Kashmir with all his majesty. ALEXANDER’S JOURNEY TO KASHMIR AND WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN HIM AND




AZADBAKHT, THE KING OF KASHMIR, AND HIS DAUGHTER, MAHAFARI N It is divinely narrated that the King of Kashmir was informed that King Alexander approached Kashmir. The people of Kashmir are closely associated with the Turks. They ¯ za¯dbakht. He was more majestic and stronger had a king who was fair and his name was A than Porus and more grandiose than him. ¯ za¯dbakht was informed of Alexander, he said, ‘Alexander is wrong if he thinks When A that he can do to us what he did to Porus and Darius.’ ¯ za¯dbakht immediately sent him When he heard that Alexander approached the city, A a messenger with the following message: ‘We are obedient to our king. If he forgives us, we will do whatever he wishes. If he grows angry, then we will not obey him. Other than that, there is no solution to this.’ The messenger arrived and conveyed his message to Alexander. When he heard this, ¯ za¯dbakht moved quickly to send a messenger.’ Then he thus he thought to himself, ‘A ¯ replied to Aza¯dbakht, ‘With such a big army, we need to stay for month in your land. Prepare one month’s resources for this army otherwise you will have Porus’ luck. You must have heard what I did to him.’ The messenger returned and delivered this message to the King of Kashmir who was cunning. He said to himself, ‘I will lead him by plot to a trap and I will make him suffer what he did to others.’ Then, he sent another messenger with many provisions and the following message, ‘We are at King Alexander’s disposal and we will do whatever he decrees. Let the King stay as long as he wishes. His wish will be an order for us.’ ¯ za¯dbakht of dishonesty and When he heard these words, Alexander suspected A cautioned his men. ‘Be watchful during the night, and do not stay without vanguards and watchmen, lest we receive injury, for the enemies are numerous.’ (The extent of Alexander’s camp was four parasangs.) His men replied, ‘Your will shall be obeyed.’ The ¯ za¯dbakht chose rich, rare gifts and went to Alexander’s presence. Alexander next day, A was sitting on his throne as he was accustomed to do. The King of Kashmir was young and God had given him a comely face. And in India, there are not as handsome, clean, sweet-smelling and fair people as those in Kashmir; there is kinship between them and the Turks, who have dark skin and are descendants of Kashmiri people. ¯ za¯dbakht’s face, saying ‘Praised be God who When Alexander saw him, he marvelled A ¯ za¯dbakht’s retinue, he creates such a face from a drop of water.’ And when he looked at A

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found each surpassing the other in beauty. He thought, ‘These men are so comely, how much more beautiful their women must be. If this king has a daughter or a sister, I will ¯ za¯dbakht to be seated, treated him kindly and accepted the marry her.’ He asked A presents he had brought, because he was pleased to see him. The King of Kashmir said to Alexander, ‘Our land is the most pleasant in the world. Would the King like to stay here for a month while he prepares for the campaign; and would it please him to come into the city, for it is more pleasant ¯ za¯dbakhat returned to the city there than in the fields.’ Alexander replied, ‘Be it so.’ A and he expressed his obedience to Alexander daily and sent the provisions which his army needed. The people of Kashmir mostly worshipped cows, but some of them worshipped the ¯ za¯dbakht was a star worshipper, but his subjects considered the cow to be stars. King A their deity. ¯ za¯dbakht received Alexander. Kashmir is a big city, with twelve After a few days, A gates, deep woods and a pleasant climate. Alexander entered the city, planning to ask the ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter. He told his soldiers to ask the citizens whether their king hand of A had a daughter. They did so and found out that he indeed had a daughter, and that in the world there was nobody to rival her beauty. They asked who her mother was, and they found that her mother was the daughter of Kayd, the King of India. ¯ za¯dbakht, When they told Alexander the news, he dispatched a messenger to A saying, ‘I have heard that you have a daughter worthy of my harem. Let me marry her according to my faith and send her to me. By God’s will I will have a son, so that my ¯ za¯dbakht and delivered the name remains in the world.’ The messenger came to A ¯ za¯dbakht was puzzled and did not know what to respond. He said to the message. A messenger, ‘Be it so. Yet in India, it is customary to have the consent of the maiden. If the kin is agreeable to wait until tomorrow, I will speak to the mother and daughter to have their consent. Early tomorrow morning, I will answer King Alexander.’ The messenger returned to the fair monarch with these words. Alexander understood that ¯ za¯dbakht planned to deceive him. A ¯ za¯dbakht called the heads of the army and When the King’s messenger left the court, A the city and said to them, ‘King Alexander wants to marry my daughter, while I have been planning to slay him. How can I give him my daughter?’ They asked, ‘How could you possibly kill Alexander?’ He replied, ‘I will invite him as a guest and I will kill him.’ They said, ‘You cannot do this. You cannot kill him except by poison. We cannot ¯ za¯dbakht said, ‘You are right! encounter his army. They will destroy our city and us.’ A What is to be done?’ The wise among them replied, ‘If you really want to kill him, it is better to leave your daughter with him for a month. She will find an opportunity to ¯ za¯dbakht replied, ‘Be it so. There is no harm in this, but that our daughter poison him.’ A will not be a virgin any more, and it is a great shame.’ Then one of the Indian Brahmans [who are learned men and are called ‘ruhban’ in Greece, ‘ahbar’ by Jews and ‘ulama’ by Muslims], said to the King, ‘Fear not; give him your daughter. I will make him impotent ¯ za¯dbakht was pleased. He said, with her and she will continue to be a sealed virgin.’ A ‘Be it so!’ and they dispersed.

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The Persian Alexander

¯ za¯dbakht answered, ‘I would not The next day Alexander’s messengers returned and A even dream that the King of the East and the West would want my daughter in marriage. His will is to be obeyed.’ Alexander sent Aristotle, who was the wisest man in Greece. Alexander followed his counsel and he ordered him to sign the marriage contract according to the rules of the ¯ za¯dbakht ordered his attendants to prepare faith of God. When the contract was signed, A his daughter as was the custom and he sent her to Alexander with many riches and servants and slave girls. The maiden’s name was Ma¯ha¯farı¯n and when Alexander saw her, he fell in love with her with 1,000 hearts, because he had never seen a face like hers. He did not know that they had made him impotent with her. But the maiden knew what her father had done, and what else he was planning to do. Her father had said to her, ‘Be at ease. We will not let Alexander to take you away. Stay there a month, because we have a plan.’ Thus, she knew everything. When she went to bed with Alexander, he wanted to lie with her but he could not unseal her virginity. He waited that night. The next night he tried again, but failed. He was embarrassed before the maiden, yet he did not mention anything that in Greece he had taken the seal of forty maidens in a single night. ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter fell in love with Alexander and her heart became tender A towards him. She thought, ‘Where will I find a better husband? I will reveal the secret to him.’ She asked the King, ‘Are you dismayed? If you swear to choose me above all women, both here and in Greece, favour me above Porus’ daughter and make me your Queen, I will tell you a secret!’ Alexander took an oath and made her a promise. Then she told him everything that she knew, saying, ‘My father is dishonest with you. He plans to murder you, and he has made you impotent with me.’ ‘Who made me impotent with you?’ asked Alexander. But the maiden did not know anything about the poison. She said, ‘They told me to stay here for a month and see how things unfold.’ When Alexander heard Ma¯ha¯farı¯n’s words, he loved her more. That night he went to other women, and, realising that he was not impotent with them, he was certain that Ma¯ha¯farı¯n was truthful. The next day he said to her, ‘Do you know where the Brahman who made me impotent lives?’ She said, ‘There is a cloister outside the city. The Brahman is there and the cows there are our deity.’ When Alexander heard her mentioning about the cow deity, he said to himself, ‘It is more significant to convert this virgin to Islam. Or else, where can I take her? If she does not accept Islam, I will destroy the city, capture the King and go away.’ Then he asked her, ‘What is your religion?’ She said, ‘I believe in my father’s religion, not the Brahman’s.’ Alexander asked, ‘What is your father’s religion?’ She replied, ‘He worships the planet Saturn. The Brahman and the citizens worship the cow.’ Alexander said, ‘I cannot have any concern for you unless you renounce heathenism and worship the God of the heaven and the earth.’ Ma¯ha¯farı¯n bowed and said, ‘I accept the faith of the God of the heaven and the earth, and I renounce the worship of the cow and the Planet Saturn.’ Alexander was glad. He thought, ‘Now it is up to me to find a solution for this.’

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Alexander and the noblemen were in the city but Alexander’s army had camped four parasangs outside of the city. Alexander went to his camp and called his men, saying ‘I have heard that a Brahman lives on this mountain. I must see this man. You must bring him to me without the Indian’s knowledge. Before speaking to him, watch over his cloister. Do not do anything before night comes. Then chain him and bring him to me.’ Two of his men went after the Brahman and found the cursed devil of an old man. They said, ‘Pray for us.’ He replied, ‘With all my heart!’ Then they asked, ‘Are you always here ¯ za¯dbakht is in trouble they take me to the city.’ alone?’ He replied, ‘Yes, when King A When they had found out these facts, they left. When they returned that evening, they found him entirely drunk. They chained him, put him in a sack and brought him to the King. Alexander asked, ‘Are you drunk?’ The old man replied, ‘Drunk!’ Alexander told his men to lock him in a room by himself until the next day. Early in the morning, Alexander asked everyone to leave and called the Brahman. He asked ‘What is your name?’ The old man replied, ‘Manku ¯ s.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What are you?’ ‘A Brahman,’ he replied. ‘I want you to do something for me,’ said the King. ‘Your will is to be obeyed,’ he replied. ‘There is a man to be made impotent with a woman and 1,000 dı¯nars to be gained.’ ‘What man and which woman?’ asked the Brahman. ‘That man is I, and that woman is ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter,’ replied Alexander. The Brahman trembled with fear, for he A realised that the King knew his secret. ‘Your majesty! This is beyond my power,’ he said. ‘Call the executioner to behead this man,’ Alexander told his men. ‘What have I done, O King?’ he asked. ‘You know full well what you have done,’ said the King. The Brahman trembled with fear and said, ‘Promise to spare my life and I will tell the truth. The King of Kashmir ordered me to make you impotent.’ ‘Then make me potent again,’ King said. ‘I fear him,’ the Brahman replied. ‘You villain!’ cried Alexander, ‘are you not afraid of me?’ ‘I will make you potent tonight,’ the Brahman said. ‘If you want to stay alive, make me potent at once. Return to your cloister and never say a word of all this to anybody,’ said Alexander. ‘Your will is to be obeyed,’ said the Brahman. And when night came, he said ‘O King, send me to my cloister for only there I can make you potent.’ Alexander trusted his words and set him free, with the condition that he would make him potent that night. But when the Brahman went away, he made the King impotent with all the women in the world and he himself hid in the mountains. That night Alexander called the maiden, but he was once more impotent. Then he went to the daughter of Porus and was impotent with her also. Then he went to his concubines; again, he was impotent. He was puzzled. In the morning, he sent two of his aides to seek the Brahman, but they could no find him. They knew that he had deceived them. Then Alexander left the city and went to his camp, downhearted. He looked pale and he felt ashamed to speak of what had happened to him to the nobles in the army. Aristotle became suspicious that something had gone wrong in the relations of Alexander with women. He thought, ‘I must find what it is or else the kingdom will be destroyed. Someone who is impotent with women is not appropriate for kingship.’ Therefore, he went to Alexander and asked why he was so disappointed. Alexander told him what had happened. Aristotle was relieved. ‘Be not dismayed on this account,’

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The Persian Alexander

he said, ‘I will make you potent this minute, because this practice started in Greece and it was the Greeks who invented it.’ Immediately he made Alexander potent. When night came, Alexander went to the daughter of the King of Kashmir. He broke her seal and they were very happy. The next day the King of Kashmir came before Alexander and asked to see his ¯ za¯dbakht went to his daughter, she daughter. Alexander gave him permission. When A wore a crown and was sitting on the throne, with 400 Greek and Turkish girls standing ¯ za¯dbakht was puzzled and thought, ‘My plans must have gone wrong, before her. King A because my daughter seems to be happy with Alexander. What should I do?’ When he came before his daughter, she rose and bowed to him, kissing him on the face. He asked, ‘How is it with you?’ She replied, ‘Wonderful!’ Then he asked her in the Indian language, ‘Are you sure that he will be your husband?’ She replied, ‘Yes, I am sure!’ He asked, ‘And what of my instructions to you?’ She said, ‘Is there a husband better than Alexander, who is the King of Kings, and who believes in the right faith while you are all infidels?’ Her father did not reply for he was afraid of Alexander. He congratulated her, saying, ‘We want only your happiness. We lied to you to comfort you. I will go to the Brahman now, let him know about it and order him to make Alexander potent, for you are happy here.’ She said to her father, ‘Praised be God! Alexander is potent already. It would be strange if he who has conquered Iran, Tura¯n, Pa¯rs, Kerman and India were ¯ za¯dbakht heard this from his daughter, he grew unable to make this conquest.’ When A fearful. He said to her, ‘My dear child, forgive your father and have pity, because if you say these words to Alexander, my and your mother’s blood will not be worth two grains of barley. Then we will have the fate of Porus and we will be expelled from our home.’ Ma¯ha¯farı¯n said to him, ‘If you cannot resist him, why do you deal with him in a cunning manner?’ During their talk, Alexander entered. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n left the throne, ran to Alexander, kissed his hand and prostrated herself before him. Alexander sat on the throne and she stood before him. The King of Kashmir rose and prostrated himself before Alexander. Alexander let him sit and treated him kindly. He said, ‘We have remained ¯ za¯dbakht bowed to him and here too long and caused much inconvenience to you.’ A said, ‘We and our subjects obey your decrees.’ Then he stood up and left. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n told Alexander what she had said to her father and what her father had replied to her. She boasted, ‘I called them infidels. I told my father of my conversion and I wondered how Alexander, who has conquered the world, could fail to make a conquest of me.’ Alexander was astonished by Ma¯ha¯farı¯n’s love and kindness. He abstained from being with other women, did not sleep with his wives and concubines, and gave his heart to the daughter of the King of Kashmir. Hence the other women grew jealous and said, ‘Let us contrive a plan to make the King lose interest in this woman!’ They devised a scheme and they went to Na¯hı¯d, Porus’ daughter, for help, because she was more knowledgeable about that land than they were. She said, ‘There is an old pedlar woman. Bring her to me.’ They brought the woman to her, and Na¯hı¯d gave her some precious articles, saying, ‘Go to the King’s quarters and show these to his wife.’ The woman acted accordingly. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n bought everything that the old woman had brought her. When Alexander came, she showed him what she had

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bought. The pedlar woman, who was a witch, started visiting Alexander’s quarters frequently. One day she said to Ma¯ha¯farı¯n, ‘Your hair is not beautiful. I will show you a cure for it.’ The other women had encouraged the pedlar woman to find a way to make Alexander lose interest in Ma¯ha¯farı¯n and she was trying to meet their demands. Thus, when Ma¯ha¯farı¯n, who did not suspect that woman of treachery, asked her for a remedy, the witch gave her a bright steeled dagger, saying, ‘Every night keep this under your pillow when you lie with Alexander and clean your forehead with it twice a day. This makes your forehead beautiful.’ Ma¯ha¯farı¯n acted accordingly. Alexander went to Porus’ daughter, Na¯hı¯d, who had grown wild with jealousy. She said to him, ‘O King, do not go to Ma¯ha¯farı¯n!’ Alexander asked, ‘Why?’ Na¯hı¯d replied, ‘Father and daughter have planned to murder you! If you do not trust me, look where you sleep. There is a poisoned dagger under your pillow.’ Alexander did not believe her. He thought that she spoke thus out of envy for Ma¯ha¯farı¯n. But then he thought, ‘Perhaps she speaks the truth, because women are tender and unsteady. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n’s father has probably deceived her for a second time, because women are half-witted.’ Having these thoughts, he went to Ma¯ha¯farı¯n, who was very direct with Alexander. She bowed to him and said, ‘Does my forehead look prettier than it looked yesterday?’ Alexander asked, ‘What have you done today?’ She stood up, lifted the pillow and brought out the dagger, saying, ‘I bought this to clean my forehead.’ Thus Alexander was assured that the other women had lied to him because of their envy for her. The Prophet has said, ‘The one who digs pit for others, will fall into it himself.’


¯ ZADBAKHT, THE KING OF KASHMIR, AND PORUS’ DAUGHTER, THE STORY OF A WHO WAS ALEXANDER’S WIFE It is thus divinely narrated that Alexander prepared provisions for his journey and ¯ za¯dbakht, who was terrified because of King Alexander’s revenge, said, ‘What has A befallen on me by this daughter has never befallen to anybody else. He has taken everything, my house and my kingship. Then he summoned his ministers and said, “Find a solution for my case because my treasury who is my daughter is gone.”’ The ministers said, ‘Since your daughter did not support you, what can now be done?’ ¯ za¯dbakht replied, ‘I know of another solution and if this works out, then we will Then A be successful in our task but if it fails then we must give up hope. And we must keep this ¯ za¯dbakht was so handsome and young that every woman who saw him solution secret.’ A fell in love with him. During his lifetime, Porus desired that this girl, who is Alexander’s wife now, be given ¯ za¯dbakht. This was the story but when Alexander came and Porus was killed, various to A other events occurred. ¯ za¯dbakht chose one of the trustworthy women of his harem, he made her Then A pledge an oath to him and then he sent her to Porus’ daughter. He said in his message, ‘You know that your father, Porus, initially gave you to me and if you were with me, you would not be in this condition now. I assigned you, and not my daughter, with this

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mission, because I trust you more than my daughter. If you carry out and complete this task, you will become the Queen of Kashmir and you will avenge the death of your ¯ za¯dbakht and she had stopped loving father.’ Porus’ daughter rejoiced because she liked A Alexander because of her jealousy. She replied, ‘I agree to obey what the King of Kashmir has decreed.’ Then the woman messenger returned and conveyed the news to the King of Kashmir. At night, Alexander did not spend much time in the city. He had placed the daughter ¯ za¯dbakht to his camp because he of Porus in the city and had brought the daughter of A was afraid that her father had planned something evil against the girl. When much of the night had passed and it was time for sleep and silence, King ¯ Aza¯dbakht, along with the lady who had carried his message, went to the daughter of Porus. That night he gave her a quantity of poison there. He said, ‘By all means, you must be able to give this poison to King Alexander to drink it so that he dies immediately. Fear not because I am the King and when it is midday his army will not be dangerous.’ When she made her promise to him, she returned wearing a veil and gloves. That night, Alexander thought of Porus’ daughter, ‘It is not prudent to bring Porus’ daughter to the city. Someone who has killed her father and has lost her property cannot be faithful.’ Thus he ordered that she be brought along with her retinue to the camp and had her placed in Alexander’s quarters. Then Alexander visited her and he was fond of her. He said, ‘I have promised Ma¯ha¯farı¯n to spend the nights with her but during the day it is your turn! I am going for hunting tomorrow and when I return I will come to you.’ The woman replied, ‘May this task be fulfilled tomorrow.’ The next day Alexander came again. It was midday and the weather was very hot. He told the woman, ‘Bring me a sweet sherbet!’ The woman immediately went and prepared a glass cup of sweet sherbet and put aromatic rosewater and with these, she ¯ za¯dbakht had given to her the previous night. Then she mixed the poison which A brought it and gave it to Alexander and left. Alexander was surprisingly very greedy and desirous for women. Once she brought that cursed sherbet, the King said, ‘Let’s discuss first and then we can drink it.’ The Almighty is so powerful that the woman felt for Alexander and slept with him. When Alexander spent an hour talking to this woman, he thought to himself, ‘She is not behaving normally. Her behaviour shows that she has tricked me and the Indians do not know what is permitted and what is forbidden.’ Something must be done so as to reveal her secret; and he did not say anything to her. Then he said, ‘bring me the sherbet.’ When the woman looked at King Alexander, he looked stern. She was scared and asked the King, ‘O King, what is the matter? Alas! If only she knew!’ This woman was faithful and concealed the truth. She said to him, ‘The King of Kashmir talked to me; [and I told him] that every time King Alexander came to me with one or two discussions he was not pleased with me and less than five times he always talked to me in an obscure way. After all, I do not know what will happen.’ And this woman was truthful because how could he know? The King had concealed that he knew the truth. The woman who knew the secret said, ‘How can this be known? The King cannot know about it.’ She said to herself, ‘May the knowledgeable kings know. If he knew from

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the beginning that this is poison, let him have it again so as not reveal my secret [lit. Not to tear the curtain of my delight].’ She took that cup and full of fear she brought it to the King. Alexander looked at her and he saw on her sinful actions. He took the cup from her hand. He attempted again to drink. When he brought the cup to the edge of his lips, he took that gold spoon which was on the cup and he mixed that sherbet and he looked once more at the woman. She was standing and looking at him. One more time King Alexander brought the cup to his lips to drink again. Then the cup fell from his hand and broke. The sinful woman trembled. The King became more suspicious of that woman and said, ‘O you foul infidel, why are you trembling? It is due to the Divine Charisma that a king can become aware of concealed false intentions.’ He wanted to tell her ‘You drink this sherbet!’ Then he said, ‘Don’t drink it.’ He ordered that two pet chickens be brought to test the drink. Both of them died immediately. King Alexander made the prostration and to thank the Almighty, saying, ‘Thank God that my suspicions were not wrong.’ The woman looked pale and the place was empty. This story was not allowed to come out [of the palace] apart from some areas where only concubines and servants lived. He ordered everyone, ‘All of you beware of your words, leave me alone and bring this false woman before me.’ Everybody left. King Alexander took her hand and brought her to a pavilion. He said, ‘I want you to tell the truth,’ and like a drop of water, he took again a sword in his hand. ‘Unless you tell the truth, I will behead you!’ he said. Porus’ daughter said, ‘If you want me to speak the truth, please calm down. The reason ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter.’ ‘What did you do?’ Alexander I did this was my jealousy for A asked. ‘I poured poison into this sherbet,’ she replied. Then Alexander asked, ‘From where did you bring the poison?’ ‘I brought it from my father’s city,’ she replied. Alexander knew that she was not telling the truth. Then he took the sword to hit her. She feared but she did not tell anything. The King ordered his men to put an iron mould into the fire and to warm it. Then he took the iron, undressed the woman and put the hot iron on the parts of her body which were indecent to expose. She cried out and asked for protection, saying, ‘I will tell you the truth.’ King Alexander put the iron aside. ¯ za¯dbakht Then that woman said, ‘[O King of the World] it is not my fault at all; A ordered me to carry out this task. He said, “O girl, I reveal you my wish; you need to pay attention to my wish. This man has killed your father. If you seek to avenge your father’s death, then I will make you my wife.”’ The King said, ‘O you, more corrupt than all the corrupt people on earth! Were not I your husband?’ She replied, ‘You forgot me and you ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter.’ And it was better for the King to drink the preferred to be with A poison than to suspect that his wife had conducted adultery. He told her, ‘Tell me. Did anything happen between you and him?’ ‘O King, there was amongst us a truthful lady ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter.’ The King said, ‘You who gave the fine razor steel of Damascus to A did all these things, you came up with these lies and you accused that pure and chaste person?’ She said, ‘Yes. I did this because of jealousy. It is not something surprising. “There is nothing better than truthfulness in this world.”’ And when that honest girl was saying the truth, she did not deal with their lies; yet this dishonest girl ratified her own words and she attributed them to the sinless

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¯ za¯dbakht Ma¯ha¯farı¯n. The King asked her ‘Who sent you this poison?’ She confessed, ‘A himself brought and gave me this poison.’ The King asked, ‘How did he come to you?’ ‘He came veiled,’ she replied. ‘What time?’ he asked. ‘It was midnight,’ she responded. When ¯ za¯dbakht come to you?’ ‘Yes, he did this to she said all these, Alexander asked her, ‘Did A me and he is the reason of my unhappiness.’ ‘Did he see you naked?’ he asked. She looked at the wrath of King Alexander, his sharp sword and the hot iron. She trembled with fear while King Alexander’s anger grew more. She said, ‘Look at me!’ And at once she went onto her knees and said, ‘Alas! Do not ask more of this story. Alas! Alas! It was my great fault,’ and she continued coming onto her knees. The King showed restraint and after calling a concubine, he said, ‘Go and bring a second-hand white cottoned garment. Take her size for her to wear it.’ They brought her the dress of the dead men and they covered her body. Then the King said to the servants, ‘are you capable of protecting this palace and the harem?’ Immediately he ordered to have the ten servants and that woman who brought the message killed in secret. Porus’ daughter due to her bashfulness came on her knees to the King and said, ‘Our death is better than the shamefulness of your tyranny.’ The King said, ‘O you foul woman! Were you not ashamed of yourself when you went with a stranger man?’ Porus’ daughter said, ‘O King, 1,000 times I say Alas!’ Indeed she shed copious tears and she trembled, saying, ‘In the name of who is Saturn the Greatest whom my father and mother worshipped, I did not do this based on my heart’s feelings. I regretted it immediately but I did not judge properly.’ Then the King said, ‘I understand that you regret what you have done and you repented, but why did you give me the poison?’ The girl said, ‘the cause for my sin was that I feared that I may be disgraced.’ The King felt pity for her and ordered iron chains to be brought. They brought them and put them on her feet and he entrusted her to a servant who supervised her at the private chambers. After this dialogue, the King ordered them to call Aristotle so as to discuss the whole situation with him. Hearing of these circumstances, Aristotle was concerned and thanked the Almighty who saved Alexander from this situation. Then he said to the King, ‘O King! Beware that there is no doubt about this kind of greedy and desirous woman. And too many discussions make a young man grow old and they weaken the body. Because of their lack of wisdom and their jealousy women can kill their husbands, and then regret it.’ ¯ za¯dbakht was unaware of these developments. He came to the presence of King King A Alexander, paid tribute and sat down. The King looked at him angrily and said to him, ‘We need to discuss something between the two of us. I cannot tell you this story openly.’ Then he ordered everyone to leave the pavilion and then all three of them, the King ¯ za¯dbakht and Aristotle, went to the pavilion. along with the King A Alexander said, ‘O King of Kashmir, you are a king and of royal lineage. And when kings and people of royal descent are asked about something, they must give a proper answer. Tell me what can be said in support of a king who at night disguises himself as a woman [lit. wears the veil and gloves], enters someone’s house and deceives the wife of a man? What should his punishment be?’

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¯ za¯dbakht trembled and he answered with a blush that this king must be burnt alive A and whatever he has done in this world, he must be worthy of his false actions. Then Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘How should we punish this infidel?’ Aristotle replied, ‘The King’s order is correct. By any means this cunning infidel is worthy of being punished and executed.’ ¯ za¯dbakht, ‘O infidel, what were you doing in my house? Then Alexander said to A Beware that you were not pleased with what you did, and you ordered to have me poisoned.’ Then the wise and clever king called his servants and ordered them, ‘Arrest this disgraceful infidel and put him in chains.’ When they put him in chains, the news ¯ za¯dbakht’s army learned about these was spread outside the palace. When A developments, they were scared and they were dispersed. Alexander plundered the city of Kashmir for seven days and ordered that the seal of thousands of virgins be taken. He also ordered the transfer of so much wealth out of Kashmir that, believe it or not, there was no place to store it. ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter who was Alexander’s wife arrived and fell On the seventh day, A down in front of Alexander and said, ‘O magnificent King, please give this city to me!’ The King said, ‘I give it to you.’ He ordered them to proclaim that ‘After this destruction there will be no problem between anyone and no harm to anyone.’ Then the girl said to the King, ‘My heart is with my mother, my sister and relatives.’ ¯ za¯dbakht’s Alexander appointed a counsellor and ordered him to go to the city at A palace and send his servants to him. He said, ‘Bring to me all the servants and concubines ¯ za¯dbakht’s palace and do not disturb them.’ Then they went and brought all who are at A ¯ za¯dbakht’s palace the women and concubines and brought the excessive riches out of A and they informed the King. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n’s mother and her two young sisters were there along with many concubines. When her mother looked at her daughter, she wept. ‘What kind of situation is this and what information do you have about the situation of your father? Has he been killed or is he still alive?’ she asked. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n said, ‘My father is still alive.’ Her mother said, ‘Can you not intercede for him so as to save his life?’ Her daughter replied, ‘O mother, I interceded for the sake of father but [Alexander] did not agree. Yet for my sake, he did not allow the city to be destroyed and I advocated for you very much. However my father has not done something that would ensure him a promising fate.’ Then she sat down and discussed with her mother what her father did to Alexander and Porus’ daughter. Her mother was stunned by this news and said, ‘His fate was not promising from the beginning. Alas! He was not so evil in his youth.’ Her daughter said, ‘O mother, you and the girls need to be at King Alexander’s service and for this reason I need to bring you officially to his presence so he can see you.’ Her mother chose to go along with two of her daughters and forty concubines. And she gave them gold adorned with precious stones to give as a gift to Alexander. When the King came to the women’s quarters, they approached and paid tribute to him. Alexander was so pure that he did not look at them, he bowed his head and talked to them politely and said, ‘All of ye are to me. Have faith to the Heavens and until you depart, I will arrange all of your matters.’ Then Na¯hı¯d, Porus’ daughter, sent someone to

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The Persian Alexander

Ma¯ha¯farı¯n with the following message, ‘O sister, alas! Listen to my cry because everything that has befallen me was due to your father.’ Ma¯ha¯farı¯n replied, ‘It was due to your own lack of wisdom and impurity. Why did you obey his order while I, who I am his daughter, did not obey his order? Due to your impurity and shameless character, you obeyed his order so as to control his life and kingship. O, you foul one! You wanted a better husband and a better king than King Alexander who rules the East and the West. The kings worldwide cannot eat or sleep without having Alexander’s help. And by his name, they seal whatever they write in Turkestan, China, Machin and the whole of the East and the West. He went on his own but I will do what ever befits me. Alexander is staying here for some days and he leaves in twenty days. He has asked me to go tomorrow and see what my father’s condition is. If he kills him, then I will talk to him about you supportively and I will say what needs to be done.’ Then they built 1,000 ships and boats and brought them to the camp next to the sea. ¯ za¯dbakht’s palace. He revealed King Alexander came to the city and sat on the throne in A ¯ za¯dbakht’s story to the city and told them what he had done. Everybody loved A ¯ za¯dbakht was vilified, saying, ‘Impurity of men and women is Alexander and A disgraceful.’ After this, he ordered everyone from the aristocracy and the leaders of the ¯ za¯dbakht. They had put a chain around his neck army to get ready and they brought A and kept it on him before Alexander. The masses reproached him, saying, ‘Whatever he did to his brother, he himself faces it now.’ Immediately a man came and went to King ¯ za¯dbakht’s Alexander, kissing the ground before him. He said, ‘O King, be blessed! A brother, Farrukhbakht, sent me from prison to give you this message, “O King of the World, listen to my cry. I have been here for four years in this underground prison and I have not seen the sky and I do not know what is the difference between day and night.”’ The King asked the people of Kashmir about his story. Some of them were still in favour ¯ za¯dbakht, some others were not, while everyone expressed his own opinion. The of A King did not listen to anyone. He said, ‘I will find out about this secret on my own.’ Then he sent someone to fetch Farrukhbakht from prison, telling him, ‘Take him to have a hot bath and dress him in a royal dress and inform the palace so that they know of his situation.’ Then he said to Aristotle, ‘We have spent much time here and we still have not seen that old wolf, Kayd of India. After all, I do not know what is going to happen.’ Then he called his wife Ma¯ha¯farı¯n and asked her, ‘What did your uncle Farrukhbakht do and why is he in prison?’ Then she said to him, ‘O King! Beware that I chose you over my father and mother because you saved me from the fire of hell and you made me your queen and you gave me ruling power. In any case, I cannot have a secret from you. Beware, O King, that the King of Kashmir was my uncle, not my father. My father was always in the service of King Kayd and my mother is the daughter of King Kayd of India. One day my uncle saw a dream in which the Planet Saturn the Greatest, whom people here worship, appeared to my uncle and said to him: “O ignorant one, why do you worship me? Since I am not a god because I am powerless and the angels put iron chains on me by order of the Almighty. For thirty years they have placed me in the celestial globe as part of the zodiac and when a bad

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omen appears on the sky the ignorant people of the Almighty attribute it to me, saying, ‘This bad omen is from Saturn.’ What kind of God am I?” Then my uncle woke up and he told his army about this dream. His army did not believe him and they violently deprived him of his kingship. And my father, whom they called, was close to Kayd and they told ¯ za¯dbakht’s brother had deviated from the right faith and they gave the him that A kingship to my father. My father came and sat on the throne and my uncle is thirty years older than my father. He rose and looked up at the sky and prostrated himself and thus a few years passed. Now four years have passed and my uncle was a very righteous king. The army still supported him and thus my father, who was afraid of losing power, imprisoned him.’ King Alexander heard this story from Ma¯ha¯farı¯n and the next day he gave a written order to bring both of them before him. He gathered together the whole army of Kashmir ¯ za¯dbakht to be your king?’ Some of them approved of and asked them, ‘Do you want A ¯ Aza¯dbakht and some others disliked him. King Alexander was a wise and clever man and he knew all the secrets. Some of the jurisprudents considered him to be a prophet but he himself had had a revelation in his sleep. He thought to himself, ‘When I go, it would be better if I give the throne to him, because they are friendly towards him. Otherwise they could ruin the kingship.’ So he ordered that Farrukhbakht be given a robe of honour to enable him sit on the throne. Four hundred and fifty chiefs and military leaders were all gathered there. King Alexander ordered them, ‘Accept his religion and confess faith to the Almighty. And ask Farrukhbakht.’ And he added, ‘What was your religion?’ And as he was seen, Farrukhbakht said the same story. Of those 450 men, 313 were beheaded and the rest did not accept the right faith. King Alexander asked them, ‘Why don’t you accept the right faith?’ They responded, ‘We cannot abandon our own faith which has existed for 5,000 years. Today we do not accept your faith.’ King Alexander was angered and penetrated him with his dagger like a drop of water. He stood up and took the dagger back and he beheaded 130 men on his own, saying, ‘God is Greatest! God is Greatest!’ Both armies were standing there silent and nobody was foolish enough to make a move or raise his voice. When the bloodshed had ¯ za¯dbakht saw there was little hope for keeping himself alive. The King looked at ended, A him angrily, stood up and ordered from his army that all the soldiers and citizens, men and women should express their opinion about what King Alexander will do. When King Alexander sat on the throne, he called on Aristotle and ordered that a royal mandate should be issued on the name of Farrukhbakht. He also ordered that the citizens should gather in the open field and that they should bring out all the cows which were in the city and that the citizens worshipped. There were about 7,000 cows and they had put golden collars on all of them and they had dressed them in brocaded adornments. Then he proclaimed, ‘No sacred cow should be set free, but you must kill them.’ And the Greeks held sharp swords and stood above the cows’ head. Each one of the cow worshippers was taken away and, after confessing their faith in the name of God of the Sky and the Earth, they were liberated and they killed the cows by cutting their throats. Similarly they had 4,000 men and women killed in that camp. The rest converted to the faith of God of the Sky and the Earth.

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Then the King ordered them to convert to the new faith, to kill the 7,000 cows and to eat their meat. Before this, eating the meat of cows was forbidden in India. Then they gave the 7,000 collars and coverings of cows to Alexander’s camp. And they named that day as the ‘Day of God the Greatest’. The Greeks and the Iranians call it ‘The Greatest Day’ and they form their calendar based on the event of the conquest of Kashmir by Alexander and the fact that he taught the pure faith to the people of this land. It is mentioned in the Iskandarna¯ma that they call that day the ‘Great Day’ and it was Saturday. When Alexander had completed this task, he said to Aristotle, ‘All these important deeds have been accomplished today, but other more important ones remain [to be ¯ za¯dbakht did to me by invading my bedchamber is something that I done].’ What A cannot overcome. I will forgive him only if he accepts the pure faith and he does not ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter was behind worship another god. While Alexander was saying this, A the curtain and she heard everything. So she went joyfully to her mother and said, ‘King ¯ za¯dbakht and said, ‘Your Alexander spoke thus.’ Then her mother sent someone to A daughter is weeping day and night and she cares about your case. King Alexander spoke thus: “Accept the right faith so as to save your life and once you save your life then this girl will defend you so as to have your kingship given back to you.”’ ¯ za¯dbakht answered, saying, ‘It is better for me to die than to marry an impure A woman. Even if I see her, I will distance myself from her. I cannot renounce the religion of my forefathers, which has existed for 5,000 years. What am I going to say tomorrow to King Kayd, the King of Kings? And he [Alexander] himself due to his fear of Kayd will not kill me. Everybody is afraid that he will kill me. If he kills me, he will have committed sin. On the First Day or the day they call “the Great Day,” they had 4,000 sinful men killed as well as 7,000 cows, which were worshipped as gods. Be certain that King Kayd will bring Alexander under the feet of his elephants [or King Kayd will defeat Alexander].’ Then the messenger returned and delivered this message to the girl. When she heard the news, she was worried. She instantly sent Porus’ daughter and someone else to ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter and said, ‘O sister, alas! I cry. Deadly poison has struck me from A fear of what the King will do to me. Did he say anything about me or not? I am in despair.’ Ma¯ha¯farı¯n answered, ‘I did not hear anything from the King about your case because the King is sad and since that day he has not come home to sleep. Every day he sits and thinks. But you keep being patient and at ease because I may try to talk to him about your case.’ The woman went again to Na¯hı¯d and informed her. The latter grew very hopeful. ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter came to him When the King was contented with that great day, A with a golden cup of sherbet. She drunk first a bit of that sherbet and then she gave the King to drink. King Alexander was astonished by her clever and polite character as well as her sufficiency. He also drunk and said, ‘Get prepared for departure because I have completed my mission here and I led the people of Kashmir to the right faith. Yet, the state of my personal affairs is in a bad shape due to the deeds of your father. But I will make him lament and suffer so that all mankind laments.’ The girl said nothing in support of her father. The King said all these words so as to understand whether she was

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in favour of her father or not. So she said nothing. The King said again, ‘What am I going to do with this impure and dishonest woman?’ She said, ‘O, King! Women are unwise and idiotic. It was my father’s fault that he deceived this woman.’ When the King heard her words, he was surprised because [he expected that] she would advise him in such a way so as to support her father. Then he told her, ‘She was your enemy and you support her?’ She replied, ‘O King, whoever does evil, will receive evil and whoever does good, will receive good from the God of the Sky and the Earth.’ Alexander wept. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n took the opportunity, stood up and put her face on the ground and said, ‘If you benefit me, please order to bring Na¯hı¯d next to me and I will get information about her situation. The slave may benefit from her character and deeds. I am not allowed to ask you to spare her life.’ When she said this, King Alexander ordered, saying, ‘Do whatever torture you wish to him.’ Immediately Ma¯ha¯farı¯n sent someone and that servant to give food and call Na¯hı¯d. The name of that servant was Sabı¯h. She told him, ‘Bring me Na¯hı¯d for this is the King’s decree.’ The servant said, ‘Thank you.’ The servant was afraid of the killing of other servants. He came to the King’s presence ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter?’ he waiting for his orders. The King said, ‘Did you take her to A replied, ‘Not yet. I do not act without the King’s order.’ Alexander said, ‘Go and bring her to Ma¯ha¯farı¯n, protect her and be there with her.’ The servant acted accordingly. The next day the King called for the two armies and they came to his presence. He ordered Farrukhbakht to come, for a throne to be brought and for Farrukhbakht to sit ¯ za¯dbakht to be brought. It had always been a custom for a on it. King Alexander ordered A king or others to speak the truth when they had a problem due to women. They said that in a case where an unidentified man has been deceived by his wife, the solution is this or that, and that he must deal with the situation on his own. In this manner, there were various comments. The Greeks, the Iranians and Aristotle said these with their teeth ¯ za¯dbakht. concealed until they saw what the King’s orders were. Then they prepared A King Alexander looked [at everyone] and his commanders were all ready. He looked at them and said, ‘All of you listen to my correct word and beware that this King has deceived me and he intended to kill me and he did all of this because I was his enemy. He should not be reproached for intending to kill me. But he invaded my palace bedchamber and he did what he did. Do you accept this? What should be his prize? Tell me your opinion to the full extent and, with the judgement of His excellence that the Almighty God has granted me, I will know if you support me and what your opinion about me is. But He has ordered patience in the tasks of the Almighty God.’ Now I will ¯ za¯dbakht and Alexander asked him why he punish him. Then he ordered them to bring A did this. ¯ za¯dbakht stood up with his feet and neck in chains, and said, ‘O King! You speak A correctly but when someone comes and takes my house and belongings, then I will retaliate for the disgrace in an unprecedented way.’ King Alexander became angry from ¯ za¯dbakht gave up hope on life and gave no answer. The these words and took his sword. A people and noblemen of Kashmir stood up, and said, ‘Every king who commits fornication must be deprived of his kingship.’ The people and noblemen of Greece said, ‘Fornication is not permitted. Everyone who enters the royal women’s quarters and

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commits fornication with the daughter of kings should be punished by stoning to death. That man who commits adultery with the daughters and wives of the King, harms the King who will eventually lose his power.’ While hearing these views, the King remained silent. Then he said, ‘Beware that I was patient with him so as to reveal his character to you and to confess on his own, and then to punish him. My patience was not without impetuosity.’ Then he ordered his right foot to be cut. He said, ‘The punishment of [cutting his] foot is due to the fact he entered the King’s harem.’ Then he ordered to have both of his eyes taken out, saying ‘This punishment is because he committed malicious acts in the King’s harem.’ Then he ¯ za¯dbakht said, ‘Being in pain, O nobles of Kashmir! ordered them to cut his nose. A Beware that this someone who punishes and gives orders has a bad religion. He conquered the world and ordered to have 5,000 pure men killed who had a 5,000year-old religion. Similarly, he ordered them to kill several thousand cows that you worshipped and you have sold out your religion to him, embracing the religion of this bastard whose mother gave birth to him by fornication.’ Then everyone feared the supreme King Alexander who was angered and ordered ¯ za¯dbakht from there and to put him in fire and burn him. Then the elderly them to take A people from Greece and Iran and those who were close to Alexander said to him, ‘This is a bad order for the King.’ Everyone stood up, unveiled their faces and fell to the ground. Aristotle and the aristocrats of Iran came first, saying, ‘O King! Fire as a punishment must not happen because he has already been punished. Fire is only the Almighty God’s means of punishing someone. Beware that the world will be punished by God because he is an infidel and he will certainly die himself and much of his blood has already flown.’ King Alexander accepted their words and swore that if he renounced infidelity and worshipping the stars, then he would not punish him [any more]. Then they took ¯ za¯dbakht to the hospital. They say that he lived for another two years and he was in the A middle of the road begging for bread. O Omniscient God! He died there and everybody ¯ za¯dbakht’s mother and daughter heard these developments, they forgot him. When A wept a lot and it was very difficult for them. They did not have the power to listen the story. Then Ma¯ha¯farı¯n said to Na¯hı¯d, ‘When King Alexander shows up, salute him in the name of the Almighty God so as to support you.’ ‘It is done,’ Na¯hı¯d replied. When the King returned to the bedchamber from the court, he saw Na¯hı¯d in chains like a monster in the corner. Her beauty and vigour had abandoned her. The King passed in front of her and the happy Ma¯ha¯farı¯n ran to him quickly on the spot because of the fact that her heart was burning for her father. When the King saw her happy, he knew that she was patient and quick. She did not mention anything about her father’s story. He said, ‘Call that impure woman.’ Aristotle ¯ za¯dbakht. Now it is your sent someone. The King looked at her and said, ‘I punished A turn to be punished.’ She replied, ‘O King! I have repented and feel regret, and I am disgusted with the gods I worshipped. Now I believe in the God of the Sky and Earth. I heard that it is thus said in the books of the Prophet Abraham [peace be upon Him] and the books of the Prophet Moses [peace be upon Him] that tomorrow is coming the Day of

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Judgement of the Almighty God and that He will forgive His slaves who have accepted their sins and have repented.’ The King knew that Aristotle had taught her these words. He sat back and wept. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n knew that the heart of the King had softened for Na¯hı¯d. She stood up and said, ‘O King! I did not advocate in support of my father because I knew that his actions were wrong. This helpless woman did nothing wrong. When a King vigorously enters her chamber, what power can she have at that moment not to obey an order and [especially when] Satan is involved.’ Then the King said to her, ‘I forgive you.’ The poor Na¯hı¯d fell and kissed the ground, saying, ‘O King! I on my own have punished myself.’ She took off her clothes and her elegant body was burnt. The skin of the sensitive part of her body had been burnt with a hot seal. Her servant by the name Sabı¯h was there. And apart from the King, Ma¯ha¯farı¯n and a concubine, there were not many others there. The King was not pleased by her words. He stood up and went to his private chamber. Then he called Ma¯ha¯farı¯n and ordered her to take Na¯hı¯d to have a hot bath, to clean her and for her to wear her special clothes. Alexander was with Ma¯ha¯farı¯n day and night and Na¯hı¯d simply served him. The King did not talk or look at her at all. Na¯hı¯d was extremely desirable, noble and beautiful. Until then, the King had come out of the Land of Darkness. One night in a dream, he heard a voice which told him, ‘Are you not afraid of the Almighty God that you have a young woman in desire and you do not talk and make love to her? Either satisfy her or release her.’ King Alexander grew fearful because of that dream and on that very night he called Na¯hı¯d, talked to her, was kind and treated her well. ¯ za¯dbakht and Porus’ daughter, This was the famous story of Ma¯ha¯farı¯n, A O Omniscient God! ALEXANDER’S JOURNEY TO CEYLON AND WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN HIM AND KAYD, THE KING OF INDIA It is thus divinely narrated that when the King was relieved from his tasks, the next day, he gave the kingship of the city of Kashmir to Farrukhbakht and he himself along with his army and his women sailed the sea, taking with him Ma¯ha¯farı¯n’s mother. Because her daughter had said, ‘I cannot help her here,’ and they left. When Alexander reached the seashore with all his entourage and his bright and powerful army, King Kayd of India heard this news that the Double-Horned King had come to the seashore with a great army, his treasury and beasts of burden. Kayd thought and said, ‘Why does this happen in my household?’ The distance between the camp of the Double-Horned King and the city of Kayd was twenty parasangs but the road was dry. King Alexander ordered them, ‘Stop at this place so as to enable me think about Kayd and make a plan.’ He ordered them to take control of the roads, barricade themselves and to let no one pass. Then he presented Aristotle as king and ordered them to call him ‘King Alexander’. Then he said to his wives, ‘All of you must always be next to him and do not say anything.’ The King chose a war horse. He had a sharp metal sword and took a bow like that of his forefather, that is, Bahman, son of Isfandiyar. Nobody could use that bow

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The Persian Alexander

and similarly he had arrows which were each weighted like a metal spear and that bow functioned only with those metal arrows. Alexander took all this equipment and a man whose name was Bahra¯m – Alexander had taken with him from Iran. He approached the city of Kayd and there remained with one parasang’s distance left. When the night passed, he wore the clothes of chivalrous men [‘ayya¯ran] and went to the city. He got a room at an inn and stayed there. For some days, he walked everywhere in the city and gave answers to many questions. Then news was spread to the city that an Iranian chivalrous man [‘ayya¯r] had escaped from Alexander’s army and had come in anger. King Kayd was informed about the news. He said, ‘Bring him to me in order to ask him about Alexander’s character.’ They came and told Alexander, ‘O young man, King Kayd wants to see you.’ Alexander stood up and went to Kayd’s presence. He was dressed as a disciple of craft, hiding his long hair and holding a stick made of iron on his shoulder. He came before the throne and paid tribute and fell to the ground. He looked at Kayd who had a beautiful face and royal splendour. His army was peerless and so big that Alexander forgot the magnitude of his own army. Because of that supremacy, figures and numbers, army and elephants, the King grew sceptical and scared. He said, ‘It is better to deal with him with tricks and sagacity than to wage war. If I make war, my life will be short and God will judge the outcome and to whom victory will be granted.’ The elephants were numerous and the cities and the castles were of two kinds. If someone compared Porus’ kingdom with Kayd’s, then Porus’ was minor. King Alexander was astonished. Then King Kayd asked him, ‘Where are you from?’ ‘From Iran,’ he replied. ‘From which city?’ Kayd asked. ‘From the province of pa¯rs,’ Alexander replied. ‘What is your profession?’ Kayd asked. ‘Chivalry and warfare,’ he replied. ‘Why did you come here?’ Kayd asked. ‘I came to serve the King,’ Alexander replied. ‘Show your chivalrous [‘ayya¯ri] skills for the people to see.’ Alexander said to Bahra¯m, ‘Go and bring me that bow, arrow and armour.’ Bahra¯m went and brought the bow and the arrow. When the Indians looked at that bow and arrow, they were all astonished by how that bow would be used, given that nobody had managed to use it. Because it was Isfandiyar’s bow and only his son, Bahman had used it and Alexander who was from his line. King Alexander took the bow with the power of the Divine Effulgence and his own power. Alexander used the bow repeatedly before Kayd. King Kayd was astonished by Alexander’s power, manliness and speed. He said, ‘It is impossible to use this bow!’ Then Alexander ordered them to bring four iron shields and put them one next to the other. From those arrows, King Alexander chose a wooden one and he put it into the bow and stretched it, opening a hole to the shields and passing through them. King Kayd marvelled at this deed and asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Farrukhza¯d’, Alexander replied. ‘Where is Alexander?’ Kayd asked. ‘He has come ashore along with 200,000 men,’ Alexander replied. The Kayd asked, ‘Were you with him?’ Alexander said, ‘O King! Yes, but my story with him is a long one. For some years, I have been campaigning with him. It was because of me and thanks to my arm muscles, that he has conquered all these lands and kings from Greece up to here. Yet he did not show any respect to me and all the ¯ za¯dbakht are in his hands. A ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter is Alexander’s wife women and girls of A

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¯ za¯dbakht’s wives and many other daughters are all in his harem. I have conquered and A the world. Give these captured women and daughters to me because I am of noble origin in Iran.’ He did not give an order, answering, ‘These are noble women; they are not for you.’ ‘So somewhere I have placed all this wealth, graciousness, slaves and beasts of burden and I came to you at night.’ Then King Kayd ordered, ‘There is no point in returning [to Alexander] because for whatever you have accomplished, I will reward you ten times more, I will give you a royal province [to rule] and if you want a wife, this is the place with the best women, all of them of noble birth. And if you regard me to be higher than Alexander, I will give you my daughter to be your wife because you wanted a noble woman before but Alexander did not give you any.’ King Kayd knew that all of those that he had mentioned were his daughters and granddaughters but he did not talk. Then Alexander said, ‘If the King agrees with me, that if Alexander sends someone to seek me out and I stand in King Kayd’s high repute and King Kayd does not send me back to Alexander, then I will smash Alexander and his army in a day.’ King Kayd agreed with him on the terms that Alexander wanted and ordered them to send him to a fine and cheerful palace, gave him an army and golden bridles and clothing as was the custom. Then Alexander sent Bahra¯m back to his camp and wrote a letter: ‘From Alexander the Double-Horned One, the King of Kings, the Conquer of Cities to the King Kayd of all India to manifest that there have been seven days since we came ashore. I waited for you to send an army and provisions for my army and also to come and see me. But you did not send an army and you did not come to see me. Now I have got to know you and I know that everything will be clear to you. You know everything about me from the time I left Iran after completing my tasks there, about all the kings from Darius to the King of ‘Uman, to King Porus, to the King of Kashmir, who was your son-in-law. But I do not want you to worry. We will encamp here for some days, and you prepare twenty days’ provisions for my army, send fodder for my beasts of burden and come to see me. We plan to go for pilgrimage to the Tomb of Adam [peace be upon Him] and to return through your land without trouble. Also there is a youth by the name of Farrukhza¯d who left our army and came to you. You must send him back to me in chains immediately. If you do not comply with my terms, then I will decamp and come to your city. For whatever happens, it will be your fault.’ He gave this [letter] to Bahra¯m, and said, ‘Take this letter to the camp and give it to Aristotle. Tell him to send the vizier of Makran to come and deliver this message to King Kayd. When he comes before Kayd and looks at me, he must say “this man has escaped from King Alexander.”’ Then Bahra¯m left and arrived at the camp and gave the letter to Aristotle. The latter acted according to the King’s orders, sending the vizier of Makran to King Kayd. Bahra¯m came back to Alexander. The next day King Kayd came to the middle of the square where all the Indians had gathered. He said, ‘Let’s test the manliness of this man.’ They told him ‘Let him wrestle with us.’ Alexander replied, ‘If this is the King’s order, then I will fight.’ There were two men peerless in power. King Kayd ordered, ‘Wrestle and this one must defeat both of those two.’ Voices were heard from the square. King Kayd gave Alexander a robe of

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The Persian Alexander

honour and a horse of special quality. Then such was Alexander’s performance, that King Kayd could not eat and could not spend a moment without him. He honoured Alexander until the messenger came. Kayd immediately sent someone to call Alexander and to bring him there and to sit on the throne in his place. He ordered them to dress elephants in horse armour and to set 10,000 elephants in horse armour and to bring a messenger. They brought the messenger and Alexander sat on the throne in place of Kayd of India. The messenger paid tribute and they had him sat on a gold chair. The messenger revealed his message, kissed it and placed it close to King Kayd. Kayd ordered a vizier to read this letter. The vizier read the letter to Alexander. When King Kayd heard it, he became angry and he immediately grabbed the letter from the vizier’s hands and tore it up, vilifying Alexander. If the reality was that you were here instead of the messenger, I would order to have you beheaded here. King Alexander saw Kayd’s temper and he was smiling secretly [under his lips], looking at the messenger. Then he said, ‘O King! He is just a messenger. It is not his fault.’ Then King Kayd ordered them to write a response and wrote, ‘O Alexander, beware that your messenger came to us and delivered your message. If it was not for Farrukhza¯d who sued for his messenger, we would have killed him. You have this kind of character and this is reflected in your message. After this letter, do not send any other message. ¯ za¯dbakht and the vizier of ‘Uman, then your If you think that I am like Porus, A judgement is wrong. You did not kill them on your own, but it was the end of their own lot. As for the other case, that of Farrukhza¯d, whom you wanted back in chains, it is obvious that you do not know how to rule. Whatever you succeeded in your youth in this world and the lands you conquered, it was thanks to this young man’s support. When he wanted a woman from you, even if she was your own daughter, you were obliged to give her to him. Men excelling in glory are due to their manliness, not to their kingship, even if you have many relatives in Iran. If I send him to you, it will not be an act of a king. If he was of royal descent, you would not want me to hand him over to you, because when someone provides shelter [hides] to a royal then he cannot, he cannot be hostile to him. Whatever bad experience he had, I changed it for him ten times and I will give him the hand of my daughter. He will not succeed me on the throne for as long as I am alive but he will be my vice-king all over India. If you think that my kingdom is like Kashmir, then you are wrong. Immediately I will order 5,000 elephants to come altogether against your camp and to bring your camp under their feet. This is my answer.’ The messenger went back and Alexander sat next to Kayd. Kayd asked him, ‘Did I give a good answer?’ ‘You answered well,’ Alexander replied. Then Kayd told him, ‘Will you stay here?’ ‘I will be at the King’s service,’ Alexander said. Then Kayd thought that this man wanted to stay there because he wanted to get married. He said, ‘You are a part of my family and a friend of mine.’ He said, ‘That woman who is Alexander’s mother-in-law is my daughter and some others are my granddaughters. And that woman whom they did not give to you, she was from my family. In this place I have seven daughters and whomever you prefer I give my consent her to be your wife.’ Alexander paid tribute and

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said, ‘The King’s order is correct. Given that I am your slave, whomever the King prefers, then he should choose that woman.’ ¯ za¯dbakht’s Kayd had many daughters but no sons. One of his daughters was A wife and the mother of Ma¯ha¯farı¯n; another of his daughters was the wife of Darius the son of Darius of Iran; and another of his daughters was the wife of the Faqfu ¯ r of China and Machin. Seven of his daughters were still at home [were unmarried]. So Kayd chose one of these seven daughters and gave her to Alexander. On that night, he gave Alexander a large dowry and Alexander was astonished by the portion that was given with the woman and her idol which was adorned with gold. That night everyone went to Alexander saying, ‘This is the god of deceit, Basdiu, who tests the pure man.’ Alexander said, ‘He is the God of Heaven and there is no other idol on earth.’ Alexander was not able to say anything until he saw what would happen. When the daughter of Kayd of India came to Alexander, she was so beautiful that he forgot all the rest. He slept with her that night and she liked the King but she did not know his identity. When another night passed, Alexander paid tribute to King Kayd, having proven his qualities, he enjoyed respect and Kayd ordered that the whole of his army should be under Alexander’s command. All the soldiers paid tribute to Alexander and he said nothing. Then Alexander thought to himself, ‘If I stay in this place, my tasks will be harmed. I need to think of a trick.’ So one more time he sent Bahra¯m to his camp and to Aristotle with this message, ‘You need to send one more messenger and say “you need to come out of the city so as to fight each other.”’ Bahra¯m left at night and went in secret to Aristotle to deliver the King’s message. Aristotle acted accordingly and ordered another messenger with a message to leave immediately, as the King had ordered. In that letter he made various threats and it was said, ‘In the response you sent, you said a lot of nonsense. Kings speak meaningfully but you said that you would behead my messenger. However, since the time of the Prophet Adam [peace be Upon Him] until our time, the kings of East and West, of the Arab world, Iran and Greece, India, Iran and Tura¯n have never treated messengers unkindly, and you treated him unkindly. You also mentioned the case of Farrukhza¯d, that when a King offers support to a man, then the King should not expose him to hardship [khasm], as you said. I also wanted to deprive you of him because he wanted your daughter and your granddaughter is my wife. How did you allow the case that I become his son-in-law? Then you said, “I gave my daughter to be his wife.” This harmed me. I sent him to search for your cases. But time has passed and you need to leave your summer residence and bring the army out because we are close to the city, and peace be upon you!’ This was Alexander’s message and he sent Bahra¯m as a messenger to carry it there. Aristotle acted accordingly and he wrote a letter in his own writing style translating something in between of what Alexander has said. He wrote it in such a way that none other than himself and King Alexander could read it. This was what he wrote, ‘O King! Beware that the situation has exceeded the limits. Kings must pursue good [elegance] and whatever a king does, it does not have any value beyond this place. If a piece of hair from the King’s head is ruined, God avert, 200,000 soldiers will die in this region. So in any

40

The Persian Alexander

case, try to come out of there without being seen and when things evolve thus, O King, be cautious! Have mercy towards your relatives and us.’ He wrote this and then gave the letter to Bahra¯m, saying ‘Give this message to the King secretly so as to read it.’ Bahra¯m came to Alexander, bringing the letter and message of Aristotle. When King Alexander read that letter, he also thought and said, ‘It is as he says. But now there is an urgent task and the Almighty God supports and protects me.’ On the third day, the messenger arrived. Kayd was sitting on the throne and Alexander was sitting next to him. Suddenly a servant came, paid tribute and said, ‘Alexander’s messenger has come.’ Kayd was angered and ordered, ‘Behead him!’ Alexander said, ‘O King! It is not correct for kings to oppress messengers and they act unwisely and this must not be accepted.’ Kayd replied, ‘It is your order.’ After this, they brought the messenger out. He paid tribute and gave the letter. The vizier read the letter, King Kayd heard all the development but he did not give any response. When the speech reached the issue of giving his daughter to be Farrukhza¯d’s wife, Kayd’s attitude altered. Alexander looked at him and saw the change of Kayd’s attitude but he did not show any reaction because Alexander was a patient man. Then Kayd said to the messenger, ‘Tomorrow I will give you a response.’ They accommodated the messenger somewhere and Kayd and Alexander sat together in one place and they said, ‘What is to be done about this issue?’ Alexander said, ‘O King! This task is not a minor one to be underestimated. Tomorrow let’s bring the army out into the field and the elephants and let’s fight to see to what the outcome will be.’ The next day they brought the principal banner to the battlefield and the soldiers came forth. Ninety soldiers from Ceylon and its provinces were gathered. They brought 2,500 war elephants to the field. King Kayd sat on his throne and ordered a white elephant to be brought. He rode on it and came out of his palace. Alexander the Great was frightened by the incomparable size of that army and the elephants. He said, ‘I have never done such an unacceptable act like this one.’ When they brought the whole army, they called the messenger and sent him back. King Alexander thought and said, ‘They have brought the whole of their army and there will be a battle tomorrow. If I am not there, I am not sure about the outcome of this battle.’ Then the viziers and commanders of King Kayd envied Alexander and said, ‘What trick can we come up with to ruin his image to the King?’ They thought of a story and went to King Kayd. They said, ‘O King! It was worthless to give your daughter to marriage because tomorrow the whole army of Alexander will subjugate us to him.’ The King said, ‘Now I have given her and the two armies have become equals.’ They said, ‘Today we must not say anything.’ They remained silent and King Kayd was surprised and said, ‘They say that I need to examine the situation closely and that it is my great fault. Alexander was favourable to me as if being a part of his body but this has passed.’ Then the viziers stood up and went to the city to Alexander’s wife who was Kayd’s daughter. They said, ‘O Queen! Nobody else did what your father did at your expense.’ She asked, ‘What did he do?’ ‘He gave you [in marriage] worthlessly and this will cause problems to you and to us,’ they replied. ‘My father knew best when he decided to give me to marry to him. What can I do?’ she said. ‘Tell your father to take you back from

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him,’ they replied. She said, ‘Do not agitate me!’ The viziers left and said, ‘we should have done it on our own. We did not do it and undoubtedly he became strong today.’ When the night passed, Alexander was outside and his army were at his order. King Kayd came to the city and to his daughter. He was perplexed for two reasons: the first was Alexander’s letter and that problem that Kayd was told, that is, why he had given his daughter to that man; the other reason was his viziers’ story. Then he sent someone to call the viziers and said, ‘What is the matter with this man who came initially as an enemy angrily and I sent him up to here? Alexander thinks that he will frighten me.’ The viziers rejoiced and said, ‘He must be arrested and to be put in chains so as to see where this will end.’ Kayd said, ‘I must act thus. But we need to be patient tomorrow and the day after until we fight that army because they think we are useless. If it does not happen thus, then we will arrest him.’ They said this and then they were dispersed. Alexander was overtaken by desire for Kayd’s daughter who was gorgeous and chaste. In the night, he sent a servant to bring his wife. When the daughter of Kayd came to the presence of King Alexander, she discussed everything that she saw and had heard about the story of her father and his viziers. When the King heard this story from her, he said, ‘O girl, are you with me or with your father?’ ‘I love the sand on which you stand rather than my father’s blood,’ she replied. Alexander asked, ‘Will you come with me?’ ‘I will come wherever you want,’ she replied. Then Alexander said to Bahra¯m, ‘Go to Aristotle and tell him that tomorrow during the dinner prayers try three times to come outside with fifty riders and advanced guards in the path of one parasang off the city. Come with Bahra¯m and let us know.’ And that night and every night Alexander offered pleasure to the girl. She said, ‘Shall we put my dowry in place?’ ‘When it happens,’ he replied. Then he ordered the advanced guards, ‘Wake up and guard the road.’ That night he brought the golden idols, he removed the jewels and had the idols smashed into seven pieces. When the girl saw that, she could not believe it but she remained silent. Alexander knew that she did not like that move. He thought to himself, ‘Religion is higher than kingship. When I employ religion in each one of my activities, God keeps an eye on me. If the girl observes religion as I do, then I will take her with me. If she does not, then I will send her somewhere and I will leave alone.’ When he had these thoughts, he told the girl, ‘Why are you perplexed?’ ‘Should someone be joyful, when you smash the Gods?’ The girl replied. Alexander grabbed his sword like a drop of water and by indignation of religion he smashed the idols and cut them to small pieces. Then he attempted to hit the girl with the sword. The girl was scared and ran away. Alexander understood and said, ‘She cannot go fast anywhere.’ Then he said to the girl, ‘O girl, now is it possible to smash a god?’ ‘No!’ she said. When she heard these words, she returned and said, ‘This [the idol] is not God, it is God’s deputy on earth. But God is the Pure one who is in Heaven.’ ‘Now you are more infidel because you claim that God has a companion.’ The girl was astonished and asked, ‘Then what should I say?’ Alexander said, ‘O girl, you and me are two [different] stories.

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The Persian Alexander

If you want me, you must refuse worshipping the idols and you must say that God of the Heaven and the Earth is One and he has no companion. If you do not agree, then you can go blessed wherever you wish. But if you, like you father, want me to be his son-in-law, and if you want to come with me, then you must think abut what you are going to do.’ The girl was greatly in love with the King and she immediately embraced Islam. She said, ‘The God of Heaven and Earth is One and has no companion.’ King Alexander rejoiced and said, ‘O girl, you have both worlds.’ Then she thought to herself, ‘Who is that man? He must be either a ruler or a royal in Iran, I have accepted my faith.’ When Bahra¯m returned, the King asked him, ‘What did you do?’ Bahra¯m said, ‘I brought ten horses so as to cover forty parasangs per night. Aristotle rode along with 10,000 soldiers and departed and stood guarding [the place], in case, God avert, an army appeared.’ The King said, ‘God may be our comrade!’ Then he rose and went to salute King Kayd of India. Kayd was not in the mood that he was in every day. Alexander said, ‘What is your order today? Tonight and every night I kept sending scouts but no one has appeared so far.’ King Kayd said angrily, ‘Who is Alexander and what power he has to bring his army face to face to my army?’ Alexander was angered by these words and through pride, he wanted to penetrate Kayd with that powerful sword. He chose to do something else, relying on his intelligence: he remained patient and silent, without saying anything. Then King Kayd said to him, ‘I have decided to deal with them and I want to tell you what I have thought. Tonight you must come alone to me close to those who will be asleep so as to talk to you about what we are going to do.’ Alexander came back. He knew that they wanted to capture him that night. When Alexander left Kayd and came out, the viziers came and said to Kayd, ‘O King! The situation has gone beyond limits.’ King Kayd said, ‘I will certainly capture him tonight.’ He ordered his slaves, ‘Go and wear armour under your clothes. When Farrukhza¯d comes to me, you will stand at the chamber and you will listen to our discussion. When I tell you to bring me that letter, you will draw your swords and will cut him into pieces.’ When they uttered this and Alexander came to his own chamber, he said to Bahra¯m, ‘Be quick because our army has not received any news from us.’ When it was hot midday, he ordered the ten men who were with Bahra¯m to get prepared and to wear Indian clothes. They collected those smashed idols, the jewels and the precious items like the gold that God created. He wanted to show to Kayd those incomparable riches. They took that wealth and loaded them over those ten men. He said to Bahra¯m, ‘Take these men close to those mules and take these expensive items on the mules up to where Aristotle is. Then you and the ten men must return and bring four mules with you. When it is time for the evening prayers, let us know what has happened.’ Then they left to reach the village in the form of a procession. It was a custom amongst the Indians to load items on their back. They left and guided those mules for a distance of half a parasang and then they loaded and transferred those riches on their own. Aristotle was five parasangs away. They reached him, gave these to him and they themselves returned to King Alexander during the evening prayers.

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King Kayd was asleep. Alexander loaded those ten men with the dowry of the girl and dispatched them and they left in an audacious way. The King wore his armour. Bahra¯m was a brave Iranian. He also wore his armour and, as was the custom, they also put a hat of slavery on the girl and they left. When they reached the midst of the camp, they said, ‘Tonight be vigilant and awake because they say that Alexander is close. I am here with these ten elite riders.’ The army vowed in favour of him and left to be with the mules. The King sat in his chamber and Bahra¯m along with another man who was guide and they guided Kayd’s daughter, by the name of Motarsaf who was also Alexander’s wife. He also ordered those horses and mules and the crowd that carried load to camp there. And Motarsaf herself, who was Alexander’s wife, stood up and anticipated with them reaching Aristotle. When Alexander went out of the camp, Kayd ordered his slaves to ride and he himself sat down, calling his viziers and sending his servant to bring Alexander. When the servant reached the chamber of Alexander, he found it empty. He searched for Kayd’s daughter but he did not find her. He asked the concubines where Kayd’s daughter and Farrukhza¯d were. They said, ‘Tonight Farrukhza¯d is on patrol, because they said that Alexander is nearby. But we do not know where the lady went. We were asleep. Maybe he sent her to the city.’ The servants left and informed Kayd. King Kayd was very scared [lit. his body became full of blood] for two reasons: the first was by what they had said, that Alexander is nearby; and the other reason was that the other person [Farrukhza¯d], who had left, had not returned. When they said that Farrukhza¯d was not there, King Kayd came out immediately, rode on a horse of fine quality and went to the chamber of Farrukhza¯d, inquiring, ‘Where did he go?’ They said, ‘He is on patrol.’ Then he asked, ‘Where is my daughter?’ ‘We did not see her,’ they replied. ‘O God, where did my daughter who was covered with gold and jewels go?’ Kayd invoked. They said, ‘Farrukhza¯d hit her and cut her to pieces.’ King Kayd was infuriated and did not remain still. He came into the midst of the camp and everyone was asleep. The King’s servant asked the guards when Farrukhza¯d had passed. They said, ‘It is too late because he has left.’ He said to the army, ‘Be vigilant because tonight I am on guard and Alexander is close.’ When King Kayd heard this words, he said, ‘Be victorious because the [disguised, fraud] impostor is close.’ Then the servant said, ‘O King! It is not safe for you to go alone.’ A hundred riders came and King Kayd dispatched them close to the road. He did not see anyone but the stools of the horses were fresh. He said, ‘He passed from here, if he is on alert [guard] or like a fugitive and left. When another portion/piece left, he looked and saw two riders standing in the middle of the road.’ There was a deep darkness and King Kayd did not recognise his daughter. He thought that she was a slave girl. The girl said to Alexander, ‘O you coward, why did you stay? Behold! My father’s army has arrived!’ Alexander said, ‘I stood here to listen to your father and to take him on my own because I prefer not to set him free in this place.’ The girl knew what the King was talking about. Then King Kayd arrived and called out at him. He said, ‘O Farrukhza¯d! You who have come in disguise, come out! Because I have brought 1,000 soldiers.’

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Alexander said, ‘There is a problem when something is obvious. But there should be no problem with something which is concealed.’ King Kayd knew that Farrukhza¯d was informed about the plot that they had planned. King Kayd said, ‘What kind of words are these? I am not aware of them!’ Alexander said, ‘You are lying!’ King Kayd was angered by these words and said to him, ‘What are you saying?’ Alexander replied, ‘What do you hear?’ Kayd said, ‘Why did you force my daughter to break God’s idols?’ Alexander replied, ‘She did it on her own.’ ‘How did my daughter break God’s idols?’ Kayd asked. ‘If it was a true God, then he could not be broken,’ Alexander replied. ‘Where is my daughter?’ Kayd asked. ‘She is the one who is standing opposite you. Don’t you recognise her?’ Alexander said. Kayd looked around and saw his daughter who was wearing a hat. He was angered and he wanted to approach his daughter. He spoke first to her but the girl did not say a word. Then Kayd said, ‘O Farrukhza¯d, if you came disguised, then why did you bring her with you?’ ‘I am not here as a scout because I am heading to Iran and I will take her with me.’ King Kayd said, ‘I was correct when I knew that you would not observe your oath.’ ‘You did not observe your oath. What did I do and you ordered to have me put in chains? I announce to you now that Alexander, the King of the World has arrived,’ Alexander said. ‘Why do you stand here along with this shameless lady?’ Kayd said. ‘They came and said that Alexander has come with 20,000 armoured cavalry to attack your camp,’ Alexander said. ‘Let’s go to the camp and prepare the army,’ King Kayd said. ‘After this I can never come to your camp,’ Alexander said. ‘I will take you there,’ Kayd said. ‘You cannot take me there,’ Alexander insisted. Kayd became angry and said to those 100 cavaliers, ‘Arrest this disgraceful and villainous man.’ The cavaliers cried out his name. Alexander attacked them. He always had a lasso curled around his saddle straps. He took that lasso and said to Kayd, ‘I wanted to arrest you in this camp.’ He said this and he used the lasso which was twisted like a ring and it fell around Kayd’s neck and threw him from the saddle. He then ordered them to tie up his hands. Then King Kayd said to his army, ‘O you cowards, what are you waiting for? Arrest him! The Indians had become powerless.’ Then he said, ‘Two individuals should go and inform the camp.’ The two cavaliers rushed and the others were trying to attack Alexander. He fought against those 100 cavaliers with his short metal spear and penetrated ten of them. The rest fled and the King ran after them. They wanted him back very much and Bahra¯m returned amongst them. He went after those two cavaliers who went to inform the camp. He caught and chained both of them. Then the whole of his cavaliers went on foot. King Alexander ordered, ‘Tie up the hands of one another.’ So was the situation and the clamour from Alexander’s army arose when Aristotle arrived with an army of 5,000 cavaliers. King Kayd said, ‘O Farrukhza¯d, do not hand us over to Alexander. After all you are my son-in-law and I am the father of your wife.’ Alexander said, ‘Every day I was making trouble for you but not today. This is not Alexander with Aristotle’s army.’ ‘Alas! What will you do to me?’ Kayd asked. Alexander called Bahra¯m who had come with that army and said, ‘Take him and put him in my palace in the women’s quarters.’ He spoke to Bahra¯m in Greek so that Kayd may not understand.

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Kayd said, ‘Alas! O Farrukhza¯d, do you send us back to Alexander?’ ‘Be joyful, for I am sending you back to your home,’ Alexander said. Bahra¯m showed him the beasts of burden and took him to Aristotle. It was very dark at night and Aristotle along with his army were still on their way. He told Bahra¯m, ‘So be it.’ Bahra¯m said, ‘He is the King of all Indians.’ Aristotle was astonished and said, ‘Where are you taking him?’ Bahra¯m said, ‘King Alexander has ordered, “Take him to my palace and to the women’s quarters.”’ ‘Where is the King?’ Aristotle asked. ‘Behold! He is coming,’ Bahra¯m said. When he sent Kayd away, Alexander told his wife, ‘Come and disguise yourself [wear a veil] because the army has arrived.’ The girl said, ‘First, tell the truth; where did you send my father?’ Alexander said, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I sent him home and I wanted that very much.’ She said, ‘Home is to the direction we came from. You sent him to the opposite direction.’ The King said, ‘I sent him on that road to avoid the army seeing him.’ She then said, ‘Where will you take me now? For you will encounter the army?’ She continued, ‘God of the Sky and the Earth who is my father will not make me victorious because I fell to your hands. Why didn’t he give me to a king so as to have faith and happiness in my palace? He gave me to a thief who makes me wander in the desert like a slave. And at the end where did you take my dowry?’ Alexander was angry but he was gentle with her. He said, ‘I will send you to your father too.’ Then she said, ‘You took my property and now you want to send me to my father?’ The King said, ‘The army has come, wait until we see what will happen to my and your case. Get on the horse quickly and wear your veil.’ She was scared and vilified the King in the Indian language. The King knew that she vilified him in Indian but he did not say anything and he was calm and the morning came. Those 5,000 cavaliers, who were with Aristotle, arrived. They were all commanders and nobles from Greece. When they saw Alexander from a distance, they got off their horses and paid tribute to him. They brought Alexander’s royal garments and his special horse. He wore the garments and got on his horse while they brought a golden umbrella for him, which they carried over his head. When the girl saw this, she understood that he was Alexander. She was scared and she attempted smartly to leave but she fell off her horse. The King became merciful. He ordered the servants, ‘Get her and go to the camp taking her to the pavilion until I come.’ The servants brought a myrtle that Aristotle had brought for himself. They put her there and took her to the camp. And she was not happy yet. When they took her there, the concubines came, brought her earrings and she became joyful. Yet she was still afraid that she had foolishly said too many things to the King. She said, ‘I do not know what the King will do to me.’ When Bahra¯m brought Kayd to the camp, he sent him to the women’s quarters and when he saw his daughter and his granddaughters whom he had not seen before, he was ¯ za¯dbakht’s wife astonished. All of them came next to him and his daughter, who was A and Ma¯ha¯farı¯n’s mother, fell to his feet. They told him, ‘Tell us again what happened.’ Then Kayd said, ‘A dog by the name of Farrukhza¯d came to my city, I accepted him and gave my daughter, Motarsaf, to be his wife. [In return] he did this to me, arrested me and sent me as a gift to King Alexander.’ His women and daughters were astonished by his impotence. They sat next to him and they did not release him.

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When the King came to Aristotle, everybody praised Alexander for his manliness. Two Indians were sent to Ceylon and spread the news that King Kayd had been arrested. The army of Ceylon fought against each other and many people were killed. Aristotle said to King Alexander, ‘From here to the city of Ceylon it is four parasangs distance. Until we go there, the battle might have been over.’ They sent a letter to a commander, whose name was Pı¯ru ¯ z, to go to Ceylon and announce that there is no problem with anyone. When he came to Ceylon, he entered the city and demonstrated the calamity and misfortune. The people received it with ease. It was also announced that Alexander, the King of the World, had decreed that everyone should remain safe and happy and that there is no problem with anyone and that everyone was secure. When the King with Aristotle returned from there to his camp, Kayd still did not know that he had been arrested by King Alexander and that the person who was his son-in-law was Alexander. And he was taken to his daughters. Kayd thus thought that Farrukhza¯d had sent him as a gift to Alexander. When Alexander came to his chamber, he sat on the throne and ordered his army to stand in a row and the noblemen to come there. When everything took place accordingly, he ordered them to bring Kayd in chains. When they brought him, he was scared. He said to his daughters, ‘He came in response to my cry.’ His daughters said, ‘We know that today he will not order them to kill you. Go today until you see what his orders are. You need to narrate to us politely the whole story so we can speak favourably of you to him when he comes out of the hall of justice [court] and comes to his bedchamber.’ Then they brought Kayd to the courtroom of Alexander. They put him into that square and placed him next to the throne of Alexander. When King Kayd reached the throne, he paid tribute and looked at Alexander. He recognised the King and immediately he realised that Farrukhza¯d was Alexander. He was astonished by this and by what had preceded. He fell to the ground next to the King’s throne and said, ‘O King! I wish so much I knew.’ Alexander felt mercy for him and ordered them to unchain him and to put him in his place. When he returned to his women, he told them, ‘I did not know that my son-in-law was Alexander. Things went wrong. Now he is amongst my daughter and granddaughters. I hope that my life will not be endangered.’ His daughters said, ‘Fear not.’ One of them said, ‘Where is Motarsaf, who is King’s wife?’ They said, ‘we do not know.’ As King Kayd and the women were having this discussion, King Alexander entered. Ma¯ha¯farı¯n, who was the daughter of the King of Kashmir and Alexander’s wife, had been in the West for a month and she had not seen him. She came to the King and paid tribute to him, kissing his hands and feet. Then she saw King Kayd who was sitting there. She sent a servant to bring Motarsaf. When they brought her, her sister saw her. She rejoiced and looked at her father. She said, ‘O father, we have spoken favourably to King Alexander for you but King Alexander is patient. But we cannot see his character.’ Then all the women left to save Kayd.

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When the King looked at Kayd’s daughters, he felt mercy for Kayd and his daughters. Kayd rose and approached Alexander. He stood and paid tribute, saying, ‘O King of the World! I and my daughters want you very much to forgive us.’ Then King Alexander said, ‘You must ask God of the Sky and the Earth for forgiveness.’ Then King Kayd said, ‘O King! What are you going to do with your old and weak slave?’ King Alexander answered, ‘I spared your life and I did it for the sake of your daughters and I have two conditions for you. You need to agree to both of them.’ ‘Please say them for me to hear,’ Kayd said. Alexander said, ‘Renounce the worship of idols so I can give you back the kingship of India as you were before. And you need also to pay capitation tax. If you do not fulfil both of them, then I will prohibit you from coming to the regions of India and to be the king any more.’ Kayd said, ‘O King! I confess faith to God and I renounce the worship of idols.’ Alexander said, ‘You must confess that the creation of 18,000 worlds was the work of one God who has no wives or children, He has no peer, no one is compared and is equal to Him. And that there is no other God; and that the idols, the Sun and the Stars are a reflection of God, because God is the Creator.’ Kayd said these and wept. Then the King ordered, ‘Now I will make you King of Ceylon again and ruler of the Indian regions. How much tax will you give me annually?’ Kayd said, ‘O King, your orders will be obeyed.’ Alexander insisted, ‘How much tax will you give me for all of India?’ ‘The tax will have no limit and it will be incomparable,’ Kayd said. Then Alexander gathered Aristotle and the noblemen as mediators and it was agreed that each year Kayd should give 1,000 gold eggs, each one equal with 1,000 dı¯nars. Then King Alexander said, ‘How much will you give for the provisions of my army and my self?’ The noblemen replied, ‘He will give another 1,000 golden eggs in this respect.’ Kayd said, ‘I accept the order and I will give the money.’ King Alexander ordered, ‘The tax of three years should be submitted to my treasury now. Given that for the next three years we will be travelling around the world, we may not reach our destination.’ Kayd said, ‘I will give the money.’ And he gave him 4,000 golden eggs. Alexander gave him a robe of honour and sent him to Ceylon. He again called the commander who was there and ordered him to bring a white elephant, to place a throne over it and put a crown on Kayd’s head. Alexander ordered Aristotle to go with him accompanied by the military aristocracy and they placed Kayd on the throne of Ceylon and legitimised him as king. Alexander said, ‘He must bring those golden eggs on his own.’ King Kayd said, ‘If Alexander honours me and if he comes in two weeks with all his court, I will have a great name.’ Alexander said, ‘Maybe we need to go for pilgrimage at the Tomb of Adam, peace be upon Him, and to see that place. There must be a reason for us to get to that wealthy land from here and to see all the miracles of that land. When we return from there, we may see you. And after this, we will go by land and from there to the sea towards the House of God Almighty to perform pilgrimage at the Ka‘ba, God’s Will!’ Aristotle said, ‘O King, let’s not ask for 4,000 golden eggs in one day. Let’s be good to him so that he may change because destiny might make him strong.’ Kayd knew what Aristotle meant. He said, ‘O King! If you want in your realm your son-in-law to give you 20,000 golden eggs as capitation tax, this is too much for India.’ Then he said, ‘O King, for your trouble, because

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you came as my guest visitor, I will give you an extra 1,000 golden eggs.’ King Alexander agreed, saying, ‘I will come to you after two days.’ Then they brought a royal dress like Alexander’s for Kayd and sent him to Ceylon in such strength [splendour] that nobody else had in India. The army of Ceylon accepted him and returned with him to bring the elephants. The Indians celebrate that day as the celebration of Shemr. This has been written in historiographical accounts including the day and month of that event. This day is widely and majestically celebrated amongst the Indians. When Kayd returned to Ceylon, he prepared great provisions for war, loaded them onto the elephants and sent them to Alexander. The latter accepted this offer and then he took his army from there and he came to Ceylon. King Kayd along with the nobility of Ceylon came again. King Kayd was always sitting on an elephant. But on that day, they brought an elephant and Alexander sat on it. The Indians never let any aristocrat or nobleman sit on an elephant. After Alexander came to Ceylon and was accepted in a spirit of hospitality by Kayd, he stayed there for three days and on the fourth day he left and went for pilgrimage to the Tomb of Adam, peace be upon Him. THE PILGRIMAGE OF ALEXANDER TO ADAM’S TOMB AND HIS JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF GOLD It is thus divinely narrated that after staying at Kayd’s as a guest for three days, Alexander went to the Tomb of Adam on pilgrimage. He gave gold and rich gowns to the Indians who were the guardians of the Tomb of Adam, and they showed him the wonders of the land. On the mountain, Alexander noticed a big site from which light emanated. Nearby he saw a spot where in full daylight darkness and smoke emanated. Alexander asked the Indian guardians about the dark and the light spots. They replied, ‘O King! When God ordered Adam, Satan and the serpent to go to earth and be enemies, they came here. Adam touched the earth on the spot where light emanates. Eve went to Jidda and the serpent to Qum. Regarding Satan, there are various opinions; some people say that he landed in Pa¯rs, and some others say he landed in Isfahan, believing thus that Dajjal will come from there. Others insist that he landed in Babylon. Hence this light rises from the footsteps of Adam.’ Then Alexander found thousands of different – some sweet and pleasant, and some bitter and unpleasant – herbs growing on the mountain in Ceylon. Alexander asked the Indians what those different sweet and bitter herbs were. They replied, ‘The dark and bitter herbs grew from Adam’s tears, who wept over his sin for many years. These herbs can be used as medicine and remedies. Adam wept out of joy and these herbs grew from tears of joy.’ Alexander was astonished by what he heard, and he was so joyful and excited as he had never been before. Then he inquired about the dark spot. They replied, ‘In that spot Cain killed Abel, and since then darkness emanates from it.’ Alexander stayed there for a day and saw those wonders. Then he found guides and went on board his ship. They prepared thousands of ships and numerous boats. On that day never had so many creatures crossed the sea since God created the waters.

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Alexander steered the ships and they sailed the seas non-stop for a month. The winds were favourable and the ships advanced as planned. After a month had passed, Alexander asked Aristotle about the remaining provisions for the army. Aristotle replied, ‘O King, we have almost run out of provisions!’ Alexander was saddened and said, ‘The sea is dangerous, the water salty and sour, and there is no food for 200,000 men and thousands of beasts of burden. What are we going to do?’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! We cannot see the shore. What can we do?’ Alexander replied, ‘We must turn to God!’ Yet by prostrating himself in prayer and weeping, he instantly grew hopeful. He ordered his men to pull up the anchors and the vessels moved on rapidly. The next day a big mountain appeared in the middle of the sea. The men cried, ‘God is Greatest!’ praising God. Alexander ordered one of his men to climb the mountain and explore what was behind it. One of the Indians climbed that big mountain, finding behind it a world of God-made slabs. He did not know what they were. He returned to Alexander and said, ‘Behind this mountain there are plants like millet. The field must lead to inhabited land. There must be people living here and this is their farm.’ Alexander understood at once that this was the Mountain of Gold and the Land of Gold, which were created by God. Yet he did not say anything. The next day they went ashore and camped. His men fell upon that land, gathering as much gold as they could and bringing it to Alexander, who added it to his treasury. Yet when the sun rose and it became hot, an animal came out of a hole for every bar of gold. Together, they swarmed over the Land of Gold and when they saw the men they started to attack them, killing those who still remained in the Land of Gold. Alexander was filled with sorrow and said, ‘Gold must be highly praised because God created such a danger in the region, so that those who come after gold may not leave the land alive. Otherwise, gold would be abundant.’ He ordered his men to shoot their arrows at those animals and they killed many of them. These creatures are gold bees; each one is the size of a dog. Now, as the day went on, the bees increased until there were ten gold bees or more for every soldier. But when it was the time for the evening prayer and it turned cold, the bees grew faint, due to the fact they were powerless against cold. Alexander told his men to shoot at them. That night some people appeared from the sea and came before Alexander. They bowed to him, offering presents. Alexander asked them who they were. They replied, ‘O King! We are humans and here is our birthplace and our home. We have abandoned our houses due to the bees. During the day, we remain on an island, because the bees cannot cross the water to harm us. At night, they escape the cold and we come ashore.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What do the bees eat?’ They replied, ‘They eat grass, but they can smell humans, tear them apart and eat them. They have devoured many of our children!’ Alexander asked, ‘How big is the Land of Gold?’ They said, ‘God knows best!’ Alexander asked, ‘What is your number?’ They replied, ‘There are 1,000 of us on this island.’ Alexander asked again, ‘Is the gold there all the time?’ They said, ‘O King! It is once in a lifetime that a stranger crosses this hazardous sea to come here, because nobody may arrive here in fifty, forty and thirty years, except an unfortunate merchant whose ship has sunk and who is thrown upon this land. In this sea there is a place called ‘Ayn al-Sha‘ab,

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and, when the ship sinks there, the sea brings the passengers here.’ Alexander asked, ‘Has any king ever come here?’ They replied, ‘O King! Our ancestors have told us that a king, named Zahha¯k, crossed this land. He ruled 1,000 years.’ Alexander asked, ‘Where did your fathers learn about him?’ They replied, ‘We found this in written accounts where we read that another king will come with thousands men and he will conquer the water and the land. The name of this king is the Double-Horned One! He will come ashore at night and on that very night, he will conquer the Land of Gold and take as much gold as he wants.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What else did you find?’ They replied, ‘We read that Zahha¯k reigned for 1,000 years and the other king who will come here will reign for fourteen years. During his reign he will go around the world to the Land of Darkness and he will kill many kings.’ Alexander became sad because six of the fourteen years had already elapsed, but he said nothing. They did not know that he was the king mentioned in the written accounts. Then Alexander asked, ‘Apart from you, are there any other people here?’ They replied, ‘No.’ He said, ‘I must save you from the annoyance of these creatures!’ He asked them where those creatures lived. They replied, ‘The mountain in the middle of the sea is full of holes from where they emerge.’ Alexander ordered his men, ‘Tomorrow, let the Iranian soldiers wear their armour and remain on the shore.’ He ordered them to take the horses on board. Then they dropped the anchors and the animals were safe. The next morning bees, double in number, came from the holes. They smelled human flesh, came ashore and found out about the men and the beasts on the vessels. They wanted to enter the sea, but they could not, for Alexander ordered his men to shoot against them from the sea. Hence, many of the creatures were slain. However, the rest of the bees went inland, at a safe distance, where they would not be targeted with arrows. After sunset, during the evening prayer, it became cold and the men were cold at sea. Alexander selected 5,000 Iranians and those from the Pa¯rs province, who were the bravest in his army. He ordered them to put on their armour edged with silk and to equip themselves with bows and arrows. He also ordered them to go to the mountain and prevent the bees from returning to their holes. After sunset, the frozen gold bees set out to return to their holes, but the men shot at them and killed them. When night came, the soldiers went ashore, set up their tents and remained there. The inhabitants of the land praised Alexander, saying, ‘O King! It has been 5,000 years since Zahha¯k came to this land and punished these creatures. Then you arrived and saved us from this annoyance.’ Alexander asked, ‘Are any of them still alive?’ They replied, ‘O King! Their leader has not come yet.’ Alexander asked, ‘How did Zahha¯k kill them?’ They replied, ‘O King! We have read that he was a sorcerer. He cast a spell on the sea to make it seem like the land. He went on board the ship. The gold bees went after him and his army, entered the sea, thinking that it was land and thus were drowned. The remaining ones went to their holes and multiplied. Now their leader is still in the hole and has not come out yet.’ Alexander said, ‘Zahha¯k succeeded in this through sorcery! We do not know any sorcery and whatever we accomplish is through the name of God and our strength.’ The next day at noon, the King ordered his men to transfer the tents to the ship. Then, like the first time, many bees appeared from the holes and their leader was as big as

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a donkey. They moved to the camp and they caught and ate two or three of the men. Alexander was alerted. Meanwhile the men armed themselves and began to shoot against the bees from the sea. Yet the bees did not retreat and their leader along with the rest came to the edge of the water. When Alexander saw their predominance, he prostrated himself to God, saying, ‘O God! You have given your servant everything that he wished for and you have made him dominant all over the world. Bestow on him victory over these enemies of mankind, for from the gnat unto the elephant, all are in your command.’ Then he rose from prayer, put on his armour and his helmet, took an iron spear and went to the shore on foot. None of these creatures attempted to approach Alexander as he went towards them in the name of God. And it is said that Alexander carried with him thirty of God’s Names. Every conquest Alexander made was by virtue of those names, which are written in Hebrew. He kept those names, which encompass great virtues, encased in gold in his treasury. And on that day, bearing the names in his hand, he roared like a lion, attacking those creatures with his spear. Now, by God’s decree, when the bees, who were over 100,000 in number, saw the light, they were terrified and even their chief attempted to flee but he did not succeed. Alexander’s men barred his way, crying, ‘God is greatest!’ When the bees began to flee, Alexander came out of the camp and ordered his men to block their holes. They approached the holes armed with bows and arrows. Alexander also had a bow and arrow in hand and shot a long arrow that struck the chief to the ground. The rest, who had grown faint, because the day had almost ended, were powerless against the arrows. They were all killed, except for those few who had stayed in the holes. Alexander stayed there for four more days. Out of their fear for Alexander, the creatures did not ever leave their holes before Alexander’s departure. Alexander took much gold from that land but he was aware of the fact that he would not live long. He displayed kindness to the inhabitants of the land. Then he went on board and left, having in mind all the time his approaching death. Then he thought, ‘The Land of Darkness is close. I will look for the Water of Life!’ They steered the ships until they came across a mountain in the middle of the sea. Alexander ordered his men to go up the mountain and discover what was behind it. They found a meadow with fruit trees, as bountiful as the Garden of Eden. It was so vast that nobody, except God, knew its length and breadth. They remained there that night, and in the morning, Alexander went to the mountain. In a thicket, he saw a shepherd with many sheep. Alexander told his men to bring the shepherd to him. They acted accordingly. Alexander asked, ‘Who are you, and whose sheep are these?’ The shepherd marvelled at all the vessels and the army, because he had never seen something similar on that island. He replied, ‘I am a merchant, and there were ten more with me when we came across this place. We were all from Kerman, and we had gone to do trading. It was God’s will that we be shipwrecked. Each one of us tied himself to a board and we were borne thus, existing for one month. We drank only seawater and some of us happened to reach a mountain where we could find edible herbs or fruits. Then we arrived here, a land inhabited by those creatures with the hairy feet, that is, the children of Adam. They are fair skinned, clean and beautiful. Their land is fertile and full of orchards and fruit trees, and they feed upon fruit. They have many sheep but they do not know how to use the knife or the sword. They have

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never seen fire. They tear the throat of the sheep with their teeth, which are like those of a lion, and eat them. They are called the Dava¯lpa¯ya¯n, those with the hairy feet, because they have no bones in their shanks. When they see us, they cling to us and, with their teeth, they tear at our flesh. They sit on our necks and they treat us as beasts of burden, making us their shepherds. They have captured 170 of us. The daughters of these reptiles are beautiful like the moon and the sun. They hang from our necks and force us to lie with them so that they may become pregnant and give birth to sons who have shank bones and use them as their steeds. We are their captives.’ Alexander felt pity for him and was astonished by what he had heard. ALEXANDER, THE CREATURES WITH THE HAIRY FEET AND THE WAR BETWEEN THEM It is thus divinely narrated that when Alexander learned about the problem of these prisoners, he was saddened because they were Muslims. He said, ‘Be happy and fear not! I will set you free you from their tyranny. I will cause mayhem amongst them this very moment.’ Then he asked, ‘How many are they?’ They replied, ‘God knows best!’ Alexander said, ‘Go and tell them “Alexander the Double-Horned One has come. You must go before him if you wish him not to harm you.”’ The men rejoiced. The 170 captives were all devout Muslims. Each had arrived there from a different land. When the shepherd gave them the glad tidings, they said, ‘May God rescue us from these with the hairy feet and may he end our suffering!’ Then the shepherds went to the chief of those with the hairy feet and warned him, ‘Alexander, the King of the World and the Conqueror of the Countries, has come to this land. He has slain and subjugated every monarch on his way, thus conquering the whole world. Now he is here and he has summoned you to his presence.’ Hearing this, the chief of the Ones with the Hairy Feet and some from his army rode on their captives and went to Alexander. When Alexander saw them thus riding their captives, he was angered. Nobody had ever seen Alexander so angry before. He ordered a prince, standing before his throne with a drawn sword to strike. There were twenty of the Ones with the Hairy Feet. The prince raised his sword and cut off their heads. In his anger, Alexander ordered part of the troops to arm themselves, to take bottles of naphtha and to set the thicket on fire. Those with the hairy feet were frightened and they took refuge on a high mountain in the middle of the sea. Only God knows their number. However, their females could not escape and they were very beautiful. Alexander’s soldiers raped many of them because they had been away from their homeland for many years without having seen any women. When they returned to Alexander, they said, ‘We slew whom we could and the rest of them have taken refuge in these high mountains.’ Then Alexander freed the 170 captives and he took them to his camp. He said, ‘Our aim was to set these merchants free. Now we can leave.’ Then he asked the merchants how long they had been captive there. Some of them said ten, some others said twenty years. Then he asked them to answer sincerely what their capital had been. Everyone answered truthfully. From his treasury, Alexander gave each his lost capital. He told them

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to be of good cheer, saying, ‘I will transfer you back to ‘Uman and from there each one of you will return to his own home and family.’ Everyone praised Alexander. Some of the merchants were from Greece. Again Alexander prepared for the sea, went on board and set out sailing. After a short time, he reached India. When he went ashore, he thought, ‘Our journey has been long. Out of the fourteen years, seven have already passed and yet I have not seen half of the world. I am afraid that the exalted and holy Lord will summon me to Him before my wishes are fulfilled.’ However, although he was afraid of death, he had not given up hope and continued to look for the Water of Life and for a sage to tell him of the Arab Zahha¯k, who had been king for a millennium. Given that he had failed to find someone who could inform him of these details, he said to Aristotle, ‘What is to happen? Our expedition has lasted many years and we have not yet seen the world. The kingdoms of Iran and Greece have been left unsupervised. Our enemies could attack from Turkestan and win Iran and Greece, because the Turks and the descendants of Afrasiyab seek to take reprisal on Iran and Greece. The soldiers there are not sufficient in number to withstand them.’ Aristotle said, ‘The King is to be obeyed! For what he says is right.’ Alexander said, ‘We will go around the world and return to our homeland soon. Yet God forbid that on our return we find the enemy thriving, for then we will have only trouble.’ Aristotle said, ‘It is as the King says! What are we going to do?’ Then Alexander came ashore and visited the Tomb of Adam for a second time. King Kayd prepared provisions and sent them to Alexander, welcoming him with all his army. When he saw Alexander, he came down from the elephant and bowed to him. Alexander was generous to him and immediately entered the city and the palace of Kayd. Kayd scattered 100,000 dı¯nars in Alexander’s honour. Alexander was pleased and said to Kayd, ‘You did justice. Go to the harem and visit you daughter!’ There Kayd’s daughter welcomed him favourably. Alexander stayed in Ceylon for five days. Then he bade Kayd farewell, saying, ‘I do not know whether we shall ever meet again.’ He went on board the ship and sailed for Kashmir. When Farrukhbakht, the King of Kashmir, heard the news of Alexander’s return from the pilgrimage to the Tomb of Adam and from the journey to the Land of Gold and the Land of the Ones with the Hairy Feet, he ordered his men to decorate Kashmir. They welcomed Alexander with thousands of elephants bedecked with fineries and carrying musicians on their backs. Alexander entered Kashmir with grandeur and brilliance that had not been attested to before. He stayed in Kashmir for ten days and he gave his mother-in-law to Farrukhbakht in marriage, thus celebrating the event. His mother-in¯ za¯dbakht’s wife and Kayd’s daughter. law was A One day the King was riding and saw a man with no limbs and no eyes, begging by ¯ za¯dbakht. Alexander the road. He inquired about his identity and learned that he was A felt pity for him. He ordered his attendants to take him to the palace and asked ¯ za¯dbakht’s brother to shelter him and to provide him with everything that was A necessary until the day of his death. Everyone will die, the slave and the free man; only God is immortal. Farrukhbakht said to Alexander, ‘O King! It was out of fear for you that

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I did not take care for him before. Now that you command I am bound to obey, and I will succeed in my duty.’ Then Alexander departed from that land. The size of his army was immeasureable. They loaded all the elephants with gold and only God knows the amount of the gold that Alexander brought to ‘Uman from India and from the Land of Gold. When the King of ‘Uman heard of Alexander’s arrival, he ordered his men to decorate the city. He prepared three days’ provisions for Alexander’s army and he went to welcome him with many presents, offering thanks to God for the safe return of Alexander. Alexander remained in ‘Uman for a week, and then allowed the merchants to go back to their homeland. Having bid the King of ‘Uman farewell, he started by sea for the House of God. He came ashore at Mecca and the people of that land heard of his arrival. ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL AT MECCA AND THE HOUSE OF THE PROPHET, AND THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND THE PEOPLE OF MECCA It is thus divinely narrated that when Alexander arrived in Mecca, the news of his arrival was spread amongst the inhabitants of that shrine and its leaders. They were alerted and did not know what Alexander was contriving. At the time, the rulers were the descendants of Ilya¯s. The ruler of Mecca was Ilya¯s, the son of Khara, the descendants of Isma‘ı¯l and they had been deprived of their role as leaders of the community. Ilya¯s said, ‘Let us go to his presence before he comes to us!’ Hence, all the descendants of the Prophet went to Alexander, who had camped with his huge army of soldiers, horses and elephants four parasangs from Mecca. The rulers of Mecca had never seen such a huge camp and marvelled at the size of Alexander’s army. The latter was informed that the Meccan rulers had arrived and he allowed them to come to his presence. As they entered, Alexander noticed their holiness and he was moved. He had never seen Arabs before.2 He had a close look at them and asked about the identity of their chief. Pointing to Ilya¯s, the son of Munzar, they said, ‘This is our chief!’ Alexander honoured Ilya¯s and told the rulers of Mecca that he held them in high regard. Then he allowed them to return. The following day, Alexander and all his men came to visit Mecca and the House of God. The King entered the House of God, performing the circumambulation, weeping and imploring God to forgive him. He stayed in Mecca for fifteen days, and visited Mina and Muzdalifa and the ‘Arafat Mountain. He drank from Zam Zam and said his prayers at Maqam-i Ibrahim. When he had completed his religious rites, he sat in the House of God and ordered his soldiers to decorate it with fine silk. The amount of gold he spent there is known to no one but God. There he called the rulers of Mecca to his presence. The blessed and exalted God had given Abraham’s light to Isma‘ı¯l and from Isma‘ı¯l to his sons, generation after generation. In Alexander’s time, the light was on the forehead of Nasr, the son of Qabit, who along with his uncle held the government. He was a descendant of Isma‘ı¯l’s but he was more skilful and more indigent. He never stole any property.

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Thus, the group of rulers were gathered and said, ‘We must prepare provisions for him.’ They informed Alexander that they were preparing to offer him provisions. The King sent someone to them and said, ‘God forbid that I may want provisions from the people who reside in the House of God! I came on my own here to offer every piece of gold that I brought from India and the areas of the infidels to the House of Almighty God and to those who offer their services to the House. I did not come to take anything from you. All of you come with me because I want to talk to you.’ When they heard this, they insisted on sending provisions and all of them rose and went to King Alexander. The King asked them separately, ‘Who is Isma‘ı¯l’s descendant?’ And he looked at their foreheads. Ilya¯s bin Muzar knew what the King was looking for and was terrified immediately. Nasr, the son of Qabit, who was there, called him quietly and sent him to deal with a task. When Alexander inquired from that group of people and asked their names and their forefathers’ names, he did not see that light on the forehead of anyone. He said, ‘What a surprise! I cannot find in you the light of the last Prophet of the Times of the Almighty God which has given joyful news that the Torah and the other sacred books of Abraham mention. But is there anyone from you who has gone for commerce to Syria or is he about to go there?’ The people replied, ‘Some people have gone there.’ Then the King thought to himself, ‘Since they are not here, nothing can be done.’ Then the King fell silent. The people prostrated themselves before him and left. The King returned from the Sanctuary to the palace. That day passed and the King stayed in Mecca for fifteen days. One day the King was sitting in the House of God and he went round the Ka‘ba, saying, ‘O God! Be merciful to your shameless slave.’ And he was praying, lamenting and abasing himself. Suddenly he glanced next to him and saw a youth standing there. A light was shining from his forehead. King Alexander noticed the youth’s purity and called him to come close to him. He gratified him and asked, ‘What is your name?’ ‘My name is Nasr the son of Qabit,’ the youth replied. Then the King asked, ‘How many generations does your origin go back to Isma‘ı¯l?’ ‘Seven generations,’ he replied. ‘How many of your forefather’s names do you know?’ asked Alexander. ‘Nasr, the son of Qabit, the son of Nazar, the son of Moad, the son of ‘Adnan, the son of ‘Ad, the son of Salim, the son of Isma‘ı¯l, the son of Abraham, the Friend of God.’ ‘Why are you not the Ruler of Mecca?’ asked Alexander. ‘O King!’ the youth answered, ‘my father was the ruler of Mecca. The people rejected me on the grounds that I was poor and the current ruler is very rich.’ ‘What is the relation between you and him?’ inquired Alexander. ‘He is my cousin,’ he said. ‘How many camels does he have?’ asked Alexander. ‘O King! He has plenty of camels and flocks,’ he replied. The King said, ‘I will give you 1,000 flocks and 1,000 camels. Do you have a house and property?’ ‘O King! I must be equal to him in everything,’ he replied. ‘How many gold and silver coins does he have and you do not have?’ Alexander asked. ‘O King! He does not have coins but he has many Arabian horses and many pieces of armour.’ ‘Does he have 100 horses?’ asked Alexander. ‘Yes, he does,’ he replied. ‘I will give you 200 Arabian horses, 1,000 red gold coins, many slaves, garments, arms, armour and whatever you need,’ Alexander replied.

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And he gave him all of these on that day. The people of Mecca were not aware of these developments. The next day, Alexander sent someone to summon them. Nasr, the son of Qabit, was sitting next to the King when they came. The King said to them, ‘Do you know whose this light is that comes from the forehead of this bright man?’ ‘This is the light of that Prophet who will appear on the Day of Judgement. Without him the Almighty would not create the Throne of God, the universe, the sky, the earth and you would not stand in this high repute that you are, being His creation. Why should the rule of this place not be in his hands?’ They replied, ‘O King! The rule of this place belongs to that man who has various riches, armour and beasts of burden.’ Alexander said, ‘He [Nasr, the son of Qabit] and his offspring have all these and he must be the ruler of Mecca and all Arab tribes as he writes constantly in a thanking letter to me. As I stated to you before, he is of this origin. I have held you in a high regard and you have been embittered now by this improper situation.’ Then the King wore a special garment in the Temple and they placed him [Nasr, the son of Qabit] next to Alexander. Similarly, Alexander ordered the princes on their stirrups to go on foot up to the palace. The next day, Alexander and Aristotle along with the nobility came on horse to the palace of Nasr, the son of Qabit. They asked him again and paid great respect to him. When the people of Mecca saw everyone bowing before the King, they said, ‘How annoying it is to obey the order of the King to come out!’ Then Alexander received capitation tax from the people of Mecca, bid farewell to the House of Ka‘ba and departed with his army. During the journey, he kept asking someone to narrate to him the stories of the past kings in order to know the whole story of Zahha¯k. He could not find it. So Alexander departed from there towards Yemen. When the sons of Sarv, the King of Yemen, were informed that the Conqueror of Cities, the Double-Horned One, had returned from the House of the Almighty without doing any harm, and that he was so benevolent to Mecca and he gave the kingship to Nasr, the son of Qabit, and that he had repaired the damage of Isma‘ı¯l, they said, ‘If only does he pass without any harm from here too.’ When the King approached Yemen, he encamped there. And Peace [be upon you]! ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN YEMEN AND THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND THE KING OF YEMEN It is thus divinely narrated that when the Double-Horned One approached Yemen, he set up his camp there and decided to go to the King of Yemen disguised as messenger. Aristotle said to him, ‘O King! Beware because Mecca is never without Yemenites, or Yemen without Meccans. They have seen you and they know you. I am afraid that they can harm you.’ Alexander sent his wives and concubines to Greece accompanied by Aristotle’s son, Fı¯lı¯nu ¯ s, a virtuous, pious, wise and educated man. Alexander commanded him to go to ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter Greece and he sent a letter to his mother with him. At the time, A

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was pregnant, and so were Kayd’s daughter and eight concubines. Alexander sent everyone to Greece with many riches and an abundance of gold. He sent 20,000 worthy horsemen with them. Alexander ordered them to go to Babylon and from there to Greece. Today Babylon is called Baghdad. In this letter, Alexander wrote to his mother, ‘It has been seven years since I left Greece and it will take a book to describe every wonder I have seen. From the time I left my brother Darius the son of Darius wherever I went, I encountered nothing but victory and every desire of mine has been fulfilled. In seven years, I conquered half of the world. Yet, mother, I am afraid that my death will take me by surprise. Of the gold and the wealth I have sent you, give 100,000 dı¯nars among the poor every month and give charity to the needy. Of the women I am sending you, ten are pregnant: two are daughters of kings and eight are concubines. Take good care of the King’s ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter, because she is daughters and respect Ma¯ha¯farı¯n above everyone, A the Queen of Greece and Iran and every woman there will be obedient to her. If she gives birth to a son, name him Darius, and call the other wife’s son Philip. If they bear girls, name them as you wish. And beware! Pray to God day and night to give me more days to live.’ When he dispatched them, he said to Aristotle, ‘Be strong, for I will go to the King of Yemen. I cannot send somebody else and I have not sent anyone until this moment. Although I saw the lands of Iran, India and Sind, I have not yet seen the lands of Arabs. And there is no more important king than that of Yemen. Remember to pray for me. Replace me and rule. Until I return the army must call you “Alexander.”’ Then Alexander concealed his long hair, he was disguised as a messenger and, along with fifty horsemen, he went to the King of Yemen. The latter was a descendant of the King Sarv and was informed about Alexander’s arrival. His name was Munzar and he was righteous, wise, prudent and generous. He was very wise but he was an idolater. He said that the idol is the Almighty’s companion, God forbid, and that the God of the Sky is the greatest of those gods that people worship. Then they brought King Alexander to that city and the nobles of Yemen came to meet him. They paid him their respect and accompanied him to the city. When he approached Munzar, he saluted him in the Arab way and prostrated himself before him. His soldiers wanted to reproach him but they did not say anything at that moment. So they treated him in the manner that befits a messenger. King Munzar asked him and King Alexander knew Arabic. Munzar asked him, ‘Has anybody else in the world seen all those wonders that you saw?’ The King of Kings, the Double-Horned One, Alexander answered, explaining about the wonders he had seen. Then Munzar said, ‘What kind of message do you bring from the King of Kings, the Double-Horned One?’ He said, ‘He orders that we will camp here for ten days and then we will depart from here towards Egypt. You must prepare ten days’ provisions for my army and to come and see me so as to depart from your land without doing you any harm.’ When King Munzar heard this, he asked, ‘How many soldiers does Alexander have?’ He answered, ‘He has 200,000 elite horsemen, 100,000 from all other ranks. He has also 30,000 camels carrying armour and 30,000 mules carrying the treasury and other animals beyond comparison.’

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Then the King of Yemen thought to himself, ‘If I give provisions for ten days to this army, I must spend more than 100,000 gold coins and my name will not be mentioned.’ So it is said that he sent provisions. Then he thought to himself, ‘It is better that I myself pay these 100 gold coins and gold and slaves to send them from the regions of Tayef and Yemen. I will go to see the King on my own.’ Then he said to the messenger, ‘We must agree tonight that we will send the answer to the King of Kings tomorrow and we will come to his presence.’ King Alexander said, ‘The King’s order is to be obeyed.’ Then they took him to the palace and gave him provisions, befitting a messenger. The King of Yemen had a daughter by the name of Suhayl. There was no other woman more beautiful and noble than her. According to the customs of the Arabs, she led 100 elite horsemen with covered faces. At night, she saw King Alexander with all his power and manliness and she fell in love with him. She had also heard his name. The world knew about Alexander’s manliness and the conquest of the world. Being in love with him she kept asking about Alexander until she saw him. She came close and when she heard that Alexander’s messenger had come to her father, she wanted to see him. She was disguised as an Arab man, covering her face. And it was a custom amongst the Arabs for women to wear their veil, and especially princesses. When she came, Alexander came next to her father. She came close to her father and said to him, ‘What answer did you give to Alexander’s messenger?’ ‘I do not know the answer yet,’ he said. ‘O King! Alas! You must not infuriate him because you and your army can not compete with him.’ Munzar said, ‘God willing, I am trying to make him leave us without doing us any harm.’ She said, ‘O King! Give me an order so as to go out and visit his camp.’ Her father said, ‘It is too early for this. Because when the horsemen see us, they will think that we are trying to instigate hostilities. Until tomorrow when we dispatch the messenger, I will go to see the King and I will take you with me too so as to see King Alexander and his army.’ His daughter agreed and returned [to her quarters]. The next day at dawn King Munzar through a chamberlain called the messenger and gave him an answer, saying, ‘The King of the World must not see this region like Iran, India and other places because this land and its periphery is astonishingly small and people from other nearby regions come here to find food. We do not have provisions for King Alexander’s army. If the King stays here for ten days, then this land will be destroyed and his army will not manage to stay. Given that this kingdom cannot prepare food provisions for thousands of soldiers and beasts of burden, if the King wishes me to prepare booty for him, I can send 100,000 dı¯nars to the King as well as my children so that the King sees that I do not allow the King to come here.’ Alexander smiled and said, ‘The King is not a cannibal not to allow him to come here.’ Munzar replied, ‘The King may not eat men, but how can I dare come close to a King of this might?’ Alexander said, ‘Be at ease because our King is more merciful than any other king you may think.’ Munzar said, ‘If you promise me that you will take me to him and you will bring me out, then we will come with you.’ Alexander said, ‘I promised and promise you that I will bring you back to your home unharmed.’ Then King Munzar said, ‘Be patient for one more night in order to collect the 100,000 dı¯nars that I mentioned. Tomorrow I along with my army and you will come to see the King and bow before him.’

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When Alexander came out, he saw Munzar’s daughter. She recognised him and thought, ‘He is King Alexander whom I desire!’ But she did not inform anyone and remained silent. Then she thought, ‘I cannot say anything. If he is King Alexander whom I desire, then I will have him!’ When night came, she knew that he was Alexander whose face she had seen in her dream. However, being awake and asleep cannot happen simultaneously. She said to herself, ‘I must clear this up tonight.’ Alexander was taken to King Munzar’s palace. . . . When it was late at night and it was time for rest and sleep, the maiden stood up, veiled her face, tied an Indian dagger to her waist, grasped a candle and went to Alexander’s bed alone. Whenever Alexander went somewhere as a messenger, he would stay awake all night. He was sitting with his sword before him, when he saw a candle. He took his sword and stood. The maiden said, ‘Fear not!’ By her voice, Alexander figured out that she was a woman and he felt secure. He was very fond of women and his companions were all asleep. The maiden unveiled herself and said, ‘Fear not!’ When Alexander saw her beauty, the strength left his limbs because he had never come across a beautiful woman like her in that region. Alexander asked, ‘Who are you?’ She replied, ‘I am Suhayl of Yemen, the daughter of King Munzar. When I ride, I can unseat with my spear 100 men and cast them to the ground.’ Alexander asked, ‘Why have you come to Alexander’s messenger in the middle of the night? If we are discovered, I will be vilified and you will be undignified.’ She replied, ‘My reputation is safe and among the Arabs this is not considered wrong.’ Then Alexander asked, ‘What do you wish? If you have a request, I will convey it to the King of the Earth when I go to him.’ She said, sitting at a distance from him, ‘Say no more of this, because you yourself are the King of the Earth, Alexander. I have seen you in my dream and I have fallen in love with you. If you do not betray me and ask for me in marriage from my father, I will hide your secret. Or else, I will kill you.’ Alexander turned pale and she was now certain that he was the King himself. Then he said, ‘That dream was from a demon. I am Alexander’s servant.’ The maiden replied, ‘Stop this nonsense and have pity upon your youth. If you do not betray me, I swear to the Creator of Heaven and Earth that I will not disclose your secret.’ Alexander thought, ‘There is no place for humbleness but for manliness.’ He took the maiden coldly, put her down and tied her hands. She said to him, ‘I am content with what comes to me from you. If you take me with you in chains, I will be satisfied and will not reveal your secret.’ Alexander was troubled and did not know what to do. He decided to leave the maiden as she was and go to King Munzar. Hence, he left her in the room with ten men to guard her and he came to King Munzar, saying, ‘O King! Alexander had ordered me not to stay here for more than two days. It has been three days already since I came to you, and he is quick-tempered and tough.’ King Munzar replied, ‘I was preparing for your departure all night. I will send you immediately.’ Then he ordered that all those hats, golden and silver rarities, the slaves and concubines be brought out to the city gate, he gave Alexander the best robe of honour and dispatched him, saying, ‘Tomorrow I will come with my retinue to King Alexander’s presence.’

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When Alexander bade farewell to Munzar and he was one parasang away from the city gate of Yemen, he sent someone to call back those ten men who were the guardians of King Munzar’s daughter. He said, ‘Liberate her and let her come with me.’ Those men set her free and left. The girl thought that Alexander had left. She bit her hand because she had been deceived. But she did not reveal anything before she saw what the outcome would be. When Alexander returned to his camp, he made prostrations to thank the Almighty for escaping that situation, but his heart was burning for that girl. When those ten men who were her guardians came, he asked them about her condition. They said, ‘The girl was crying and lamenting the whole time. We could not stay there and we came back. We do not know what happened afterwards.’ The next day King Munzar prepared the provisions and along with the nobility of Yemen, he came to the camp and prostrated himself before the King. According to the customs of Arab men, she put a turban over her head and she went along with her father. When King Alexander was informed that Munzar had arrived, he thought to himself, ‘At this very moment she will recognise me. But there is no problem.’ Then he ordered that the 700 war elephants be brought and kept at that place. He also ordered them to bring 200,000 armoured horsemen to stand there. He also ordered that those kings and commanders who had come with him from other kingdoms and other viziers to sit on the golden seats. Behind the white elephants, they beat the drums. And that clamour reached the city and the villages which were ten parasangs away. King Munzar’s hands and feet trembled because of the stiffness of that army. He said, ‘The world has been turned upside down!’ he was told that this was Alexander’s custom. When he came close to the elephants, he saw them and trembled. There were 1,000 horsemen with Munzar and the Arab horses had never seen elephants before. The horsemen at his rear were dispersed and the King’s daughter got off the horse, took the bridles of the horse and she walked towards the elephants and all the rest similarly went on foot and came to the camp of Alexander, the King of the World. When they came before the King, Suhayl desired Alexander while her father was terrified by that army and elephants. He looked for the King. However, the girl looked around and saw the King and revealed that he was Alexander who had been disguised as a messenger. When King Munzar passed through all those men, the elephants, the army and the mighty, he bowed to Alexander and looked at him. He recognised him and trembled with fear. Alexander knew what had befallen him. Alexander treated him kindly and allowed him to sit on a golden seat. Munzar was afraid that Alexander would be angry with him. Munzar had another ten men with him who covered their faces. And it is the custom among the Arabs, that the noblemen cover their faces. Then Alexander said to Munzar, ‘There are two issues remaining between you and me. The one is that you are an idol worshipper.’ He said, ‘O King, I will obey your decree.’ ‘And the other one is to look for someone to narrate the story of Zahha¯k.’ He [Alexander] said, ‘O King! This Zahha¯k was of Arab descent and there is still someone

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who knows the story of Zahha¯k and the time of his rule.’ He sent a slave to fetch him before the King. Then the King looked at that girl. He was thinking how she would reveal her feelings for him to her father, to know that Alexander knows that she is Munzar’s daughter. Then he said to Munzar, ‘You have put yourself at pains and sent the provisions and the money and whatever befits a king and you have renounced idolatry. Now choose ten horsemen from your army to face ten of my horsemen because I want to see an Arab fight, but not in a hateful way, only in a playful manner as a spectacle.’ When the King had said this, he rose. He came out of his tent and he rode along with his army towards the open field. Then Munzar said, ‘Let ten horsemen of my army come forth! Make a choice!’ His daughter said, ‘Let me be one of the ten horsemen.’ Her father said, ‘it is not proper because you will disgrace me.’ She replied, ‘If I am not victorious and I do not increase the respect you have amongst the kings, then I prefer to get killed.’ Then they chose nine men and went to the battlefield and the same for the ten Iranian men who were chosen from the other side. Then Munzar said to his daughter, ‘Fight last next to your fellow fighter.’ Then those nine men who came from the King’s camp defeated those nine Yemenites because nobody can withstand the Iranians on the battlefield. Then the horseman who stood opposite Munzar’s daughter was the King of Makran. When she came into the middle of the battlefield and displayed dexterity with her sword, Alexander, the King of the World, looked at her playful style and her horsemanship and he fell in love with her. The girl suddenly stood up and hit with her sword at the rear of the head of the son of the King of Makran, casting him off the horse. She ran to King Alexander, kissing the ground where he stood. King Alexander with a golden splendour dismounted and he sat on another steed. And he gave his previous horse which was well adorned and with trappings to Munzar’s daughter. It was very sunny and hot on the battlefield. Alexander sat on the throne and said to Munzar, ‘From those of your horsemen there was a skilful one and it was a woman, not a man. When she came to the battlefield, I knew that she was a woman. When women ride, they are strong and they know to be playful. Who is this girl?’ King Munzar said, ‘The King of the World must know that this is a man.’ King Alexander became angry and repeated to Munzar, ‘This horseman is a girl!’ Munzar lied again to the King, saying, ‘This is my son. It is an Arabic custom that princes veil their faces.’ Alexander said, ‘Take this useless fraud so as to understand clearly that he cannot speak thus before me. Take this girl too.’ And he terrified both of them. King Alexander asked the girl, ‘Are you not a woman?’ ‘My father assured you that I am not!’ she replied. Then Alexander sent both of them, father and daughter, to Aristotle, saying, ‘Behold! Their guards have disappeared and the ranks of the 1,000 horsemen, who were with Munzar and were ordered to plunder, have been dispersed.’ Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Inform immediately the kingdom of Yemen and the people that there will be quarrel.’ He sent a commander with 500 horsemen to Yemen with his signet, ordering them to proclaim that ‘No one should move from his place and no one should collaborate to instigate violence because the King with his perfect and correct guidance has managed to place you there so as to act correctly there.’

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Munzar had a Meccan wife, descending from Isma‘ı¯l, peace be upon Him. This woman was wise and mature. And on the day that Munzar went to meet Alexander, she advised him, ‘Do not take your daughter with you!’ He did not agree and she said, ‘Go alone because this king is allegedly a philosopher, strong, wise and the conqueror of the world.’ He did not listen. She said, ‘This is what we need to do now. We need to rise and go to Alexander and bow to him, starting to cry and lamenting and begging him to reinstate King Munzar to his throne. Now our property has gone and kingship has been in the hands of an unwise man.’ She stood up and said, ‘Remember that Alexander desired her and we were affiliated to the King with such a great and happy name.’ Then this woman prepared many presents and provisions and went to Alexander. When Alexander sent that commander to Yemen, due to his anger on that day, he did not listen to any stories. The next day he gathered the chamberlain, the nobility and his army, saying, ‘Be aware that when I set out from Greece I did not conquer any land without a clear reason. Everyone who accepted the pure religion of God, I reinstated to his throne. And I was content with army provisions, passing through those lands without doing them any harm. I also spared the life of those who did not embrace the right faith but who accepted the capitation tax. As for that person who did not accept the faith and acted cunningly, I punished him and sent him to the Almighty, passing from his land without doing any harm. Now we are preoccupied with the King of Yemen. If I speak truthfully and he is lying, then I will confiscate his property and his life will be endangered. If he speaks truthfully and my opinion is wrong, I will give him back the right to rule and I will ask him not to pay the capitation tax and I will give him the gold and silver coins that he wants.’ Then Aristotle said to Munzar, ‘Speak the truth!’ Munzar said, ‘This youth is my son, not a girl!’ The King became very angry. Then Alexander ordered, ‘Bring the women to see whether it is a woman or man.’ Munzar said, ‘O God! He will not trust the opinion of women!’ Then they said, ‘O you villain, did you dress this woman as a man?’ Then King Alexander ordered them to bring this girl and have her next to him. Alexander put a dagger next to her, saying, ‘Say the truth! Are you not a girl?’ She replied, ‘Yes I am the daughter of King Munzar.’ She then blamed her father for this lie, saying, ‘I am a girl, but it was my father’s mistake that until today he did not say to anyone that I am a girl and all the army of my father think that I am a man.’ Alexander knew that she was not telling the truth but he pretended that he agreed. The ashamed Munzar appeared and he trembled with fear of Alexander. He said that the lie was based on the fact that his daughter was veiled. He did not know that his daughter had gone to Alexander and that the latter had seen her face. Then Alexander said, ‘Due to your religion, I have spared your life. However, whatever property you have and your treasury must be given to me. Also you have to come with me to Egypt so as to present an Arab king from Yemen.’ He told his slaves to take him and ordered them to punish and torture him so as to make him surrender whatever he has in his treasury. Then he was given to the slaves. Aristotle, the nobility and the army wanted to intercede but it was not the right time for such a move because he had deceived

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Alexander by presenting his daughter as son. However, apart from this, he was not a criminal or a fraud. Then Alexander summoned his concubines and servants, saying, ‘Take this girl with you and veil her. Also keep her in your quarters until I decide further.’ After this event, the Arabs and the Iranians forbade women to ride and decided on their seclusion to their dark houses. On that day, Alexander rose and dispersed the army. When it was getting dark, Munzar’s wife with various presents came to the court. She stood [waiting] and was granted permission to visit King Alexander. When she saw Alexander, she prostrated herself before him, stood in a position of supplication and verbally saluted Alexander. Then she placed before him all the presents she had brought and said, ‘O Kin! My husband is unwise and he always suffers from his lack of wisdom both when he speaks and when he acts.’ The King said, ‘His place is at home. Riding, the throne and the battlefield are for me.’ Then the King looked at her. She was a wise and clever woman. The King asked her, ‘Who is your father?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Ilya¯s the son of Mazr who was the Ruler of Egypt.’ Alexander looked at her. She had covered all of her body including her feet. He asked her, ‘Why have you not veiled your own daughter like this?’ She said, ‘It is the custom here.’ Then King Alexander ordered, ‘This is a law from today onwards that no woman is allowed to come unveiled out of her house or to pretend being a man.’ Then the woman said, ‘O King! Give me back my daughter and I will obey whatever the King has decreed.’ The King accepted her argument and ordered the return of her daughter veiled to her mother. Then once more Munzar’s wife prostrated herself before him and said, ‘Your power is great and your majesty is endless. What if, for the sake of my origin, Abraham the Friend of God, you forgive Munzar?’ Then Aristotle and the leaders of the army intervened and promised that Munzar would submit another 100,000 gold coins to Alexander’s treasury and he would deal with his own kingdom. When they gave these assurances, Alexander gave Munzar to Aristotle so his wife and daughter could go to the city and bring the gold. Then the King forgave and released Munzar and sent him back to Yemen. His daughter and wife left; they collected the right amount of gold and brought it to Alexander. He honoured Munzar and sent him back to the city, establishing a new law in Yemen that women should veil themselves and that they could not go out of their houses unveiled or should wear a cloth made of goat’s hair. When mother and daughter came back to their city, the girl did not feel well and was unhappy. She was in love and she could not eat or drink. Her mother said to her, ‘What is the matter with you?’ She replied, ‘O mother! I desire to go to Greece with Alexander and to become his wife.’ Her mother laughed and said, ‘O you unwise and miserable girl! Don’t you know that the King of the World does not want you and he sees you as a shameless joker?’ When the girl heard to this, she was astonished and said, ‘I must be patient. Maybe the King will send someone to call me.’ But Alexander did not send anyone. After ten days, Alexander ordered his men to march towards Egypt. He went towards the cities that were overthrown in the time of Lot. And these cities form the region of the

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Prophet Lot. When he arrived there, he saw the villages of Lot which had all been completely destroyed. He stayed there for an hour and saw the creation and might of the Almighty. On one of those days, he visited the place and on that night, he slept there. In his dream he saw someone telling him, ‘O King! You said that lack of chivalry does not befit a king because a woman was chivalrous towards you. So you too should be chivalrous to her.’ The King woke up and he was astonished. In the morning, he summoned Aristotle to his presence and narrated to him this dream. He sent Aristotle back with 2,000 horsemen, telling him, ‘I will stay here until you return.’ And he wrote a letter to Munzar, saying, ‘I have dispatched Aristotle as my representative. You must give your daughter to him to marry me and to send her to me. I do not want any dowry because you have suffered greatly.’ When Aristotle approached Yemen, King Munzar, once more, was scared. Alexander had told Aristotle to send a messenger to the city and to take with him that man who narrated the story of Zahha¯k. Munzar said, ‘The King has returned. I do not know the reason for this.’ Then he rose and went along with his army to welcome him. When he had a closer look, he saw Aristotle. He rejoiced and escorted him to the city. He ordered them to bring a seat for him so as to read Alexander’s letter. He gratified him and read the letter. When he became aware of the letter, he said, ‘I am grateful and I accept this kindness and I exalt this honour.’ I must accommodate Aristotle for three days until I arrange everything regarding my daughter’s case. When he said this, he called the mother of his daughter and said, ‘This daughter is everything I have in this world. How can I give her to the King?’ The mother said, ‘It is so and my heart suffers more than you. But if you do not give her, then our property will be confiscated.’ He said, ‘Fear not because he will not return to this region again.’ The woman said, ‘I say what I know. You know better.’ And the girl did not know about the immature words of her father. She was cheerful, thinking that her father was preoccupied with the issues of his daughter before sending her. When that day passed, Munzar was contriving a plan to arrest and imprison Aristotle. And he thought to himself, ‘This man rules in Alexander’s kingdom. I will make him my guest and I will order him to be captured.’ He called him and accommodated him. When they had eaten bread, he ordered 200 men to ambush Aristotle. Suddenly they came out of the ambush and the whole army arrested Aristotle and put him in chains. And they said, ‘If I had arrested Alexander when he came disguised as a messenger, then he would not be more powerful than me.’ When they had put Aristotle in chains, the nobility, the army and other military officers were dispersed, fled away and came to Egypt to serve the King. Alexander was twenty-two days’ distance away. When Alexander heard the news, he was unhappy and was overtaken by melancholy, because nothing like this before had ever occurred to him. Alexander held Aristotle in high regard because he was a wise and clever man. He was like a prophet amongst many people. The King did not do anything without his advice and approval. Then the King summoned the heads of the military and asked, ‘What should be done?’ They replied, ‘The King knows best!’ Then Alexander said, ‘It is not wise to return with all this army and equipment.’ Then he thought and said, ‘We need to go quickly and destroy the

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regions of Yemen.’ Then he gathered the army commanders. There were 1,000 grand commanders and each one of them commanded a whole army ready for battle. He gave everyone armour and horses and they left with a carriage without tents and baggage. They said, ‘We will return from the same road with tents and baggage!’ Then he dispatched someone to his army and kingdom, ordering, ‘Stay here. Nothing changes in spite of the fact that Alexander has left.’ Then they travelled for twenty days and they had many horses with them. The King was cautious and had the teams of these horses under his control. When they reached Yemen at a distance of four parasangs, it was still dark. He said, ‘If the morning comes and they see us, they will be alerted.’ When Aristotle was chained with the nobility, Munzar’s daughter wanted to draw the sword and kill her father. Her mother did not let her because she knew that the girl was suffering. She admonished her husband, ‘Do not do this because you cannot find for her a better husband than Alexander. What you did was improper. If Alexander returns, then our property will be destroyed.’ That villain did not obey her orders. When King Alexander approached the main gate of the city, he threw the lasso towards the wall, climbed over it and came down on the other side. The guard was asleep. Alexander killed him and searched for the key. Yet he did not find it and 1,000 elite horsemen were standing and waiting for Alexander to open the gate. It was midnight. He looked around and he found a torch. He threw it on the gate, which caught fire. The gate was not very strong. If Alexander wanted, he could have broken it, but he set the gate on fire so it acted as an obstruction. As soon as it caught fire, they entered. Alexander knew the way to Munzar’s palace. Alexander’s army went to the city and all of them drew their swords while Alexander himself went to the palace of the King of Yemen. When he looked in, all the doors were closed. Then he cried out in Arabic, ‘O King!’ He opened the prison and Aristotle escaped! When the King of Yemen heard this development, he came out of his palace and ordered, ‘Look at the palace. If Aristotle escaped from prison, he has not left the city.’ The horse was tied in order for him to ride out of the palace. He rode on it and left with fifteen elite slaves. When they opened the door of the palace and he came out, he saw Alexander standing there. Munzar said, ‘What happened? Has [Aristotle] escaped from prison?’ Alexander said, ‘I do not know but Aristotle is gone.’ ‘Why have you come?’ Munzar asked. ‘I am after him,’ replied Alexander. The King of Yemen thought that Alexander was the door guard because it was dark and he could not Alexander’s face. Munzar said, ‘I am also coming. But wait until you see the army.’ Alexander said, ‘O King! Where are you taking this army? Alexander is standing here!’ ‘Where did he come from?’ asked Munzar. ‘I brought him,’ replied Alexander. ‘And who are you?’ Munzar inquired. ‘Do you not recognise me?’ Alexander asked. ‘No!’ Munzar replied. Then Alexander said, ‘It is me, Alexander, the King of the World and the World Conqueror and these men are my army! O, you dog! Did you think that there is an iron wall between you and me?’ Strength departed from Munzar’s limbs and it was night. He wanted to escape but he did not manage to do so. Alexander was on his horse and had a lasso on his saddle straps. He took that lasso and threw it around

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Munzar’s neck, grabbing him off his horse. He then ordered them to chain him tightly and to take him to the city. Then Alexander ordered the city to be plundered and he went to Munzar’s palace. Munzar’s wife escaped and her daughter came veiled before Alexander. The King said, ‘All this trouble [headache] is because of you. I suffer from this headache and I came back to you. Do you have any idea where Aristotle and my army commanders are?’ The girl said, ‘O King! I do not know.’ The King said, ‘Sit here until I arrange the tasks of the kingdom and the army.’ Then King Alexander sat on Munzar’s throne and from early in the morning until the prayers he dealt with the city’s plunder. After this, he showed mercy to the citizens because they were poor. Alexander summoned Munzar’s army commanders and said, ‘Bring Aristotle with my military commanders.’ They brought all the commanders of Alexander’s army. Aristotle was not among them. They searched extensively but they could not find him. Alexander swore that, ‘If an inch of his hair is crooked, I will deprive this region from its prosperity and I will ruin it because Aristotle was murdered.’ He sent someone because he wanted Munzar to be brought back to the city. He said, ‘You dog! What did you do to Aristotle?’ Munzar replied, ‘O King! I know nothing about him.’ Alexander became angry and said, ‘Ah! Aristotle has been killed for nothing because of us!’ He ordered to have Munzar tortured but he did not reveal anything, saying, ‘I do not know where he is!’ And he was telling the truth. All during this time that Alexander was burning the gate and had come to Munzar’s palace, Munzar’s wife knew that it was King Alexander himself. So she on her own released Aristotle from prison and said, ‘I release you on the condition that you will swear that if the King of the World comes here, you will pursue the execution of Munzar by King Alexander.’ Aristotle swore and agreed. When King Alexander was upset with Munzar, they started beating the latter and stamped him with fire on his chest. Munzar’s wife, the wretched one, did not know where her husband was. When she did learn, she rose and wore a veil. She took Aristotle’s hand and said, ‘Be joyful because the King of the World Alexander has arrived.’ Aristotle followed that woman. When he looked around, he saw the King sitting on the throne. When King Alexander saw Aristotle, he came down and took him aside. Aristotle prostrated himself before Alexander. He inquired, ‘Where have you been?’ ‘O King! This is Munzar’s wife and she wanted to save my life before your arrival and she has been very chivalrous to me. Today she wants to save her husband and her kingdom.’ Munzar’s wife prostrated herself before Alexander and fell to the ground. Alexander said, ‘I forgive you and I also agree to release him [Munzar].’ Then they paid another 100,000 gold coins and on that same day, he and Munzar’s daughter were engaged and she was given to be his wife. In return, he gave gold, tents, pavilions, carpets and all the necessary gifts. A man from Taief came to the city and he was brought before the King. He knew all the stories about Zahha¯k. Alexander stayed there for four days. Then he departed from there with all his retinue and equipment. When he reached his camp, he had his wedding [with Munzar’s daughter]. Then he left the place and approached a new city. When they reached a house in Egypt, there was an oppressive and idolater king there. He used to kidnap the daughters of people and this foul rule was established

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there. When Alexander approached Egypt, the news was spread that Alexander, the King of the World, was returning victorious from India to Yemen. Then the army of the King of Egypt received provisions and shouted, ‘We must fight Alexander!’ All the soldiers in his army were summoned to duty and almost 50,000 horsemen were gathered and stood ready to fight. That night Alexander called that man who had come from Taief and said, ‘Narrate to me the story of the Arab Zahha¯k who reigned for 1,000 years. How did he rule, and go around the world and how did he return?’ Then that man narrated the story of the Arab Zahha¯k to Alexander that night. He said, ‘His name was Izdihaq. He went around the world for fifty years and he mastered sorcery. His reign was after Noah’s Cataclysm and lasted for 1,000 years.’ And as it is attested in the Sha¯hna¯ma of Firdawsı¯, he narrated to Alexander the stories of Ka¯veh the Blacksmith, Fereydu ¯ n and the murder of Zahha¯k, Fereydu ¯ n’s reign, the story of Salm and Tur and the daughter of the King of Yemen, the story of the killing of Iraj up to Manuchihr’s reign. And it must be mentioned to the majority of the readers that in this book we do not narrate any other stories apart from that of Alexander. We do not narrate a story which can be new and unknown because the story of Alexander loses its coherence, the readers become tired and they forget Alexander’s story.3 When the man from Taief narrated these stories, King Alexander said to him, ‘You narrated everything correctly. I am also a descendant of Manuchihr and my mother is from the line of Salm, the son of Fereydu ¯ n who was the King of Greece. All the kings after him were my predecessors until the reign of Bahman, the son of Isfandiyar.’ Then he released that old man and sent him back to Taief.4 When the King crossed the frontiers of Palestine, he came to a city which was halfburned and half-intact. He went closer and the population of half of the city came and bowed to Alexander. Alexander said, ‘What happened to this part of your city and who is the king of this place?’ They replied, ‘O King! This place is a wonder and it has become like that because of the wrath of God. It is similar to what happened in the time of Lot and his people. The towns which were destroyed in Lot’s time and the towns you have seen are similar.’ ‘I noticed that,’ replied Alexander. Then they narrated the story of the Prophet Jarjı¯sh, peace be upon Him, and the King of Dadianeh, in whose city half of the population were idolaters and half of them Muslims. The king of that city was an idol worshipper and he ordered Jarjı¯sh by torture to prostrate himself and worship the idol similarly. He did not. Every time he ordered to have him killed, Jarjı¯sh remained alive. Jarjı¯sh returned to the King who invoked God to make the prophet alter his religion. Jarjı¯sh looked at the sky and said, ‘O God! You have made your humble slave a brave man. He attempted to kill me so many times but you have saved the life of your weak slave. Punish them now!’ Then a great fire came from the sky and burnt half of the city, which was under the rule of the tyrant king. Those who were believers stayed alive and this is what happened. The story of Jarjı¯sh is attested in the Stories of the Prophets [Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯‘ ] in brief and in detail. We narrated only a small portion of it here so as to return to Alexander’s story.

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King Alexander asked, ‘When did Jarjı¯sh live?’ They replied, ‘O King! It occurred quite recently and what we narrated to you, we have seen it with our own eyes.’ Then Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘There are many of God’s miracles on earth.’ Then he ordered that the youths from half of the city come out. He dispatched 2,000 of his soldiers to bury those who had died from the fire. Then he chose one of the citizens who was of royal origin and gave him the rule of the city. King Alexander left that place and went towards Egypt. The king there was unjust and his name was Malikay Nasut and his origin was from Greece. When he heard the news of Alexander’s arrival, he took 50,000 horsemen and encamped outside the city. When Alexander arrived there, the King of Egypt dispatched spies to collect information about the size of Alexander’s army. In the city of Cairo, he counted ten per cent of Alexander’s horsemen. When he saw their superiority and the elephants, he returned and informed the King of Egypt about all these details. The King of Egypt thought and said, ‘It is better not to confront him.’ But he thought to himself, ‘I must not trust the opinion of a spy. I must disguise myself as a messenger and go and see Alexander and his army and to listen to his words, how he, a child, managed to conquer half of the world.’ Everybody in his army said, ‘What you said is proper and you must act as you have suggested.’

ALEXANDER’S JOURNEY TO EGYPT, THE DISGUISE OF THE KING OF EGYPT AS A MESSENGER WHEN HE WENT TO ALEXANDER, AND THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND ALEXANDER It is divinely narrated that after the King of Egypt spoke thus to his army, he went to Alexander with some of his horsemen disguised as a messenger. When he approached the big city, the size of Alexander’s camp grew bigger. When he reached Cairo,5 Alexander was informed that the messenger of King of Egypt had arrived. He said, ‘Bring him in.’ They did so. When the messenger came before the King, he bowed to him. Alexander allowed him to sit on a golden seat and asked him, ‘What message did you bring?’ The messenger replied, ‘O King! Malikay Nasut, the King of Egypt has come out of the city and has prepared an army and he says that this land is Egypt and it not like India, ‘Uman and Yemen. If you cross our land in peace, then there will be no dispute. But if you decide to cross this land and do harm, then there will be war between me and you.’ Then Alexander answered, ‘I will not answer you now. But first let me know about the origin of King Malikay Nasut.’ The messenger said, ‘O King! His origin is from Greece and he speaks Greek and he is called, “Nasut of the People.”’ Alexander knew all these details. His intention was to know whether this messenger had any information. But he did not! So it happened that Alexander did not give him an answer, saying, ‘God willing, I will give you an answer tomorrow.’ Night came. There was a ruler in Egypt whose daughter was noble in her ways and was very beautiful, and he had given her to his cousin to be his wife. And this story is very long. It will be narrated in the end when it will be more useful. This ruler sent his daughter to the house of his cousin. The King of Egypt was aware of these developments; he kidnapped the girl from the road, took her virginity and then

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sent her back to her father. Thirty years had elapsed from the time that this story occurred to the moment that the King of Egypt went before Alexander. And during these thirty years he had taken the virginity of more than 1,000 daughters of his people. Then the people of Egypt gathered in a place and chanted, ‘There will be no better moment for us than this one, that Alexander the King of the World is in our kingdom.’ Then that ruler [the father of the disgraced girl] thought, ‘I must go and see King Alexander and tell him the whole story. And if I need to call you, I will.’ Then the ruler of Egypt rose. There was also an old man, a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, peace be upon Him. And in a while the father went together with Aaron who had the Divine Charisma and believed in the faith of Moses, peace be upon Him. He came and sat with his equals. He saw Alexander sitting on his throne while the King of Egypt, disguised as a messenger, was sitting on the golden seat. When the ruler saw the King of Egypt, he returned and did not say anything. Alexander rose from his throne and that night he did not give any answer to Malikay Nasut. When Malikay Nasut returned from his meeting with Alexander and was taken to the messenger guesthouse, the ruler of Egypt went to Alexander’s quarters. He had to cross forty curtains in order to reach the King! He said to the curtain guard, ‘I came from Cairo and I have news for King Alexander.’ ‘The King does not see anyone at night,’ the guard replied. ‘I hope,’ the ruler replied, ‘that when it is announced to the King that an old man is waiting at the door and he is in need, then the King will accept to meet me.’ Then the guard went to the King who at that moment was with the daughter of the King of Yemen. Alexander knew the story of the King of Egypt, that he had disgraced the daughters of the people. She discussed this issue with Alexander. The servant announced to Alexander that an old man from Cairo was standing at the door, saying ‘I have a message for the King and I will not say this to anyone else.’ The King ordered, ‘Bring him to me.’ So they brought the old man before the King. The King looked at the old man and he noticed that he was a spiritual man. He asked him, ‘O old man! What is your religion?’ He replied, ‘I know only one God who has no wife or child.’ Then Alexander asked, ‘What is the religion of your king?’ He replied, ‘O King! Our king is an idolater. As for the population of our kingdom, half of them worship the religion of Moses, peace be upon Him, and half of them are attached to the religion of this king.’ Alexander said, ‘Now what is so urgent that you came at this hour out of the city?’ The old man answered, ‘O King! Our story is a lengthy one.’ So he sat down and revealed the whole story to the King. He narrated everything, the case of his daughter who was mistreated by the King of Egypt. And thirty years had elapsed since the time that this girl had passed away. The King said, ‘God is omnipotent! Just right now, we were discussing this story too.’ Then the King ordered, ‘I will save you from his oppression and I will convert all idolaters to Islam.’ The old man said, ‘O King! There is also something else that I need to mention. This King of Egypt has a rich treasury and a big army.’ ‘Fear not about this,’ Alexander replied. The old man said, ‘There is something easier that you can do.’ ‘What is it?’ inquired Alexander. The old man replied, ‘The man who has come to you as messenger is the King of Egypt himself.’ The King grit his teeth and said, ‘I swear in the name of the Almighty God who is the Master of the World, that when I saw and

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listened to his words, I thought that he must have been the King of Egypt. Now I am certain that I was correct to be suspicious.’ Then the King said to the old man, ‘Return to the city, O blessed man! I will also come because we will stay here for another two months. Then I will go to Morocco and to the Land of Darkness up to the Land where the Sun sets. For, God willing, I want to see all these places. I will receive provisions for my army from this place and I will also send someone from here to Greece. When he comes back, I will still be here so as to save you from the oppressor of all oppressors, by the help of the Almighty God.’ So he released the old man and the next day Alexander had a public session. King Malikay Nasut came and said, ‘O King! Give me an answer so I can go because my king, Malikay Nasut, did not order me to stay here. And he is a killer and a bloodthirsty man.’ Alexander said to him, ‘I will give you an answer when Aristotle and my military commanders arrive! But what you said about King Malikay Nasut, that he is quick tempered and a killer, you are right. Nobody knows better than you the character of Malikay Nasut. And, God willing, I will remove his killing habits from his mind. I will change this oppressive system and customs that this man has imposed in the kingdom of Egypt. Fir‘aun [Walı¯d bin Mus‘ab] who reigned here in the past never ruled in such a pagan manner.’ When Malikay Nasut heard this, he trembled with fear. Then Alexander said, ‘There is no other way for me to deal with Malikay Nasut than with the sword. Unless he restores the right order, leaves with his family without touching the treasury and the provisions, I will take his skin out and buff it with straw and hang it on the main gate of the city. My answer is what you hear!’ He gave this answer before the assembly so that everyone in the army and the nobility would hear it. Alexander said, ‘Tell Malikay Nasut that I wanted to do something to you that would have made everyone on earth weep. Yet due to respect to you as a messenger, I showed restraint.’ When Malikay Nasut heard this, he bowed to Alexander and said, ‘O King! Please reveal your secret!’ Alexander said, ‘It is obvious that you are the King of Egypt. If I kill you this very moment, I will be blamed because both religion and manliness have detriment.’ Then Malikay Nasut said, ‘O King! Those who say that I am Malikay Nasut are lying! I am his servant. My name is Hurmu ¯ z.’ Alexander said, ‘Look at this victorious Hurmu ¯ z so as to recognise him tomorrow!’ And said, ‘Go and return! My answer is what you heard! Either do as I say or tomorrow get prepared for war!’ Malikay Nasut bowed to him and returned. When he had left, Alexander’s soldiers said, ‘It would be proper for our King to chain that man who was Malikay Nasut in order to avoid any evil activities.’ Alexander became angry and answered, ‘Are you afraid of him and his army? Do not be because, I swear to the soul of Darius and Philip,6 when the armies will be ready for battle, I will be the first one who will enter onto the battlefield, by the Almighty God’s grace!’ Then when his soldiers heard these words, they felt regret and they bowed to the ground, saying, ‘O King! We are your servants and we were wrong!’ The next day Alexander ordered them to prepare the whole army and the elephants and to beat the drums of war. When these drums were heard in Cairo, the population

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there was terrified. Malikay Nasut who had returned to his camp was frightened to death. Yet he did not say anything to his soldiers because he did not want to affect their morale. So he also ordered his army to be prepared. The next day both armies met on the battlefield. When their ranks were arranged, some Egyptians came forth and were divided into two groups: one group was in favour of Alexander whilst the other group supported Malikay Nasut. But the latter’s supporters knew that he would be defeated. When the two armies were ready to fight, Alexander wore a piece of armour and stood opposite Malikay Nasut. The latter was wearing armour too and a golden helmet. The King cried out to him, saying ‘O Malikay Nasut! You who turned your name to Hurmu ¯ z and came to me disguised as messenger! Come and let us fight against each other in the middle of the battlefield so I can show you my skilfulness. If I had caught you yesterday, you would not be here now.’ When Malikay Nasut heard these words by Alexander he stood hopelessly, with Alexander addressing him and standing opposite him. There was no way to escape. He came into the middle of the battlefield and went around Alexander. Alexander attacked him and threw him off the saddle. He ran towards him so as to catch him alive with his lasso and to take him to his camp. As Alexander tried to take his lasso, Nasut stood up and ran away. Alexander had failed to defeat him. Malikay Nasut fled to his camp. That day the two armies returned to their camps. Malikay Nasut sent a messenger to Alexander, saying ‘Give me a week before fighting, because I cannot fight now and an army without a king cannot fight either.’ Alexander gave him five days. But Malikay Nasut suggested it in a tricky way. He wanted to escape, thinking that the Almighty God wanted this! So he summoned his army and said, ‘What is the matter with this? We must not fight against him. We must contrive a plan!’ Amongst his soldiers there was an old man who was idolater and said to Malikay, ‘Give me 5,000 gold coins and I will arrange this issue for you.’ The King of Egypt asked, ‘What are you going to do?’ ‘I will go and poison Alexander,’ he replied. ‘How are you going to give it to him?’ Malikay inquired. ‘Don’t worry about it!’ the old man replied. And this man was extremely wealthy, owning vast estates and farms. He also had a wife and children. The King of Egypt gave him 2,000 gold coins, telling him, ‘If you complete your job, then I will give you 5,000 gold coins.’ The old man rose, shaved his head of hair, wore a religious blue garment, took a quantity of poison from Malikay and approached Alexander’s camp, shouting, ‘I have come out of the Land of Darkness and I drank from the Water of Life.’ Alexander was informed that an old man had come out of the Land of Darkness. They took him before the King. He came in and bowed to Alexander. The King asked him, ‘Where do you come from?’ ‘From the Land of Darkness,’ answered the old man. ‘Did you drink from the Water of Life?’ inquired Alexander. ‘I drank!’ he replied. ‘You must respect him,’ ordered Alexander. The next day the old man went and became friends with the cook of Alexander. He gave the cook the 2,000 gold coins and the poison, saying, ‘You must put this deadly poison into the food of Alexander and I will take you and go to the Land of Darkness, to drink from the Water of Life and become and remain immortal, have this gold, it is all yours!’ Thus, he gave the cook that gold and poison and they agreed that on the third day

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the cook would put the poison into the portion of the food that the King would eat last. The cook brought the food to the King and spread the table. Each time Alexander had a meal, two or three times per day, he invited that old man. That day the old man came earlier. The table was spread and Alexander ate all the food. The food which had poison in it was a sweet one; it was served to Alexander separately and he never shared it with anyone during those two or three days! The old man said, ‘I wish I could have a portion of this sweet to see how it tastes because I have never seen this kind of sweet before!’ And that day the old man desired that sweet more than on the other days. When Alexander rose and was ready to eat every piece of the poisonous food, an angel took his hand off the sweet. The King took the food and brought it before the old man. The latter took the food in such a manner that created suspicion that there might be poison in the food to be eaten by the King. The old man gave that impression because in this unusual situation, he could not eat the sweet. The old man showed strength and thought, ‘I must eat it and I will escape!’ When the old man took the food and ate it, he also took a small portion of it and placed it on Alexander’s table. At that moment, both of his eyes came out and his stomach was smashed. The King was very terrified by that food and ordered, ‘Bring me the cook!’ The cook came. Alexander said, ‘Tell me the truth, or I will behead you.’ The cook replied, ‘O King! be merciful so as to explain to you!’ The King said, ‘Speak!’ The cook said, ‘This old man came and gave me 2,000 gold coins and a portion of poison, telling me “Put it into the food of the King and I will take you with me to the Land of Darkness and you will drink from the Water of Life.”’ It was God’s decision that day that the ruler of Egypt had come to Alexander and that the old man had almost died. The King said, ‘If this man has drunk from the Water of Life, then he cannot die.’ When the ruler of Egypt saw that situation, he said, ‘O King! How can this villain drink from the Water of Life, when he just yesterday came out of Cairo!’ The King knew that he was telling the truth. The inner part of the body of the old man was destroyed and he died. Alexander ordered to have him shrouded and his soldiers marvelled at his wisdom. Then the King ordered them to take the cook to the city square and to have him hanged publicly to show that in the future anyone who wants to conspire against the King would receive this kind of punishment. Alexander was very angry with the King of Egypt but he had given him five days’ time to prepare himself. When the last day of the deadline was about to end, the King ordered them to beat the drums of war, to be placed in a battle array and that the two armies face each other ready to fight. Then Alexander’s soldiers said to him, ‘We will not fight in the Arab way, to fight one by one. We will fight altogether.’ ‘Do as such!’ ordered Alexander. Then the King ordered the elephant keepers to prepare 500 elephants. They attacked and defeated the Egyptian army by bringing them under their feet. And those 50,000 horsemen could not face the elephants and fled the battlefield. Then Alexander looked at Malikay Nasut. He galloped after him and managed to capture him with his lasso, bringing him down from his horse. He drew him to his camp and ordered his men to chain and to guard him. Malikay Nasut’s army had been dispersed. Alexander came to the

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city of Cairo and summoned the citizens but he did not order the pillage of the city because he knew that they had lived for years under oppression. Then the King sat on the throne and all the Egyptians came to ask for justice, saying ‘O King! Give him to us so that we might take revenge for his malice over the last seventeen years. We want him because he was a king for seventeen years and he has displayed nothing but tyranny and oppression. He has disgraced 1,000 daughters of his people.’ The King said, ‘Be patient until I deal with his property and treasury. Then I will hand him over to you!’ Then they said, ‘O King, he has many wives and daughters so as to take revenge for his injustice.’ The King said, ‘God forbid! No one should have anything to do with his wives and concubines. You must be patient until I give you what you want.’ Then he ordered his ministers and scribes to go and bring the women of Cairo. He asked, ‘How much is in the treasury?’ They replied, ‘O King! What is in the treasury is much and beyond any comparison.’ Then the King ordered them to bring everything out of the treasury and they brought the bulk of the jewels that only the Almighty God knows their price. They said, ‘This bulk of wealth has been handed from king to king for 2,000 years in Egypt. In the Pharaonic times the Prophet Moses, peace be upon Him, wanted to smash this treasure, but he did not do it. It is the same treasure that Prophet Josef measures as wheat.’ The King was happy because of that treasure and kissed them. He marvelled at the size of gold and jewels that were brought before him. Then he ordered his army to gather in the city. The King of Egypt had a daughter and in the region of Maghrib there was a vast land called Andalu ¯ s. In that area there was a Queen with the name Qandace [Qaydafa]. She had a son whose name was Tı¯nu ¯ sh. His wife was from Egypt and resided in Andalu ¯ s. He also had two other wives, whose names were Baraqatı¯sah and Sita¯rah. No woman’s beauty in Egypt could be compared with theirs. Then the King summoned and saw Nasut’s daughters. He sent them to the palace. The mothers of both of them were concubines. Then he called Malikay Nasut who had a chain around his neck. He was kept at the court and the people who came complained about his tyranny, saying ‘He must suffer what he did to others. Give him to us because he misled Muslim virgins.’ And the King of Egypt was good looking both in his youth and in the late stages of his life. Alexander ordered Malikay Nasut, ‘Renounce idolatry!’ He said, ‘Impossible!’ ‘Why?’ inquired Alexander. ‘Because my religion is old and yours is new!’ Nasut answered. Alexander was infuriated and ordered them to remove both of Malikay Nasut’s eyes and to cut out his tongue. Then he gave him to his enemies who took him to the market and cut him to pieces and then gave him as food to the dogs. When the King had completed his tasks, he sent a sum of money and a portion of the treasury to Aristotle. He also sent his wife, the daughter of the King of Yemen, to his mother in Greece. In the letter to his mother he wrote, ‘O mother! Beware that I have travelled and seen things all over the world. Ask for the Almighty God to give me some days to see you before my death. From this treasure I am sending you, make sure that you distribute to the dervishes 100,000 gold coins and to treat well the daughters of various kings. This girl I am sending you is the daughter of the King of Yemen. Make sure that you treat her in a

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loving and respectful way. Also keep them all separate in the palace so as not to be distressed.’ He said to Aristotle, ‘I will be in Egypt until you return in good health from Greece, to bring me her letter and to tell me about her situation. You know the situation in Iran and Turkestan. I will be waiting day and night for you to return.’ Then Aristotle took all those treasures, provisions and women, and set out for Greece. When he reached Greece and Alexander’s mother saw Aristotle, she rejoiced. She read Alexander’s letter and saw all the wealth and the women. She said to herself, ‘Since he came to Egypt, I know that he will also come to Greece,’ for Egypt and Greece were very close. Aristotle said, ‘Now he plans to go to the Land of Darkness and from there to Maghrib. If he is still alive and safe, then we will return.’ Then his mother sent an answering letter, writing about the situation in Greece and Iran and exposing the complete circumstances to the King. She said, ‘The women and concubines who were taken, were impregnated. Of them, four were girls and two were boys. The women stayed but the two boys did not stay.’ She also said, ‘Be at ease with your mother and do not mistreat kings, because the death of a royal is not something that one can be proud of. You must try to treat kings properly and come to see your mother soon because your mother desires to see you.’ On the day that Alexander dispatched Aristotle, he said that, ‘If I am going to have a son and he is six or seven years old, bring him with you. If the Almighty God decides that this campaign will be a lengthy one, our army will not be dispersed.’ When Aristotle left Alexander, the King desired one of those daughters of the King of Egypt. He noticed that her name was Sita¯rah and that she had another sister, both of whom Alexander treated with care. Those two girls contrived a plan and said, ‘We will avenge our father’s death to the King!’ Sita¯rah, who was King’s wife, said, ‘This King has other women and makes me jealous. It is better to avenge my father’s death.’ Then they contrived a plan to poison Alexander. They said, ‘Our father had tried to poison Alexander but it did not work. We must find another way.’ They contrived various other plans. They agreed, saying ‘When night comes, we will push his neck and put a piece of fabric into his mouth. And women are deficient in judgement and religion. Because of the fact that they are fearless, they can attempt everything!’ So this sister, who was Alexander’s wife, was very beautiful. In her father’s lifetime, she desired the son of a commander from Cairo. She loved him but he was very young and he could not ask her for marriage because of fear for her father. At that time, the girl sent someone to the son of the commander, saying, ‘If you want to come next to me, come to the palace.’ And the beard of this youth had not even began to grow. He was beardless. He was so happy that he did not know what to do. He rose and went to them. He displayed immoral behaviour towards the King’s wife. When this was revealed, the two sisters sat together and told him, ‘Do you know what we are going to do tonight?’ The son of the commander said, ‘No!’ ‘We will kill the King tonight and I will become your wife,’ one of them replied. ‘You must help me tonight to tie the King’s hands and feet, to put this piece of fabric into the King’s mouth, to push his neck and kill him. We have called you because we want you to protect us if the King wakes up and uses force against us.’ The youth gave this reply, ‘This is very problematic because you will be

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caught.’ They said, ‘The King has sent all his women and concubines to Greece and we have remained here in this chamber. At night when he comes to his bedroom, we will shut all the doors so that the King will not be able to escape from this place. And these concubines, servants and women will be out of the curtain room and nobody will be able to come into this place. And all these concubines who are here are on our side and obey our orders.’ When the day was over and it grew dark, Alexander on that night came later to his bed. Until he fell asleep, his army commanders were sitting next to him. When the King fell asleep, somebody came to his bedroom carrying a dagger. The sisters had dressed the commander’s son as a veiled concubine. He went amidst all the women. Everyone thought that he was a woman. When Alexander came, he wanted water. So they brought it for him. He had had dinner, read and wrote something and he did not sleep at all. Those women were not strong at all. No matter how much he tried to fall asleep, he could not. He said to the women, ‘I cannot sleep tonight. I do not know why.’ They said, ‘It is because of the darkness. Once you wear your bed clothes, then you will sleep immediately.’ After an hour, Alexander came to his bedroom and wore his bedclothes. When he lay on his pillow, he sneezed unconsciously. It is known that during Alexander’s lifetime when someone tried to fall asleep and sneezed unconsciously during their sleep, then a visitor would come to their house on that night or on another night. When the King sneezed unconsciously, he came out of his bedroom and asked, ‘Has any guest come to you tonight?’ ‘O King, no!’ the women answered while the colour on their face revealed their perplexity. If they had answered, ‘A woman has visited us,’ the King would have fallen asleep and his assumption would have been true. But they did not give this answer. When God the most Powerful and the most Glorious protects a man, then others cannot do harm to this man. Alexander asked them, ‘Why have your faces turned yellow?’ He changed his attitude and called the servants from outside. He saw that the doors were closed while the doors were never closed at night. Then the King said, ‘Tonight there is something unusual going on here! I will find out the truth by the power of sword!’ Then the servants came and asked, ‘What has happened?’ ‘Stop playing games!’ Alexander said. Then he ordered a servant, ‘Bring me one by one all the women and the concubines.’ Then they brought them before Alexander who knew all of them. Then they brought the commander’s son before Alexander. When the King looked at him, he realised that he was a man. He immediately ordered them to bring him before him. Alexander asked him, ‘Who are you?’ ‘I am the waitress of the King’s wife!’ the youth replied. ‘What are men doing in my house?’ Alexander asked. ‘O King! I am a woman!’ the youth replied. Alexander said, ‘O you foul one! You are lying!’ Then he ordered his servants, ‘Unveil him!’ Then he drew his sword while those women were trembling like mice! The servants unveiled him and uncovered his head. He was a young man like the moon and the sun and with a body like 1,000 Tabriz mounds and white silver! Then Alexander like a sharp knife came down and thought, ‘O Almighty! Given these circumstances, please reveal to me what needs to be done!’ Then he ordered that the

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woman and her sister be chained. The next day he sat on his throne and he did not talk to anyone about it. He ordered, ‘Bring me the youth!’ Immediately they brought him before Alexander who said to the Egyptians, ‘Do you know him?’ ‘We know him,’ they replied, ‘he is the son of the powerful commander of Cairo.’ Alexander ordered them to beat him four times. His soldiers did not know what the young man’s fault was. They asked, ‘Does the King want gold for the youth?’ They said, ‘O King! He will give 20,000 gold coins.’ The King said, ‘I want more!’ ‘He will give 30,000 gold coins then!’ they replied. When they promised Alexander that he would take the gold, he ordered, ‘Set him free!’ When he gave this order, the Egyptian ministers fell to the ground, saying, ‘O King! Forgive him for our sake! What is his fault?’ The King said, ‘You do not know what his fault is? I will tell you immediately. I saw him tonight veiling himself like a woman and being amongst the concubines of the King of Egypt in my private quarters. I told him face to face that he is a man and he kept insisting that he is a woman until I unveiled him.’ When the ministers and military officers heard this from the King they said nothing. They marvelled at Alexander’s resourcefulness and mildness and they did not dare to say anything else. Alexander asked the youth, ‘Tell me the truth. What did you come for?’ The youth replied, ‘If the King is merciful, I will speak the truth.’ ‘Tell the truth because I have already spared your life,’ Alexander replied. ‘O King! It was my bad lot and the women’s order which brought me here!’ he said. ‘I want you to speak clearly so as to know the truth from the lies,’ said Alexander. He said, ‘O King! Your wife called me.’ ‘What for?’ asked Alexander. ‘I cannot tell you!’ the youth replied. Alexander insisted, ‘Speak and fear not, because I have spared your life.’ The youth then said, ‘Both sisters planned to assassinate the King when he was sleeping. They took a heavy sheet and a tight rope, saying, “We will put this sheet to the mouth of the King and we will fasten his hands and feet tightly.”’ Alexander asked, ‘Which of the concubines was aware of these developments?’ ‘O King! The concubines knew nothing and I also knew nothing,’ the youth replied. ‘Where did they take you?’ asked Alexander. ‘They called me to protect them,’ replied the youth. Then the King asked him, ‘You contrived a plan to kill me and now you want me to spare your life?’ The youth said, ‘I did not know. The King is right.’ Alexander asked him, ‘What is your relation to these two women?’ ‘I cannot tell you,’ replied the youth. The King was infuriated, and he had his sword like a drop of water next to him. He drew it and with his own hand hit the youth at his neck. He rose from his throne and went to the private chambers. He said to his soldiers, ‘I have speared his life for your sake.’ Then he went behind the curtains and said, ‘O you foul and shameful women! Why did you bring this innocent and irrelevant man into this house?’ They replied, ‘O King! We know nothing about him. He was with the concubines and we knew nothing about it!’ Then the King inquired about the sheet and rope. He asked them, ‘Why did you need this sheet and rope?’ They replied, ‘We do not know anything about it!’ Then Alexander ordered that the two sisters be thrown into the river Nile. The viziers said, ‘O King! It is not right to kill women.’ ‘They contrived a plan to kill me and failed,’ Alexander replied. Alexander had a trustworthy Greek vizier who was clever and resourceful. The King

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summoned him and said, ‘Hang these two women in secret at the gate and then bury them at night!’ He replied, ‘The King’s decree is to be obeyed.’ He brought the two women to a house and asked them, ‘O you fools! What did you do?’ ‘It is our bad lot,’ they replied. Then he looked at both of them and he postponed their execution until the next day. The one who was the King’s wife said to the vizier, ‘If you spare our lives, you will be generously rewarded. We will give you 10,000 gold coins.’ The vizier asked, ‘Where is the gold?’ They replied, ‘Call someone at that place.’ Then the vizier sent someone to the place that they had indicated. That person came, brought the gold and gave it to him. When the vizier took the gold, he was charmed by Alexander’s wife who very beautiful and seductive, and he touched her erotically. The other sister said, ‘Do the same with me!’ He said, ‘God forbid! I will never do this!’ Thus, he secretly kept them and no one could see them. About a month had elapsed and Alexander was still in Egypt, waiting for Aristotle to return from Greece. This vizier wanted to retire from the King’s service and stay in Egypt. The King’s wife whose name was Sita¯rah was very beautiful and gracious. Yet she was immoral. But her sister was moral and sincere. She regretted what they had planned to do to the King. After a month, the King’s wife spent every night with the vizier. The other sister who was moral said to her, ‘Do not do this! From this kind of behaviour, you have lost your soul. You have been repeatedly involved in this kind of act, so that you have been disgraced!’ Her sister did not agree. So her sister said, ‘If you do not agree, then I will leave and go to Greece where nobody knows me and I will spend the rest of my life in piety and veiling myself until God decides what he wants to do with me.’ The morning after the night that Alexander had given the two sisters to this vizier, he asked his vizier, ‘What did you do with them?’ ‘I killed and buried them the same night,’ the vizier replied. When Alexander was through with this story, he sent someone to bring that old man who was the ruler of Egypt and who from the very first night had come to the King’s service and had said, ‘The King of Egypt deceived my daughter and took her with him and I can tell you many details about this story.’ These words had remained in Alexander’s mind who said, ‘O old man! You told me this story on that night. I am still interested in this story. Tell it to me again so I can listen to it!’ THE STORY OF ALEXANDER, WHO WISHED TO HEAR STORIES FROM THE RULER OF EGYPT, AND THE LATTER’S STORYTELLING It is divinely narrated that the old man bowed and said, ‘O King! Beware that whatever one does he must check whether his act was right or wrong. If he does not do it, then his children will. Whatever has befallen the two sisters is a result of their father’s misfortune. Although God had informed His slave that they were not saved, he did not save them and he fought the king of these ladies by the name of Sita¯rah, and the other sister who was the matron, chaste and noble, because her father had deceived various girls and took them by force to his house. Many kings desired this girl but she did not

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become anyone’s wife. I know that she knows nothing about these developments and she is entirely innocent.’ Alexander said, ‘I must not kill. I wish I had met you before meeting her. Now she is gone and although she was many days in my palace, I did not meet her.’ Then Alexander said to the old Egyptian, ‘Tell me your own story!’ Then the old man said, ‘O King! Know that I had a daughter. I never managed to look at her; she was very chaste. I wanted to betroth her to my nephew but the King of Egypt for his own interest came along and kidnapped my beautiful girl and removed the seal of her virginity. Then he put her on a horse and sent her to me at night. What could I do? I just made supplications and laments to the Almighty God, asking “O God! Punish him for his malevolence!” Then my daughter due to her bashfulness did not talk to anyone for a year. After a year my poor nephew came to my house and took my daughter to his house, saying “It was not her fault! Oppression will not prevail forever [lit. is not an open door]!” Then I dispatched my daughter with him. After twenty-five years, my poor daughter was with her husband and had children from him. After some time, God decided that she should get sick. When she was in her last moments she invited us to express her last will, as it is the custom. Then she called her husband and said to him, “O my husband and cousin! Beware that today is the last day of my life in this world. You have been my husband but I do not want to be alone after my death. O my husband! Beware that I was in your house for twenty-five years and I had no secrets from you and your behaviour was always nice to me. Both in times of peace and war, you never mentioned against me the bad story that had occurred to me. May the Almighty God give you good gifts! Apart from these, I would like to give you this advice. You will be miserable both if you marry another woman or not and if the other woman is a virgin. Although twenty-five years have passed since this incident happened to me, I cannot forget the pleasure I got from the first night I had with the tyrant.” She said these words and passed away. The poor nephew never wanted another woman after this. And well done to the King of the World! After four years the youth passed away and the King knows the story and knows things better than us, his slaves!’ Then Alexander said, ‘I am here to learn. I managed to marry seventy-two women who were all virgins. In the Books of the Prophets, peace be upon Them, the Almighty God orders, “Marry virgins so as to enlarge and crowd your houses.”’ Then the ruler of Egypt said, ‘O King! If you permit me, I can narrate to you this beautiful story related to the nobility.’ Alexander said, ‘Please do!’

Story It is thus narrated that at the time of Dı¯rı¯n in Cairo there was a man from the nobility, descended from the Prophet Isaac, peace be upon Him. This nobleman was knowledgeable and guided people to the right path and he had students. There was a student from the group of his students who happened to desire a woman. But he could not do anything without the permission of the old master. He displayed patience. One day he saw his master resting and said to him, ‘O master, one day suddenly I desired a woman.’ ‘Everything which is incomplete has no value,’ his master said and remained silent. The student did not understand what his teacher was talking about. He felt ashamed to ask

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him once more. Some time elapsed before he found his teacher again doing nothing. He said, ‘O master, I need a wife.’ His teacher asked, ‘Have you not married yet?’ ‘I cannot do so without your permission,’ he replied. ‘But I told you that “Everything which is incomplete has no value.”’ ‘I did not understand the meaning of your words and I still do not,’ the student replied. Then the master said to him, ‘I will explain it to you today: If you marry a woman who is virgin, she will be yours. If she is not virgin and she had a husband but no children, then half of her will belong to her first husband and the other half of herself to the husband she will have. If she has children, then half of herself will belong to her husband and the other half of herself to her children. And you will get “nothing.”’ The student understood what his master meant. When Alexander heard this story about women, he liked it. He said to the ruler of Egypt, ‘Come to me every night and narrate to me stories and legends.’ The ruler of Egypt bowed him before Alexander and said, ‘The King’s order is to be obeyed.’ After the ruler left, Alexander fell asleep. That night and every night he was very perplexed, thinking, ‘The vizier to whom I gave the women [to kill them] seems to be very happy and his face is very cheerful. I suspect that this vizier did not kill them but he still has these two women. He is preoccupied with having sensual activities with them because that lady was very beautiful and gracious. I need to find out the truth and resolve this issue.’ The next day when Alexander was sitting on his throne, his viziers came before him. The Greek vizier came delayed and he was cheerful. Alexander said to him, ‘The people of Egypt have revealed to me that you have not yet executed the two women I gave you to do so. And if you killed one of them, the other is still with you.’ The vizier was surprised [lit. his face changed colour] and said, ‘O King! Be merciful. God forbids that I may have done such a thing! I can assure the King that I have obeyed his decree.’ Alexander asked, ‘What are you going to do if you did not obey me?’ ‘My life and my property will yours!’ the vizier said. Alexander trusted him and he was assured about him and asked him [to write] a letter in his own handwriting and took it. The next night that old man, who was the ruler of Egypt, prostrated himself before Alexander and Alexander said to him, ‘This was the news for today.’ Then the old man said to him, ‘O King! Everything has been revealed and he must be punished as soon as possible if he gives a false oath and promise.’ Alexander said, ‘We must do this properly.’ Then the ruler said, ‘O King! I have remembered a story and if you allow me, I can narrate it for you.’ Alexander said, ‘Go on!’ What we said is that we can narrate some stories in brief from this book. But if we narrated lengthy and well-known stories, then the reader might have been tired. So we will narrate unknown and short stories, so as to avoid any excursus at this part of the book and not to lose track of our main story. And we made an arrangement in this book, so that the stories will not exceed five pages.

Story The ruler of Egypt said, ‘May the life of King Alexander be long! It is thus narrated that at the time of Sarv’s reign in Yemen, there was an Arab tribe who were idolaters. But the

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King of Yemen was a Muslim. By God’s power, the King of Yemen fought against the tribe of idolaters and defeated them. He killed the Arab king who had a beautiful daughter. Then the King of Yemen was told, “If you want to destroy and defeat some of your enemies, marry his daughter!” The King of Yemen said, “It is difficult to want to marry the daughter of my enemy. And how can you become familiar with that person whose father you have killed?” The boy was obliged to marry her.’ Alexander reacted and said, ‘My case is similar in that I desired my enemy’s daughter. Whoever wants to marry a woman from his enemies, it is very wise to stay away from them. But continue your story!’ Then the ruler of Egypt continued and said, ‘The King of Yemen married the daughter of the Arab king and brought her to Yemen. The Arab king had two sons: one of them was killed in battle while the other remained alive and escaped. And that prince went to Syria and stayed there. He was very wise, clever and educated. He also recited poetry. The son of the Arab king came and sat on the throne of his father. He sent someone to his sister and said, “Are you not ashamed that you live comfortably with the murderer of your father? And while your father has been killed, your brother is in prison?” So he sent a small quantity of poison to his sister, saying “Put it into the food so the King may eat it [die] and your brother may come out of prison and we will rule again Yemen and you will become queen of the country.” When she read her brother’s letter, she was convinced that she must kill the King of Yemen. ‘One day, the King of Yemen went out hunting in the kingdom of Yemen. So they prepared fresh milk and they exposed it to the fresh air, thinking that the cold wind might keep it fresh and eatable for the next day. Then the King of Yemen returned from hunting and undressed himself. His wife knew that he was used to drinking milk at that moment. So the daughter of the Arab king filled a cup with milk and poured poison with rose water into that milk. When he asked for milk, she brought the cup with the poison and gave it to the King. When he was about to drink from that cup, it fell out of his hand and broke. The woman trembled with fear. The King became suspicious and said, “What did you aim to give me to drink? Tell me the truth!” She replied that the truth is so and so and that he was correct, giving the letter of her brother to him. The King of Yemen had a vizier and summoned him. He gave his wife to him, saying, “Tonight kill her and bury her in secret, because she planned to kill me.” When the vizier brought her to his house, the King’s wife said to him, “I am pregnant with the King’s child. Give me some time and save me!” The vizier came and told the truth to the King. The King replied, “I do not want any children from her! Kill her and do not hesitate!” The vizier thought, “It is a sin to kill this miserable woman.” Then he kept her secretly in his house and did not obey the orders, cutting his testicles and putting them into a parcel. Then he brought it to the King of Yemen, saying, “O King! I am miserable. Let me give you this parcel as a deposit. You must write the date, so as to show for how long I deposited this you. And order the treasurer to take it to the treasury.” When the King looked at him, he looked miserable and weak. He took the parcel and ordered to write the date on it. He said to him, “What have you put in this piece of textile?” ‘The vizier said, “O King! Whether she is going to live or die is up to you to decide sooner rather than later.” Then the King gave the parcel to the treasurer and the vizier

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left. And this story was very lengthy. When nine months had passed, the wife of the King of Yemen gave birth to a boy who was beautiful like the moon and the sun. The King of Yemen himself was good looking and his son was 5,000 times more beautiful and noble than his father. The vizier kept both the mother and son in secret and the time passed. When the child was seven years old, he was free like King Sarv and the vizier loved him very much. The King of Yemen did not have any sons, only a daughter. ‘One day when the King of Yemen was sitting and having various thoughts, he said to himself, “What if the almighty God is forced to give this kingship and rule to the enemy?” And at this thought, he sighed deeply. And the trustworthy and moral vizier was present there. He asked, “O King! What is the matter with you?” The King replied, “Beware that I have surpassed the age of fifty and I have not any son to bequeath my kingdom to.” The vizier said, “If the King allows me then I can find a solution.” The King was surprised. “How is it possible for you to arrange the issue of having an offspring for me?” he inquired. Then he added, “You have my protection.” ‘The vizier said, “O King! Please summon the treasurer to bring that box I submitted that year to God.” They brought that box. The King had put his own signet and had written the date, day and year. The King saw there his own private seal. The vizier said, “O King! Since you saw your own seal, please read also the date.” When he said this, the vizier opened the box and showed his testicles to the King! The King of Yemen was astonished by this act and said, “Why did you do this?” The vizier replied, “O King! Beware that on that day you gave to me, your weak servant, that sinful lady and ordered, ‘Kill her!’ your servant tried to kill her. That woman said, ‘I am pregnant by the King of Yemen!’ I came and notified the King, who said, ‘You must certainly kill her!’ I did not find it proper to kill the child of the King who was in the belly of his mother. I cut my testicles because I was careful to protect you and me from having our friends and enemies saying bad words against you and me. I brought this box and handed it to you. After some time, this lady gave birth to a son. I served and protected that woman and her son and I nourished that son like a prince. Now he has grown seven years old. If the King wishes so, then I can bring him to your presence!” When the King of Yemen heard these words from his vizier, he wept and was merciful to him because he had honoured him [the King] so much. Then he said to the vizier, “If you wish, you can bring 100 children of the same height and even taller than my son, and order them to wear the same clothes of the same colour and to bring them to the square. Then I will come to choose who my son is.” The vizier acted accordingly. He gathered 100 children of the same age and height. Then he dressed them in the same way and in the same colour and brought them to the square. The King of Yemen along with his horsemen came to the square and looked at the children. The King said, “My child is that one, Sarv!” The vizier said, “You are right, this is your son.” Then the King threw a lash to the ground. None of those children dared to go and take it. Sarv went, collected the lash from the ground, came to his father and handed it to him. The King ordered, “Give this child to me!” and he took him and sat with him on the saddle. He went to the palace and sat on the throne and presented his son. Many jewels were placed on his son’s head. The King gratified his vizier so much that he appointed his official companionship in his kingdom. Then the vizier bowed to the

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King and said in a supportive way, “O King! Please for this child’s sake, forgive his mother!” The King agreed, sent a myrtle and brought her home.’ And the reason for narrating this story amongst kings was that it fit with the taste of the magnificent Alexander. This story is attested in the Sha¯hna¯ma of Firdawsı¯. And this story is associated with the story of daughter of the Arab King Taiyer and Ardashir. Only God who is omnipotent knows the truth about this story. And we wrote this story for its merit and its shortness. *** Then Alexander liked this story and said, ‘I do not know. Is my own vizier so trustworthy or not?!’ Alexander said to the ruler of Egypt, ‘Every night you must narrate to me again stories about kings in order to please/comfort my heart.’ The ruler of Egypt prostrated himself before Alexander and said, ‘The King’s decree is to be obeyed!’ Then he left and Alexander fell asleep. It is thus divinely narrated that the next day Alexander sat on the throne and that the vizier came. Alexander talked and tested him. When he left after the discussion, Alexander appointed someone to keep him under surveillance. For three or four days, he knew that Alexander was searching for the case. On that night, Alexander’s wife dispatched one of her trustworthy villagers. One night the sister of Alexander’s wife came for the evening prayers to the Alexander’s palace wearing her veil and performing supplications. Alexander said to her, ‘Who are you and what are you doing at this time at the palace of the King?’ She replied, ‘I am a young, noble and virgin lady and I have never married and I am hungry. I came to be treated with mercy by the King.’ Alexander ordered them to spread the table for her and gave her a servant, ordering him to take her to her room and to serve her because there is a cloth designating her noble origin. ‘By God’s grace, the Almighty God has given me this pleasure, that in the evening prayers a young and beautiful woman comes to my palace and moreover she is of noble origin.’ Then Alexander returned and sat on his royal throne. His viziers then came. Alexander looked at the face of the Greek vizier. He did not notice any pleasure and happiness on him. He thought, ‘The vizier knows that I have him under scrutiny.’ When night came, Alexander ordered his servant: ‘Bring that woman because I want to ask her something.’ The ruler of Egypt used also to come every night to serve Alexander. Then Alexander said to the ruler of Egypt, ‘Yesterday during the evening prayers a young and very beautiful woman came to the palace.’ When she had left, Alexander ordered her to be brought and said, ‘You would think that there is a wonder about this story! O old man! My lifetime must become a lesson for the world. People must write it down and learn and the kings will become knowledgeable and happy by listening to the story of my life. They will read, write and learn from the story of my life and my adventures until the Day of Judgement. And one by one, everyone will know us. Alas my destiny! You promised me a life with so many wonders in this world that a beast of burden would be necessary to carry the Book of Alexander.’

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Then the servant brought the woman to Alexander who marvelled at her great beauty. She had a beautiful face and he could not recognise her because she was veiled. He asked her, ‘Who is your father in this city?’ She replied, ‘I was the daughter of aristocrats. Today I have fallen at this stage.’ Alexander asked, ‘Is your mother alive?’ She said, ‘No.’ ‘Is your father alive?’ Alexander inquired. ‘No,’ she replied. Alexander said, ‘Would you like me to give you a husband?’ She said, ‘Who would want me with no money?’ Alexander said, ‘I will give you dowry.’ She replied, ‘O King! This is not the time for this!’ Then the ruler of Egypt said, ‘O King! We must give this woman to the vizier to find and reveal her secret.’ When the ruler of Egypt spoke thus, Alexander said, ‘This is correct.’ Then he treated her kindly and said, ‘Go and stay with this servant.’ The next day Alexander sat on the throne and that Greek vizier came. When Alexander looked at him, the vizier’s face became pale. Alexander asked him, ‘What happened to you that your face looks miserable?’ He replied, ‘I am sick far from the happiness that God gives.’ Alexander ordered that woman, ‘When my vizier comes out of the court, follow him and watch where he stays during the day and where he sleeps at night. Learn well about his situation.’ When Alexander ordered this, the woman was clever, and said, ‘It is not proper to follow him. This is a bad thing that the King has ordered me to do.’ Then she went after the vizier. Alexander had divided his day into four parts: from dawn until the morning he used to spend his time at the mosque of the Almighty God. From the morning until the midday prayers, he was preoccupied dealing with the distribution of justice and statecraft. And from the noon prayers to the evening prayers, he kept eating! At night, he read the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, and liked to hear stories from the Lives of Kings [Siyyar al-mulu¯k ]. When the night was partially over, he was preoccupied with being with his women until dawn when he performed ablutions and went to the mosque. Then one day looked at his kingship and kingdom and thought, ‘I do not mind being the King of the West and the East, to be called the Double-Horned One. I want to reveal every secret. Every woman you bring, I will marry her. If someone does not agree with it, then my army will come out.’ Then he ordered that woman, ‘Come out of the house of my servant!’ The next day Alexander sat on his throne and was angry. He said to that Greek vizier, ‘I am sad and I want to know what you did with those two women and whether you killed them.’ He continued saying, ‘I swear to Darius and Philip7 that either you tell me the truth or I will decapitate you with this sword!’ The vizier fell to the ground and said, ‘I cannot say anything else but the truth! I killed both of them and the next day I buried them.’ Alexander said, ‘You are lying! The pleasure which was in your face resulted from your relations with them! And the sadness you feel today is because you have been now separated. Reveal all the truth about these otherwise I will prosecute and execute you in public!’ The vizier insisted, ‘O King! I killed and buried them. Whatever the King’s decrees are, they will be obeyed.’ Alexander replied, ‘All right! Unearth them and show me that your claim is correct.’ The vizier said, ‘O King! The tomb is God’s prison and it is not right to violate the prison of God. However, I will spot the place tomorrow and along with my

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servants and trustworthy people I will carry their bodies and show them to you.’ Then Alexander left and he still trusted the Greek vizier and his oath because he had tested him for many days. That night the vizier thought and thought, ‘Every task can be arranged by means of money. I will spend those 10,000 dı¯nars that the two women gave me. So be it that they may remain hidden!’ The next day Alexander summoned two chamberlains and those servants who knew that woman and had served Alexander’s wife. He said, ‘Go with him and see those two women and bring me true and reliable news.’ The three servants and the two chamberlains went to the graveyard of Cairo. The vizier took them to a secret place and said to them, ‘Disgracing the dead is not right. It is not wrong if each one of you gets from me 1,000 gold coins in order not to open these tombs. Thus you will be also morally all right.’ The five of them agreed and they received 5,000 gold coins. They returned and said to Alexander, ‘We saw both women. They were dead and buried.’ When Alexander heard this, he remained silent. After three or four days, he recovered. The vizier of Yemen rejoiced and sent someone to bring Alexander’s wife to the city and once more, he spent much time with her. Alexander’s wife became pregnant by him but she concealed her pregnancy. Once more, the vizier became happy and cheerful and this was depicted by the vigour of his face. When he came before Alexander, the latter looked at the face of he vizier and became suspicious again. Due to the Divine Charisma and divine revelation that God had bestowed on him abundantly, Alexander felt that the woman was still alive. But the lying women had played a trick on him and did not tell him the truth. Then the sister of Alexander’s wife heard about these developments and was scared. One day she said to the people at her house, ‘Please allow me to go and have a hot bath.’ When she was granted permission, she came out and went to her sister’s house. When the vizier saw her, he became cheerful and thought, ‘It is nice. It is better to have her with us!’ When she saw her sister pregnant, she said, ‘O villain and unclean one! Are you not ashamed of yourself and are you not afraid of the Almighty God?!’ Then a fight erupted between the two sisters. The pious sister swore, ‘I give up any hope and I will reveal everything to King Alexander.’ Her sister, due to her shameful character, could not understand anything and did not say anything to the vizier. She was so in love with him that she could not be patient for even an hour. The decent sister came to the house of her servant and after some days, she left. Alexander looked at the face of the vizier and could see the pleasure and the tricky mind. He did not say anything; he humbled himself before the Almighty God and said in his supplication: ‘O God! Please reveal this covered mystery to me, your weak servant, or remove my suspicions.’ That night Alexander was sad. He sent someone to bring the old man before the ruler of Egypt. He said, ‘Beware that I am confused and I cannot think correctly. His pleasure and tricky character are obvious on his forehead!’ The ruler of Egypt said, ‘O King! It will be revealed.’ Then Alexander said to his servant, ‘What is the girl whom I dispatched to you doing?’ The servant answered, ‘O King! She is with me.’ He ordered him: ‘Bring her to me because I am in confusion.’ The servant brought her to Alexander. She prostrated

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herself before Alexander, who said to her, ‘Tonight you must speak the truth: who are you and who was your father in this city?’ She replied, ‘O King! Be merciful! I am your sister-in-law. The vizier did not kill us!’ The Omnipotent God helped so that when the girl spoke thus, Alexander fell in love with her. At the time Alexander had no woman because he had sent them all to Greece. He asked her, ‘Are you the daughter of Malikay Nasut?’ She replied, ‘O King! Yes, I am.’ Alexander immediately made a prostration to the Almighty who revealed this gift to him! Apart from the ruler of Egypt, there was no one close to Alexander at the time. He treated her humanly and said, ‘Where is your sister?’ She replied, ‘O King! I am sinful and I am afraid of the King’s wrath. As long as the King does not show me mercy, I can say nothing.’ Alexander said, ‘I forgive you. Trust me.’ He needed her. Then he ordered a concubine to bring a proper dress for her to wear so as to ensure her trust and to make her start speaking. When the concubines saw her, they recognised her and knew that she was the daughter of the King of Egypt. Then she said to Alexander, ‘Please allow me to sit.’ She found a place to sit close to Alexander. He ordered her, ‘Speak the truth about everything because I have forgiven you and if you are truthful, then I will make you my wife like your sister.’ She responded, ‘I swear to the ground that Alexander stands on that I will say the truth.’ Then she went on saying, ‘Beware that the plan to assassinate Alexander was not contrived by my sister. The first one who thought of this was that youth who was sent to my sister and then they fell in love with each other. Then my sister sent someone and this young man visited my sister secretly many times. I did not know anything about this and when I found out, I did not go to my sister. And that young man kept on doing the same thing to my sister. Then he left in the way he left. When Alexander ordered to have both of us executed, we brought 10,000 gold coins that my father had entrusted to a man and we gave them to him. He did not kill us. Instead, he spent every night in pleasure and improperly with my sister. Then he tried to do the same with me. But I did not consent. I quarrelled with my sister day and night because [I said to her] “Do not corrupt me!” She did not manage to make me obey her and I was afraid that she might kill me. I left that place and I came to the royal court. That day Alexander examined and reprimanded the vizier and sent the two chamberlains and the three servants to check the situation with the vizier. They took 5,000 gold coins from the vizier and falsely assured Alexander. Due to his fear for Alexander, the vizier sent my sister to a village. When the servants and the chamberlains had backed him and everything was arranged, he brought my sister back from the village. Although I was at the house of my servant, I was informed about these developments. I rose and went to my sister. I found her crying. We quarrelled a lot. She abused me and treated me badly. I swore that I would set aside my feelings and that I would go to the King and reveal this story to him. Now the King has forgiven me.’ Then Alexander sent her to his private quarters so that no one would see her. Then news came that Aristotle had arrived and would come to Alexander’s presence; he spoke thus to the Greek vizier, ‘Take the army and go to welcome Aristotle who arrives tomorrow.’ Alexander sat and said, ‘I will come with you until the main gate of the city and I will inspect the army.’ The vizier accompanied Alexander happily. Then Alexander

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returned from the main gate. He went to the gate because he wanted to prevent the vizier from going to his house and contriving a plan with his [Alexander’s] own wife. Then Alexander came to the palace and said to his sister-in-law, ‘Do you know where your sister is?’ She replied, ‘O King! I know.’ ‘Can you bring her from the place she is without anyone knowing about it?’ he asked her. ‘Yes, I can,’ she replied. Alexander said, ‘Go and tell her, “The vizier has gone to welcome Aristotle and he is to return tomorrow. Alexander is looking for us. Stand up and let’s go!”’ The girl left and went to the place where her sister was and took her from there and brought her to Alexander. She then informed Alexander who sent her a woman. Then the two sisters came and went to the graveyard of Egypt. Alexander had said to that woman, ‘Take the two sisters to your house and keep them there.’ The woman ran to the graveyard of Cairo and asked both women, ‘What is the matter with you that you go to the graveyard in this extreme heat? You will be sick. Both of you come to my house which is nearby and I will then take you to another place.’ The two sisters made supplications and went to that woman’s house. Then night came and the Alexander’s wife said to her sister, ‘Somebody should have come to let us know whether Aristotle came or not. We need to know how the vizier is.’ Her sister said, ‘It is impossible to send someone now because it is night.’ Alexander had sent two trustworthy guards to their house at dawn but the two sisters did not know it. When the day proceeded, Aristotle arrived and Alexander along with his army went to welcome him. The Greek vizier stood in a dishonest way on the right of Aristotle. Alexander ordered his chamberlains, ‘When the Greek vizier arrives cheerfully at the main gate, plunder his horse and property.’ He similarly ordered, ‘Arrest him and plunder his house and seal his storehouse.’ And he ordered a commander to carry out this task. When Aristotle approached Alexander, he got out of his carriage and kissed the ground. Alexander dismounted and took Aristotle next to him asking about his news. The Greek vizier prostrated himself before Alexander who did not look at him. Alexander along with Aristotle rose and came to the city. When the vizier saw Alexander in an angry state, he wanted to go to his house and know what the developments were. Immediately that commander and the chamberlains of Alexander brought him down from his horse and removed his turban. They chained his neck and brought him to the city of Cairo. They plundered his property and sealed his storehouse. He did not know what his fault was. Then during his detention, he gave a portion of gold to one of his guards and said, ‘Go to my palace, look for the servant and bring her to me.’ The guard left; he looked for the servant and brought her to the Greek vizier. When she appeared before him, he asked her about the latest developments. She said, ‘Her sister came and said, “O sister! Stand up and let’s leave and escape because Alexander has found out everything, that we are alive.” So they both left. I do not know where they went.’ When the vizier heard the story of the servant, he rejoiced and thought, ‘I hope that he did not arrest me for the same reason. And if he did so, he will pretend that the women escaped.’ He would pretend that the women escaped and he could not arrest them because since they were from Cairo, they knew places to hide themselves. When it grew

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dark, Alexander called Aristotle and they discussed the preceding events. Aristotle said, ‘If you kill him with any torture, he will deserve it!’ The next day, the chamberlain and the whole army of Alexander came and discussed the tasks of Greece and their own requests. He satisfied them because many years had elapsed before coming from Greece. When Alexander rose from the hearing session and he granted a private session to the commanders of his army at his palace, he sent someone to bring those two women. He then kept them in a special room at his palace and ordered the servants to guard them. He dispatched someone to look for the vizier and brought him out of prison to Alexander. The bashful and shameful vizier came. He looked down and had a chain around his neck. When he came before Alexander, the latter [Alexander] looked at his army and said, ‘What do you think he has done in this story?’ His soldiers replied, ‘O King! You tell us!’ Alexander said, ‘If he wanted to help them and save their lives, why did he commit fornication with my wife?’ The vizier fell to the ground and said, ‘First, ask me and I will answer you.’ Alexander said, ‘It is my habit and principle not to kill anyone without accusation and proof! Now speak!’ The vizier said, ‘When I buried them, they were still alive, giving the impression that they had just come out of the tomb.’ Alexander replied, ‘You speak like a simple man!’ The two chamberlains and the three servants were also there!’ Then Alexander said, ‘It was not your fault, it was mine! It was my fault that I trusted you, O shameful one! If I bring these two women immediately, then will my word be right or not?’ ‘I am astonished by what the King says!’ the vizier replied. Alexander ordered them to reveal the two women who were standing behind the curtain. They showed them to Alexander who said to the army, ‘He has betrayed my trust while I trusted him for ten years.’ Then he ordered to have him beheaded. Then he said to his wife, ‘I will execute you by such a torture that all people will weep.’ He gave her to the servant and said, ‘Chain her hands and legs and keep an eye on her.’ An especially sorrowful atmosphere prevailed at the palace. Then Alexander appointed his sister-in-law to be in charge of the house and of all the concubines. But he did not marry her yet. He said to his wife, ‘O you villain, who is more shameful than all shameful people, how did you become pregnant?’ ‘You made me pregnant,’ she replied. ‘O unchaste woman! How did you become pregnant by me?’ Alexander said. ‘I am just teasing you!’ she replied. Alexander ordered them to bring a filthy mule and they tightened the woman’s hair at the mule’s tail, just for tease! Then the mule ran to the mountain and the woman was cut to pieces. Then Alexander said, ‘The majority of women are wrongdoers, impure and unchaste!’ The ruler of Egypt was ready to move. Alexander knew that he was about to narrate a story. After Alexander had finished that task, he was sad. That night he called the ruler of Egypt and Aristotle to sit next to him and narrate a story so that the King would rejoice. The ruler of Egypt said, ‘O King! There have been many good women who have reigned in history.’ Alexander said, ‘The story and the negative surprise that has befallen me by this woman have not befallen any other king!’ The ruler of Egypt said, ‘O King! There is nothing better than chastity. If you permit me, I will narrate you a story of love.’ Alexander said, ‘Go ahead!’

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¯ za¯dı¯ Mashkanı¯. It is also And this story is attested in the works of Ahrav Sotu ¯ da¯n and A attested in the book al-faraj ba‘d al shiddah.8 This story has been transmitted since the time of Jesus, peace be upon Him. Alexander was a prophet like Jesus, as this has been researched and revealed in the Torah. God is more knowledgeable and wiser in regard to the integrity of this story. This story is too unusual and strange to write here. And peace be upon the Rightly Guided Ones!


THE NARRATION OF THE STORY OF KING TAHTAJ BY THE RULER OF EGYPT TO ALEXANDER9 It is divinely narrated that the ruler of Egypt prostrated himself before Alexander and said, ‘O King! Know that there was a king in this region whose name was Tahta¯j and that he lived in the time of Jesus, peace be upon Him. His descendants still rule that country but he did not have initially any children. He had many wives but he had no children from them.’ It so happened that one day a merchant came from Syria. A local ruler was based in the city of Saba. The local ruler did not allow any merchant to go through the main city gate unless the merchant had come to him first. The merchant had not gone to any other place [in the city] and he presented everything he had with him to the local ruler. The latter bought one species from every item at the best price. Then the merchant came to King Tahta¯j and presented his cargo to the King, who used to offer food [lit. bread] and spread the table [for his visitors]. When the merchant came and sat to feast, the King said to him during the feasting, ‘Have you seen any king who might have a beautiful and chaste daughter in the cities and regions you visited? I want to marry a woman who will give birth to a child pleasing to the eye.’ The merchant replied, ‘O King! There is a king in Syria and his name is Juna. He adheres to the faith of Moses, peace be upon Him. He has a very beautiful and chaste daughter whose beautiful face cannot be compared with any woman’s in Syria.’ The King was pleased by this news. The next day he dispatched one of his viziers to Juna, asking for his daughter’s hand. He replied, ‘Given that he [Tahta¯j] is Christian, I cannot give my daughter to a Christian, unless he gives me the quantity of gold I am asking for.’ The vizier brought this message back to his king, describing in his letter her beauty, resourcefulness, wisdom, sufficiency and gentle manners. King Tahta¯j sent a message in reply, saying to the vizier, ‘I will give the property they are asking. Accept them and agree with them so as to send the gold.’ King Juhu ¯ d [Juna]10 made a house of stone and marble and said to his vizier, ‘I want to fill this house with gold coins.’ The vizier obeyed and loaded various beasts of burden with gold and silver coins and sent it over. But the house did not become full and nothing else had remained in the treasury of King Tahta¯j. His army revolted and his kingship was cast in doubt. He appointed a provincial ruler in his place and abandoned his throne. He rose and went to Syria to his future father-in-law. The daughter of King Juhu ¯ d [Juna] gave him a veil and said to him, ‘Wherever you go, wear this!’11 Tahta¯j was astonished. The daughter said to him, ‘Why are you surprised? If we are honest to each

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other then the Almighty God will give us more fortune!’ Then they both were glad and went to a village. They stayed and spent their time there. Then they were surprised [by fate]. They did not have the essentials to live on. So they rose and went to live at the seashore. Tahta¯j worked carrying things and he became famous for this. He carried cargo onto and off ships. So time passed thus and Tahta¯j had two boys with this woman: the name of one of them was Fadl and the other one was Pı¯ru ¯ z. And by living at the seashore and from his work as carrier of cargo, he became a seller and earned many silver coins. One day a ship approached suddenly with a very rich merchant. And King Tahta¯j, apart from dealing with his profession of carrying cargo, was accustomed to offering a meal and to spreading his table for people. That merchant was a guest of Tahta¯j’s on that night. Once he was finished with his meal, he went to the tent of Tahta¯j. He saw a very beautiful woman and at her sight, the power abandoned his hands, and he fell in love with her with 1,000 hearts! He could not control himself and could no find peace. He left but he returned the following night having 100,000 Western gold coins in his handkerchief and said, ‘O broker, please help me! I have a Turkish concubine and I bought her at a high price. She is pregnant now. You must give me your wife in her place.’ Tahta¯j said to his wife, ‘Go and please this brave man!’ His wife said, ‘I will not go!’ and she refused to obey. The next time the merchant offered more gold and his desire grew bigger. Tahta¯j saw the abundant gold and the desire of the merchant. He came and pressed his wife, saying, ‘You must certainly go!’ She replied, ‘O my husband! Do not sell just for a few coins a wife that you earned by offering a house of gold!’ So the woman went with the merchant, who had the ship and the captain ready. When they left the seashore, they raised the mast and the sailor left quickly with the ship. By God’s will, in the morning, Tahta¯j looked for them but it was in vain. They had perished at night. When Tahta¯j saw this, he started beating himself and tearing at his clothes. And there was no other ship to assist him. He did not know what to do [lit. He did not know the problem and the solution]. He thought to himself, ‘Alas! I bought a woman for a house of gold coins and I sold her for 200 gold coins.’ Then he sought refuge in God’s help. He came and abandoned the wealth that he had accumulated. Then he took both of his sons on his shoulders and went to the desert. Then so much water appeared that the two boys did not dare to enter the water. A boy appeared and gave bread and food to one of the brothers, saying, ‘Eat your food until your father carries your brother across the river and he returns to carry you too.’ Then Tahta¯j carried his youngest son to the other side of the river and returned to carry his other son. When he returned, he did not find his small boy. [He thought that] Kurds had come and had kidnapped him. He was immediately downcast. [He said to himself], ‘I must not lose the other one too!’ When he returned, some people had kidnapped his other son too. King Tahta¯j was astonished and he did not know of any solution. He did not eat anything and he was overcome by hunger and his power abandoned him. He ate a piece of soil, drank a drop of water and fell asleep on the sand. He was contented with himself and had accepted his faith. When he fell asleep, 100 horsemen came and all of them were aged. Every horse was weighty and adorned with a golden crown and belt. They came close to his bedside.

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The King woke up. These men took him to the river and cleaned him and gave him royal clothes to wear. They saluted him in the royal way. He knew that he was dreaming. He looked down when they said to him, ‘Mount on a horse!’ He did so and these old men accompanied him and took him to the city because they were from that city. When they reached the main gate of the city, a large army came out of the city. They carried the war drums, the insignia and the spearhead of the banner gilded. They welcomed him to their city in a gratifying manner and put him on the throne. When he sat on the throne, he said to them, ‘It is high time you told me what this is, who I am and what my situation is!’ They said, ‘O King! Know that we had a knowledgeable and wise king who was childless. He passed away. We wish he had lived for 1,000 years! Now it is two months that we have not had a king and the soldiers of our army have been battling against each other. Today we came out and we decided to come out of the city through the main gate and make our king whoever passes by! When we came out, we noticed that you have the Divine Charisma [farr].12 Now the throne of our kingdom is yours. We salute you and you can rule over us!’ King Tahta¯j immediately made a prostration to God, humbling and humiliating himself. He praised kingship because he himself used to be a king and the Almighty God gave him his throne back. Then many years passed and he never married and never had children because of his disappointment over that woman. He kept remembering his children and wife. He was deeply in grief. Tahta¯j chose two slaves from the total number of his slaves and adopted them as his own sons. He gave them property and so his life passed. One day, by God’s will, a ship came from the sea and the merchant Juhu ¯ d was on that ship, and he had much money with him. He came to the city and saw the King, bringing him many gifts. And as was customary, the King would offer a meal and spread the table for every caravan and merchant. Then the King said to the merchant, ‘Bring me your bits and pieces so I might to buy some of them.’ Juhu ¯ d said, ‘I will bring another three cargoes tomorrow.’ The King said, ‘Of course you will be my guest tonight because I want to ask you about the sea and your ship.’ The King said, ‘O King! I cannot leave my cargo and ship unattended.’ Alexander said, ‘I have two trustworthy slaves who are both my treasury guards. I will send them to guard your cargo.’ Juhu ¯ d said, ‘The king’s order is to be obeyed.’ Then Tahta¯j ordered his slaves, ‘Do not fall asleep until he returns.’ Both of these slaves left and at the moment of their leave, the merchant said to them, ‘There is a box there which you must guard. One of you must lay over it.’ When they left, both of them lay over that box. After three hours, one of the slaves said to the other, ‘I am falling asleep. Tell me a story and I will do the same.’ The elder slave said, ‘Know that I am not a slave. I am the King of Yemen’s son and my father bought my mother for a house full of gold dı¯nars. Then a merchant came and took my mother by using money and deceit. My father took me and my brother in his arms and left. In the meantime, a big flood emerged. My father left me on one side of the river in order to carry my brother from one bank of the river to the other side. Then he would come to carry me too. Suddenly some Kurd horsemen appeared and abducted me. After ten years, they sold me to this king. I do not know what happened to my parents and my brother. That day when [I was abducted]

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my brother was ten years old and I was five. And it is strange now that after twenty years we came across each other.’ When the other slave heard his words, he cried and said, ‘I am your brother! Know that my name is Pı¯ru ¯ z!’ Thus, both of them came across each other, lamenting and crying. Then a voice came from that box: ‘O, my children! Open this box, because I am your mother!’ The two slaves opened that box and brought their mother out. She saw her sons and noticed a sign on one of the feet of her elder son. This sign was made after he hit his foot when he was a boy. She saw that sign and it was there. She rejoiced and she looked at her sons, at their faces, and they all cried. They did not know that the King was their father. They said to their mother, ‘Tell us what happened to you.’ She said, ‘Twenty-five years ago I fell into the hands of this villain, Juhu ¯ d. In these twenty-five years, he has been carrying me around the world in this box. Apart from three pieces of bread, he has never given me a meal. I have veiled myself and I have remained chaste until today that the Almighty God reveal you to me.’ Then her sons said, ‘O mother! Please be at ease because we will tell the King about you. He holds us in high regard. The King will release you from this villain, Juhu ¯ d, and he will confiscate his property.’ Then they contrived a plan of what to do with Juhu ¯ d. When Juhu ¯ d returned from the King’s place, he saw that his box was broken and that the woman was standing outside of it. He was frustrated [lit. The world grew dark around him]. He asked her, ‘What happened?’ She said, ‘Alas! Take me to the King to complain about these two slaves!’ Juhu ¯ d said, ‘Tell me what happened!’ She said, ‘I will not speak to anyone else but the King about it.’ Then Juhu ¯ d, the two brothers and their mother went before the King. When they appeared before the King, the woman recognised her husband and rejoiced. She did not say anything until she came close to the throne. She looked at the King and she knew for certain that he was the King of Yemen and her husband. Then she cried and said, ‘O King! Who was that woman that you married for a house full of gold coins and then you gave her to this despicable Juhu ¯ d for only 200 gold coins? Alas! Save me from Juhu ¯ d’s oppression! These are the two slaves whom you bought and they are your treasury guardians; these are our sons!’ When the King heard this story, he fell from his throne and he seemed to have lost consciousness. His wife and their two sons stood silent. Juhu ¯ d’s role was revealed. He lost desire for his property and thought, ‘Nobody in the world has ever done what I did. But it is not passed.’ Then the soldiers of the King said to the woman, ‘Who are you that you made our King become unconscious from his throne? Are you a witch?’ She replied, ‘I will show you in a moment what the situation is and who I am!’ When the King recovered, he went to his palace and called them there, giving an order, ‘Arrest Juhu ¯ d and confiscate his property!’ Then the King’s wife narrated to him what had happened during those twenty-five years. The King was astonished at the noble character and chastity of his wife. Both brothers rejoiced at the sight of their mother and father [being reunited]. Then the King made a prostration to the Almighty and Victorious God, thanking Him for releasing them from all the sufferings and for giving him back his wife, children and kingship.

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Then the woman said to him, ‘Did not I tell you that when we are united, then the Almighty God will give us everything? Now alas! Save me from this Juhu ¯ d because you do not know what he has done to me and how much I suffered during the past twenty-five years.’ ‘I will deal with him, by God’s will!’ he replied. Then he ordered them to bring Juhu ¯ d’s cargo and the ship to the city. His cargo was worth 50,000 Western gold coins. Thus, Tahta¯j confiscated Juhu ¯ d’s possessions and ordered that Juhu ¯ d be brought before him. He said, ‘O shameful villain! Merchants are the trustees of God on earth. Why have you acquired such a bad reputation and why have you behaved so deviously? Why are you the most faithless one and so without piety? I even invited you to my house and we had dinner [lit. bread and salt] together. Also, on that night when you tricked me, you stole my wife from me, throwing me into problems, torments and misery. Today I will punish nobody else but you.’ Then he ordered the high-ranking military officers to be prepared and to hear why the King does not do injustice to Juhu ¯ d and to hear the story of that woman and the children; and what he had done to that poor woman during those twentyfive years and the story of Tahta¯j who desired his future wife [so much] that he gave [for her sake] a house full of gold coins and then how he lost his throne. He narrated all these in a comprehensive way. His army officers were astonished and made a prostration. Then Tahta¯j gave half of Juhu ¯ d’s property to his army and the other half to his eldest son. He also gave money from his treasury to his soldiers. Then he came with his army to his hometown, re-establishing his monarchy and appointing his eldest son as his crown prince. Hence, his kingdom was firmly established. *** When the ruler of Egypt completed the narration of this story, he said, ‘O God! I narrated this story to show that wisdom in this world is an adornment for kings and also to be clear that good and chaste women are as many as the unchaste and impious women.’ Alexander liked this story and ordered it to be written down. He also ordered, ‘I want this manuscript [produced] for the sake of kingship and female wisdom so that ineffective women may become clever. When a woman must carry out a good task on her own, this must be written down so that in the future people may read her story and be happy. I hope that we will show penitence for our mistakes. When we pass away and the Book of Alexander [Iskandarna¯ma] remains,13 people of the Almighty God will read it and they will weep and be pleased because the Almighty and Wondrous God uses our mistakes for His tasks. And we hope that He will be merciful to forgive us and erase our mistakes, by the will of Merciful God!’ THE NARRATION OF THE STORY OF THE MERCHANT’S SON BY THE RULER OF EGYPT TO ALEXANDER Another time the ruler of Egypt prostrated himself before Alexander and said: O King! Be careful and be aware that there was a merchant in Cairo. He had a very good-looking

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and polite son. The property of that merchant was 100,000 Western gold coins, including his home, property, estate and equipment. And he had only one son in the whole world. When the merchant passed away – May the King of the World live long! – his child started consuming his father’s fortune without any respect. His father had a brother who had a very beautiful daughter. Her father made her become engaged to the merchant’s son. Her father had also died. But the daughter was there and hoped that she would give birth to a good son. Then the merchant’s son was involved in a sinful relationship in the same city and he kept spending his property. His mother was still alive. He had transferred the house of his parents to another place where there were many unchaste and fallen women who were there committing adultery. So he kept spending his property with those women and sold off his estates, furniture, carpets and vases. When the first negative signs appeared and he had to deal with financial problems, he was unable to cover his daily food needs. The corrupted [women] knew that he had no money. One night he was drunk and they took him out of his house. There was a dung hill and they left him to sleep there. When he woke up at dawn, he knew that whatever he had done was done unconsciously. But it had happened and nothing remained at his house. So he returned to his house and said to his mother, ‘I am hungry. Do you have something for me to eat?’ There was nothing left except an old carpet. He sold it and with the money, he bought food and ate. Then his mother said to him, ‘Nothing has been left except this box.’ He sold that too and bought a horse and armour. He rose and bid farewell to his mother. The next morning he went out to the main gate of the city and left to escape disgrace. After he had covered a distance, he saw a horseman approaching. He was riding an Arabian horse and he was fully armoured. He asked the youth, knowing his name and origin, ‘O noble Mutahar! Where are you going?’ Mutahar felt ashamed and said, ‘I am going to see my family.’ The horseman said to him, ‘You are lying! You have spent all your fortune and ended up having an old carpet, which you also sold. Now you have nothing. You want to escape your humiliation and disgrace!’ When Mutahar heard this, he could not say anything. He was astonished and said, ‘O young man! Who are you and how do you know my identity?’ The horseman responded, ‘O unwise you! You have revealed your identity on your own. But I must do something for you. If you do this for me, then I will give you back your property and happiness!’ ‘What should I do?’ asked Mutahar. He replied, ‘Take these 1,000 gold coins and go. The daughter of your paternal uncle that your father wanted you to marry sits in her house and has not married yet. Take these 1,000 gold coins and give them to her and bring her to your house. And leave everything to me. Send her to me and I will give you all your property back. Nobody knows what you have done.’ Mutahar thought, ‘This is strange but I will do it.’ So he took the 1,000 gold coins and they shook hands and made a promise to each other that then Mutahar would bring his uncle’s daughter to his house. The horseman sent Mutahar to fulfil his promise and they appointed a certain day to meet. Then they both left.

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The horseman left and the merchant’s son came to the city. He sent someone to his uncle’s daughter with the following message: ‘It is time that you come home.’ She said to herself, ‘My father and his father are not alive. Hence, he has no money. How are we going to live?’ Mutahar sent her the following message, ‘I have still some property worthy of 1,000 gold coins. Take 500 gold coins to buy everything that is necessary for you and I will give you another 500 gold coins. You must come to my house tonight.’ She replied, ‘I shall act accordingly.’ The merchant’s son came and used a portion of the deposit and arranged the issue of furniture and other property. That night was the first night of marriage. Hence, he brought her home and when he saw her, she was so beautiful that he did not want to let her go. Though he did not want to let her go, he stayed upstairs at a good place. He had made a promise to that unknown man. He thought, ‘I must not cancel my oath and agreement with that brave man. I will give her to him along with all her property and I will take another woman!’ So that night, he fell asleep and he did not touch her. The next day was his day of carrying out his promise. She asked him, ‘Where are you going?’ He replied, ‘I am going outside the city to carry out a task.’ She said, ‘I cannot stay alone. Come back soon!’ The youth said, ‘I am going up to the place of promise.’ After an hour, that unknown man came dressed as an Arab, having his face veiled and wearing full armour. He saluted the youth and asked him, ‘What did you do?’ The youth replied, ‘I have completed the task.’ ‘Where is she?’ the unknown man inquired. He said, ‘She is at home.’ Then the unknown man said, ‘Bring her. Now bring her to me so that I can give you whatever I have promised you.’ The merchant’s son took the horseman with him and went to his house. They arrived, went to his house and he took the horseman in the house. Then he said, ‘I can bring her out of the house by using a trick.’ So he contrived a plan and he went to the women’s place to look for her. He could not find her. The youth grew desperate and ran all over the place. He did not manage to find her. He asked his mother, ‘Where is my wife?’ His mother replied, ‘When you left, she was somewhere. I fell asleep and I do not know where she went. But look for her because she must have fallen asleep somewhere in the house.’ Both mother and son rushed and looked for her everywhere. They did not find her. The horseman kept an eye on the developments. He stood and remained patient. Eventually the merchant’s son came and fell to the ground before the horseman. He said, ‘The Almighty God knows and can assure that I did not contrive any plan and did not play any tricks. I have fulfilled what we agreed. Before coming to the place of promise she had asked me, “Where are you going? Come back soon because I cannot be alone!” Now she herself has disappeared. Now you take off your armour and reveal your face to me and come to help me find her.’ The horseman said, ‘You speak the truth. You did not play any tricks in this story and I see sincerity on you.’ So he rose, took off his armour and revealed his face. When the youth looked at the horseman, he realised that he was his wife, the daughter of his uncle! She had done all this because of his disgrace. She had brought every piece of furniture, carpet and piece of property that he had sold. She did not let his life be destroyed and ruined. She said to him, ‘I did all this so that when you were fed up with those villains,

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you might still have something. Now my house and all my property are yours. I am under your orders.’ He was so happy that he fell down and became unconscious. When he became conscious again, he took his wife aside and said to her, ‘O my sweet wife! A daughter like you is better than 100 boys like me!’ *** When Alexander heard this story, he congratulated the ruler of Egypt because he liked the story. When Alexander left Cairo, he said to the ruler of Egypt, ‘Undoubtedly, you will come with me up to Andalusia. When I go from there to the Land of Darkness, I will smash the idol of Satan for you!’ The ruler of Egypt prostrated himself before Alexander and said, ‘The King’s decree is to be obeyed!’ Then Alexander departed from Egypt and set out for the Land of Darkness. He said to the ruler of Egypt, ‘Do you know what Andalusia looks like?’ He replied, ‘I know because I have been to this place. It is a city built at the frontiers of Maghreb and it is bigger than Cairo. The region there is very much populated and full of riches. There is a woman reigning there who is more knowledgeable and wiser than every man. She is also very beautiful. Her husband has passed away; long may the King of the World live! He had wise children that no other king had ever had. The King appointed the mother of his children to be his successor and reign until the children have grown up. Then she ascended the throne and nobody could compete with her in governance. She is clever and knowledgeable beyond any limit! So it happened that her two sons remained under her command. They said, “You rule properly.” She was so righteous that the people wanted her to be their Queen! Now she must have been in power for thirty years. The name of this woman is Candace and the name of one of her sons is Tı¯nu ¯ sh and he is the son-in-law of Malikay Nasut. He had three daughters: the first one was Barqatı¯sah who is now in the harem of Alexander, the other one was Sita¯rah who was killed, the third one resides in Andalusia and is the wife of Tı¯nu ¯ sh, the son of Candace, and his name means “Moon face.”’ When Alexander heard this story, he said to Aristotle, ‘My mother and father ruled better than Candace.’ They said these words in Greek and the ruler of Egypt and the people of Egypt did not know what they said. Alexander said, ‘How is it possible that women can rule?’ The ruler of Egypt said, ‘Cairo is a city while Andalusia and its region is a part of a kingdom. If a woman rules, this is not something surprising. If the King is not tired, I can narrate him the story of this woman who has ruled for thirty years.’ Alexander knew this story. He thought to himself, ‘He does not know that I will visit that woman. He must not narrate her story because if he says improper details of her life, she will lose her reputation, because politicians and kings have their own secrets!’ Then the King said, ‘You narrated the stories of Yemen, Egypt and Syria. Aristotle knows better the stories of Iran and Greece. Let him speak and listen to him.’ Aristotle prostrated himself before Alexander and started narrating the story of Humay Shahrzad, the wife of King Bahman, and the story of that boy whom she threw to the

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water so as to ascend power. He fell to Guzar’s hands, who gave him the name ‘Darius’. Then he returned to his mother and ascended the throne of Bahman, the son of Isfandiyar. He repeated this story as it is attested in the Sha¯hna¯ma.14 *** The next morning Alexander departed for Andalusia. Upon his departure, he gave the rule of Egypt to one of his commanders and took the ruler of Egypt with him. After leaving his house in Egypt at night, he called Aristotle and he performed the marital ceremony for Alexander and Barqatı¯sah, the daughter of the King of Egypt. Alexander held her in high regard and behaved well with her until they reached Andalusia. Alexander liked the place and they camped at a distance of one parasang from the city. He said to Aristotle, ‘It is necessary to visit and see this woman disguised as a messenger.’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! Do not go because it might prove to be wrong.’ Alexander said, ‘With the support of the Almighty God, everything is going to be well, God’s will!’ HOW ALEXANDER, DISGUISED AS A MESSENGER, VISITED CANDACE, THE QUEEN OF ANDALUSIA, AND THEIR STORY It is divinely narrated that Alexander entrusted his army to Aristotle, and he told his wife, who was the second daughter of the King of Egypt, that he planned to go to Candace as a messenger. His wife said, ‘May it please God that you succeed and obtain what you desire so that we may cheer you up with your success. I hope this slave will bring you good luck. However, a sister of mine is wife to Candace’s son. I beg that if they are not obedient, the King will not spill my sister’s blood.’ Alexander replied, ‘Be it so.’ Then Alexander was dressed like a messenger and went to Andalusia. Candace decorated the court with a splendour that Alexander had never seen before. She veiled herself and sat on her throne. They placed golden chairs in the hall made of turquoise and decorated with much gold. When Alexander was allowed to enter, he was courteous after the manner of messengers and sat on the golden chair. Candace said, ‘You have remained in Egypt a long time, suffered many difficulties and seen many worlds. I know of all those circumstances. Your king, Alexander, has never enough gold and silver. But what is your message?’ Alexander said, ‘The King of the World, the Double-Horned One, spoke thus, “Prepare provisions for our army, come to visit us, and supply for the journey to the Land of Darkness, so that we can cross your land without harming you.”’ Candace said, ‘Be it so! I will send provisions for the army and go to visit Alexander. Stay here tonight, for tomorrow I will keep my promise and send you back.’ Alexander bowed and said, ‘Be it as you command!’ They accommodated him in the same palace, treated him kind-heartedly and honoured him immensely. Candace had a skilful painter and she had commanded him to visit every land where there was a king and paint his portrait, keeping these portraits in the treasure house. Amongst them, there was a portrait of Alexander, painted in Egypt. When Candace saw the messenger, she

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thought that he might be Alexander. She did not say anything that day and treated him kindly that night. When she saw the portrait again, she was assured that he was Alexander. However, she did not disclose this to him and did not say anything to those in her army, because her son Tı¯nu ¯ sh, who was son-in-law to the King of Egypt, whom Alexander had slain, was planning to take revenge. If he heard from his mother who the messenger was, Alexander’s life would not have been worth two grains of barley. In the morning, Alexander went to Candace and he did not know any of these circumstances. Candace talked with him and inquired about what wonders he had seen. Alexander said, ‘O Queen, I have seen many!’ She asked, ‘Why did your king kill the daughter of the King of Egypt?’ He replied, ‘She was unchaste.’ She inquired, ‘How many wives does the King have with him now?’ He said, ‘One, the daughter of the King of Egypt, Barqatı¯sah.’ She said, ‘She is virtuous and beautiful. I have seen her.’ Then she ordered her servants to prepare 100,000 dı¯nars and huge quantities of silk and other rare gifts. When she informed Alexander that everything was ready, he said, ‘Did you not promise that you would provide tribute and you would go to see the King?’ She replied, ‘I have paid the promised tribute and I saw Alexander too!’ He asked, ‘Where did you see Alexander?’ She said, ‘Say no more because the wise know that you are King Alexander! I do not want to ruin your splendour. I intended to conceal my knowledge; otherwise, you would be humiliated. Be not so daring, because things sometimes have an unhappy end.’ Alexander, who was troubled and afraid of that woman, said, ‘May a king never be without his sword.’ She asked, ‘What would you do with your sword?’ He replied, ‘I would kill both you and myself.’ Candace watched him in his resentment and his wrath. And they were alone. She said, ‘Control your wrath and go inside. Do not fear me and be certain that I will not betray you. Everyone in my army seeks revenge on you. God forbid! If something goes wrong, I will be blamed for it.’ However, Alexander could not be calmed down. He retired from the queen and went to his room, thinking, ‘Whatever I have achieved in this world through manhood, this woman outdid through her womanhood. I wish she had killed me rather than do me kindness and thus make me indebted to her. I owe her gratitude. I have gone round the earth and I have seen many kings, but nobody was as wise as she. She is better than 1,000 men!’ He did not dare to stay there, but he was unable to leave then. Thus, he sat with a candle before him. When it was time for rest, Candace took Alexander’s portrait and went to him, disguised as a slave. Alexander recognised her, stood up and was courteous to her. Candace placed the portrait before Alexander who looked at it and thought, ‘May the painter’s hand be cut off! This is a miracle!’ Then Candace bowed to him and said, reassuringly, ‘Let’s be honest! You will see tomorrow how I will take care of this issue before the army.’ People say that Alexander married Candace that night and remained there for three nights and he slept with her. This is not true, but God knows best! She asked Alexander to promise to send for her after he had returned to Greece and had resumed his reign in peace. Then she would leave her rule to her son and go to Alexander. The latter promised

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to do so, promising never to ask for tribute from Andalusia and from Candace’s descendants. Candace returned to her chamber and Alexander was relieved. The next day she called Alexander to her presence. She was ill at ease, because she was sitting on the throne and Alexander stood before her. After summoning her men to her, she sent Alexander away. In the presence of her army, she sent someone to inform Alexander’s messenger that in three days she would prepare what the King had asked, wishing that Alexander might have his fill of gold. They conveyed this to Alexander who felt safe. Candace addressed the army, saying, ‘We are powerless against Alexander, but we have numerous riches. I will send him more than he has asked. Let Alexander know that we do not care about wealth and be chastised.’ When they heard this, they bowed, saying, ‘Only our Queen and nobody else could plan such a wise policy.’ At night, Candace adorned herself and went to Alexander. She bowed to him and showed him reverence, and she apologised repeatedly, saying, ‘I did with the army as you wished. Yet my son, who is son-in-law to the King of Egypt, has no intention to make peace and is scraping his teeth in anger at you.’ Alexander said, ‘Summon him before you tomorrow and I will convey to him what will attract him to peace.’ That night Alexander stayed with Candace until dawn. At dawn, Candace returned to her chamber. In the morning, she admitted Alexander and Tı¯nu ¯ sh in audience. When her son saw Alexander, he insulted him in a rude manner. Candace advised her son, saying, ‘Stop supporting the King of Egypt, your father-in-law, that harsh tyrant. How dare you mistreat a messenger in my presence?’ The son remained silent. Alexander said to Candace, ‘To compensate for respecting and honouring me, I give you my word that if your son and 200 horsemen come with me to the camp, I will surrender Alexander to him to do with him as he pleases!’ When Tı¯nu ¯ sh heard this, he fell on his knees before Alexander, saying, ‘If you do so, I will be your slave!’ They agreed that Candace should prepare the tribute in two days and send it to Alexander, to make Alexander feel secure. Tı¯nu ¯ sh was to go with the messenger. They agreed to do so and Tı¯nu ¯ sh was calmed. At night Candace went to Alexander, paid him reverence and apologised many times, saying, ‘O King! What are you going to do to my son?’ Alexander replied, ‘Relax. Due to the respect I owe you, I will only benefit your children.’ They spent the night together, in the morning they made a covenant and bade each other farewell. Candace returned, ordering her soldiers to load the camels and the mules with gold and silver. She sent so many rare presents to Alexander that he was astonished. Alexander came before her throne, and she put her son’s hand in Alexander’s hand, entrusting her son to him. Alexander said to her, ‘I have promised that I will put Alexander’s hand in that of your son in this way.’ Candace knew that he said the truth, because Alexander’s hand was in Tı¯nu ¯ sh’s hand. They bade each other farewell and Tı¯nu ¯ sh departed along with 200 heavily armed horsemen. Yet Candace was worried. She thought, ‘King Alexander has only twenty men with him. I am afraid that he may be harmed. However, the danger will be over when they reach the city gates.’ When he had left, she returned. Close to the camp, Alexander said to Tı¯nu ¯ sh, ‘Stay behind this wall until I bring King Alexander to you.’ Immediately Aristotle and some soldiers arrived with the canopy.

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When Tı¯nu ¯ sh saw that, he trembled with fear, realising that the messenger was Alexander himself. He dismounted and bowed to Alexander, saying, ‘O King! Have mercy.’ Alexander assured him and placed his own hand in his, saying, ‘Thus have I kept my promise.’ Then Alexander honoured Tı¯nu ¯ sh and took him to his camp. He gave him the robe of honour, a crown and a belt. Then he sent Tı¯nu ¯ sh back to the city. Afterwards, Tı¯nu ¯ sh’s wife came to the camp, visited her sister and returned. On that same day, Alexander departed with his army and moved onwards along with the Chief of Egypt. Alexander was depressed. He said to Aristotle that he wished to hear a happy story. Aristotle called the Chief of Egypt, who related the story of Bakhtiyar, who, born and abandoned near a spring, was found adopted by the chief of a gang of highwaymen that came to the spring and was given the name of Khuda¯da¯d. Afterwards he was arrested for robbery and taken to the King, who was moved with pity for him and admitted him to his service. Some time later, the ministers accused Khuda¯da¯d of having dishonourable intentions towards the King’s wife. The King decided to punish him. But each day Khuda¯da¯d told the King a tale, until the tenth day when he was saved and the King came to know that Khuda¯da¯d was his own son. He gave the ministers who had plotted against his son’s life to him to do with them what he wished. But Khuda¯da¯d pardoned everyone. And this story is attested as a book by itself, both in verse and in prose, and is widely known. Yet we have referred to it briefly, for this tale belongs to a later date than the time of Alexander; God knows best. When the Chief of Egypt completed the narration of this tale, he said, ‘Khuda¯da¯d forgave the ministers and presented them with the robes of honour. Beware then, O King Alexander, that this has been the royal policy, and they should be so and act thus. Bloodshed is unbefitting to a king.’ And he implied this as a hint to Alexander. Alexander was beside himself with rage. Aristotle knew that the Chief of Egypt had forfeited his blood. Alexander put his hand to his sword. Aristotle saw that and intervened, throwing himself before Alexander. He said, ‘O King! This is due to ignorance, because he is old and silly.’ Alexander, out of respect for Aristotle, put his sword down. Then Aristotle asked for the Chief of Egypt to leave. The latter did so and the night passed. Then Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘We must get ready for the journey to the Land of Darkness.’ He called the inhabitants of that land and asked them the way to the Land of Darkness. They said, ‘There are ten major cities on the way. From here to the Land of Darkness it is a month’s journey.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What kind of people live in these ten cities?’ They said, ‘O King! They are Moors. Their men veil their faces like women and their women go with their faces uncovered. They are pious people.’ When Alexander heard this, he shouted, ‘O great Creator! I thought Andalusia was the end of the world, but there is more left!’ Then he came to a small town inhabited by pious and needy people. When they heard about Alexander, they prepared a humble offering and a weak old man heading 500 of the nobles came to Alexander and offered provisions. Alexander treated them kindly, accepted their offering and departed from that land without harming them. As this town was by the sea, Alexander presumed that they had to go on with their journey by sea. Yet he was told that the sea led to Syria, which could also be reached by

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land. Then he departed from there and he reached a city called Sagha. When he approached the gates, he saw a vast and pleasant city with a large population. The King of Sagha had a huge army and sent a messenger to Alexander with many presents. Alexander accepted the gifts and he was about to depart. Suddenly he saw a caravanserai built of hooves and he inquired who had constructed it. The Chief of Egypt was there and said, ‘O King, this inn was built by Kay-Khusraw, the son of Siyavu ¯ sh, and the King of Kings. This is how Kings act . . .’ Alexander was enraged again. He commanded his attendants to chain the Chief of Egypt and asked for 50,000 dı¯nars to set him free. The chief of that land, who knew the Chief of Egypt, lent him the sum. He expected to be paid back, when the Chief went back to Egypt. The gold was given to Alexander, who then dismissed the Chief from his service. Alexander asked the dwellers of that land who had erected the inn. They replied, ‘King Kay-Khusraw built it; the son of Siyavu ¯ sh, who came ashore with a great army and built this inn.’ Alexander visited that inn. He saw an inscription there: ‘Kay-Khusraw, the son of Kay-Kavus, the son Kay-Qubad, the son of Tahmuris, the son of Afrı¯du ¯ n [Fereydu ¯ n].’ Alexander read that and he marvelled at the inn. Then he sent the Chief of Egypt back. And that night he asked Aristotle to tell him about Siyavu ¯ sh and Kay-Khusraw and narrate their story with Afrasiyab. He said to Aristotle, ‘I heard this story and I planned to ask you to narrate it in Turkestan. Narrate it tonight, because only God knows if we will go to Turkestan again.’ Then Aristotle told the story as it is attested in the Sha¯hna¯ma and the story is too long to be mentioned here. In addition, most people know these stories from the Sha¯hna¯ma. When Aristotle had finished the story, Alexander’s dress was wet with tears. He said to Aristotle, ‘O wise Aristotle! Be joyful, because it was good for my heart to listen to you.’ Then he left the place and he reached a land where he found unusual and superb fruits which he had never seen. When the dwellers came to Alexander, he asked them about the wonders of their land. They said, ‘O King, there are many wonders here. This region lies at the end of the earth and near the Land of Darkness. It has twenty-four gates and a large population. Once we had a king. Now there is no king or judge in this land. The poor and the rich are the same. We have no locks to our doors, storehouses and houses.’ Alexander was astonished by what he heard and inquired how this was possible. They replied, ‘The rich and the poor are the same, because we have divided our property equally. I give my neighbour half of what my neighbour lacks so that we may be equal. We have no king or judge, because kings and judges are needed to prevent people from stealing from each other or committing injustice. Now, everyone is equal and there is no need for a king or judge. Doors to houses and storehouses are built to prevent stealing but they are of no use to us. Instead, we have dug graves at our doors to remind us daily of our death.’ Alexander admired them and he asked about their religion. ‘We worship the God of Heaven and Earth, we call on him, and we only worship him by day and night.’ Alexander asked, ‘Who taught you this religion and truth?’ They replied, ‘A man called Khidr!’ As they were speaking thus, Khidr appeared. He came to Alexander, embraced and greeted him. Alexander rose and embraced Khidr, saying, ‘Praised be God who granted

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me to see you!’ Khidr asked, ‘Do you intend to go to the Land of Darkness?’ Alexander replied, ‘I hope to find the Water of Life.’ Khidr said, ‘Your great army will need large provisions.’ Alexander said, ‘Yes, but we cannot leave the army here.’ Except for Alexander, Aristotle and Khidr, nobody knew about the Water of Life. Khidr said, ‘I must go ahead of the army.’ Alexander put all his army under Khidr’s command and they departed from that region, reaching another land. Khidr obtained food and water in the wilderness. Alexander knew that he could not reach the Land of Darkness without him, and thus he put his entire army under Khidr’s command. On their way, they reached a land full of cows and sheep. The prophet Khidr would go before the army during the day and when the army stopped for rest, he would disappear. The people of that land approached Alexander, saying, ‘We are poor and have nothing worthy of the King except our blessings.’ Alexander asked, ‘What are the wonders of this land?’ They went, brought an apricot and said, ‘This is the wonder of our land and the reason we are Muslims. Previously there was a king in our land, a descendant of Zahha¯k and an idol worshipper. Ilya¯s, a prophet of God, who is still alive but is concealed from man’s eyes, had a student by the name of Yisa‘, who would go around and invite people to the religion of God. When he visited our land and saw that we were idol worshippers, he invited our king to renounce idolatry. The King demanded that Ilya¯s performed a miracle. Ilya¯s said, “I am not a prophet to perform miracles. But you may ask a miracle, and if God wishes that you become Muslim, it will come to pass.” Our King said, “I want a tree to appear in this field and immediately bear fruit in the colour of my clothes.” The King was wearing a red and yellow dress. Yisa‘ said, “Let us go!” Everyone left the city. Yisa‘ said his prayers and immediately an apricot tree appeared in the wilderness, bearing half-red and half-yellow fruits. Before this, our land had been fruitless. We reached with our hands and ate of the fruit. Our King embraced the new faith and some of us did the same superficially. Yisa‘ said to us, “Keep the stones of the apricots, because they will be useful, and God will send you the fruit annually.” We ate the fruits and kept the stones in our pockets. ‘When we approached the city gate, Yisa‘ said to the King, “Among your soldiers and your people some have accepted the faith in real, and some others only have done it superficially.” The King asked, “How do you know this?” He replied, “God reveals such matters to me. If you want to know certainly, dispatch your horsemen to the gates to collect the stones. Those with the sweet kernels belong to the ones who truly embraced the faith; those with the bitter kernels belong to the ones who pretend to have accepted the faith.” ‘The horsemen went to the gates and collected the stones, as Yisa‘ had said. Those who had the sweet kernels were permitted to enter the city. Those with bitter kernels were taken before the King. Yisa‘ said to the King, “These have falsely confessed faith.” With the second miracle everyone accepted the faith and since then we believe in the true faith.’ Then Alexander asked about the legend of the Prophet Ilya¯s, which is a nice story. They said, ‘Khidr, peace be upon Him, knows this story.’ Hence, when Khidr came, Alexander asked him to narrate the story. Khidr acted accordingly. This story is mentioned in detail in the Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯‘. Yet in this book we plan to tell the story of Alexander, not the Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯‘ or other tales.

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ALEXANDER’S JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF DARKNESS AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE It is divinely narrated that, after Khidr told the story of Ilya¯s, Alexander said, ‘We will leave this land without doing any harm and without asking for provisions.’ Khidr said, ‘That would be wise.’ They moved from there and reached another land situated within five days’ distance from the Land of Darkness. Then King Alexander said to Khidr, ‘We have a long journey before us and we need provisions for the army.’ Alexander did not tell his men that the aim of his journey was to find the Water of Life. Instead, he said to them that he was going to Jabalqa, on the mountain of Qa¯f. He stayed there for a month. Khidr would disappear during the night and reappear in the morning. Alexander felt sad at night, wondering whether he would find the Water of Life. From the fourteen years which were left in his life, nine had already elapsed. He was preoccupied, providing the army with supplies. For almost a month, rice, peas, pomegranate, seeds, barley, wheat and honey were carried to them from the country. One day, on one of the mountains of the West, Alexander saw an old hermit, whose hair was snow-white and his back bent double with age. Alexander was astonished to meet him. He went to the hermit and asked his name. The hermit said, ‘My name is Hum and I am 750 years old. There is no mountain in the world that I have not seen.’ Alexander said, ‘Come with me and I will take you to the Mountain of the Qa¯f.’ The hermit replied, ‘In my 750 years of life I could not reach the Mountain of the Qa¯f. Do you expect to visit it in the four or five years that remain in your life?’ Alexander trembled upon hear this, asking, ‘How do you know how much time remains in my life?’ The old man said, ‘I know.’ Alexander said, ‘I am going to find the Water of Life. If I find it and drink of it, your foreknowledge will come to nothing.’ The hermit said, ‘God willing!’ Then the hermit said, ‘If you are benevolent in your lifetime and if you do goodness, then your name will be exalted. But if you become bloodthirsty and a tyrant, then you will not live long and your reign will be tenuous and short. Likewise Afrasiyab killed the innocent Siyavu ¯ sh and I arrested him and I handed him to Kay-Khusraw.’ And the hermit told Alexander the same story which I chose and it is mentioned in the Sha¯hna¯ma. When Alexander heard this story from the hermit he rejoiced and he came back from there. And when night came, he discussed the case of that hermit with Aristotle. Then the King said to Aristotle, ‘I need to know completely the story of Kay-Khusraw and what he did with Afrasiyab and how he achieved restitution for the killing of his father.’ Then Aristotle re-narrated the story from the beginning to the very end as it is told in the Sha¯hna¯ma of Firdawsı¯. And he narrated that part of the story when Kay-Khusraw left the thick of his army, he gave kingship to King Luhrasb and disappeared, while some of his followers were frozen to death. Then Alexander asked Aristotle, ‘Did you read all these details from written sources?’ ‘Yes,’ Aristotle replied. Alexander said, ‘We must leave this place because time has passed.’

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When Alexander departed from that city and approached the Land of Darkness, he saw a city and he marvelled at the people of that place because nobody knew their language. Alexander called some of the locals and asked them about the case of the Land of Darkness. They replied, ‘O King! Ten parasangs distance is left until you reach the Land of Darkness.’ Alexander prepared himself for the journey and the next day he entered the Land of Darkness. His soldiers were hesitant to enter that region. They could not tell the day from the night for four successive months. Alexander followed Khidr, who went ahead of his army. The columns were so long that when the vanguard decided to rest, the end of the column was still in motion. One day something dropped from Khidr’s hand, peace be upon Him. As he picked it up, his hand came against water. He had discovered a spring and its water tasted like honey. He knew that it was the Water of Life and drank from it. Khidr had never tasted anything like this. He said his prayers, without telling the soldiers that he had drunk of the Water of Life. Then he ordered them to stay where they were until he returned, warning them that if they moved one step further, they would perish. He himself hurried to Alexander, taking the bridle of his mount, which happened to be a young mule. He said, ‘Oh Alexander! I have drunk from the Water of Life and I have found the spring. I commanded the army to remain there, so that they would not lose the spring.’ Khidr went before Alexander, holding his mount by the bridle. However, when they returned to the spring, it had disappeared. He asked the men if they had moved away from that spot. They replied, ‘God forbid! We did not take one step further.’ They stayed there for seven days and seven nights, and the army rested. They consumed the provisions and the water supplies, carried by the beasts of burden. Yet the spring could not be found. Alexander was sad and full of regret, because all his hopes and efforts had been in vain. After seven days they departed, and continued their way until they left darkness and reached daylight. They had not seen the sunlight or the moonlight, or their own faces, and had not been able to distinguish the night from the day for four months. They marched on rock-strewn land, unaware of what was under their feet. They tasted and smelled the stones, but because of darkness they could not figure out what they were. Hence, everyone who had gone to the Land of Darkness was filled with sorrow due to those stones. When they left the darkness, they found out that the stones were all precious gems, rubies and chrysolites. Thus they were all filled with regret, as the Prophet has said. The Prophet was asked, ‘Why, O Prophet of God?’ He replied, ‘Because they had done one of three things: some had taken a large number of stones, some had taken only a few and some had taken nothing. Those who had taken many stones wished that they had taken more. Those who had taken a few, regretted that they had not taken more. Those who had not taken any grieved the most. Beware then that everyone was full of sorrow.’ When they left the Land of Darkness and saw one another, they embraced and rejoiced, because they had not seen each other’s face for months. Yet Alexander was disheartened. He had not found the Water of Life and was hopeless for life. When they left the darkness, he came on the Qa¯f Mountain. There he saw Isra¯fı¯l with his trumpet on

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his mouth, having one foot on the Qa¯f and one foot on the fourth sphere. Alexander did not see the fourth sphere, but he saw the Qa¯f Mountain and the leg of Isra¯fı¯l, who, holding the trumpet to his mouth, watches the sky, until He bids him blow. Alexander was troubled and terrified, because he found no trace of the earth and its inhabitants there. An overwhelming voice addressed him: ‘O, you impudent man! Have you no shame? Now that you have reached the end of the earth, do you seek to rise to the sky? Return, because little of your life is left!’ Alexander returned and set out for the region where the sun sets. They said to him, ‘Your way lies to the west of the Qa¯f Mountain, bordering the Land of Darkness. It takes four days to reach that region. When you arrive there, tell your men to fear not, because when the sun sinks into the spring, a loud cry and uproar like war drums are heard from the spring and this terrifies people. There the sun is as big as four times the distance between the East and the West.’ Despite this warning, when Alexander saw the sun sinking into the spring, he fell unconscious. When he woke up, he saw a tribe unlike any he had ever seen before. He arrived in the region that God mentions in the glorious Qur’a¯n: Until he reached the limit whither the sun set, he found it going down into a sea of black mud and found by it a people. We said: O Double-Horned One! Thou mayest chastise or do them a good.

There, Alexander came across a people who were both heathens and believing, and wanted to depart from the land. God inspired Alexander to say to them, ‘I shall treat kindly he who is a believer, and God will grant him heaven as a reward. He who is an unbeliever will be slain and will be rewarded in hell. For the unbeliever, death is in this world and punishment in the next; for the believer, compassion and humanity in this world, and the joy of Heaven in the next.’ Then Alexander left that tribe. The opinions of scholars differ in regard to the warm spring. Some believe that the spring in which the sun sets is hot and boiling, and some others believe the opposite. After this adventure, Alexander was about to depart from the land, bordering with Syria and was in the area where the sun sets. Some believe this land to be the site of resurrection. Alexander camped there for ten days, for the region was pleasant and temperate, although it did not have enough trees and plants. One night the King had been asleep but before the night was almost over, he went out for some need and he saw many serpents in the camp. He was afraid that they might harm his soldiers. He awakened his men and urged them to stay up and protect themselves from the serpents. Many of the serpents were killed and some of them fled. During the day Alexander ordered his men to begin constructing ships, because they had to cross the sea which since the time of Kay-Khusraw had not been crossed by anyone. Yet he could not acquire all the supplies he needed from that land. Even though there was much food to be found, the weather was very warm and the food would spoil easily. He provisioned his army with what was available, prepared for the journey as best he could and constructed the vessels. He was also seeking someone who would be familiar with that sea and its wonders, but he could find no one.

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THE STORY OF THE SCORPION, THE SNAKE AND THE YOUTH WHO WAS SLEEPING IN THE GARDEN, AND THE WONDER THAT ALEXANDER EXPERIENCED It is divinely narrated that at noon, under the excessive heat of the midday sun, Alexander left his tent and his mind was preoccupied with the black snakes he had seen. He left his tent on his own with an Indian sword in his hand. He walked for a distance and behold, he came across a scorpion as big as a duck, holding its tail directly to the ground, looking straight ahead as it was speeding on its way. Alexander marvelled at what he saw. When he attempted to kill the scorpion, he heard a mysterious voice, commanding, ‘Spare the creature, because God has sent it for a purpose. Look where it goes!’ Alexander thought, ‘I must see the wonder!’ Alexander followed the scorpion alone, which was hastening on its way as before until it had covered a distance. Alexander grew tired. It was noon, very hot and he was on foot. After the scorpion had gone further, it came upon a stream. It waited until, at God’s command, a turtle appeared on the water. The scorpion climbed to its back and the turtle returned to the water. Alexander marvelled at what he experienced. Despite his fatigue, he decided to follow the scorpion, for the mysterious voice had said, ‘Look where it goes!’ He went after the scorpion until it came to a wall. The scorpion climbed the wall and went to the other side. Alexander did the same and, looking over, he saw a pleasant garden. A dark youth was sleeping peacefully, half-naked and wearing a loincloth; a dark serpent curling on his chest was ready to bite him. The scorpion charged against the youth, climbed on his chest, and as the snake was about to bite him, the scorpion stung it on the head and killed it. Afterwards, the scorpion turned and after climbing the wall, it went to the stream. The same turtle appeared and carried it to the other bank; then the scorpion returned the way it had come. Alexander watched all of this, wondering about the identity of the youth and his privilege to enjoy such grace from God. He awakened the youth, who asked him who he was. Alexander said, ‘It does not matter who I am. Rather, consider God’s grace unto you. Behold this snake!’ Then Alexander told him what he had witnessed. The youth said, ‘Praised be God, the Lord of the Worlds; to Him many thanks!’ He went with Alexander, but did not know who he was. After they had walked for a while, Alexander saw Aristotle, who, along with the troops, was looking for him. When they saw Alexander, they dismounted. The youth found out that Alexander was the King who returned from the Land of Darkness. He did courtesy to Alexander and apologised. Alexander gave him gold and a rich dress. He kept the youth in his service, because he knew the sea course and was familiar with that region. Alexander commanded Aristotle to record that adventure, so that the event might be remembered. Then he returned to his camp. At night he went to sleep and he dreamed of an Angel who said to him, ‘Oh Servant of God, Alexander! You are deceived if you think that what you have done, was accomplished due to your own bravery and wisdom, and that you saw all these wonders and reached the limits of the earth on your own. Everything was done by God, the Creator of the Seven Spheres and Seven Earths. If you think that you are able to protect yourself from the snake and the scorpion, you are

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deceived. You rose in the night and killed the snake and the scorpion, having in mind that if you were asleep, they would overcome you. What would you have done if they had overcome you in your sleep? O Alexander! Know then that is the Lord of the Worlds who guards you from the Evil. As you saw in the case of the scorpion, He sent someone to slay that big snake and to save his servant. Once you are in God’s protection, you cannot be harmed by fierce beasts, reptiles, demons, fairies or man.’ When Alexander heard this, he woke up. He went down on his knees and bowed with his forehead to the ground, thanking God. Through his insight Alexander realised that God had shown him that his trust in Him was weak, because he had been afraid of the snakes. Again, through that adventure, God enabled him to find the youth, who was familiar with the sea course – all this through the grace of God, the Lord of the Worlds. After these adventures were recorded in the Book of Alexander,15 Alexander set out for the sea. He constructed ships but he was worried about the journey. The youth said to Alexander, ‘O King, in this city there is an old man who has lived since the days of Moses. We can trace him and ask him about this Green Sea.’ Alexander was pleased and said, ‘This old man is a wonder.’ The youth requested to have some companions on his mission. Alexander sent some of his attendants with him. They wrapped the old man in a blanket and carried him to Alexander who marvelled to see him, treated him kindly and asked how old he was. The old man answered, ‘I am 640 years old.’ Alexander inquired, ‘With which prophet did you live?’ The old man replied, ‘I have seen many prophets!’ Alexander asked, ‘Which ones?’ He replied, ‘I have seen David, Solomon, Aaron, Moses, peace be upon Them, and I know their life times.’ Alexander asked, ‘Did any of them cross the sea?’ He replied, ‘Solomon crossed this sea without a ship, for he was carried on the back of the wind.’ Alexander inquired, ‘How long does it take to cross the sea?’ The old man said, ‘O King! This is a huge sea and there is no other bigger than this in the world. When the blessed and glorious Lord created the world, he made three-fourths of it from water and one-fourth from land. The limits of this sea are not within sight. If you prefer to go by land, you must return from the road you came here. The road is tough and the Land of Darkness is in the way. If you go by sea, you can see the whole world. If the north wind is favourable, you will arrive in China and the China Sea in eight months, India in a year and the Mediterranean Sea in two years. This sea is limitless.’ Then Alexander said, ‘In your long life have you found out how long it takes to cover by land the distance covered by sea in a day?’ ‘Yes,’ answered the old man. ‘When the north wind is favourable, the distance covered by a ship in one day is equal to 500 parasangs covered by horse on land.’ ‘Praised be God!’ said Alexander. The Greek sages had produced various medicines for Alexander, which he took on a daily basis; for example, electuaries containing snakes to make him more courageous so that he was not afraid of grand deeds. Alexander asked the old man to remember him in his prayers. The old man said, ‘O King! I will give you a gift, a prayer which will empower you to cross the sea unharmed. Whatever conquest the prophets made was by virtue of this prayer: By it, Moses drowned the Pharaoh. God protects the possessor of the prayer from evil.’ The King was glad to hear that. The old man said, ‘God sent this prayer from heaven to

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Daniel and he recited it when he was captive in the lions’ thicket. Through this prayer, the lions bowed to him with their foreheads to the ground. Similarly, Solomon brought the wind under his power. The prayer contains thirty Names from the Names of God. These Names are in heaven and you must hold this prayer dear.’ Then he copied the thirty Names and gave them to Alexander. ¨ ktigı¯n, may God have mercy upon him, discovered these And Sulta¯n Mahmu ¯ d b. Sibu ˙ Names and asked Shaykh Abu ¯ Sa‘d Khargu ¯ shı¯ to copy them, giving him in return 1,000 Maghribi dı¯nars. All the conquests and wars of Sulta¯n Mahmu ¯ d were empowered by this ˙ 16 prayer. And Alexander gave 2,000 Khusrava¯nı¯ durusts to the old man to copy the Names for him. Alexander received those Great Names and the next day he set out for his voyage. He gave those Names only to a prince who was accompanied by 24,000 men. The whole army crossed the sea, thanks to those Names. Alexander had learned the thirty Names by heart and he recited them while steering the vessel. One night, when the ship was anchored, Alexander sat with a candle before him, reciting the Names. Suddenly a fish pushed its head out of the water. It was so big that it could make the ship, the elephants and the whole army look small. Alexander admired what he saw. He recited the thirty Names and prayed to God, saying, ‘O Lord, by virtue of your glorious name, written in heaven, command this fish to speak to me, so that it might answer my questions.’ After he made this plea, the fish thrust its head out of the water. Alexander said, ‘What do you seek, O fish?’ The fish answered, ‘God commanded me to speak to you.’ Alexander said, ‘Speak then!’ The fish said, ‘You asked that I answer your questions. Now ask!’ Alexander asked, ‘Tell me what kind of fish you are and if there is any fish bigger than you in the sea?’ The fish responded, ‘When Solomon invited all his soldiers and decided to feed all the animals, he ordered those with the hairy feet, fairies and men to carry food to the seashore for many days. [God provides my needs mornings and evenings.] It is narrated that Solomon slaughtered 70,000 camels and 700,000 cows and a million sheep for the feast, in addition to preparing other measureless bounties. This is the number of the camels, cows and sheep according to the records of Wahb ibn Munabbih. Yet God ordered me to push my head out of the sea and swallow everything in one bit and that was not enough for my breakfast!’ Alexander asked, ‘Is there any creature bigger than you?’ The fish replied, ‘Yes.’ Alexander prayed and recited the names. In a few minutes, there was a tremendous tremor and a fish came to the surface. It was so big that the first fish could not be seen behind it. In a clear voice it said, ‘Praised be God, the Creator of creatures in the land and in the sea. Before His greatness, they are as a mote in the air.’ The fish disappeared and Alexander crossed the sea in eight months and twenty days. Many men and beasts died on the way until they came ashore in the Land of Machin, a land like Paradise. Alexander came across many wonders at sea, but we will not mention them in detail; or else this narration will become too long. At sea, he saw strange creatures that he had not seen before, marvelling at their voice and speech. When they came ashore, they were at the eastern coast. The Khaqa¯n was informed that Alexander had arrived after his journey to the Land of Darkness. Nobody believed that he had not

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succeeded to drink of the Water of Life. When Alexander completed his voyage in the Western Sea, he thanked God and everyone rejoiced. He asked where the land led to. The dwellers answered, ‘This is the Sea of China. Henceforth you will go by land. There are 360 cities on the way which together are called Turkestan. When you cross this land, you will be facing East and the places where the sun rises.’ Then Alexander departed and led his army away on his journey to the East. He said to Aristotle, ‘We have completed our mission in the West and we have recorded its wonders. Now write a second book for the wonders of the East, so that it may be read after us, and we may be remembered by it and our name may live forever.’ ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN TURKESTAN BY WAY OF THE AKHZAR SEA, AND THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND THE KING OF THAT REGION It is thus divinely narrated that when Alexander came ashore in Machin from the Green [Akhzar] Sea, he came to a city whose ruler was an idol worshipper. He was from the line of Gersiuz, Afrasiyab’s brother and was the Khaqa¯n of China. And it so happened that when Alexander arrived close to that place, the news reached the East. The Khaqa¯n of China sent someone to this King, with a message: ‘By no means give way to Alexander. If he proclaims war, then fight him and we will send reinforcements.’ The Khaqa¯n of China did not know Alexander’s story. He had heard some words [rumours], and it was only at the beginning, when Alexander had arrived in Turkestan. Then Alexander approached that city with all his soldiers. After Alexander’s departure from the Land of Darkness, much terror had come to the hearts of people. So the ruler of the city was terrified. He rose and came out of the city, saw Alexander and paid tribute to him. When Alexander saw him, he had a good physical appearance and a purely innocent face. He stood next to the King. Then Alexander ordered the translators to come because Turks did not know the language of Greeks and Iranians and the King himself did not speak [Turkish]. So Aristotle told him, ‘You need to offer provisions to our army so that Alexander passes your land without harm.’ The Turk answered, ‘We are not accustomed to pay capitation tax because this land belongs to that Khaqa¯n. However we will prepare an official gift and we will send it [to you].’ He paid tribute and returned. He saw the camp, the elephants and the power of people and he was scared by that confusion. He said, ‘I am afraid that our region will be destroyed.’ He went to the city which had a strong fort. It was so strong that no one was able to cross it. He took his wife and children into the fort, he closed the doors firmly and sat there. The King waited [for him] for a day to send the gift, but he did not. They sent someone to investigate the situation. The King was angered by this and said to Aristotle, ‘This is the first task [priority]. If I do not handle the situation politically, then the people of this region will be victorious. We do not have those provisions with which we explored the West for seven years, to explore the East for another seven years. It is necessary that this region will be freed so as to return. Let’s see again our mother and those wives.’ The King prepared a commander with 1,000 cavaliers and sent them to that city. He ordered them to pillage the city and for the dwellers to come out. They came to the

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camp and cried out, saying, ‘O Great King of Kings! We are innocent.’ The King felt mercy for them and he said to the commander who had attacked the city, ‘Leave the people of this city in peace. Surround the fort and it is enough that you can take it.’ They fought for the fort for ten days. On the tenth day, he said, ‘Our time is over here.’ He called the elephant guards and asked them, ‘How many elephants are there in my army?’ They said, ‘There were 1,700 elephants but after that battle 200 elephants were lost in the sea and a 1,500 have remained.’ The King ordered, ‘Choose 100 elephants and go to that city. Do not say anything to the citizens. With those 100 elephants attack the fort until they destroy it.’ The elephant guards came and chose 100 elephants, each one of them was like an iron mountain. They came to the city and attacked the fort. They destroyed it in an hour and captured the ruler and brought him to Alexander. The latter ordered them to put him in chains. Then Alexander took a water barrel [pot] that he came across from the ruler’s treasury. The King thought that there might be valuable jewels in there. He ordered them to open the barrel [pot]. It was full of wheat. Every piece of it was big like an almond and similarly fresh. The King said to Aristotle, ‘Write it down so it will be memorised.’ When Alexander saw the wheat, he called that ruler and asked him, ‘What is it about this wheat?’ He replied, ‘O King, I do not know. This is the legacy of seven forefathers to me. It has been given to us in this form.’ Alexander said, ‘Don’t you know which king they killed?’ ‘I do not know,’ he replied. Then the King said, ‘Why did you break your promise and escape to the fort?’ He replied, ‘O King! I was not patient to fight the King of Kings and I did not permit them to send a gift because the King is more important than this, to be sent a minor gift. Also the Khaqa¯n of China sent someone to me and ordered, “When Alexander comes, give nothing to him and if he raids the city, say nothing because I will take revenge from him.”’ When Alexander heard this, he said, ‘Stay in chains until Khaqa¯n Faqfu ¯ r comes to release you.’ The King of Turks paid tribute and said, ‘O King! I foretold you whatever happened. Then he rose and put him into chains in the court.’ Alexander had marvelled at that wheat. The next day Alexander released the Turk from his chains. He did not give him back anything from his treasury but he did give him back his rule and ordered, ‘Gather the elders of the city to say when this wheat was sown.’ When the King of Turks was released, he became happy and praised Alexander and sent him numerous gifts from his hidden treasures and gathered the elders of the city to give their opinion about where the wheat came from. THE STORY OF THE BARREL OF WHEAT FOUND IN ALEXANDER’S TREASURE
HOUSE AND THE LIFE OF BAHR A M, HIS FATHER AND THEIR WIVES It is thus divinely narrated in the following story that Alexander wondered during which king’s time that wheat had been sown. Then they brought the elders of the city before the King. The King showed them that wheat. He asked, ‘Do you know when this wheat was sown?’ They replied, ‘The villagers and farmers know better.’ Then the King dispatched someone to gather people from the villages. When they came, the King showed them the

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wheat and asked them again the same thing. They were incompetent because of the seriousness of the case. They said, ‘O King! It is not obvious to us [we do not know]. But there an old man in this village who has been a farmer for long and his name is Qalut. He is 150 years old.17 If it is possible to know about it, then he knows it.’ The King sent his horsemen to look for him. They searched for him in that village and arrived at his house. They saw a woman who was majestic, old, ugly and angry sitting there. They said, ‘Is this the house of Qalut?’ The woman said, ‘It is.’ Then they asked, ‘Where is he?’ She said, ‘What a foolish question for an old man! He must have been somewhere in the fields.’ They went to the fields and found him there. They took him and brought him to the King. He saw a man who was very old with white eyebrows. The King asked him, ‘O old man! What is your age?’ ‘I am 157 years old,’ he replied. ‘Who was king when you were born?’ Alexander asked. ‘I was born in the times of Bahman, son of Isfandiyar, who was the righteous King of Iran.’ ‘Do you know when this wheat was sown?’ said Alexander. ‘I do not know but my father does,’ he replied. The King asked, ‘You have a father?’ ‘I do,’ replied the old man. The King said to Aristotle, ‘Write it down because it is stranger than the wheat.’ The same man who had searched for Qalut, went to the village to search for Qalut’s father. He said, ‘Where is the house of Qalut’s father?’ A woman came who was the leader of the village. She was neither old nor young. She said to him, ‘Where will you take him?’ ‘The King wants him,’ he replied. ‘He is in the fields. Please, wait here for an hour until he comes.’ The man stayed for an hour. When he looked around, he saw a man who came and was young and not old. He had an oar on his shoulder. The messenger asked him, ‘Are you Qalut’s father?’ ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘King Alexander wants you,’ the messenger said. The old man rose and came. When the king saw him, he was astonished and said to Aristotle. The story of this father and son is stranger than the story of the wheat. Then he showed the father the wheat and said, ‘When was this wheat sown?’ ‘O King! I do not know. But my father knows.’ ‘How old are you?’ asked Alexander. ‘I am 240 years old and when Bahman wanted to take revenge from Rustam by harming the latter’s son, I was born,’ he replied. The King cried and said to Aristotle, ‘My ancestor Isfandiyar was more remarkable than Siyavu ¯ sh.’ Then the King wanted again to learn about that wheat. He asked, ‘You have a father?’ ‘Yes, he is in that village,’ he replied. Alexander knew that place and he sent the same person to look for the old man. His name was Bahra¯m. That man went to the village and knocked on the door. A beautiful and noble woman came out. He asked her, ‘Where is Bahra¯m?’ ‘Why do you need him?’ she asked. ‘King Alexander wants him,’ he replied. She said, ‘Go home and sit and he will come immediately.’ She took him inside the house and showed him the place. She was gracious with him, she gave him food and she was kind. When he looked, Bahra¯m came. He was a young and strong man. When he came out, he asked, ‘What are you looking for?’ The messenger replied, ‘King Alexander wants you.’ Then Bahra¯m rose and came. Alexander asked, ‘Are you the father of that old man?’ ‘Yes,’ Bahra¯m replied. ‘Do you know when this wheat was sown?’ asked Alexander. ‘I am 600 years old. It was during the reign of Kay-Khusraw. This wheat flourished all over the world as a result of

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Kay-Khusraw’s righteousness.’ The King said, ‘You spoke the truth.’ And he filled his mouth with jewels. Then he said, ‘O Bahra¯m, when were you born?’ ‘It was in the time of King Gushasp,’ said Bahra¯m. Then the King said, ‘This is an unbelievable case. Explain your story to me, because the father is young and the son is old. What is the reason for this?’ ‘Beware and pay attention that Qalut is my own grandson. He has a wife who is old, ugly, full of discord and bad temper. She has thus made him old. My son has also a wife who is not so good but she is better than Qalut’s wife. And I have a wife who is young, beautiful, pleasant and full of accord.’ Alexander was astonished and ordered Aristotle, ‘Write it down!’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! This is a correct remark.’ Then Alexander gave kingship back to that king and took that wheat with him. He had covered two days’ distance when he saw some people from the region of China. The King called them and asked, ‘What are the wonders in your land?’ ‘O King! There is a wonder in our land that there exists nowhere else,’ they replied. ‘What is it?’ asked the King. ‘There is a tree in our city in the King’s palace. In winter and summer time, it remains green. And this tree gives dates and every ill person who eats of these dates is cured at once.’ The King marvelled at this and asked, ‘What is the origin of this tree?’ They said, ‘One day our King went to hunt. When he returned, he brought back some bones of a person and buried them here. This palm tree came from that place.’ Then the King asked, ‘How far is it from where I have come until your city?’ ‘It is two parasangs distance,’ they replied. ‘How many gates does the city have?’ asked Alexander. ‘Nine,’ they replied. ‘What is the religion of your king?’ asked Alexander. ‘He is an idolworshipper,’ they replied. ‘Does he have a rich treasury and a strong army?’ he asked. ‘Yes, he does,’ they replied. ‘He has also a daughter who is as beautiful as the sun and the fourteen nights’ moon. And whatever is going to happen the next day in that city, is predicted on the previous night by the King’s daughter, who has both a good and evil character. Whatever she sees in her dreams, it becomes true, according to her words.’ The King asked, ‘Does this girl have a husband?’ ‘No,’ they replied. ‘Why?’ asked Alexander. ‘Various kings wanted to marry her. She has no father and now we do not know what she is going to do!’ Alexander set out from there and approached to the city. He sent a messenger to that king, and said, ‘You need to pay capitation tax and come to our presence. If there are any wonders in your land, you must inform us so as to pass through your land unharmed.’ That king was a clever man. He came and saw the King, bringing him gifts and said to Alexander, ‘The King must come with the nobility to the city.’ Alexander said, ‘I agree. If you display the appropriate respect, then I will come.’ Then the king of that city said, ‘Beware! The marvel of our city is the following one: One day I was hunting in the fields. My horse fell into a fence [mote] and I fell from the horse. I took the foot of the horse out of the fence [mote] and from there a wooden surface appeared. Beneath that there was found a treasury chest. When they opened the chest, there was a dead king inside and an inscription on which it was written: “I reigned for 200 years and finally I did not bring a dead-sheet so as to be a marvel.” And I took that treasure and then from his bones, a tree grew. From this tree, dates were produced and this tree has been always green [fertile]. It gives dates all the time. Every problem that the slaves of God may face is resolved by

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eating one of those dates.’ Then Alexander ordered Aristotle, ‘Write it down!’ Alexander came to the city and looked around and saw the tree. One more time the king of that city said to Alexander, ‘There is something which is stranger and bigger than this.’ Alexander ordered him, ‘Speak!’ The king said, ‘I had a virgin daughter. She ate one of these dates and she became pregnant. She gave birth to a girl. That girl was a glory for the King! A decree was issued that this girl must not be amongst people. I put her into a monastery in the mountain so as to pray day and night.’ Alexander said, ‘What was written in the inscription, that a miracle will come from me, was that date. This date kept the sperm of that dead king alive and the Almighty God created that girl from this.’ Then he said, ‘That girl should stay in the monastery and whatever is to happen in the future, the Almighty God will reveal to her in her dreams. And I will go to her so as to be informed [about her predictions].’ Alexander asked, ‘What is the age of this girl?’ ‘She is twenty years old,’ he replied. ‘How many years have elapsed since you came across that chest?’ asked Alexander. ‘It is the same time,’ he said. So it happened that Alexander desired that girl but he did not say anything at that time. He ordered Aristotle, ‘Write this down!’ and in those days Alexander was astonished by that wonder. THE STORY OF THE HERMITS WITH THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING AND WHAT HAPPENED It is thus divinely narrated that there were two hermits in the mountains of the monastery. Their names were Sabı¯h and Malı¯h. For many years, they lived in that monastery and they were popular [dear] to the King and the dwellers of that city who respected their words as those of the prophets. At night, these two hermits heard the voice of this girl who read the Psalms [Holy Book] and they liked her reading [voice]. One night both of them rose and went to the room of that girl. It was a night under the moonlight. They knocked on the door of her room and said, ‘It is Sabı¯h and Malı¯h.’ The girl was familiar with them. When she opened the door, they came inside and looked at the girl who was very beautiful. Both of those hermits fell in love with her and they said to the girl, ‘We have a good reputation. We will have a relationship with you and nobody will find out.’ When the girl heard this, she trembled and was astonished. She said, ‘Your order is correct. But this task cannot be done in these clothes. Take a seat while I go to the upper floor of this room and change my clothes and come back down.’ She stood up, went upstairs and dragged the staircase upwards, telling them, ‘O you impure dogs! Are you not ashamed of Almighty God by asking me to have a relationship with you?’ They regretted it and said, ‘We wish we could get rid of the pain of our destiny. We have been abominated by this girl. We must prevent developments.’ Early at dawn, both of them went to the city and, when the people of the city saw them, the boys and the youths gathered around them and an uproar erupted and they finally came to the court of the King. The King was terrified by the uproar and said, ‘Do you know what has happened? A King like Alexander is in the city and I do not know what it is.’ When the

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King came up, he saw the hermits. He was astonished by their arrival and said, ‘What is this uproar?’ The people said, ‘Everything has happened because of a filthy lady who has gathered young men in the monastery and she conducts immorality. Because of her immorality, we have come to the city. You must bring her immediately to the city and burn her. Otherwise we will destroy your palace and we will kill you.’ The King believed their words and invited the hermits and the troublemakers to the palace, saying, ‘Gather the wood sticks for fire until tomorrow.’ Then they went to find wood sticks and they spent the night collecting fire wood. Then Alexander was informed about this news. He sent someone to summon the King and said, ‘What is the reason for this turbulence?’ The King told him the story. Alexander said, ‘This is a mistake. It is impossible to kill someone based on the words of a hermit and their troublemakers.’ Then he ordered, ‘Tomorrow beat the drum and call all the army for me to make a judgement.’ The King beat the drum and the next day everybody came. Alexander sat on the throne and the nobility as well as the viziers got prepared. The nobles of that city also came and everyone had abandoned the uproar. Then both of the hermits were brought before Alexander. When he saw them, he immediately perceived that they were guilty, but he did not say anything. He treated them well and told them to sit. He said, ‘How many years have you been in this mountain?’ They said, ‘It is thirty years that we have not desired any woman.’ The King moved his head and he knew that he was right that they were guilty. Then he said to them, ‘Why did you create this uproar?’ They replied, ‘O King! Is it a minor thing that this woman does to the King?’ The King said, ‘God’s will, this case will be resolved tomorrow.’ Then the King ordered them to bring the two hermits before him next to the throne. The King said, ‘O hermits, today is the day that I will find out about your right in the world and I will make you dear.’ The hermits became happy and felt stronger. Then the King told them, ‘You did one thing wrong; you should not have revealed this immoral act and you should not have created this tumult. You should have first revealed it to the King.’ ‘O King! We were impatient,’ they replied. The King said, ‘You spoke correctly.’ Then he ordered all the army to remain silent. He also ordered, ‘Have your ears and eyes focused here and listen to the words of the hermits and decide what is correct.’ Then the King said, ‘Are you both certain about the impurity of this girl?’ ‘Yes,’ they replied. Alexander said, ‘Both of you verify her act or each one of you will give a negative testimony on what you saw?’ ‘O King, we gave assurance for one thing and we spoke in full agreement.’ Alexander said, ‘This is correct. I know that you do not ascertain of a thing that you did not see.’ They said, ‘God forbid!’ The King asked them, ‘Are you both brothers?’ ‘Yes,’ they replied. Alexander said, ‘Who is the elder brother?’ ‘I am,’ Sabı¯h replied. Then a servant took the hermit to a room behind the curtains as Alexander had ordered. Alexander said to Sabı¯h, ‘Come on, big hermit! Tell me what you saw of the King’s daughter?’ The hermit stood up and came to Alexander. ‘You are the elder brother, you must tell the truth.’ The hermit replied, ‘O King! I came to the cloister for the night prayers at that time that everyone estimates. I said to my brother, “Let’s stop for an hour

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and let’s hear the recitation of the Psalms!” We waited for an hour but no recitation was heard. Suddenly we returned to the monastery and a drunk Turkish slave wearing a hat and a tunic came out from there. We were terrified and we hid ourselves. The slave held a cup of wine and a sceptre.’ The King said, ‘There is no more omniscient and omnipotent than the Magnificent God!’ Then he said to the hermit, ‘Both of you brothers were in the same place when you saw this. You did not see any other than this?’ They said, ‘No. Myself and my brother were together and we assure you about this cause.’ The King said to the nobility, ‘Write down these facts and be certain.’ He ordered the servant, ‘Take this hermit to another place and bring me the other hermit.’ The servant acted accordingly and brought Malı¯h to the King. When Alexander saw him, he said, ‘Tell me what assurances you give, and what [wrong] you saw on your King’s daughter.’ Then the hermit said, ‘Beware and pay attention. Every night this girl read the Psalms beautifully, loudly and her voice reached our cloister. A sound of music came until the daybreak. We ran out of patience. My brother and I rose and went to the cloister and we knocked on the door. This girl came and opened the door of her cloister. She wore a red and yellow dress and she wore a nice perfume. We asked her, “Why did you not read the Psalms tonight?” We have suffered and when we left the monastery, [we came across] a young drunk man was sleeping.’ ‘Apart from this, did you see any other improper behaviour by this girl?’ asked Alexander. ‘No, I did not,’ the hermit replied. Then the King looked at his army. Aristotle and the army praised Alexander. The King said, ‘Bring that impure hermit.’ They brought him back. Alexander became angry and ordered the local king, ‘Go and bring that girl.’ He sent a representative and brought that girl. She wore white old and torn clothes and had fastened them tightly. They brought her before the King who said to her, ‘O girl, what are these hermits talking about you with certainty?’ ‘What are they saying with certainty?’ she asked. So they narrated to her the slandering story of the hermits. The girl said, ‘I do not know anything about this. God [lit. The knower of secrets] verifies this!’ Then the girl said, ‘O King! Beware that I had never seen them but I respected their majestic names. At night during the evening prayers both of them came to my cloister. Because I respected them greatly, I rose and opened my door. They came in and said, “Recite the Psalms.” I read a passage from the Psalms. When I fell silent, they looked at me on purpose and said “We fell in love with you. Touch us!” I said, “I shall act accordingly but it is impossible to do it wearing this clothing. Let me stand up and go upstairs in the cloister to take off my clothes and come back downstairs.” When I went upstairs, I dragged the staircase up and I told them, “O impure cowards! If I do not disgrace you before all the people tomorrow, it will not be me.” My story with the hermits was thus and it was thus developed. And the Almighty God is my witness and can verify my words.’ The King had placed his sword next to him and grabbed it like a drop of water and put into despair both of them. He said to them, ‘Tell the truth and if you do not, then I will behead both of you.’ They were terrified and said, ‘O King! This girl is a liar.’ Alexander ordered, ‘Bring my cup so as to disgrace both of them!’ This was a royal portion and fallacy. Alexander had proved to the nobility and the army that the girl was innocent and that it was the hermits who were guilty. They gave two different testimonies about this story.18

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When the King made his decision, the two hermits fell on their knees and said, ‘O King, alas! The girl speaks the truth and we are guilty.’ All the people praised Alexander. Then he ordered them to bring fire and pieces of wood. They put that wood on the fire and put the two hermits into the fire and burnt them. The Almighty God had inspired him. Every task he accomplished was correct and it was done in the name of the Almighty God. Those people were astonished by Alexander’s judgement and they praised him. Then Alexander said to the king of that city, ‘Punish these dwellers so that they do not steal [in the future].’ Then the king of the city said, ‘O King! I have been ruling for fortyfive years and, apart from the capital tax, I never took a piece of grain [of black silver] from anyone by force. And this was the habit during my rule. One day there was a major event with one of the princes and I was informed about this news. After that I was never troubled with any of my subjects.’ Then Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Write down this story and when an event takes place, remind me of it.’ Aristotle wrote the story down from the very beginning to the very end. THE STORYTELLING OF THE KING OF THAT CITY WITH ALEXANDER ABOUT JUSTICE It is thus divinely narrated that the king of that city paid tribute and said: O King! There was a king in Farghana who was more famous than Kay-Khusraw for his righteousness. One day he was out hunting. He was detached from his army and covered a long a distance [alone]. He became thirsty. He reached a village. There was a house and an old woman who baked bread was sitting inside that house. The King said to the woman, ‘May I be your guest?’ The woman said, ‘Yes, come in.’ The King entered the house and the woman brought hot bread to the King. ‘Bring me yoghurt!’ the King said. ‘I do not have any,’ she replied. ‘[Bring] something else!’ he added. ‘I do not have anything else,’ she answered. That King had only bread and fell asleep. When he woke up, he said, ‘Bring me some milk.’ ‘Sleep and do not ask for more! From where could I bring milk?’ ‘Bring it, otherwise I will get it from you by force,’ the King said. ‘Sleep, otherwise, I will go and complain tomorrow to [ask] the King of this village to punish you.’ The King became angry and thought, ‘This is entirely my fault because I thus took possession of this subject. After this I must not complain otherwise my royal dignity will suffer.’ Then he said, ‘Tomorrow I will destroy this village and I will punish this woman.’ Then he fell asleep. The next day he woke up. The husband of that woman had returned. The King said, ‘Give me milk!’ The husband said to the woman, ‘Stand up and milk the cow and give him some milk.’ When the woman went to the cow, the breast of the cow was empty. Her husband said, ‘Alas! A king of this esteem and majesty has been with slaves.’ When the King heard these words, he was astonished. He made prostration and said, ‘O my Lord! I am not after power. I have regretted it.’ Then he changed his attitude and said, ‘Look if there is any milk for you.’ The woman went to the cow. It was full of milk and she referred this to her husband. ‘Praised be God! His majesty the King did the right

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thing.’ The King came out and was terrified by this. The old woman said, ‘Beware that when a king of great esteem and majesty is correct and righteous, then trees are blossomed in the field and the desert, the animals prosper and they are full of milk. But if the King is after power, then everything declines.’ The King wept and he revealed his secret to them. ‘O King! Beware that there is nothing better than righteousness in this world.’ And this story has been incorporated in the story of Bahra¯m Gu ¯ r in the Book of Kings. It is also attested in the story of the Righteous Immortal Soul [Anushirwan] in the Lives of Kings [Siyyar al-mulu¯k ]. God knows better about these stories which we have written here in an abridged form. Then Alexander desired that girl and he treated her favourably and with honours. And he ordered her to stay there for ten days. Afterwards he set out coming towards the land of Turkestan and he went to the vicinity of the Qipchaq people. He fought many times with them until they reached a big city. The king of that city was a great one and he commanded a great army. When he heard the news about Alexander’s arrival, he ordered them to fortify themselves inside the city which had a strong gate and citadel. It was a fertile city like a paradise. Then Alexander did not know what kind of land this was.


ALEXANDER’S JOURNEY TO SIYAV USHGARD AND HIS STORY WITH THE KING OF THAT CITY It is thus divinely narrated that when Alexander came close to that city, he approached with all his army the place at a distance of four parasangs. He sent someone to get information about the land because Alexander did not know the name of that city. The people said, ‘O King! They have fortified themselves in the city.’ The distance from the camp to the city is four parasangs. Then Alexander sent some horsemen to search for a man from the periphery of that city, to come and say what the name of that city is and what kind of place this is. The horsemen left. They did not find anyone immediately. When it was the time for prayers, two men came, each one carrying a sack full of wheat on his shoulder. They were heading from the village to Asia. Then they captured both of them and brought them before Alexander. The King said to them, ‘Where are you from?’ ‘We are from that village which is four parasangs distance from the city,’ they replied. ‘What do the people call this city and who is the king there?’ Alexander asked. ‘This city is a wonder,’ they responded. ‘Why?’ asked the King. They said, ‘The name of this city is Siyavu ¯ shgard and this city was founded by Siyavu ¯ sh, the son of Ka¯vu ¯ s. Siyu ¯ vash was killed here and his tomb is to that side of the city. And his blood flows there. Our king is a descendant of Arjasb, who was the killer of Luhrasb.’ When Alexander heard this story, he wept. He fell on his knees and thanked God that he had reached that place. He immediately rose and went towards Siyavu ¯ sh’s tomb. When he reached that place, he thought that it was Paradise. He went towards Siyavu ¯ sh’s tomb and the ground was red. He saw fresh blood flowing from the tomb and in the

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middle of that blood, a herbage had grown green. Many people were fathered there and the King saw with his own eyes whatever he had heard. Then he ordered them to come to that place and they encamped there. They did not know that Turk who was from the line of Luhrasb. They thought that he was Greek, a descendant of Philip. Then Alexander sent a messenger to the king of that city and the name of that king was Tura¯nsha¯h. He was going four generations back to Arjasb who was Afrasiyab’s grandson. Then the King came to that place and said to the messenger, ‘Go and say to this unfortunate Turk that “I do not want from you any gifts, provisions or to see you at all! I only have to take revenge from you for Luhrasb and Siyavu ¯ sh. Tomorrow be prepared for war! Otherwise I will destroy this city and fort and I will order my elephants to enter the city and slay you and your army.”’ And he wrote this down in his message because he knew that the Turk would not allow the messenger to speak thus. The messenger departed. When he reached the main gate of the city, the news reached Tura¯nsha¯h that the messenger of Alexander had come. He ordered them to let him pass. When they gave way, the messenger entered the city and he was taken to the palace. The messenger bowed and handed over the letter. A translator came and translated the letter for the King. When Tura¯nsha¯h heard the contents of the letter, he trembled with fear. He said to the messenger, ‘Tell Alexander to delay for three days so as to prepare my army.’ The messenger returned and informed Alexander about these developments. The King said, ‘He is making a plot. But since he has asked for a delay, I must agree.’ So he gave him extra time. Siyavu ¯ sh had the citadel of that city impregnable. Tura¯nsha¯h brought his wives, children, treasury and fortunes to this citadel because he knew that Alexander could not enter that place. He said, ‘I must fortify my citadel.’ After three days, they started fighting and they gave great battles in that city. Alexander said, ‘Unless I come up with a trick, I will be unable to conquer this citadel.’ His men said to him, ‘O King! You know best!’ He said, ‘It is easy to order the elephants to destroy that citadel. Yet I do not want to destroy what Siyavu ¯ sh created. It would be a mistake. I must contrive a plan.’ Then the King said, ‘In the name of the Almighty, I will conquer this citadel on my own!’ And whatever Alexander did was achieved by divine revelation. When night came, he ordered 500 horsemen of his army to wear a piece of armour against the Turks. He himself wore a tunic and a hat and he summoned one of the mourners of Siyavu ¯ sh and said to him, ‘You must lead me into the main gate of the city and into the citadel.’ He gave that man the same Turkish tunic and hat to wear and both of them departed. They left accompanied by 500 armoured horsemen who went to their support. When they reached the main gate, he said to the porter, ‘Open the gate because the army of the Khaqa¯n has arrived and we bring good news.’ When the porter heard this, he opened the door. Alexander with 500 horsemen entered the city and went to the citadel. They called out to the top of the fort to the King to show himself because the Khaqa¯n of China has sent an army and sent one of his children forward whom they did not let in

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Alexander’s hands in the day until the night when we routed the night guard and we brought a message from the Khaqa¯n of China.19 The people went to the King and conveyed to him the good news. The King was busy drinking wine and he was drunk. He rose from his drinking and was happy and cheerful like a young boy; he came out of the citadel. He saw Alexander standing like a Turk. When Alexander saw him, he prostrated himself before him and said, ‘The Khaqa¯n asks and says, “Behold! I sent an army and I am coming after them with all my army so as to get rid of the Alexander trouble.”’ Tura¯nsha¯h grew cheerful and asked, ‘Where is the army?’ ‘Behold, at the entrance!’ Alexander replied. The King said, ‘Let me prepare my army so as to accompany me.’ ‘You do not have to,’ Alexander added, ‘for behold, this army came to the city and wants to see you.’ So the King left. Then Alexander said, ‘O King, the vizier must also come.’ ‘He is in the citadel. One of you go to the citadel to call him!’ Tura¯nsha¯h said. Alexander said, ‘Let me go to convey the good news.’ Then he said to the man who was next to him, ‘Go and say to Aristotle to capture this disgraceful man and put him in chains. And tell him also to go to the camp and to tell the 500 horsemen to come under the citadel until I come. These have been fortified in the citadel and we will run out of time until I take this citadel.’ That man along with Tura¯nsha¯h and ten slaves left. When they arrived in the middle of the city, Aristotle came on a horse. They did not know what was going on. That man said, ‘Let me go and inform the army so that they know that you are Tura¯nsha¯h!’ ‘Let this hopeless drunk go with these ten slaves,’ he said. ‘O King, it is night, it does not matter,’ the man said and he explained the situation to Aristotle. Aristotle came to Alexander and asked again about the situation. [In the meantime] The army had encircled and captured Tura¯nsha¯h. They killed the ten slaves and they took him out of the gate. He was drunk and powerless. He asked, ‘Where are you taking me?’ They replied, ‘The Khaqa¯n of China has ordered that you must become sober.’ He sent him to the camp and Aristotle along with the horsemen entered the citadel. Alexander stood with a slave at the gate of the citadel and he conquered it. When he saw Aristotle with the army, he uttered ‘God is Greatest!’ and said, ‘O Alexander the Conqueror of the Cities! Always be victorious!’ The army attacked the citadel, drew swords and killed the population. They loaded all the spoils on beasts of burden and brought them out of the city. Then the army of the King came to the city and the King sat on the throne of Tura¯nsha¯h while the army of Tura¯nsha¯h was standing there begging for mercy. The King pardoned them and he ordered them to bring the wives and daughters of Tura¯nsha¯h before him. Then the King ordered them to take them and he chose one of Tura¯nsha¯h’s daughters to be his concubine. And they brought Tura¯nsha¯h in chains. When Alexander saw him, he said, ‘O you hopeless impure man! Are you hiding in the citadel? From whom did you inherit this throne?’ ‘From Arjasb,’ Tura¯nsha¯h replied. ‘Did Arjasb know that you succeeded him?’ asked Alexander. Tura¯nsha¯h responded, ‘I am from his line six generations back.’ Alexander said, ‘I do not care who your father was!’ and he ordered them to behead him. ‘This is to avenge the death of my grandfather, Luhrasb, whom Arjasb killed in Balkh, as it is attested in the Sha¯hna¯ma.’

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Then Alexander stayed in Siyavu ¯ shgard for a month. He established law and order there and said, ‘I must see the fortress of Afrasiyab.’ His men told him, ‘O King! From here until there, it is three days’ distance.’ When one month had elapsed, Alexander arrived. The appointed king there one of the noblemen of the region. He took many treasures with him and he arrived at the fortress of Afrasiyab. He gratified the descendants of Siyavu ¯ sh who were over his tomb, giving them golden garments. He took drops of Siyavu ¯ sh’s blood from them. When he came to Afrasiyab’s fortress, Tura¯nsha¯h’s son was there. Tura¯nsha¯h was the King of Turkestan. So Afrasiyab’s son fled towards the Khaqa¯n of China, telling him the whole story. The Khaqa¯n said, ‘He is coming against us. Before he comes to us, we need to contrive a plan.’ And this Khaqa¯n was such a mighty king, that he had thousands of Turkish horsemen under his rule. The sister of Alexander’s mother, who was the daughter of Philip the King of Greece, was Khaqa¯n’s wife. She had children with him. The Khaqa¯n went to her and said, ‘Your brother has come.’ They did not know that Alexander was the son of Da¯ra¯, the son of Bahman, the son of Isfandiyar. They thought that Alexander was the son of Philip. Khaqa¯n’s wife said, ‘O King! He is not my brother; he is my nephew. He is the son of Da¯ra¯, son of Bahman, son of Isfandiyar. He has conquered the whole world. He went to the Land of Darkness and came out of there.’ The Khaqa¯n said, ‘I know that. But you, who is the sister of his mother, must order him to be poisoned, so that we and the whole world will be relieved of him. Otherwise you must get up and I will send you along with him to Greece.’ That woman had children with him and big boys and she was the Queen of China and Machin. After he had left her, she said, ‘O King! Your order is right. We must contrive a plan before he comes.’ So Alexander was at Afrasiyab’s fortress for a month, killing all the offspring of Afrasiyab, Garsiuz and Arjasb, whom he came across. He took their houses and he resided there for a month. After a month, he appointed one of the Turks there while he himself set out for China. When he approached the area, he saw a fortress the like of which he had never seen in his lifetime. He asked for the name of that fortress. The people said, ‘Its name is Ruindez.’ ‘When was it built?’ asked Alexander. ‘It is an old one,’ they replied. He said, ‘Apart from my grandfather Isfandiyar nobody managed to conquer it.’ Then Aristotle said, ‘O King! We must enter the fortress.’ And Tura¯nsha¯h’s son controlled this fortress. The King ordered the elephants to attack the fortress altogether. They could not do anything. Yet when the Turks saw the 1,000 elephants, their king dead and his son fleeing, the Almighty God terrified them. They surrendered the fortress. Alexander attacked the fortress. He saw such a strong place that he had never seen before. The King ordered his army to surround the fortress and attack it. The King stayed there for four months and they took so many Turkish women and virgins that Alexander and his army were satisfied. Then the King said to Aristotle, ‘How did Isfandiyar conquer this fortress?’ Aristotle replied, ‘O King! This story of royal deeds is useful here.’ Then Aristotle narrated the story of Gushtasb and the journey of his retinue to Greece, his marriage with Katayun, his return, his enthronement, the arts which were manifested

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to Gushtasb in Greece, the killing of the dragon and the rhinoceros. After these, Aristotle narrated the stories of Arjasb’s wars, the Seven Deeds of Isfandiyar, his journey and the release of the sisters from their chains. His narration was in accordance with what is attested in the Sha¯hna¯ma. And this portion is very lengthy. The King spent every night listening to the narration of these stories. He wanted to hear again from Aristotle the story of Isfandiyar’s death by Rustam – and also the stories of Suhrab and Rustam and that of Bahman and Fara¯marz. The King spent these four months of his stay in Ruindez listening to these stories. Then the King set out from Turkestan moving eastwards, to the place where the sun rises in accordance with what the Almighty God mentions in the noble Qur’a¯n: When he reached [the place] where the sun rises, he found it rising on a people for whom We had not provided any shield against it.20

And he had prepared earlier for his journey to China. ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN THE LAND OF CHINA, THE WONDERS HE SAW AND HIS STORY WITH THE KINGS OF THAT LAND It is divinely narrated that when Alexander went to the Land of China he reached a city where he saw various stones, walls and houses. These were all built with stone. He had never seen such a wonder before. He asked [the dwellers], ‘What is this?’ They replied, ‘This city was not built by men. Demons created it at the time of the Prophet Solomon, peace be upon Him.’ Then Alexander said, ‘Everyone in Turkestan was an idolworshipper except for in this land where nobody worshipped idols.’ When Aristotle and the Kings were gathered, they said, ‘We are the people who are mentioned in the Books and the Torah. We are the people descending from the Prophet David, peace be upon Him. There is no idolater in our land.’ The King was astonished by this. Then an old man came who was 750 years old. He recited the Books and the Life of Prophet David. The King said to him, ‘We do not desire anything from you: neither provisions nor taxation. Yet I want to hear something from the stories of David, peace be upon Him, so as to comfort my heart.’ The old man said, ‘O King! There are many stories of David and Solomon.’ The King said, ‘Start narrating from the beginning!’ Then the old man narrated to Alexander the story of the Prophet David and the building of the Holly House, the story of the Prophet Solomon and David, peace be upon Them, and his dominions, and all those demons, fairies, spirits [ jins], men, birds and wild animals that they conquered through the [compound] power of the wind; the questions that Gabriel asked him and the answers he gave; the story of Simurgh and Solomon and what Simurgh said, ‘I will convey God’s decree,’ and he narrated to Alexander the story of the virgin and the revelation of her love for the son of the King of the East, Simurgh’s flight and her concealment, due to her shame, behind the Qa¯f Mountain. And this story has been recorded in the Stories of the Prophets. If these stories are narrated here again, then the story of this book will become lengthy.

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But the old man narrated to Alexander all the wonders from this book. Simurgh went into hiding and escaped because of her shame. And Simurgh never dared again to come amongst the people. The owl assured Simurgh on behalf of Solomon, peace be upon Him, and he dispatched her again. Then all the birds came to the service of Solomon. When he looked at them, he did not see Simurgh. They looked for Simurgh but did not find her. They caught the owl who had given assurances. The owl asked for a delay to be granted so as to find Simurgh. The owl wandered but did not find Simurgh. Then Solomon, peace be upon Him, held the owl in contempt, and said, ‘You are synonymous with destruction! From this moment may you be destroyed!’ And Solomon, peace be upon Him, waved a wallet and his power derived from that wallet. One day he asked the Almighty God to chain Satan! He arrested Satan and kept him for two days. Then Solomon, peace be upon Him, sent his wallet to the market to sell it. Nobody bought it and then it was time for the evening prayer and the breaking of the fast. Nobody was present and Solomon had dinner. He had water after fasting. In the dominions and kingdoms where Solomon was, his only reward came from his wallet. The next day he took the wallet with him to the market to observe the prayers. He did not buy anything again. On the third day Gabriel, peace be upon Him, came and said, ‘O Glorious Prophet of God, seal off the market! Do you not know that your wallet must remain unsold?’ Solomon knew that the turmoil in the market was caused by Satan. So Solomon released Satan. Once Satan was released, Solomon, peace be upon Him, sent the wallet[s] to the market. People bought all three wallets immediately. When the old man completed the narration of this story to Alexander, said, ‘O King! Know and be cautious whatever the Almighty has decreed, it will be fulfilled. And if you take great pains, you will be unable to make any gains. If the King orders me at this point to tell another story from the time of Solomon, I will.’ The King said, ‘Tell me another!’

Story Then the old man bowed to the King and said, ‘O King! Beware that whether you try hard or you sit comfortably, whatever the Almighty has decreed is going to happen. Not more or less.’ Solomon, peace be upon Him, had a close friend who was a dervish. Every day Solomon gave him a dı¯nar and four portions for his living. And he spent most of this amount. One day he said, ‘It is better to go to Solomon and say to him to give me something [as a dowry] to find husbands for my daughters. So be it that I am saved from misery.’ He came to Solomon and said, ‘O Prophet of God!’


ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL AS MESSENGER AT THE COURT OF THE KHAQAN OF THE CHINESE TURKESTAN AND THE STORY BETWEEN THEM It is divinely narrated that when Alexander departed from the city of Kuran and was close to the Chinese Turkestan, his army was vast in size because his time and rule were ideal. When he came into a Chinese house, he said to Aristotle, ‘Wake up because I want to go to the Khaqa¯n of China disguised as a messenger in order to see him and collect information about his political capacity.’ Aristotle said, ‘Alas! The Khaqa¯n’s wife must

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not find out that she is your aunt [maternal side]!’ The King said, ‘When she came here, I was a small child. Since I did not see her myself, how could she recognise me?’ Aristotle said, ‘Do not bring problems upon yourself and your army!’ Alexander said, ‘O Aristotle! Be strong because God will hopefully protect us.’ When Alexander said this, he was dressed as a messenger and left along with fifty selected horsemen. When he came close, the Khaqa¯n of China was informed that Alexander the messenger had arrived. And in the whole world, there is no other king like the King of China. Then the Khaqa¯n of China ordered them to decorate the royal court and to bring all the adornments and expensive cloths. So it happened that all of his majesty and splendour was revealed. Alexander, with all the greatness of his own kingship, was astonished by that splendour because he had not seen any such as this before. Then Alexander came into the presence of the Khaqa¯n of China and prostrated himself before him. The Khaqa¯n wore a crown ornamented with jewels and sat on a golden throne. He ordered them to bring a golden chair and to have Alexander sit on it. He said to Alexander, ‘Convey your message!’ Alexander said, ‘The King of the World, Alexander, the Double-Horned One, the Conqueror of the Earth, has arrived here and he is heading to the edge of the world, the place where the sun rises. He also went to the place where the sun sets and he came out of the Land of Darkness. He now orders you, “Prepare the provisions for my army for ten days, for we will stay here for ten days before we construct a ship and the sea guides arrive.”’ When he said this, he fell silent. The Khaqa¯n asked him, ‘Is that all?’ Alexander said, ‘No.’ The Khaqa¯n inquired, ‘What is the rest?’ Alexander replied, ‘He orders, “Take care of us and come to our camp and show us all the marvels of China because I am not after kingship in China. I will simply pass.”’ When the Khaqa¯n heard this, he said, ‘You must stay here tonight until we think about this. We will give you an answer tomorrow and we will send you away.’ They brought Alexander to the guesthouse of messengers and they treated him kindly. The next day they summoned him to the court and the audience hall which were well adorned and decorated in the best manner. When Alexander arrived there and saw that, he thought, ‘It is more marvellous than the previous day!’ Then he bowed, he sat on a golden chair and he was treated with politeness. The Khaqa¯n said, ‘We accept the delivery of provisions to your army provided that the King will spend less time here. We will send the provisions. The aunt of Alexander is in my harem and she wants to see him and to sit with him and ask him what she needs to do.’ Alexander said, ‘It is very easy, if the Khaqa¯n agrees.’ Then the Khaqa¯n said, ‘Return today and we will prepare and send the army provisions to Alexander. Tell the King that this woman wants to come and see him and then return. And if you consider it appropriate, I can also come to see the King and then return. So be it that he will cross our land without doing any harm and he will leave us in peace.’ When Alexander heard these soft words from the Khaqa¯n, he knew that behind those words he was plotting something. It was thus decreed by God. Then they gave Alexander leave. When he returned to his camp, he told Aristotle what had happened. And he described everything regarding the decoration of the Khaqa¯n’s

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court and the size of his army. Aristotle said, ‘O King! This is something that Turks can profit by and nobody else.’ The King said, ‘I think that the Khaqa¯n is plotting something because he said that my aunt wants to come and see me.’ Aristotle said, ‘What can someone expect from a woman!’ They were having this discussion when an old hermit who was on the mountain came there to pray. The King asked politely, ‘Where are you from?’ The hermit said, ‘O King! I descend from the children of the Prophet David, peace be upon Him! It is 700 years that I have been praying on this mountain!’ The King asked, ‘Can you tell me what the distance is from here to the edge of the East?’ The hermit replied, ‘O King! I do not know and nobody else knows other than the Almighty!’ Then Alexander ordered him, ‘Narrate a story from the Creation of the World or the Life of David and Solomon, peace be upon Them!’ The hermit said, ‘O King! All of them came and left, as if they had never existed. However, when they gave David, peace be upon Him, a metal-like wax, he turned it into gold. Solomon, peace be upon Him, knew the language of the birds, the beasts and insects. The demons kept working because of their fear for him.’ The King asked, ‘What was that about?’ The hermit said, ‘The demons were bringing masses of stones and they erected the prosperous buildings of Jerusalem. Every day Solomon rested on his stick and supervised until the Almighty God took his life. Yet he remained standing with his stick. The demons, because of their fear for him, went on working. They thought that he was still alive until the moment they completed the building of the Mosque of Jerusalem. A wood-eating worm ate Solomon’s stick all at once. The stick broke and Solomon fell, but his girdle was not found. When people went there, they found him dead. They buried him and the demons left. Beware that the demons do not know destiny because only God knows it. For if they knew destiny, they would have left the moment Solomon passed away. So beware, O King, that everything is a matter of judgement and ability. Whatever the Almighty God has written on the face of each man will happen and it cannot be done otherwise. And the fate of each man is known only to the Almighty God.’ Then he asked, ‘If the King is not tired, I can narrate another story?’ The King replied, ‘Go ahead!’

The Narration of the Hermit The hermit said: O King! Beware that there was a king in this region who had a daughter. She was an infant in the cradle. The king had a counsellor. An astronomer and prophetic speaker came and said to the king, ‘When your daughter grows up, she will commit many improper acts and she will become the wife of your counsellor. One day a spider will bite and kill the girl.’ Some people say that this counsellor of the king saw that in his dreams. Then he said to the king, ‘I will cancel this prediction so that she, who is the most impure, will not become my wife.’ He did not know that everything was over. Suddenly the counsellor rose and came to the quarters of the king. He saw that girl in the cradle had been left alone. He drew a dagger and cut the belly of the girl. He then escaped. The mother and the nurses of the girl came and she was still alive. They said, ‘We must sew her up. So they did that and the girl escaped death. Time passed and the

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king passed away. The girl started doing malicious acts and there remained no shameful acts that she had not done. Meanwhile the counsellor was involved in commercial activities in a city and was comfortably wealthy. One day he called an old woman from that city and said, ‘I want a beautiful and pious wife.’ The old woman said, ‘There is a strange woman in our city; she is very noble and good. I want you to marry her.’ He said to her, ‘Bring this woman so I may see her.’ When she brought her, this woman was very beautiful. When the counsellor saw her, he approved her immediately and married her. And the time passed. One day she was sleeping with him. He looked at her belly and saw a wound which was sown. He asked her, ‘What is it?’ She replied, ‘It is a long story.’ The counsellor said, ‘Never mind, tell it to me.’ She said, ‘I was the daughter of that king and apart from me my father did not have any other children. An astrologer made a prediction about my future. Also my father had a counsellor who came to my cradle and cut my belly open. When my parents were informed of this, they brought physicians who sewed my belly and I grew better.’ When the counsellor heard this, he fell to the ground unconscious. The woman was terrified. She thought, ‘What is the matter with my husband?’ When he woke up, he said, ‘O woman! It is me, the counsellor of your father! You must know that nobody can escape the will and power of the heavens!’ But everything had passed and he did not mention all those shameful acts. Yet he mentioned that divine providence, that in their last prediction the astrologers said, ‘The cause of your death will be a spider. Alas! Be careful of spiders!’ Now that counsellor had accumulated much wealth. He ordered a glazed castle to be built and he took that woman there, showing her the place. He said, ‘A spider cannot enter this castle.’ Then one day a small spider was found in that castle. The girl saw that and showed it to her husband. She asked, ‘What is this?’ He replied, ‘A spider.’ She said, ‘This is the one which wants to eat us!’ He took off his shoe and he beat the spider with it. The spider jumped away below the shoe and ran towards her foot, biting her foot with its sting. A swelling was created on her foot and because of its poison, she died on the spot. Hence, God’s will was fulfilled as she died. *** It is thus narrated that there was a king and an astrologer told him, ‘Be careful of scorpions because your end will be caused by a scorpion.’ And they say that this prediction was done by the minister of the king. One day he was sitting next to the king and he was telling him a story. The king could not forget the issue of the scorpion and he had never seen a scorpion himself. He asked the vizier, ‘What does this scorpion look like?’ The vizier took a quantity of wax from which he formed the shape of the scorpion, putting it to the hand of the king. ‘This is what it looks like!’ the king said. ‘Yes!’ the vizier responded. The king said, ‘If 5,000 of them come, I cannot escape from them.’ At that very moment the Almighty God brought that scorpion to life and it bit the palm of the king’s hand with the sting. The king cried out with pain and threw it away. A swelling

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was created on the hand of the king who died that day. This is for you to know that the Almighty God is Omnipotent and his decrees are powerful for us. *** Then Alexander gave him a gown and treated him humanely. He also sent the answer to the Khaqa¯n through another man, saying, ‘Since my aunt wishes to see me, let her come!’ The messenger came and said this to the Khaqa¯n. The latter came to the women’s quarters and said, ‘You must carry out this task. Take some poison with you and give it to him to eat it so that the world will be relieved from him.’ The woman was astonished and said, ‘How can I do this?’ Finally, they accumulated many presents and she brought pearls, canopied elephant litters and concubines. They left with the Khaqa¯n’s wife, bringing with them many gems and concubines. She also brought many rarities from Chinese Turkestan and portions of poison in her pocket. The Khaqa¯n said to her, ‘Stay there for some days. When you have meals with him, try to deceive him so that you become glorious and nobody will suspect you.’ Apart from the Khaqa¯n and his wife, nobody else knew the meaning of those words, except one of them! She had heard those words but she kept it a secret and she told nobody until she saw the end of that effort. When Alexander was informed that the Khaqa¯n’s wife had arrived with many gifts, he ordered them to bring her to the audience hall. There were many camels and elephants gathered there and the army came to the audience hall dressed officially. He also dispatched some of the aristocrats to them. When the army of the Khaqa¯n of the Chinese Turkestan and his wife came to Alexander’s camp, Alexander was sitting on his throne. She prostrated herself before him and Alexander accepted her gifts. Then he sent her along with her servant to the women’s quarters. The King rose from the audience hall and came to the women’s quarters. He took her to a private place and was polite with her! They brought Alexander those four concubines who were like Virgins of Paradise! He accepted them into his presence and said to the Khaqa¯n’s wife, ‘As long as we are here, you must be with us.’ She replied, ‘I obey your order.’ Then she asked about her sister. The King said, ‘It is seven years since I have come from Greece.’ Then the King asked her various things. She told him in detail the stories of the Khaqa¯n and his rule. Alexander was in doubt about her. And the night passed. The King was not accustomed to having dinner with women. The Khaqa¯n’s wife employed many tricks but she could do nothing. When night came the King ordered, ‘Bring to me one of those concubines!’ And they brought one to the King. Alexander talked to her, treated her kindly and offered her pleasure. The concubine looked at the Divine Charisma, majesty and splendour of the King. She fell in love with him and thought, ‘I am afraid that this woman from the Chinese Turkestan might poison this young man.’ That day passed and on all the other days, the Khaqa¯n’s wife was busy and she did not try any trick. But when she poured poison into the jar of water of the King, the concubine

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saw that and she did not go close to the jar. When it was time for sleeping, Alexander ordered his men, ‘Bring me one of those concubines!’ That concubine rose and approached the King. When the King saw her, he said, ‘Come!’ When she came, he said, ‘They must not send the same one again. I want someone else from among them.’ The King sat with this concubine and after some time had elapsed, he had not had any dinner. Yet when he was about to go to sleep, he had some water and after this, he did not have any water. Given that he never slept alone and his doctors had said to him, ‘Do not drink water after intercourse, because water is damaging!,’ the King wanted to satisfy himself at once and to satisfy that concubine. And he wanted another concubine too! When he was about to sleep, he tried to take the water and drink. This concubine said, ‘Alas, O King! Do not drink this water!’ The King asked, ‘Why?’ She replied, ‘For the Khaqa¯n’s wife has poured poison into it and she has been here for this reason.’ When Alexander heard this, he made a prostration to God and said, ‘How can I thank you enough for revealing so many secrets to me!’ Then he took the jar and closed its opening well and sealed it. He sent it to the treasury and ordered them to bring him another jar similar to that one. He drank water and fell asleep. He was contented that he had slept with that concubine. The next day in the morning the King came and sat next to his aunt who looked at the King. She did not see any results from the poison and she looked at the jar of the King. It was like the original one. ‘This is the jar!’ she thought. Then the King wanted the water jar and he drank again. Then he gave the jar to his aunt, saying, ‘You drink too because the water of this jar is of very good quality!’ The Khaqa¯n’s wife was terrified, bowed and said, ‘Drinking from the King’s jar would be like a poison for me!’ She took the jar from the King and kissed his hand, putting the jar next to her. She thought that the jar had mixed poison in it. Then the King said, ‘It is acceptable that you show respect.’ The King purposely went to bed and said, ‘I have grown sick,’ and he rubbed his face with portions of saffron. Nobody in the camp knew about this story except Aristotle and Pı¯ru ¯ z from Tu ¯ s. The soldiers became worried and Aristotle thought that if the soldiers were to see Alexander in this state, they would be terrified and they army would be in turmoil. He discussed this issue with the army commanders and all of them were convinced and waited to see what would come out of the secret tent. Then the King summoned his aunt to his couch and said to her, ‘Beware that I see impotence on me and I am about to die. I will inform the army that you are with me at my couch. You must immediately dispatch someone to call the Khaqa¯n so that I can give and bequeath the army and the treasury to him.’ She rejoiced and said, ‘I have achieved something great!’ She immediately dispatched a servant from those who were secretly there to the Khaqa¯n, saying, ‘Inform the Khaqa¯n that this mission has been accomplished. There is an hour left and you must rise, mount on a horse and come immediately with your army commanders. Do not bring your army so that he does not have any doubts.’ The servant left and informed the Khaqa¯n who, due to his happiness, did not know what to do! Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Prepare 2,000 heavy elite cavalry and when the Khaqa¯n comes to me, say nothing until I make a signal! When they appear, we will kill his

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commander, but the Khaqa¯n must not be killed. They must bring him to me!’ Aristotle prepared 2,000 horsemen and he kept them at the royal pavilion. The Khaqa¯n came immediately and along with him were 150 commanders from the Chinese Turkestan on horseback and two of his sons that he had had with that wife. When the Khaqa¯n approached the royal pavilion, Aristotle and the noblemen went to welcome him. They prostrated themselves before him and led him to Alexander. Aristotle was a knowledgeable man and he had informed a group of the King’s soldiers about the situation and all of them were armoured. And they stood in the corner of the pavilion to see what was going to happen. When the Khaqa¯n came before Alexander, Alexander looked at him and his [Alexander’s] face was yellow and he had turned his glance elsewhere. The Khaqa¯n said to himself, ‘This must be done!’ The King looked at him and the Khaqa¯n prostrated himself before the King. Alexander by making a move with his eye, accepted the Khaqa¯n’s tribute. He ordered them, ‘Help me to sit properly so that I will be able to speak because I cannot do anything without reason!’ And he sat properly. The Khaqa¯n realised that the messenger who had come to him the other day was Alexander! He was confused and thought, ‘He fell in my hands by accident but I did not know it.’ The King saw that the Khaqa¯n was accompanied by 150 men. He knew that he could not do anything. Then he looked at the Khaqa¯n and said, ‘From the moment I, Alexander, came out of the Land of Darkness, I have kept listening to you, believing that the Khaqa¯n is a wise man. Now have I been after your rule and kingship?’ ‘No!’ the Khaqa¯n replied. Alexander asked, ‘Have I harmed you?’ ‘No!’ the Khaqa¯n replied. Then Alexander said, ‘Those who have done bad and have caused death must not be congratulated!’ Then Alexander ordered two individuals to carry him in order to make the Khaqa¯n believe that he had drunk the poison. When the Khaqa¯n saw them carrying Alexander, he said, ‘Let’s go to the field!’ For about four parasangs around the pavilion of the King, there were 100 armoured horsemen and 1,500 adorned elephants. Aristotle had organised all of this and had ordered that when the King comes out of his tent, they should strike the drum. When the Khaqa¯n made a prostration to the King, he rose and thought of those words that Alexander had said inside. When the King came out of the pavilion, and mounted his horse, he made a signal to Aristotle. And the King himself did not know what Aristotle had organised. Suddenly there was the sound of beating drums and 200,000 horsemen surrounded the audience hall and the royal pavilion. They drew their swords and killed the retinue of the Khaqa¯n. Meanwhile they captured and imprisoned the Khaqa¯n and his two sons. The King similarly mounted his horse and galloped to the gate of the capital. He ordered his army to pillage the city, saying, ‘You have one day to plunder, but do not kill anyone. The pillage of the city is legitimate.’ Then the army entered the city and captured the riches of the city. The size of these riches is known only to the Almighty. That was how they spent their whole day. After the evening prayer the King ordered, ‘Do not harm anyone and do not steal any property!’ The King appointed the concubine to be in charge of his harem and he showed her great respect amongst his wives and concubines. Then he ordered them to bring his

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aunt. He said to her, ‘O you coward! What wrong did I do to you and you wanted to kill me?’ ‘What did I do, O King?’ she asked. The King replied, ‘You poured poison into my water jar but the Almighty protected me.’ And they brought the Khaqa¯n in chains. The King said, ‘O you shameful! If I do not skin you, then I am not Alexander!’ The Khaqa¯n was scared to death. He said, ‘O King! It was my mistake. If I had you beheaded that day you came as messenger, then this grief would have not befallen on me!’ The King became tremendously angry. He rose and beheaded the Khaqa¯n. His life was over. That day the King rose and went to a special palace. The Khaqa¯n’s wife was still in chains. They brought her before Alexander who put that water jar there and said, ‘O you villain! You wanted to poison me?’ The Khaqa¯n’s wife did not answer. The king said, ‘Take this jar and drink it yourself!’ And Alexander drew his sword and said, ‘Drink from this jar, otherwise I will cut you with my sword into two pieces!’ She took the jar and she had the sword over her neck. She said, ‘O King! Be merciful so as to give you all the treasuries of the Khaqa¯n!’ The king said, ‘I may forgive you. Show them to me!’ On that day she revealed 100 treasures to Alexander and nobody had known they were there. That day passed. The next day, she was brought again before Alexander who held the jar and the sword. He said to her, ‘Drink or else I will behead you!’ She begged for mercy and on that day and she revealed another forty treasures, saying, ‘I am a very incompetent and weak woman and whatever happened was not my fault. It was the Khaqa¯n’s order! He said, “Either do this or else go to Greece!” I had my children here and this was a bad order.’ The King was merciful to her and forgave her. She fell on the ground, saying, ‘O King! My children are not responsible for this!’ The King stayed in the Chinese Turkestan for about four months to see the wonders of that land and to construct ships before sailing the Sea of the Chinese Turkestan. Then he ordered that Aristotle go every day to the Chinese Turkestan so as to ask them about the wonders. He also sent his aunt to her palace and appointed her in charge of the palace. Yet that foul woman attempted to poison the King again! Aristotle knew about it and thought, ‘I must go to the King and to discuss this issue with him extensively. If he understands that, then he is able to rule perfectly.’ Although Alexander did not eat anything from that woman and other women, he appointed his trustworthy men at the dinner and set everyone on complete alert. The next day Aristotle came to the King, prostrated himself before him and said, ‘I have a story to narrate. If the King wished so, I can narrate it.’ Alexander said, ‘Go ahead because I want to listen!’

The Story of the Lion and the Carpenter Aristotle said, ‘May the King of Kings live long! There was a lion in a forest and this lion had never seen a man. It wanted to see the face of a man. It said, “I hear the voice of a man in the forest and it seems to be voice of man in trouble! I am going to see this man and to figure out what this is all about.” When the lion came out of the forest, it saw first a camel. The lion looked at the figure of the camel and thought, “This must be a human!” It approached the camel and said, “Are you a man?” The camel replied, “O King of the

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animals! I am a camel! I am not a human. Men usually capture me and put a piece of wood in my nose, put a load on my back, chain me and do whatever they like with me!” The lion left without harming the camel. When he went to another place, he came across a cow which was coming with power and strength. The lion thought, “This is a man!” He went to the cow and said, “Are you a man?” The cow replied, “O King of animals! I am not a human. Men capture me and put a load on me, chain me, put a yoke on my neck and then plough the land with me. How do I look like a man?” The lion left the cow and after he covered a distance, he came across a hare that was coming past. The lion asked, “Are you a man?” The hare replied, “O King of the animals! I am not a human. I have escaped men because they capture me and put a load on me and hit me.” The lion was astonished and thought, “What can this man do, and how can he inflict this upon everyone [trouble and calamity]?” ‘After a while, the lion reached a village and saw a carpenter with a tool who was wandering from village to village. There was also a child with him. When the lion saw the carpenter from a distance, it thought, “This must be a man!” When the lion reached the carpenter, he asked him, “Are you a man?” The carpenter replied, “Yes, I am a man and I was looking for you in this wilderness! Today I want to do you good so that learned men sit and pray for humanity. Now you sit at a distance and look at me!” The lion sat at a distance. The carpenter wore his clothes and said to his disciple, “Bring me a piece of wood!” He immediately created a wooden trunk and said to the lion, “Go into this trunk to see whether it is bigger than you or not because I am creating this trunk for you so that when it rains or snows you can take refuge in this!” When the lion went into the trunk, the carpenter closed it firmly, saying to his disciple, “Go and bring fire!” The disciple went and brought fire. The carpenter brought a pot full of water and placed it over the fire to boil well. The lion remained silent to see what the carpenter was going to do. Suddenly the carpenter said to his disciple, “Give me the flask!” The disciple asked him, “What is this flask?” The carpenter poured that hot water over the lion’s head. All the lion’s hair was burnt and it grew bald. The lion was screaming! Then the carpenter opened the trunk and the lion came out of it. It was not angry because of this, so it stood up and was going around burnt, observing whether a man was going after it or not. ‘When the lion reached the forest, there were two other lions there. They noticed that it entered the forest burnt and with no hair. They asked the lion, “What happened to you?” The lion narrated to them what happened and what that man had done to it. They said, “Let’s go and cut him to pieces!” Then the lion was standing next to them and they headed in haste towards the place where the fire was. But the carpenter was gone. They went after him and he had not yet reached the village. When he looked again, he saw three or four lions roaring and going after him. The burnt lion was with them. The carpenter said, “Oh, what can I do? I am so scared!” Suddenly he saw a tree and he cried aloud! Then he climbed the tree which was short. He thought, “They may come up to this tree.” When the lions came under that tree, the burnt lion said, “Stand on my back so that I may come under you and you manage to bring him down.” The half-burnt lion came under them and they stood on his back, going up to catch the carpenter. The carpenter was astonished and he did not know what to do. He said, “Bring me the flask!”

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The burnt lion remembered these words and it was terrified. It left its position beneath the lions who all fell down, knocking their necks. It said to them, “Come very quickly!” And the lions went after it. They did not know what had happened to the lion. When they reached the forest, they asked the lion, “What has happened to you?” The lion said to them, “You do not know what I saw and I know! ‘Bring me the flask’ made me thus!” When the lions heard this, they never went after the carpenter.’ *** When Aristotle had finished this story, Alexander was content with it and said, ‘Well done, O Aristotle! You spoke well! But I have not forgotten the “Bring the flask!”’ After this, he never trusted his aunt. Then he prepared provisions for the sea. The Sea of the Chinese Turkestan is located next to the East and one can travel from this place to all over the world. It is also said that the fish that kept the Prophet Jonas, peace be upon Him, in its belly was from the Sea of the Chinese Turkestan. The Almighty decreed that the fish should go to the Sea of Mosul so that it can carry in its belly Jonas, peace be upon Him. The story of Jonas, peace be upon Him, is attested in the Stories [of Prophets] but we cannot narrate it here because we need to return to Alexander’s story because we have diverged from it. When Alexander realised that he could go to any place in the world through that sea, he said, ‘All these thousands of men and beasts of burden cannot cross that sea with mildness.’ So he remained in the Chinese Turkestan. He asked Aristotle again, ‘How many days’ distance is the edge of the world and the place where the sun rises?’ They replied, ‘It is more than a month. However there must be a big island at the centre of that sea and you will find food there.’ It was winter and the King waited for the weather to become warmer. So he stayed for four months in the Chinese Turkestan which, due to his correct rule, was as good and prosperous as paradise. One day Alexander thought of something about Aristotle and said to him, ‘There is a great and wise man that has accumulated much wealth and has sent it to Greece.’ And when kings are at ease, they deal with the lives of their ministers and commanders. At that moment, Alexander was at ease and he meddled in Aristotle’s affairs. Once Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘We have travelled around the world, seen various regions and reached the limits of the earth. All this time, have you ever met a man wiser and more educated than yourself?’ Aristotle replied, ‘O King! I did not.’ Alexander was not happy with that answer, because it is not appropriate for a man to praise himself. Alexander asked again, ‘Is there anything in the world that remains a mystery to you?’ Aristotle replied, ‘O King! There is nothing unknown to me.’ Alexander inquired, ‘And if I ask you a question and you cannot answer it?’ Aristotle responded, ‘In this case, my blood will be spilled.’ Alexander said, ‘I will ask you two questions. The first is about religious doctrines and I want you to answer immediately.’ Aristotle said, ‘Say it!’ Alexander said, ‘He who is king in this world owns the throne, the crown, the land, the treasury and the army. What is it that God does not have, although He is the King of Kings? And let me know also what the God of the World is doing this very minute.’

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Aristotle said, ‘O King! Give me seven days to find this answer.’ Alexander asked, ‘If you cannot answer the question in seven days, will you consider your life forfeited unto me?’ Aristotle replied, ‘I will!’ Alexander gave him a week, but Aristotle did not succeed in addressing the question. He looked into books, he called the noblemen and the wise men of China, but none of them could find the answer. They said to him, ‘The King is looking for an excuse to execute you and take your possessions, for who would ever know what God is doing?’ Aristotle was astonished and thought, ‘They are right. Whoever is in the royal service and wins himself a name should be wary against his deceit.’ There was a Zangı¯ in the house of Aristotle and he was in charge of the stove of the bath. He was twenty years old, had never had a new gown and had never washed his face. He was covered with a rag and slept in the warm ashes of the bath’s furnace. On the sixth day, the attendants of Aristotle found the Zangı¯ singing happily. They beat him, saying, ‘This is not a time for such cheerfulness!’ Weeping, he went to Aristotle, who was saddened, sitting and having his head on his knee, for he had given up hope for life. The Zangı¯ complained to Aristotle that he had been beaten. Aristotle asked, ‘What was your fault?’ He replied, ‘I was singing.’ Aristotle said, ‘Go today, because I am troubled. Tomorrow I will put the offender in your hand.’ The Zangı¯ insisted, ‘I want him today!’ The scholars who were there said angrily to him, ‘Do you not know what has happened?’ He said, ‘Tell me what it is. I will leave if you tell me what has happened.’ Aristotle called him and said, ‘Alexander has asked me what God does in heaven.’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘O Master! Do you not know what God does in heaven? Is this a mystery to such a learned man as you?’ Aristotle said, ‘I do not know the answer!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘I know the answer!’ Aristotle said, ‘Tell us!’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘I will answer before the King.’ Aristotle went to Alexander and said, ‘O King of the Earth! I have been in your service since the time your mother bore you. Out of ignorance, I claimed that I knew everything. The omniscient is God. I said that I never met anyone more erudite than myself. Now I have a black slave, who is wiser than myself, and he will addressed the question posed by the King.’ Alexander said, ‘Bring him to me, because I thought this was an unanswerable question.’ The Zangı¯ was brought in, covering his nakedness with a rag, his feet smeared in dried dung a month old. The King looked at him and ordered him to answer. The Zangı¯ said, ‘O King! Tell your men to clean me and to dress me in your special dress.’ They did as he asked. They took him to the bath, washed him clean and dressed him in the royal gown. Then he said, ‘O King! Tell them to bring me aloes wood and rosewater that I may smell good.’ They did as he had said. Then he said, ‘Give me a house and a horse with its trappings.’ They did so and he said, ‘I want a beautiful Turkish maiden to be my wife, and ten handsome slaves to serve me.’ Alexander gave him one of the four Chinese maidens presented to him by the Khaqa¯n of China and ten slave boys as beautiful as the moon. Then the Zangı¯ said, ‘Now, O King, what was the question you asked?’ Alexander asked, ‘Tell me what God is doing this moment!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘O King! This is what God is doing now: in this hour, he brought me from the bath furnace and raised me from that low state to such honourable position that I may sit in the

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minister’s seat in the presence of the King of the Earth. God in this hour is making this take place . . .!’ By hearing this from the Zangı¯, Alexander realised that this was a divine omen, so that it might be known that in the spheres and earths the omniscient God is the sole possessor of perfect knowledge. Then Aristotle thought, ‘Alexander will stay here for two or three months. He will find excuses to criticise me every day.’ Then he went home, took 50,000 dı¯nars and sent the money to Alexander. Later he went to the King himself and kissed the ground before him. Alexander did not accept the sum and said, ‘I do not keep you for gold or silver. You should be wiser than to think so, because my whole treasure house is yours.’ Aristotle prostrated himself before Alexander. Alexander stayed there for three months. He called the nobility and the learned men of that land and asked them each a question. They told many stories and Alexander ordered that the most pleasant and wonderful of the stories be recorded. One day it was snowing heavily. The wise men of China gathered in Alexander’s presence and narrated stories about women and their silliness. One of them said, ‘O King! Whoever obeys women has even less wit than they do, and he who humbles himself to them is even less than a cock. I know a nice story about this subject. I will narrate it, if the King agrees.’ Alexander consented. Given that the story is pleasant and short, we will narrate it. This will be beneficial and will not be boring. Then he said: ‘May the King live long!’

Another story It is thus narrated that in the days of Solomon, peace be upon Him, there was a man, a friend of Solomon, who later became Solomon’s attendant. He had lived long, grown to be old and he had never lied. One day Solomon said to him, ‘Ask me something, so that I may compensate you for your services.’ The old man had no need for wealth; he was rich himself and owned many beasts of burden and an abundance of land. He had a stable with a balcony, where he slept at night. From there, he could hear the animals making noise and talking until morning. Often the old man had thought, ‘I wish I knew what the animals were saying, and I could understand their speech.’ Therefore when Solomon, peace be upon Him, asked him, ‘Make a request!’ he said, ‘O Prophet of God! I have something to ask you.’ Solomon said, ‘Say it!’ He said, ‘I want to understand the speech of animals, so that I may know what they say. If you fulfil this request, I will be indebted to you.’ Solomon replied, ‘Wait until Gabriel comes. Then I will ask your petition from God who is the only one who can fulfil it.’ When Gabriel came, Solomon asked God to reveal these mysteries to the old man. Gabriel went to the Lord of the Lords, and when he returned, he said, ‘O Prophet of God! The request you made on behalf of the old man has been granted.’ Then Solomon thought, ‘There are strange and grand mysteries in the words of animals. This truthful man will repeat them. I must find a way to stop him from revealing what he hears to the others.’ Thus he said to the old man, ‘Your petition has been granted, but on the condition that you do not tell anyone what you hear the animals say. Or else the minute you do so, the Angel of Death will take your life! Be careful and tell nobody what you hear

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them say.’ The old man said, ‘O Prophet of God! Your will shall be obeyed.’ That night he returned home and he was very happy. He went to the balcony and lay down. By divine grace, he could understand everything the animals said. From that time on, he would sit there all the time, observing the animals. When God granted this man’s petition, he brought all kinds of animals and fowls, adding them to those already kept in his stable and he listened to their discussions from early in the morning to the time for the evening prayer. One day a quarrel broke out between a donkey and an ox. Every day the two did their duty, such as carrying wood, grain, stones, and so on – chores that belong on a farm. Then in the night, there was a fight between the donkey and the ox. The donkey said, ‘I will take revenge on you tomorrow!’ The ox asked, ‘How will you take revenge?’ The donkey claimed, ‘I will fall to the ground and I will not get on my feet. This way you will have to do what we did together every day, and that will be your punishment.’ The ox said, ‘They will beat you until you stand up!’ The donkey replied, ‘I will put up with the beating until they leave me alone.’ The villager heard their discussion and marvelled at them, wondering how their quarrel would end. In the morning, the servant came and put the packsaddle on the ox, and the donkey’s master came to fetch him. The donkey was on the ground. The master tried to make it stand up, but there was no way to get the donkey to its feet. The man beat it with a stick a few times. The donkey rolled on the ground, braying, but did not rise. It cried to the ox, ‘I have escaped and I hope they will make you work to death!’ The ox said, ‘You have not yet! Immediately they will make you rise by the stick.’ Then the donkey’s master returned and began to beat the poor creature. The old man was looking from the balcony and said, ‘What do you want from this donkey? Let him be today; he may be ill.’ The master left the stable and the donkey remained behind. That day the donkey rested and grazed at his leisure. When it was time for evening prayer, the ox arrived exhausted. He said to the donkey, ‘You did this to me today, but some day I will take revenge!’ The donkey said, ‘I did this today and nobody knows what will happen tomorrow.’ The old man was sitting on the balcony when he heard this and laughed aloud. His wife, who was with him, asked, ‘What did you laugh at? What have I done to make you mock me?’ She swore that she would leave his house unless he told her what she had done that made him laugh at her. The man was troubled and could not decide what to do. He had never lied and did not want to do so in this case. But he feared that he would die, if he revealed what the animals had said. His wife was of noble origin and beautiful. She threatened that she would abandon him. The man said, ‘Do what you wish.’ This convinced her that he had laughed at her, because alternatively, she thought to herself, he would not let her go. She grew more insistent, saying, ‘Tell me, indeed, why you laughed at me, and what it was I did that deserved to be laughed at. If you do not tell the truth, I will go to Solomon and complain about you.’ She was a relative of Solomon’s. The man was at a loss. He thought, ‘I am old and my life is nearing its end. I would prefer to die than tell a lie.’ Thus, he said to his wife, ‘Give me three days and I will tell

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you why I laughed.’ The woman agreed and granted him three days. The man prepared for death. He had grown sons from another wife. He called them, made his will and told his wife that his end was imminent. On the third day, he sat on the balcony being full of sorrow and prepared to hear what the animals and fowls would say. Yet they were all silent and sad, because they knew that their master was troubled. About an hour later, a cock entered the stable cheerfully, beating his wings and chasing his hens. He wanted to mate with them, but they would not let him. Finally the cock said, ‘What is it with you? Why do you avoid me?’ The hens kept running away from the cock, as the man watched. The hens assembled and said to the cock, ‘You should be ashamed to think of your pleasure in a moment that our master is preparing for his death.’ When the man heard this from the hens, he wept. His wife was around and asked him why he wept. As before, he could not tell her the reason. Hence, he asked her to leave him alone and return to him at the end of the day. Then he would tell her both why he laughed and why he wept. The woman left him, and the man went on watching the fowls to see what they would do. After a while the cock said, ‘Our master has no sense of honour. It is his fault to have depended on a woman’s will. If he was manlike at all, the moment his wife asked him what he had laughed at, he would take the whip and give that meddlesome woman ten strokes and say, “What is it to you why I laughed?” He did not do this then but he could have done it even now, when she asked why he wept. Had he done so, the woman would have behaved herself and asked no more. He could have saved himself from this mess without telling a lie. Why should one die for a woman? And you hens! Are you not all my wives? If you do not obey me, I will take out your brains with my beak and pull out your eyes. What is a woman worth, anyway, that a man should die for her?’ Once the cock said these words, he mated with the hens one by one and beat them all. When the man heard the cock, he thought, ‘Praised be God! I should not be less than a cock! Why should I be resigned to die?’ he braced himself and sat there happy. He ordered his servants to give a generous ration of sesame seeds to the fowls. When the evening prayer was completed and the day had ended, his wife came and asked him why he had laughed and wept. The man pretended to be angry. He rose, rolled up his sleeves and struck her with a whip, saying, ‘O you nosy woman! What is it to a woman why a man smiles or weeps? What is it to you that you want to know?’ He asked for a rope, pretending that he was going to tie her to a pillar to chastise and punish her. The woman was trembling with fear. She said, ‘Laugh and weep as you want! I will not ask any more questions.’ Thus, the advice of the cock freed the man from trouble. ‘So know, O King of the World, that you cannot rely on women’s promises and do not expect good from women! The female weakness must be irrelevant to men.’ Alexander liked that story and he ordered it to be written down in the Book of Alexander [Iskandarna¯ma ].21 Then Alexander asked them again to tell useful stories. They said to him, ‘O King! There are astrologers here who know how to foretell the future and to make interpretations better than Jamasp.’ Alexander ordered, ‘Call them so that I can see

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them.’ The astrologers came and the zodiac of Alexander was Leo under the influence of the Sun. When they expressed their opinion about his horoscope, they said, ‘O King! You will achieve major accomplishments and you will conquer the East because the fate of the East is Lion-Sky and the fate of the King is the same. You will achieve great deeds in the East and you will arrange all the tasks. Your future will be bright!’ Then Alexander said to the astrologers, ‘Can you foresee how long I am going to live?’ They replied, ‘O King! Astrologers are experts in this regard but at the end of each prediction they say if God passes the fate from the Stable Star, then the life of man will be long and he will grow old.’ One of the Sages of the Chinese Turkestan was ready to talk about David, peace be upon Him. He said, ‘O King of the World! Do not think of this world because nobody else than the Almighty knows it. One day I was at the service of Solomon, peace be upon Him. The King of Mut, peace be upon Him, came as a simple man before Solomon and we did not know that he was the King of Mut. At the end of the meeting, we asked Solomon again. When he wanted to rise and leave, there was an old man sitting under Solomon’s throne. The King of Mut stared at that old man so that the old man was scared. He said, “O Prophet of God, who is this man?” Solomon replied, “He is the King of Mut!” Then the old man said, “O Prophet of God! In the name of that Master who has bestowed you with kingship, rule and prophecy, order the wind to take me to the land of Chinese Turkestan.” Solomon ordered the wind to do so. ‘The next day the King of Mut, peace be upon Him, came to salute Solomon and to tell Solomon his story. Solomon, peace be upon Him, asked the King of Mut, “Why did you look at that old man yesterday?” He replied, “The Almighty has ordered me to take the life of this man in the Chinese Turkestan. I saw him sitting next to you. I looked at him surprised that he is sitting here. Today in the Chinese Turkestan I can take his life because he has been journeying for a year now.” When he rose, Solomon ordered the wind to take the King of Mut to the Chinese Turkestan. At that very moment, he took his life. Solomon narrated this story to us. So beware, O King Alexander who knows this world better than everybody except the Almighty!’ Alexander looked and listened to this man carefully to see what he is going to say. It is correct that when our Prophet, peace be upon Him, was asked, ‘When will the Day of Judgement take place?’ he showed his five fingers. There were various groups of people and some of them said, ‘In 500 years!’ while some others said, ‘More!’ ‘Abba¯s, the Slave of God, and ‘Alı¯, the Commander of the Faithful, the Content of God, both said, ‘There are five things that nobody else than the Almighty knows!’ As written in the noble Qur’a¯n, and God, May His Name be glorified, mentions, So as to disbelieve in that which We have given them (Unto such it is said): Enjoy yourselves awhile, but you will still come to know. Indeed the knowledge of time is with God. He resends down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed God is omniscience and all aware.22

These four things are those that nobody knows except for the Omniscient of the Secrets: first of all, nobody knows when the Day of Judgement will occur, and nobody

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knows when rain comes. And nobody knows whether a woman will give birth to a male or female child. And nobody knows where he is going to die. These four issues are put into a ring and nobody except the Almighty knows them. Then Alexander asked them, ‘I crossed Ferghana and I saw two idols which had been created there. The name of the first one was Khang and the second Sorkh.23 And they had put two graves there – something that surprised me. Do you know any story about them?’ They said, ‘O King! This is a famous story which has reached our land. That grave belongs to the two lovers who died separately and their story has become a legend. One of them was the son of the King of Egypt and the other was the daughter of the King of this region.’ [Scribe:] This King was one of the ancestors of the present King who was killed by Alexander. This story is not pleasant and Ansari wrote it down and has become famous. We have not written it here because it will distract us from the Alexander story.24 The old men of that region went on explaining to Alexander. There was a board on which the two lovers wrote down their story and they put it on their tomb. This board was brought to King Alexander. When he had read it, it was identical to what the old men had told him. The next day the sages of the Chinese Turkestan stood in a row before Alexander who asked them how they were. They said, ‘O King! There are many wonders in the region of the Chinese Turkestan.’


THE TRICK OF THE KHAQAN’S WIFE TO MURDER HIM AND WHAT OCCURRED It is divinely narrated that Alexander sat with the sages of the Chinese Turkestan, asking them about stories and wonders, and asking about that region. Alexander’s aunt, who was the Khaqa¯n’s wife, came to Alexander. She prostrated herself before him and said, ‘Tonight I found a treasure in a special apartment of the palace. I cannot tell this to anyone else except Alexander! I must disturb you and you must come with me to see the treasure and the miracle!’ Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Get up and let’s go!’ Aristotle looked at Alexander and shook his head. Alexander understood and said, ‘Fear not because I did not forget the expression “Bring me the flask!”’ Then both Aristotle and Alexander left along with the Khaqa¯n’s wife and they looked in two or three palaces. When they reached the last palace, it had a vestibule. The woman ran first, crossed that vestibule and said, ‘O King! The treasure is here!’ When Alexander came to the vestibule, he saw a cat standing there. With its teeth, it grabbed the dress of Alexander and was making noise. Alexander knew that this was a trick. Alexander and Aristotle wanted to remove the cat but they could not. The woman was surprised. Alexander stood there and said to Aristotle, ‘Go and check what kind of trick this is!’ Alexander, who was standing there, sat down and the cat sat on him. Aristotle did not find any reason to go there. He thought, ‘What am I doing?’ He knew that there was a problem in that place. The Khaqa¯n’s wife had gone and had opened a deep pit on the way to the vestibule. At the place where she stood, she had put much property from the various areas of the Chinese Turkestan. She had put leaves over the opening so that when Alexander crossed over it, he would fall into the pit and kill himself.

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While Alexander sat there, Aristotle spoke and summoned the Khaqa¯n’s wife and said to her, ‘Come because Alexander wants to talk to you and he is after your treasure.’ She was ignorant and whatever trick she came up with, she was humiliated by it. When Alexander noticed weakness on Aristotle’s part, he was terrified. She thought to herself, ‘What can I do now? If I do not return, they will grow suspicious of me.’ She returned and passed by over her pit top. When the cat saw her, it made noise at her and jumped on her, causing her to move off course, and so she fell into the pit. The cat returned and disappeared whilst the woman died in that pit. When Alexander saw that, he fell on his knees and thanked God for protecting him from above. They looked for that cat but they did not find it. He said to Aristotle, ‘That cat was an angel and the Almighty protected us from the trick of that woman!’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! Whoever digs the pit for the others falls in it himself.’ And these words are like the ones: ‘Do not do evil, because you will become evil; do not dig a pit, because you will fall in!’ Then Alexander went over to that pit where there was a treasure. Then he took it. The Khaqa¯n’s sons were in prison. Alexander ordered their chains to be tightened. They stayed in prison guilty of attempting to assassinate Alexander. All the inhabitants of the Chinese Turkestan were Alexander’s enemies and supporters of the Khaqa¯n’s sons. Among the four concubines that their mother had brought, there was a concubine who revealed the story of the poison. For this reason, Alexander appointed her to be in charge of his bedchamber. Of the other three concubines, there was one who was the fiance´e of the Khaqa¯n’s son. She had slept twice with Alexander. However, Alexander was not fond of her and she was not fond of him, because she loved the Khaqa¯n’s son and was his fiance´e. Alexander constructed a place so beautiful like a shelter. At night when he was with a woman, he would sleep on that raised stage and beneath it, there were doorkeepers sleeping. So it happened that a doorkeeper grew fond of her and the concubine knew it. But we will explain that story after this one. When Alexander had looked at the pit where the Khaqa¯n’s wife fell, its bottom was not visible and that was where the Khaqa¯n’s wife had died. Alexander ordered them to take her body out of there and to bury her. He said to Aristotle, ‘I know that the cat protected us from her! Why did you not obey my order and why did you not go?’ Aristotle replied, ‘O King! In this regard I have a suitable story to tell you, if you say so!’ Alexander said, ‘Go ahead!’

Story Aristotle said, ‘Beware, O King, that I did not give a wrong order. The following expression is worthy of 1,000 gold coins for these words: “Do not try something in vain!” And the following expression is also worthy of 1,000 gold coins, “Do not exchange a day of doing good for a day of evil-doing.”’ Alexander said, ‘I do not understand their meaning. Explain this to me.’ Aristotle said, ‘Beware, O King, that in the city of Balkh there was a very rich nobleman, Long live Alexander of the World! This nobleman passed away and he had a son who spent gradually the property of his father until he had only

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3,000 gold coins left. One day he came to the market of Balkh. A man sat at the crossroad of the market and said, “Who will buy a wise phrase for 1,000 gold coins?” The young man thought, “I have 3,000 gold coins left. I will leave 1,000 gold coins and I will buy this phrase. One day this may work out.” He went and bought that phrase, giving the gold. There was a paper on which it was written: “Do not say something if you are not asked.” He understood its meaning and left. ‘After some time, there was another one sitting there and said, “Who will buy a wise phrase of governance for 1,000 gold coins? If it works then its price will match that of many lives!” The young man went and gave another 1,000 gold coins and bought it. He was given a paper. He looked at it and on it was written: “You must not exchange a day of Good for a day of Evil.” The young man memorised it and left. ‘After some time he had only the remaining 1,000 gold coins. He rose and went to the market to invest those 1,000 gold coins and gain some profit. By chance when he passed by that crossroad, he saw someone sitting there and proclaiming, “Who will buy this wise phrase for 1,000 gold coins? If it works, then the profit will be many times this money.” The young man bowed down and gave him the remaining 1,000 gold coins. He received a paper where it was written “Do not do something that cannot be done.” He looked at the three phrases he had bought for 3,000 gold coins. He kept them until he saw what profit they would bring to him. ‘This young man, after some time, entered the service of the ruler of Balkh, acting as his guard and protector. The ruler of Balkh loved hunting and he had a corrupt wife. He did not trust her and every time he went out hunting, he locked her in the house along with his property and concubines until he returned from hunting. By chance, this time when he went out hunting, he forgot to seal his house. After he was away from the city, he remembered, but he could not return because he had already covered a considerable distance. He said to that young man, “I trust you and you are my confidant. Take my signet and go! Close and seal the courtyard. I will wait for you here until you return.” The youth left. When he reached the door of the courtyard of the ruler, he saw a young man who came out of the palace and he was drunk. He wore female clothes so that he would not be recognised. The trustworthy young man saw him but he did not say anything. He locked and sealed the palace, and then he returned the signet to the ruler. The ruler did not ask him anything and the youth did not say anything either. And they left to go hunting. ‘The ruler’s wife was astonished and said, “The servant will inform the ruler immediately. When he returns from hunting, I must contrive a plan, so that he grows suspicious of the trustworthy servant.” ‘When the ruler returned from hunting, his wife came before him, crying aloud, pulling her hair and saying, “The young man you sent to close the courtyard came and attacked me and threw me down with his hands.” And she had various concubines there who confirmed this. ‘The ruler became angry and his head was about to explode! He ordered them to bring the youth. The latter escaped and took refuge in a brothel. He started drinking. The ruler’s soldiers came, saying, “O master, he escaped!” After having been angry, the ruler

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became silent. He was patient and he did not discuss this issue with anyone. He thought, “Bad fame will come out of it!” The time passed and the ruler was looking for the servant until one day they brought him before the ruler. When the young man saw the ruler, he prostrated himself before him. The ruler did not mention anything to him about this case. Then he wrote a letter to a viceroy who had been a ruler in that region. In that letter he wrote, “Behead the man who brought you the letter. Put his head in a huntsman’s bag and send it to me! And you must be serious in this task.” ‘When the servant came out, the ruler sealed the letter and gave it to him, saying, “Take this letter to that man so and so.” The young man did not know where the destination was exactly. He came out and he saw in the palace that man who was drunk and came out of the ruler’s quarters. When this man saw the youth, he stood and saluted him. The servant said, “You must do something for me!” The man replied, “Most willingly and submissively! I am at your disposal, my brother!” He said, “Take this letter to that place and hand it to that person and bring me the answer immediately!” The man took the letter and the servant left in his place. Meanwhile the ruler said to his wife, “I have killed your enemy!” ‘When that man handed in that letter, he was beheaded immediately. They put his head into a huntsman’s bag and sent it back. The ruler ordered them to take the huntsman’s bag to the women’s quarters. He said to his wife, “They brought your enemy’s head!” When they took the head out of the bag, the woman looked at it and saw the head of her lover. She was astonished and her face grew colourless. The ruler was astonished and said, “Find and bring the servant!” His wife was about to die from her fear! When they looked for the servant, they found him and brought him before the ruler. When he came before the ruler, he prostrated himself before him. The ruler said to him “Speak only the truth!” The servant responded, “I do not practice anything else than telling the truth. I am speaking truthfully. Is there anything better than the truth in the world?” The ruler said, “Speak!” He said, “O master, know that I bought three expressions for 3,000 gold coins and these expressions have been useful for me. I bought each expression for 1,000 gold coins in order to use them. Know that on the first day that you sent me to seal your courtyard, I saw this young man, whose head has fallen here. He came out of the court and he was drunk but I said nothing. I went and locked and sealed the courtyard. When I returned, you did not ask me anything and I said nothing either. So in this case I used the first wise phrase that I bought for 1,000 gold coins: ‘Do not say something if you are not asked.’” The ruler said, “This was correct. When I called you that day, why did you not come and reveal this to me?” The servant said, “O master! The second wise phrase I bought for 1,000 gold coins was this one: ‘You must not exchange a day of Good for a day of Evil.’ At that moment, they had agitated you very much with many lies. When I came, you did not listen to me and wanted to kill me. But you did not manage it and I was invited to a brothel where I lived moments of drunkenness, happiness and delight. So I did not exchange that day of good with a day of evil. Afterwards, I came before you, and you gave me that letter to hand to someone somewhere. It was the third wise phrase that I employed in this case: ‘Do not do something that cannot be done.’ While I was obliged to transfer the letter

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and to be a messenger, I thought, based on that wise phrase, and I gave the letter to this man and this was his fate!” When the ruler heard this, he said, “These three wise phrases of governance are worth 100,000 gold coins!” He gave him a robe of honour and ordered that he be assigned with running his offices and he killed his wife. ‘O King! Know that you ordered me to walk over the pit but I did not do it because I went in front of the pit and I was about to fall in it. I waited and I used the wise phrase worthy of 1,000 gold coins. Undoubtedly I remained alive: whoever digs a pit will fall in it.’ Alexander liked this story.


THE STORY BETWEEN THE SONS OF THE KHAQAN AND ALEXANDER, THEIR PLAN TO POISON ALEXANDER THROUGH HIS CONCUBINE, AND HOW ALEXANDER DISCOVERED THAT BY WISDOM It is divinely narrated that the Khaqa¯n’s sons, who were imprisoned by Alexander, contrived a plan to kill Alexander and to liberate themselves from wherever threat of enmity was possible to be found. Then the eldest son sent someone from the prison to the concubine whom we mentioned earlier and whom the doorkeeper had fallen in love with. The Khaqa¯n had given her as fiance´e to his son. She had slept with Alexander twice but she did not like him because she was in love with the Khaqa¯n’s son. The latter sent a letter to the concubine through a trustworthy person, saying, ‘Try to kill Alexander until we set ourselves free and you will become the Queen of the Chinese Turkestan!’ When the concubine heard this, she rejoiced because she was in love with the Khaqa¯n’s son. She replied, ‘Every week it is my turn [to sleep with Alexander]. What can I do during a night? However I will try to be lucky and to do it on my behalf.’ The Khaqa¯n’s son secretly sent a quantity of poison to her. She started working on this and she looked for the best opportunity. She could not find it, because she was alone and Alexander did not desire her. After ten nights, Alexander called her and the concubine knew from the doorkeepers that Alexander trusted someone. That man was from the region of Azhar and he had been at Alexander’s service for many years. He was in love with the concubine. He knew everyone at the Khaqa¯n’s harem where Alexander had come. Alexander knew no other palace other than his own. After a day and a half, Alexander was asleep in his palace and it was the turn of the man from Herat. The concubine came and passed by the doorkeeper. The concubine hinted to him and called him. The man joyfully abandoned his position and left. Alexander was asleep and the doorkeepers were outside. Then the concubine brought that man to the palace where there was nobody else and she said to him, ‘If you want to fulfil your wishes and desires with me, you must do whatever I say!’ He said, ‘Tell me!’ The concubine said, ‘I want you to swear!’ He swore to her that he would conceal her secret. The woman said, ‘If you give me someone to kill Alexander, I will become yours!’ He inquired, ‘What wrong has King Alexander done?’ ‘The Khaqa¯n’s son sent someone to me, saying “Order someone to kill King Alexander. If I become a king, I will make you Queen of the Chinese Turkestan!”’ The man said,

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‘If you become the Khaqa¯n’s wife and the Queen of the Chinese Turkestan, how can I see you? You must cut your hair!’ Then he said to her, ‘I did not know that you want to kill the King.’ She replied, ‘The Khaqa¯n’s son has sent me poison to give to Alexander to eat.’ He asked, ‘Where is it?’ ‘I have it in my pocket,’ she replied. ‘Let me see it!’ he said. She showed it to him and then hid it again in a handkerchief. He said, ‘Hide it! You may not give it to the King!’ ‘What is the matter?’ the concubine asked. The man said, ‘Give me your hands so that I can do this on my own. He is sleeping alone now! I will burst in and I will cut off his head! I will do this on this condition that you know a place to where both of us will flee.’ The concubine said, ‘I know a place and I will take you out of here. Yet I cannot come with you because I belong to the Khaqa¯n’s son. But I regard you highly and we can meet secretly from the Khaqa¯n’s son.’ This man from Herat, who was a java¯nmard, thought, ‘How can I kill the King when I cannot be with her! I cannot do this! I will forget my desire today and I will go and reveal this situation to the King so that he kills the Khaqa¯n’s son. Then I can ask the King to give this concubine to me! He will give her to me.’ He said to the concubine, ‘If you want me to kill the King, give me your hands!’ The concubine did not respond. She simply said, ‘You must first kill the King!’ The man from Herat looked carefully and closely at the concubine and she did not look as beautiful as she looked from a distance. He thought, ‘Given that this whore does not respect the King, she will not respect me either.’ He was disappointed but he did not care. The concubine told him once more, ‘If you cannot do it on our own, then introduce me another man to kill the King!’ He replied, ‘Tomorrow is your turn. When the King falls asleep, take a rope and remove the toe from his foot!’ When the concubine heard this, she kissed the man on his eye but she did not give her hand to him. He thought to himself, ‘I must save the King from this shameful whore. When the King wakes up, I will tell him everything about her and the Khaqa¯n’s son. Then I will ask him, “Give this concubine to me!”’ As he made these thoughts, he came close to the bedchamber. Alexander had previously woken up. His name was Na¯sir and Alexander knew him very well as he was his doorkeeper. He had called the doorkeeper but there was no response. So Alexander fell asleep again. When Na¯sir came to the bedchamber, Alexander had come out of his chamber. He drew his sword in the royal manner to strike him. Alexander said, ‘Say the truth! Where have you been? What kind of trick was it that you dismissed the doorkeeper from his duties?’ The man said, ‘O King! Please be merciful and I will speak truthfully. I swear this to your life!’ Alexander showed mercy. The man said, ‘O King! Know that I was the doorkeeper at the bedchamber when a concubine came to me. She called me and when I went to her, she brought me to her chamber and said, “You need to do a task for me. If you accomplish it, I will be with you!” I wanted to inform Alexander about this news!’ Because of his experience, Alexander knew that there was something going on. Then he asked, ‘Say exactly what happened!’ He replied, ‘She has the poison in her pocket in a red handkerchief. And then she said, “Tomorrow night it is my turn to come to his bedchamber.”’ Alexander inquired, ‘How does she intend to poison me?’ He replied, ‘O King! She will not poison you. According to the customs of Turks, she wants to pull your toes out.’ ‘How can she pull my toes out? But how were you acquainted with her and

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where did this familiarity come from?’ He replied, ‘O King! This is the woman I was talking about.’ Alexander said, ‘If you were not familiar with her in the past, why did she assign this task to you?’ Then he ordered him to be arrested and other doorkeepers replaced him. He ordered them to chain Na¯sir from Herat until he could see what was going to happen on the next night. And nobody knew why he was arrested. When Alexander was asleep on the next night, the concubine came to Alexander. He perceived that it was her and thought, ‘If I do not make love to her, she will not let me sleep and everything will be ruined!’ So he made love to her and offered her pleasure. The concubine thought, ‘He is better than the Khaqa¯n’s son who is imprisoned, because he is the King of the World.’ She changed her mind, hugged Alexander and slept well. But Alexander was awake all night long because he wanted to see what she intended to do. Alexander made love to her until the morning, something that he had never done with her. The concubine became cheerful. When they rose, Alexander said to her, ‘What do you have in your pocket?’ Her face changed colour. She said, ‘O King! Be merciful and I will explain to you!’ He said, ‘Tell me and fear not!’ The concubine said, ‘The Khaqa¯n’s son sent someone along with this poison from the prison to me, saying, “You must give this to the King so that I come and make you Queen of the Chinese Turkestan.” Today it has been a month since I was given this poison and I did not dare to say this to the King! And amongst your doorkeepers there is someone who is young and has desired me for a long time. The other day he saw me and said, “I am in love with you. How long are you going to make me suffer?” I said to him, “If you do this task for me, I will satisfy your wish.” He said, “Satisfy me sooner so that I also satisfy you sooner and I kill the King!” Hence, he advised me, saying, “When the King falls asleep, tie his feet together and let me know to come.” He left. However, when I came to the King’s presence and I saw him happy with me, I swear to the God of the Sky, I felt regret and I repented. I swear to the life of the King that this is what happened and I spoke truthfully.’ Then she took out of her pocket that poison in the same manner that the commander from Herat had suggested and put it next to Alexander. Alexander took the poison and knew that she was speaking truthfully. He said, ‘You deserve death but since you have spoken truthfully I will spare your life.’ He called a servant and said, ‘I entrust you with protecting this concubine. Do not let the sun and the stars see her, let alone a man!’ He sent someone to bring both the sons of the Khaqa¯n from the prisons. Alexander had asked the concubine, ‘Which of these two sons of Khaqa¯n sent you the poison?’ She replied, ‘The eldest son whilst the other knew nothing about it.’ Alexander summoned first the youngest son and said, ‘Show me the treasures of your father!’ He replied, ‘O King! I swear to your life that I know nothing. But I will reveal you something from the treasury.’ Alexander said, ‘Tell me.’ He said, ‘There is a woman in your palace and she has an affair with my brother.’ Alexander said, ‘I know this.’ Then he sent someone to summon the eldest brother. He ordered them to put a tree in the middle of the market and to hang him there. He called the youngest brother and adorned him with a robe of honour. He made him King of the Chinese Turkestan because he knew that the people of the region wanted him to be their king while Alexander was just

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passing through their region. He put him on the throne and the people became joyful, dispersed money and praised Alexander. Then Alexander summoned the doorkeeper and said, ‘I trusted you and you tried to deceive me in my palace?’ He ordered to have him beheaded. Then they brought the concubine and made her wife to the Khaqa¯n’s son. When he was finished with these tasks, there were the shipbuilders who constructed ships. It was the end of winter. One day Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘I do not know what this army is doing in this region. They must not oppress the people and do injustice because the Almighty will ask about these on the Day of Judgement.’ – And everyone in the world knows that Alexander was righteous.25 – Then they made a proclamation that whoever wanted to raise and discuss an issue of injustice, he/she must come to the court of Alexander. They had made this proclamation for seven days per week in the city and the region of the Chinese Turkestan. One day Alexander was sitting on the throne. His palace and court were adorned and the nobility were sitting and standing next to him. Suddenly some people came in, saying, ‘O King! A lion has taken out many elephants from the main gate. It is not afraid of anyone and it is heading to the palace!’ Alexander asked, ‘What is this all about?’ All the soldiers put on their armour and left. They said, ‘It is very close and it does not harm anyone. He is coming this way!’ Alexander said, ‘Fear not because it has come to demand justice. Go aside and be strong to see the power of the Omnipotent God!’ When the lion came next to the throne, it put its head on the floor and sat properly. Alexander knew that it suffered injustice by someone. He ordered fifty horsemen, ‘Go with the lion! If it suffered injustice by a man, then bring him to me. If by animals, then kill them all!’ The horsemen rose and the lion prostrated himself before Alexander. It turned and ran towards the horsemen. The horsemen then ran after it and they did not know where it was going. Suddenly there appeared a forest. The lion entered it and returned and stood before the horsemen who knew that they had to enter the forest. So they did. They saw thirty to forty pavilions and a dead female lion. They knew what was going on. There were various people like tribesmen. They asked them, ‘Where are you from?’ They did not know what was going on. ‘We do not live in the desert and we came across this beautiful meadow. There were two lions here. We killed one and we forced the other to leave.’ The horsemen asked them, ‘What is your religion?’ They replied, ‘We worship 360 gods, and all of them are gold!’ The horsemen said, ‘These are infidels!’ They added, ‘King Alexander has summoned you and he orders you to come altogether.’ They were seventy men and they had heard Alexander’s name. They could not disagree so they rose and came before Alexander. One of them was braver. He was black and he had killed the lion. He was their leader. When they came, the lion became angry at them until they came before Alexander. When they came close, they prostrated themselves before him and said, ‘O King! What is your order?’ Alexander asked them, ‘Why have you taken the place of these lions?’ They replied, ‘O King, it was a nice place. We thought that when winter passes, we can go to a nice place.’ Alexander said, ‘This lion

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has come to me in protest of the injustice you inflicted by taking his land. Certainly its land . . .’26 [He] prostrated himself to God and wished that two Angels27 would come from Heaven. He asked the Almighty to send them to the earth and to be friends with the Double-Horned One and that together they might prostrate themselves to God. Then the Almighty ordered them and both came to earth next to Alexander in the form of two men. They saluted him and they narrated their story to him. Alexander became friends with them and at night, he was preoccupied prostrating himself to God with them and in the day the Angels left. One night Alexander thought, ‘I will ask the Angels about the good and bad aspects of this world. I will also ask them how much of my life remains.’ When night came, the Angels appeared and they prayed to God. The reason for the visit of those Angels to the earth was to show Alexander the way in the sea because he and his army had been lost in the sea. That night the Angels visited Alexander who asked them, ‘Do you know how long this world is going to last?’ They replied, ‘It is going to last until the last Prophet of Time comes, and he has not come yet. And after this much time will pass. He who lifts the world and the rising points of the world are revelaed through signs.’ He asked, ‘What kind of signs?’ They replied, ‘Some of the signs are that of the Rising Sun, the coming of the Dragon of the Day of Judgement, the coming of the Gog and Magog, the Antichrist, and the fire which will come out of the earth. Jesus Christ will come from Heaven down to earth. These signs will appear gradually and they will be the signs of the God’s power.’ Then Alexander thanked the Almighty very much for becoming friends with them and that he revealed all the secrets and plans. Then Alexander asked, ‘Will the Almighty send me to the place where the sun rises?’ They replied, ‘By God’s will!’ He asked them, ‘When will the sun rise in the West?’ The Angels replied, ‘Everything has been accumulated in a written way in the Islamic belief and we do not know these secrets. Beware that the Almighty every night takes the sun to the sky and He places it in various skies and confines it under His throne. Then the Almighty orders the sun to come to the world and he orders it to go from sky to sky until he reaches the sky of the world. Early in the morning, the Sun illuminates the world and this will happen until the Day of Judgement. In the meantime, there will be many rebellions, many commanders will revolt and there will be much ignorance. Then one day He will confine the Sun, which will not appear by God’s order. One day the moon will reach the Sun and the two of them will not obey any orders. This will last for three nights and every night will last long. Nobody knows the duration of the night except those who stay awake at night. Many of them will sleep at night. Those who perform ablutions and pray will be brought next to Him before the morning comes. The stars will be at their place. People are advised in the first night to read the Noble Qur’a¯n or to pray hastily or in the next night to rise and perform ablutions and pray as every night. And they must look at the sky or the daybreak, but there will be only night. There will be no morning and people will be afraid. They will perform ablution for one more time and will stand for prayers and say again all those words they used to every night. And they must look at the sky and there will be no

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daybreak. It will be only night. Then they must be very afraid and they will shout to each other. Those who pray will come prepared to the mosque, lamenting and asking for forgiveness from the dead. When the three nights have passed, Gabriel, peace be upon Him, by divine providence will order the sun and the moon to set, saying “The Almighty orders you to go to the West and to return without light. People must be afraid of the terror of the Day of Judgement.” Likewise, the Angels on the Day of Judgement will listen to their weeping, and either they are on the Seven Skies, or on Earth, they will listen to their lament due to the fear for the Day of Judgement. Then the sun and the moon will return from the West and the jurisprudents and the praying people will humble themselves and the imprudent ones will be forgotten. Then there will be a proclamation that the sun and the moon came from the West! Whoever sees them, there will be no light coming from the sun and the moon. There will be only two black camels and the people will look at them and will lament and cry. That day the mother will be detested by her children and, for fear of the Day of Judgement, friends will dislike each other. Everybody will grieve for his body. People will cry to no avail. When the sun and the moon reach the middle of the sky, Gabriel, peace be upon Him, will come and will take them to the Gate of Repentance, not to the West!’ Alexander asked, ‘What is there?’ He replied, ‘The Prophet of God said, “The Omnipotent Creator of the World has created it based on repentance.” And they call it “Double Verse” because it is covered with gold and jewels. And from one Mesrah to the other there is a one-year distance and the gate is open. From that time when the Almighty created men until today, nobody has repented and cannot enter. Yet on this day, by divine decree, this will be accomplished.’ Alexander then asked, ‘What is true repentance?’ He replied, ‘True repentance is when one really regrets his sin and asks the Almighty to forgive him, provided that he will not repeat it, just like milk is not related with breast. So Gabriel, peace be upon Him, has thus defined repentance, and it was not as you say. And since it has been defined thus, no other repentance can be accepted.’ ‘In another case, the Almighty will illuminate the sun and the moon and they will set out from the East to the West. People will reach the end of the days and will commit sins by killing, profiting, destroying trees and the grain of barleys and being greedy against nature. And it will remain as such so that when one gives birth to a horse, she will have confidence on this horse that the Day of Judgement comes. These things will happen until the sun rises from the West and the Trumpet of Isra¯fı¯l is blown. These are the orders of the sun and the moon.’ Alexander asked once more, ‘So, you who are Angels, will you die on that day?’ They replied, ‘Know that everyone will die and nobody will survive except for the Almighty. Isra¯‘ı¯l will take everybody. God will say, “O Isra¯‘ı¯l, who does remain?” He will reply, “O Omnipotent God! You know better! Gabriel, Michael, Isra¯fı¯l and Isra¯‘ı¯l have remained.” Omnipotent God will order, “Take Gabriel’s life!” He will act accordingly. Then He will say, “Take Michael’s life!” And he will do so. Then He will say, “Take Isra¯fı¯l’s life!” And he will do so by the power of the Almighty. Then God will ask, “Who remains?” Malik al-Mut will say, “My faith in God remains!” “It is due to my grandeur and glory that you must also die. Put your head to Paradise and your feet to Hell, and create Life.” During the moment

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of the creation of life, a voice was heard, “O God! If I knew how difficult it is to give life, I would not have killed anyone.” Then they will hit the drums so that if any mortal is still alive, he will die. Then nobody else will be left alive.’ Then Alexander asked, ‘Who is better? The Angels or men?’ They replied, ‘Although Angels make many prostrations, men are better! God has not created the Angels to be greedy, to desire, to be after the pleasure of eating and sleeping. He made them pure with drinking, eating, sleeping and all there is, thanks to God. He created these for the Prophets and men who despite calamities worship him with purity. Those men who are pious, devout and God worshippers in their daily lives are better than Angels.’ When Alexander received answers to all those issues, he asked them, ‘O brothers! Do you know how many days of my life are left?’ They replied, ‘We do not know. Yet you need to do three things so that the Almighty gives you more life. First, not to kill anyone, to be honest and to always do good. You must be committed to these principles.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What is behind these three principles?’ They replied, ‘First of all, killing for an unjust cause is wrong. The first person who killed for no reason was someone from a tribe. Abel committed murder. Look what shame befell on him and what happened to him later.’ The Angel narrated the story of Abel to Alexander, as this story can be found in the Stories of the Prophets. We will not narrate it here because we will deviate from Alexander’s story. One of the admonitions that the Angel gave to Alexander was this one: ‘Do not kill kings so that you may be blessed by the Almighty!’ Another was as follows, ‘Give alms!’ Alexander heard the Angel’s two admonitions and agreed. A third admonition was as follows: ‘Have good relations with your relatives and be good to them. Our glorious Prophet, peace be upon Him, said, “Forgiveness brings long life to you!28 Be always linked with your relatives” – the Honest Prophet of God!’ When Alexander heard this, he knew that all the grief he had come across was scattered. That Angel guided Alexander, taking the sea route, and the Angel showed him the way again and then he left. Alexander sailed for seven days and from that sea, he moved to another one and reached the seashore. From there, he left and reached the Land of Tafqa¯j where the silver land is also located. When he came out of the sea, he asked, ‘What region is this?’ They said, ‘It is the Land of Taghma¯j and this is an important land.’ From there until the place where the sun rises, it is near. The way is dry and there is no land in between. There are forty-four cities flourishing like Paradise. There are powerful kings and armies there. During a month, you can travel from here to the East without any trouble, apart from those kings whom you cannot go against.


ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN THE LAND OF TAGHMAJ AND ALEXANDER’S VISIT TO ALEXANDER OF THAT LAND AS A MESSENGER It is divinely narrated that when Alexander heard this story, he took his army and reached a city. Alexander was righteous and his army was great in number. That king was not informed of Alexander’s deeds in the world and the places Alexander

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had visited, and of what he had done to the kings of the world. As a whole, he was ignorant of Alexander’s name. Then Alexander established a big military camp and he found provisions in the property and women of that land. When they came closer, he said to Aristotle, ‘I will go to that king disguised as messenger to see their customs and ways.’ Then he wore the clothes of a messenger and came to the city along with ten horsemen. The name of that king was Sha¯hmalik. He was informed about the messenger’s arrival. Sha¯hmalik was the King of the whole East and he believed in the religion of Prophet Abraham, peace be upon Him, and he had never accepted any other faith. He was a righteous and correct king. When Alexander came ashore, Sha¯hmalik thought and said, ‘Who is this man with all this majesty and retinue?’ Alexander wanted the silver of that land which was full and it was attached to the nobility. Sha¯hmalik summoned all the noblemen who had come from the sea. He said, ‘Have you heard the name of this king? Who is he and why has he come to this land?’ They replied, ‘O King! It is obvious and it is not correct that someone does not know him. He is a king whom the whole world knows. He is the Double-Horned One, the King of the whole World and all Muslims. Some people say that he is a prophet, who went and returned from the Land of Darkness. He also sought the Water of Life and he has brought 2,700 elephants. When he reached the Land of Darkness, there were 400,000 men with him. It is strange that you do not know him!’ When Sha¯hmalik heard this, he was astonished and terrified. He thought to himself, ‘He will take our property of so many years!’ Then he summoned his army and his commanders. All of them were frightened to death and they did not know what to do. Then Sha¯hmalik asked them, ‘What is to be done?’ They replied, ‘O King! You know better!’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Tonight let’s all go to the mosque so that God will allow him to cross our land without inflicting us any harm.’ When night came, everyone went to the mosque of the Almighty, lamenting, weeping and imploring the Almighty. On the next day, Sha¯hmalik ordered, ‘Prepare the whole army, because I had a magnificent dream. Our safety depends on it.’ When the soldiers came prepared, Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Tonight, I had a dream that an angel shouted, saying to me, “Fear not because you will be safe in Alexander’s hands and he will cross your land without doing you any harm.”’ While they discussed these, the chamberlains came, saying, ‘O King! Alexander’s messenger has arrived.’ Sha¯hmalik ordered them to adorn the court and to bring what was necessary. Alexander came before Sha¯hmalik, who was sitting on the throne, and prostrated himself before Sha¯hmalik. When he looked at Alexander, he came down from the throne, took him aside, kissed him and prostrated himself showing humility to Alexander. He said nothing and took Alexander’s hand. The nobility and the army were astonished by these developments! They said, ‘Is the King a friend with this messenger?’ Alexander was also astonished. Sha¯hmalik said to his army, ‘Do your work until I am through with your tasks and mine and I come out.’ His soldiers replied, ‘He knows that he will not pass from us without trouble and bloodshed.’ After Sha¯hmalik took Alexander to the royal pavilion,

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Alexander was alone. He had various thoughts and he was terrified. He had a dagger and drew it. That dagger belonged to Porus of India who had crossed Sind. When Sha¯hmalik saw the dagger, he said, ‘O King! What are you doing? I am your slave and at your service. I will give you as much gold and silver coins as you wish so that you cross our land peacefully and without doing us any harm! You are Alexander, the King of the World and the Double-Horned One!’ When he said that, he prostrated himself before Alexander. Once more, he took Alexander by his hand and led him to a pavilion, which was empty, and there was a throne. He placed Alexander on that throne and he himself stood in front of Alexander at his disposal. Alexander wanted to slay and kill him with the dagger but he was afraid of the trouble and punishment. Then Alexander said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘O King! What is this all about? I am not Alexander. Why do you make all this preparations?’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘O King! I swear to the God of Seven Spheres and Seven Earths that whatever I did was not done personally by me but it was the will of God, the Creator of the heaven and earth. So beware, O King, that if I did this in reality with you in front of my army, then your esteem has been damaged and you will be in trouble with this army. If a war erupts, then there will no time left for us. I have agreed this with you so that good will be treated with good.’ Alexander held the dagger still and Sha¯hmalik was afraid of this. Equally Alexander did not trust Sha¯hmalik and his army. Then Sha¯hmalik said, ‘O King! Beware that every night I knelt before God and I praised Him. I asked God to let you pass from our land without having you inflicting any damage on us. At dawn, I fell asleep. In my dream, I saw that a guardian angel cried aloud, “O Slave of God! Be joyful because we have ridiculed Alexander for your sake. He is coming in the morning to you disguised as a messenger. Destroy him with contentment and humility!”’ Alexander knew that this was a divine sign. He said, ‘He is one of the slaves of God. He respects God more than I do!’ He pledged, ‘I am Alexander and ask whatever you wish from me and you will have it. I will compensate you for any evil act. There is no need for your gold, silver and kingship. I will pass by you and your army without doing you any harm.’ Sha¯hmalik prostrated himself before Alexander, saying, ‘I will give you gold and coin and I will send guides to you so that they will take you to the edges of the East, because there are two enemies in your way: there are a people called demons that eat men and their king is a cannibal Zangı¯, and his personal horsemen are seventy cannibal Zangı¯. When you cross that land, there are some fairies whose queen is a fairy woman in a very nice region. Her name is Ara¯qı¯t. Your task with the demons will be easier than with the fairies because they are beautiful like the sun and the moon and people get out of their way when they look at them. When you reach that region, it is not prudent to fall asleep. I will give you something so that you cross that land with this. The extent of the land of that fairy is forty parasangs. It is 2,000 years now that they have ruled that land. This woman’s father was 500 years old and he was the king of that land. Now it has been ten years since he passed away and this woman has replaced him on the throne. You must invoke the amulet I am going to give you and you must draw a line around you.

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When you do that, take the talisman in your right hand so that they will be unable to harm you and your army.’ King Alexander heard everything that Sha¯hmalik said until the latter’s speech was over. He said, ‘By God’s will, you will hear what I am going to do to the demons and the fairies. Yet I do not want to fight you!’ Then Sha¯hmalik said, ‘O King of the Earth! If your provisions are inadequate I will send more to your camp.’ Alexander said, ‘I certainly do not want to trouble you.’ Then Sha¯hmalik came out of his palace and said to his soldiers, ‘The messenger has been always my friend and I recognised him and I took him to a private place and we remembered all that we passed together since the time we met each other. I arranged all the tasks with him and I said that I would act as befits until he speaks to Alexander. Tomorrow I will go and meet and King Alexander.’ His soldiers rejoiced. Then Sha¯hmalik said to Alexander, ‘I will come to your service at midday so that you are not busy and my soldiers do not recognise you.’ Alexander laughed and revealed his two hidden horns. He ordered Sha¯hmalik, ‘Come to me openly because your soldiers will not recognise me.’ When Sha¯hmalik heard this, he humbled himself, kissing the shoes of Alexander and saying, ‘Tomorrow I will bring the talisman I mentioned.’ Alexander returned to his camp feeling nostalgia and remembering all his troubles. He said, ‘What Sha¯hmalik has done to me has not been done by anyone else.’ He felt regret, saying, ‘This was worse than what Queen Candace did to me!’ Sha¯hmalik came with many silver presents and had given various orders. Similarly, he brought Alexander a concubine who was more beautiful than any other concubine Alexander had ever seen. He also brought the talisman and gave it to Alexander, saying, ‘These are the Great Names of God. Demons and fairies obey to these Names. When you reach the land of the demons, put these on the hilt of your sword. When you reach the land of fairies, take these in hand and draw a circle around your camp so that the fairies cannot enter your camp.’ Alexander agreed and received these Names, the concubine and the presents. Then he departed, being troubled by Sha¯hmalik’s attitude, what had happened to him [Alexander] and that he was indebted to Sha¯hmalik’s grace. Then Alexander bade farewell to Sha¯hmalik, giving him a robe of honour for his kindness. When they army of Sha¯hmalik came before Alexander, they saw him wearing a gold garment and hat. Thus, they did not recognise him because Alexander’s hair was tied. Then King gave Sha¯hmalik a horse, which was ornamented with gold and jewels. These valued 100 times more than those that Sha¯hmalik had brought for Alexander. Sha¯hmalik returned to the city and Alexander departed. After four days, he reached a city where people were very handsome and sweetly spoken. They came before Alexander, bringing provisions. There was a queen in that land who had adopted the veil and sat on the throne. She had been queen for many years and nobody knew about her situation. She sent many presents to Alexander and then she came on her own, wearing the veil. She prostrated herself before Alexander and brought money for him. When Alexander saw her, he inquired about her behaviour. He came out of his tent and sat on his throne. He asked her, ‘Are you a woman?’ ‘Yes!’ she replied. ‘Have you inherited this kingship from your father?’ he asked. ‘O King! No, God has

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bestowed this to me!’ she replied. He asked, ‘What for?’ She replied, ‘There was a king here who lost his power. I was at his courtyard and I was like a sister to his daughter. When he lost his power, he had no son. His daughter was promoted and appointed as his successor and she became queen. After five months, she passed away and I was saluted as queen and commander-in-chief.’ When Alexander heard this, he inquired, ‘What wonders do you have in your city?’ She replied, ‘There is no wonder to be strange enough here!’ Then Alexander ordered, ‘You must stay with me tonight so that you accompany me in my free time. I will talk to you and tomorrow I will send you somewhere.’ She replied, ‘The King’s order is to be obeyed!’ Then Alexander ordered that she and her soldiers be given a place. All the time she kept thinking, ‘Why has the King been keeping me here?’ Then [s]he thought, ‘Maybe he has fallen in love with me? If he proposes to marry me, what should I say?’ She was perplexed. He summoned Aristotle and his commanders and said to them, ‘Tonight come and see this woman who claims to be a queen and says that she is a woman. She is actually a man! There is a mystery, which God has revealed to me so that I may uncover it. Come all of you tonight!’ That night the nobles appeared in the palace and Alexander also came, summoning the King who had put a veil on himself. She came in and bowed. Then the King said to him, ‘You are a man and a wrong doer! I will reveal your evil doing today!’ He fell on his knees and said, ‘O King! Please be merciful!’ Alexander knew at once that his suspicion was not wrong. This was an indication of divine revelation to Alexander. Then Alexander said to him, ‘Speak the truth so that I might spare your life!’ He said, ‘O King! Beware that I was a slave and the daughter of the King in this region loved me. And I also loved her. She had taken me to the women’s quarters. I stayed there for years until that final point that her father, who was the King, passed away and he had no male children. His daughter became queen and she reigned for five years. I stayed with her until she also lost her power. Long live the King of the World! She transferred the royal power to me and due to my fear for the army and for concealing the sin that I had committed when I spent my time in the women’s quarters. Now the King knows how to judge and rule. Now I am your slave and I will show you all the treasures which I have created. I will not stay in this city. I came to beg for mercy from the King of the World!’ Alexander spared his life and that slave revealed all the treasures. Everybody in the city hated him and all the citizens went to Alexander, complaining of his tyranny and saying, ‘Give him back to us because he has tricked our king and he has reigned for years with tricks and lies.’ Alexander said, ‘He has asked for mercy and I have granted him mercy and I am not going to change my mind. You chose one of your nobility so that I can give him the rule of the city. They chose someone from the nobility and Alexander gave him the rule of the city.’ Alexander stayed there for four days and then he departed and reached another city. He encamped there. The city was inhabited by believers and there were dervishes there. When they heard the news about Alexander, they came to bow before him. They did so and they also complained, saying ‘O King! Listen to our cry because we are in trouble

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because of the cannibal demons. Every year they take 1,000 men from our city to eat them!’ Alexander asked, ‘What is the distance between your city and their place?’ They replied, ‘It is three days’ distance.’ Alexander ordered, ‘Be at ease because I will protect you from their malevolence.’ They said, ‘It is the time that they are about to come and take 100 men. Someone will give his son and another one his brother. Someone else who has gold, he will buy a slave and hand him in. This is the arrangement we have made.’ Alexander said, ‘We are staying here for five days. If someone comes, let us know!’ The next day 500 horsemen, demons with ugly faces, came asking for 100 men. When they arrived, they said, ‘Bring us our portion because there is no time!’ They replied, ‘Wait for a moment!’ They sent someone to the camp and informed Alexander. He rose and came with 1,000 horsemen. When he came close to the city, the army of the cannibal demons was there and they assaulted him. Alexander held the talisman with the Names of God and, along with his army, he was surrounded by 500 demons. The dwellers rejoiced and praised Alexander. Then Alexander ordered them, ‘Some of you come with me and look at how I am going to clear the world from their nonsense and how I am going to give their booty to you.’ A thousand men from that city, who were frustrated because they had given their sons and brothers, went in support of Alexander. Those demons who escaped death informed their king, saying, ‘A king has come who is called “Alexander the DoubleHorned One.” He has conquered the whole world, and behold, he has arrived in our city and has killed all of our men. We did our best and escaped death.’ The Zangı¯’s king was black and like a mountain. He was blacker than the piece [anqas] of a fish29 with the face of a man. Yet his teeth were like the teeth of a boar and his tail was like that of a donkey. There were hundreds of thousands of those demons in that city and all the commanders and noblemen ate nothing else except humans!


ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN THE LAND OF DEMONS AND CANNIBAL ZANG I S, AND HIS WAR AGAINST THEM It is divinely narrated that when Alexander approached the city of demons, he said to Aristotle, ‘What is the meaning of this? I will not allow myself to go disguised as a messenger or send someone else!’ Then from there, he brought the army in front of the city of demons, came in and the demons looked at them from above. The demons saw the camp, the elephants, the Divine Charisma and the splendour. They were terrified because they had never seen such a thing before. Alexander’s army fought against them for many days and they closed in the city, waging war with divine help. Then Alexander ordered them to bring the elephants and with their trunk to open the doors. They broke the main gate and burst into the city. They saw an ugly and rotten city. Around the city, there was destruction and the great conqueror stood in the middle. Until then, no man had ever conquered them. The demons and the Zangı¯s fled from there. Alexander said, ‘It is right to attack the city gate.’ Alexander read the Names of the Almighty, they camped there and they drew the Magic Circle around the camp in the name of God. Night came and Alexander ordered them to arrange themselves in order

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and to beat the war drums in a fashion that made everybody in the world terrified because of the magnificent sound. All of the cannibal demons were scared to death, saying, ‘What is going to happen and what kind of people are they?’ Alexander did not allow anyone to sleep during that night, ordering them to burn a fire, and wax candles and torches. Alexander sat with his nobility armoured. After midnight, thousands of those demons came, making noise at the camp of Alexander. When they came closer and saw the Magic Circle that was drawn, they withdrew and in any case, they were unable to enter Alexander’s camp. When Alexander was informed, he said, ‘Read all the Names of God!’ He brought out the talisman and read the Names of the Almighty, saying, ‘There can be no negotiation with the idolaters!’ Until dawn, not one of those cannibal demons managed to approach the periphery of the camp and, although they made noise near the tents, they could not cross the Magic Circle. By dawn, everyone had already fled. The guards of the camp came and said, ‘O King! God protected us! If it was not for the Magic Circle, they would have eaten us.’ Alexander thought, ‘I must acknowledge this and pray for that king who has provided me with all these men, for I am King Alexander and he has given me this talisman.’ When day broke, Alexander ordered them to bring the elephants into the city. They loaded all the provisions and the equipment onto the back of the elephants and they beat the drums. The fear of the demons had reached the heavens and they fled. They came around the gate. It grew dark and during the night, they beat the drums so that they did not allow the demons to come out. And that night Alexander and his army slept there. That night the cannibal demons contrived a plan and said, ‘Tomorrow morning our army will act as follows: they will send a message to Alexander, saying, “We are in your service to see you and to pass each other without doing any harm.” We do not have his strength and splendour.’ When day broke, the messenger, full of ugliness and foulness, came on a donkey. Alexander was informed that one of them along with his assistant had come, conveying a message to Alexander and saying, ‘We are messengers!’ Alexander ordered, ‘Bring them!’ Alexander took the talisman in his right hand and drew the Magic Circle around the tent and him. Those demons came together and no matter how they tried, they were unable to approach Alexander’s throne. They were astonished. They looked down to the earth and they saw the Magic Circle. They thought, ‘This king is a magician!’ Then they shouted, saying, ‘O King! Give us a way so that we can come!’ Alexander said, ‘O you foul ones! It is better that you stay away.’ Then they asked, ‘May we convey a message to you?’ He said, ‘Go ahead!’ They replied, ‘O King! Our king says thus, “We know that we do not have Alexander’s power. You must give an order so that we come, see you, bow before you and then return so that Alexander crosses our land without doing us any harm. If we wage war, then it will take long.”’ Alexander gave a furious response, ‘You are very bold to come here! I do not want to see your faces. I have come after you from a distance of 1,000 parasangs. You must return this city and go to the sea dealing with your own tasks. Otherwise, I will not leave any one of you alive. If you come in peace, then you can do two things for me: send me 1,000 men, whom you call dervishes; and send them in pairs

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so that I can behead them. And give me the booty you have taken from men. I will take off all your teeth, which are like the teeth of a boar. I will spill your blood so that you do not annoy mankind!’ When the messengers heard this, they said, ‘Let’s go and inform our king!’ When they were ready to depart, Alexander ordered the 1,700 elephants to block their way and to prevent them from departing! The noise of the beating drums on the back of the elephants was heard! When the demons saw this and they could not escape, all of them wanted to die out of fear, for they had never seen or heard such a thing before. They went to Alexander’s tent and they cried, ‘O King! Be merciful!’ Alexander ordered the elephant drivers to take both of the messengers with the trunk of the elephants and catch them in such a way that they would not be harmed, because they are messengers.30 ‘And one could tell more about that story if the Almighty allows me to narrate adequately how mankind was relieved by the demon’s malevolence – for this is a very important task. If I need to stay here for a year, I will do it until I exterminate them!’ The elephant drivers blocked the way and took the messengers by the elephant’s trunk and were throwing them away. Then the messengers narrated this to king of the demons. They said, ‘What are we going to do?’ Then the elephant drivers encircled and assaulted the fort. One day a man ran out of this fort and alarmed Alexander’s camp. The army was around the fort; they arrested the man and asked him, ‘Who are you?’ The man replied, ‘I am from Greece and I am a hostage here! Take me to King Alexander!’ The elephant drivers did so. When Alexander saw him, he asked, ‘Why did you come out of the fort?’ He replied, ‘O King! Beware that there are 700 of us who have been captured here. Each one of us comes from various regions or cities. There is a chamberlain who comes to the house of hostages every day in the morning. He chooses seventeen men, takes them out, kills them and eats them! Some days they bring a metal roasting spit and they put one of us into the spit alive on fire until he is grilled. Then they eat him! Today it was my turn and I fled. The Glorious and Excellent God pardoned me. If I did not know that King Alexander has come at the gate of the fort, I would not have come to ask help in the name of the Almighty!’ Alexander wept and felt pity for that man, and said, ‘I will not sleep and eat if I do not liberate today those 700 hostages from the demons.’ He rose from his throne, came to the prayer room and made prostrations to God, saying, ‘O God who has created power, the power of the cannibal demons is under Your might and order! Give victory to your sinful slaves who are hostages!’ Then Alexander ordered all of his soldiers to wear their armour and sit. They brought the elephants and beat the drums and 400,000 men cried and you would have thought that the Day of Judgement had come! The demons came to the top of the fort and they were not armoured. They fought with their hands, teeth and fish bones. They were afraid of death and power had abandoned their hands and feet. Then two of their comrades came to the edge of the fort and said, ‘What is this uproar and cry? Can you make less noise so that we can speak?’ Alexander ordered them to make less noise and they stopped beating the cymbals and the drums. They said, ‘O King! What is the reason for your animosity towards us? You have conquered and own the whole

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world. We are also your slaves. If you want us to give you provisions, we will do so. If not, we will come forth and fight against you with our teeth.’ Alexander said, ‘Until not one of you remains, I am not going to leave this place. Submit now!’ They responded, ‘If you are 100,000, we are thousands of thousands. We will come tomorrow and fight against you!’ Alexander said, ‘Congratulations!’ Then they said, ‘Let’s remove the elephants and this uproar tonight, because our wives and children have died due to these huge shouts.’ Alexander said, ‘It is impossible! If you do not submit, I will not depart from here. Or unless you immediately surrender the 700 hostages you are holding. In this case, I would order the army and the elephants to withdraw.’ They said, ‘The King’s decree is to be obeyed.’ They immediately surrendered those hostages. They were disappointed, weakened and naked. They came and prostrated themselves before Alexander, who ordered them to clean them all and to give them clothes and food. He asked them, ‘For how long have you been hostages?’ They replied, ‘O King! It has been a year!’ Alexander ordered, ‘Take them to the city!’ They said, ‘The demons have taken the fort and captured fifty men younger than us.’ Alexander said, ‘They violated the agreement!’ Then he ordered them to blow the horns and beat the drums. They executed the orders and the Iranians killed many of the demons. The demons said, ‘O King! Why did you not keep your promise?’ Alexander said, ‘You violated the agreement because you captured fifty men! If you do not release all of them I will order the elephants to assault the fort and destroy everything!’ Then the demons said, ‘If we send the fifty men, will you take these elephants from here?’ Alexander said, ‘A treaty with you cannot be effective but I will sign it with you.’ The demons returned with the fifty men who came and prostrated themselves before Alexander. Alexander ordered them to wash, wear a robe and eat. He said to them, ‘Tonight you must reveal everything to me!’ Alexander ordered a portion of the army and the elephants to come. Alexander could do nothing about that fort. And it was intensely hot and suffocating. Alexander showed respect to them, although he could have killed them. Alexander summoned all those hostages and asked them about their situation. They said, ‘O King! There is nothing worse than these cannibal demons in the world. They are Zangı¯s and they know only themselves and God but they are cannibals. Their women are uglier.’ ‘What is their strength?’ Alexander inquired. They replied, ‘Nobody knows other than the Almighty. There are thousands of them without counting the women and children.’ Alexander said, ‘How can someone conquer such an enormous city?’ They replied, ‘O King! They are afraid of death and they are contriving plans day and night! And there is a more important and frightening task when you cross this land and reach the land of the fairies. These are about 100,000 and they are more than the Zangı¯s. They fight them twice every year and the fight of these demons is for food. Now it has come the time for war. The demons say that when they come we will be caught amongst two enemies.’ Then Alexander said, ‘Our goal is to conquer the city of the Persians!’ They said, ‘O King! They have no water. They take water from this well and we took water from them.’ Alexander rejoiced with this piece of information. On various days, the demons

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came to take water in the darkness because Alexander had attacked them. They took water for twenty days and fled. Then Alexander asked Aristotle, ‘What is to be done now?’ Aristotle replied, ‘O King! The passing of time has no reason. You need to do two things: either they must return because we have liberated the hostages from them or to place them under your command for war.’ Alexander said, ‘There is no reason for them to return. We must kill them.’ Then Alexander ordered someone to come in front of the fort and tell them, ‘Come and fight today because time has passed!’ The demons said, ‘We are coming!’ Those who were cannibals had 10,000 men standing next to them and another 10,000 men standing at their rear. They attacked Alexander who had forgotten to draw the Magic Circle. The demons assaulted the camp and with their teeth, they tore up Alexander’s men and beasts of burden. Their armour was made of fish bone. Alexander’s men who had withdrawn to the edges of their camp were astonished by the demons. When Alexander was informed about this, he mounted his horse and he headed with many soldiers to fight against the demons who thought that they could approach the King. Alexander held the Names of God and drew the Magic Circle. The demons stood before the circle and they could not take a step further. They knew that this was the Magic Circle! Then Alexander ordered the elephant drivers to come forth and many of the demons were killed by the elephants. Ten commanders were captured by the cannibal demons and some of them were routed. Alexander said, ‘It was my mistake that these wretched men were killed.’ Then he ordered them to bury them so that the demons may not come and eat them. There were 1,000 men from Alexander’s camp who had been killed. Alexander was depressed by their loss. Those cannibal demons that had fled the battle came before their king and said, ‘This man is a magician and he wants to take our lives by magic! The experts of magic are in Greece and we need to dispatch someone to Greece so that they send some men to liberate us from Alexander!’ They sent two demons by sea. They said, ‘We must go in two days and return in another two days.’ The demons said, ‘We will avoid destruction!’ Then they called some other demons. They said, ‘We will go to Greece in three days. But given that the Greek experts will come with us it will take us more time to return.’ Those demons went to Greece and said to the experts, ‘A man along with his army has come against us. By means of magic he wants to take our lives and property, which have survived for 1,000 years. We have always been your allies in every case and you must also support us now.’ They did not dare to speak about the whole situation and he size of the army and the elephants; neither did they reveal the name of Alexander nor did they evaluate the whole situation. They were afraid that the experts might neglect them. Then seventy experts were chosen and departed. When the cannibal demons had sent their men to Greece, they had sent a message to Alexander, saying, ‘Give us ten days of truce!’ Alexander replied, ‘I will not give you a single day of rest!’ They said, ‘We will not subjugate ourselves to him and we will fight from our fort!’ Alexander replied, ‘It is fine! Do whatever you like!’

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The next day they began fighting and they threw stones from the parapets. Yet there was no trouble for Alexander’s army whose archers hit the demons and every day they killed more than 1,000 enemies. They were patient and they kept fighting until the demons from Greece came, bringing the seventy magicians with them. They were brought before the king of the cannibal demons and they prostrated themselves before him. At night, they came secretly out of the fort to put their spells on Alexander’s army. When they approached Alexander’s camp, their magic power had no effect and they were astonished. They could not go further and they returned, knowing that this was not related with magic. It was the power of the name of the Almighty and the Magic Circle, against which they were powerless. In the morning, they came to the top of the fort and looked at Alexander’s army. They knew that it was Alexander. They were scared and their limbs began trembling. They had regretted coming and they said, ‘If Alexander finds out about us, he will kill us and he will send someone to Greece to confiscate our property. He will kill all the cannibal demons. What are we going to do?’ The elders said, ‘We must stand in the middle of the two camps and surrender the demons to Alexander to liberate ourselves.’ The others agreed. The next day, they did not fight because the expert magicians said, ‘Do not fight – you cannot resist Alexander because he has visited the Land of Darkness, the Mountain Qa¯f and he has travelled around the world, overcoming every king! You cannot do anything except achieve peace with him until he crosses your land without doing you any harm.’ The demons said, ‘Your advice is correct. But we face a very difficult situation because we are also getting prepared for war against the fairies. If the Queen of the Fairies attacks us, then we must confront two armies.’ The expert magicians said, ‘The fairies know that King Alexander is here and they will not dare to come unless they have already come. They contrive plans because they know that when Alexander leaves you, he will deal with them.’ The next day the magicians wore clean clothes and came before Alexander. When they came out of the fort, Alexander’s soldiers were surprised and said, ‘Where did they come from?’ They attempted to inform Alexander but he was asleep. They brought them to Aristotle who recognised them and said, ‘You are the expert magicians of Greece. What are you doing here?’ They replied, ‘We came to see you.’ He said, ‘O you foul men! The King does not need you because he detests you, since you are the reason for destruction on earth!’ Then he took them and brought them before Alexander. When the magicians saw Alexander, they prostrated themselves before him. Alexander recognised them because he had ordered them not to do any magic. They fell on the ground before Alexander, saying, ‘O King! Be merciful!’ It is written that whomever Alexander chose, God destroyed him. Then the expert magicians said, ‘Be merciful to us so that we can hand demons to you!’ Alexander was diplomatic in order to make them say that they want to hand the demons to him. Alexander was not disappointed by their work. Then he said, ‘Let them be! I am besieging their fort. I will kill all of them and you!’ Then Aristotle said, ‘O King! This task can be completed earlier with their help.’ Alexander ordered them, ‘Hurry up!’

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They kept two of the magicians as Alexander’s hostages and the rest went to the demons who said, ‘King Alexander was angry with us and he wanted to kill us. He said, “Why did you come here from Greece without my orders?” So it happened that he was merciful to us. O brother! Do not come, for we do not want you to be harmed. Decide to make peace, for it will be better!’ The demons said, ‘Before your arrival we proposed peace but Alexander did not agree.’ The magicians said, ‘We have now convinced him!’ The demons said, ‘Your suggestion is to be obeyed.’ Then the magicians came again before Alexander, saying, ‘What do you think if you make peace with the demons?’ Alexander replied, ‘They must come out and give us their fort. They need to go to the sea and depart. Otherwise, I will kill them all because I cannot stand seeing their ugliness!’ Then the magicians returned to the demons and said, ‘We convinced him to make peace. He demands that you deliver the fort and the region to him and you leave.’ The demons said, ‘How is that possible that we transfer all of our property to another place?’ The magicians replied, ‘We advise you so because Alexander will leave your land in ten days and during this time you must not return to this land. During this time, subjugate yourselves to him and establish a new country for yourselves on the islands. After Alexander’s departure you can return here, for your dear life is more important than anything!’ The demons replied, ‘We shall act accordingly!’ The magicians came before Alexander and narrated these developments. Alexander said, ‘Beware that I agree provided that they leave their property in the fort!’ The magicians replied, ‘They must take all necessary provisions and they will leave the rest in the fort.’ Alexander said, ‘I agree!’ The demons divided their property in two portions equal in quantity. They took the first portion with them and they left the second in the fort. Thousands of men along with their women and children came out of the fort. When Alexander saw them being so terrified, he changed his mind and said, ‘Wherever they go, they will make mankind suffer! What am I going to say to God on the Day of Judgement about this? In the name of the Creator I will kill all the demons and magicians!’ The magicians knew what he was thinking. Alexander mounted his horse and grasped his sword like a drop of water! He said to the elephant drivers, ‘When they attack you, come forth from the rear!’ They replied, ‘Your order is to be obeyed!’ Then Alexander along with 1,000 armoured horsemen came to the seashore and waited until all the demons had come out of the fort along with their children on their shoulders. Like their fathers, the children had the teeth of a boar. They kept coming out. Alexander had second thoughts yet again. He thought to himself, ‘I have given my word to them and I must not change my mind.’ Immediately the Angel, who was Alexander’s friend, appeared and said, ‘O Double-Horned One! These are God’s enemies and they make mankind suffer! Killing them is punishment for their sins!’ When Alexander heard the Angel’s words, he was encouraged. Along with those 1,000 armoured horsemen, he drew his sword and ordered the elephant drivers to come forth from the rear along with their elephants. They killed the demons in troops in the sea. Their elders wanted to return. The elephant drivers along with the army blocked their way and assaulted them, killing all of them under the elephants’ feet, according to the

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divine decree. They dragged everyone into the sea and until the evening prayers they were killing demons, dragging them to the sea and leaving them there. That night Alexander did not go to the fort, thinking, ‘I will go to the fort tomorrow in the daylight to see the place of these shameful people.’ The next day he ordered the transfer all the bodies of the demons to the sea. They beat the drums and Alexander entered the fort. He found there so much gold, jewels and treasures that nobody but God knows their size! He wrote down everything and ordered that the fort must not be inhabited again so that foul people may never settle there and annoy mankind. Hence, he took the property of that place and entered the city. There were people who had been taken there under oppression and those 700 hostages who had been released by the cannibals. Some of his soldiers married women of that city. Alexander said, ‘Every day do your evening prayers there because they did so.’ At that time, they brought the fort into turmoil. Alexander gave some of their property to the dervishes who had come to him from that city and they had now been in leisure. Some of the property was also given to the captives who said, ‘We are at your disposal until we are settled here.’ Then Alexander departed from there. The distance from there to the Land of the Fairies was five days.


ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL AT THE WELL, HIS STORY WITH THE ZANGI AND THE MAIDEN WHO WAS WITH HIM AND HER OWN STORY It is divinely narrated that when Alexander was done with the cannibal demons, he departed from their land. After two days, he came across a waterless desert. His soldiers came and were looking for water in vain. In the end, they saw a well and some of them came above the well and threw a stone in it. They heard the noise of the water from the bottom of the well. Alexander ordered them to put the bucket into the well. In Alexander’s army, there were 700 camels which preserved water in their bodies. They were full of water. Yet the army and the beasts of burden did not have enough. Then they threw a bucket into the well that was so big that ten men could take water. When the bucket was close to the top, it broke and fell into the well. Similarly, they threw three more buckets in for water and when they each reached half way up, they broke and the water and bucket fell back into the well. Then they informed Alexander who came to the edge of the well and looked into it. Due to the Divine Charisma, he knew that this was a wonder. He said, ‘Is there any one of you who can step into this well and take water with his lasso from this well and to reveal the cut rope when the bucket falls again without cause? I will give him the Names of God and, after he brings water, I will give him 1,000 gold coins.’ Amongst the Iranians there was a youth named as Gargin. He was a brave young man. He came forth and said, ‘O King! In the name of God, the mountain can be torn to pieces. It is not strange if I bring water from the well in the name of God and with the acknowledgement of the King!’ Alexander gave him the Names of God and he went down into the well with his lasso. After some time, there was no response and no water from the well. The soldiers said, ‘Ah, alas! It seems that the youth did not succeed.’ They informed Alexander who

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grew worried. He ordered them to gather his camp in front of the well and he gave water to his soldiers from the water, which was stored in the camels. He said, ‘We cannot leave this place before we know the secret of this well!’ After an hour, Gargin’s voice was heard! He said, ‘Bring me a rope!’ He sent up a bucket full of water. Gargin came out of the well and prostrated himself before Alexander, saying, ‘O King! There is a big wonder which I have never seen so far although we have seen many around the world!’ Alexander said, ‘Tell me about it!’ He said, ‘O King! I saw a Zangı¯ in this well. I have never seen a bigger man than this one, for his width and height was equal to an elephant’s. I saw a girl sitting next to him. I have never seen such a beautiful face in the world! In the cave under this land where you have camped, there is an underground hollow. There the Zangı¯ built houses and a pavilion, where he had put a throne and had royal carpets and arrangements. That girl sat next to him with kindness and the Zangı¯ was happy with her beautiful face. Every time the Zangı¯ tries to touch that girl, his hand becomes dry and every time he takes his hand off the girl, it becomes normal. ‘When I approached the water, a big and frightful Zangı¯ slave came and gave me water to drink. When I did so, he took me before that Zangı¯ who said, “Why did you come in this well?” I replied, “We are working for a caravan and we ran out of water. I came in search for water.” Then when I looked around, I saw thousands of human skulls which he had put, hanging there! O King! I was terrified! Then he said to me, “O young man! Have you travelled much?” I replied, “Yes. I have travelled in every region and country of the world.” He asked me, “What was the most pleasant region?” I replied, “In the place where someone feels nice.” When the Zangı¯ heard this, he was pleased. He said, “Well done! You spoke correctly. I cut all of these skulls which you see hanging from the point because everyone I asked this question did not give the right answer. But you did so and undoubtedly you made me happy.” He treated me kindly, gave me water and said, “Take him up so that he can leave.” When he excused me, that girl said to me, “O young man! Please be merciful and look at me.” She was crying.’ When Alexander heard this story, he said, ‘I will not and I cannot leave this place before I learn the truth of this story and the identity of the Zangı¯ and the girl.’ He asked Gargin what was above his head. Gargin acted by divine providence and he showed to Alexander one or two cubits above his head. The diggers called the army and ordered the inquirers to dig on the spot! They were digging for two days and they opened a hole and found the water of the well and the skulls. But the Zangı¯ could not be found. Gargin came and said, ‘O King! It was my mistake because those skulls were far away from the place where the Zangı¯ sat.’ The army came and they stood above the well. When the Zangı¯ heard about it, he put on his armour and came out with another Zangı¯, like two mountains and black curtains. They had been dressed in armour. Both of them came out and the armoured chief Zangı¯ was empowered with the souls of the 200 men he had decapitated. When they came out and saw the splendour, strength and magnitude of the army and the elephants, they were terrified. The Zangı¯ said, ‘It was my fault. I did not follow my habit and I gave water and sent the young man up. Why did not I decapitate him like all the others so that I stayed in my place? But this was my portion and today I must display

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manliness, knowing that they will kill me, for I cannot face this numerous army! But as long as I am alive I will keep fighting and eating!’ So he entered the battlefield and killed many from Alexander’s army. In the end, the same Gargin, who had entered the well, threw his lasso around the neck of the Zangı¯ and captured him. But he did not manage to draw the Zangı¯ to his side because the Zangı¯ was big and strong. When Alexander saw this, he said, ‘Help him!’ The other soldiers helped Gargin and chained the Zangı¯, bringing him before Alexander. The Zangı¯’s assistant was killed. Alexander said to the Zangı¯, ‘Say who you are and why you have been settled here! I want you to speak truthfully!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘You say first which king you have conquered and who you are!’ The King said, ‘I am Alexander the Double-Horned One, I have travelled all over the world and have subjugated all the kings of the world!’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘I heard your name because you have visited the Land of Darkness.’ Then he continued, ‘O Alexander! Beware that I have been in this well for forty years and I have travelled in Arabia and Iran. I have never seen a more beautiful place than this well!’ Alexander inquired, ‘What do you have in this well?’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘O King! I have a woman who is a princess.’ Alexander ordered, ‘Bring her!’ They brought her out of the well and when she came, fear erupted in Alexander’s camp! She said, ‘O King! One day I came out of my city with my servants and slaves. There was a fountain there where ill people could be cured. I came to that fountain and I saw this shameful dog with five ugly and foul Zangı¯s. Each one of them was like a tower and they were on horse. They pursued me and killed my slaves and servants. They captured me. Then they disagreed with each other for me, saying, “She must be mine!” This Zangı¯ killed the other five Zangı¯s and took me with him around the world. For fear of my father, he did not dare to settle down at a place. Then he came to this well. At the same time he brought me here, I saw an old man on this mountainous country who had been settled here. I said, “O old man, help me!” He replied, “O my soul! Fear not! I will give you something so that nobody, demon, fairy or beast of any kind, can touch you.” He wrote something on paper and gave it to me. I have it with me all the time, so I have remained a virgin and neither he nor anyone else can look at me!’ Then Alexander sent the girl to his pavilion and called the chained and tied Zangı¯. When they brought the Zangı¯ before Alexander, he said to the Zangı¯, ‘Today I will save mankind from your malignance. Why did you kidnap the princess and bring her into this well? Now I will order the skin to be taken off your head!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘I am now chained your captive. You can do whatever you like. It was my fault because otherwise you would not be punishing me.’ Alexander asked him, ‘What is your religion?’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘I do not have any religion!’ Alexander asked, ‘What do you worship?’ ‘I worship idols,’ the Zangı¯ replied. Alexander said, ‘Renounce idolatry and accept the right faith so that I can include you as a hero in my army!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘I do not want to. Everybody in the world has the same faith as I do. You captured me and confiscated my property and house and now you want to take my religion as well! I will not renounce my religion.’ Alexander said, ‘There is no escape for you and you are powerless!’ Then he ordered them to behead him and left him there like a mountain. They brought the skulls out of the well and they made the well habitable. They put an obelisk over the well so that it

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would be visible to travellers from a distance of five or six parasangs and they would know that there is water there. Then Alexander departed and reached the mountaintop where there was a military station [riba¯t]. ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL AT THE HERMIT’S CLOISTER ON THE MOUNTAINTOP AND THEIR STORY It is divinely narrated that when Alexander reached the mountainous region, he ordered his men to encamp there because the weather was pleasant. Alexander ordered, ‘Look around to see if you can find anyone living here to inform me about the history of this place and show me any possible wonders here.’ His men looked everywhere but they did not find anyone. Then Alexander said, ‘Look at what is on the mountaintop.’ When they arrived there, they saw an old man prostrating and praying. They brought him before Alexander. He very old and had become doubled over. Alexander asked him, ‘Old man! What is your name?’ He replied, ‘Bahra¯m.’ ‘How old are you?’ Alexander inquired. ‘I am forty years old,’ he replied. Alexander asked, ‘What is your religion?’ He replied, ‘I adhere to the religion of Abraham, the Friend of God, peace be upon Him!’ Alexander asked, ‘What are the wonders of this region?’ The old man said, ‘O King! There are many wonders in the world but I will tell you two or three. Beware that the population of ants in this riba¯t is destructive.’ Alexander asked, ‘What animals are these?’ He replied, ‘These are those which spoke to Prophet Solomon, peace be upon Him.’ Then the old man said, ‘O King! Beware that in every region along with the people there are also ants. And they have become more than people and they call them “The perfect community”! They are obliged to live dearly with each other.’ He said, ‘O King! Beware that one day Solomon, peace be upon Him, saw an ant on the seashore. He ate three types of wheat. A fish came out of the sea, ate that ant and returned to the sea. Solomon, peace be upon Him, was astonished by that wonder. He rose and thought, “I must be patient to see the outcome of the ant’s story.” After an hour the ant came out of the sea, saying, “O Prophet of God and Righteous King of the Earth ask me anything!” Solomon thought, “What is he talking about?” The ant replied, ‘It was not my fate to return but the Almighty ordered me to return to you and to answer your question, Prophet Solomon, peace be upon You!’ Then Solomon, peace be upon Him, said, ‘Ant! Where are you taking this grain?” The ant replied, “O Prophet of God! The Almighty has created this big stone mass and there is an animal living among the stones. Every year he transferred three pieces of grain. I take this grain to him so that he can rest for a year.” Solomon, peace be upon Him, said, “When he takes the grain, what is he going to say?” The ant replied, “O Prophet of God! He will say, ‘O Kind God and my Creator, you who has opened a passage in the sea, has built houses on the mountains and never forgets to send us the sun every day!’” When Solomon, peace be upon Him, heard the ant’s words, he said, “Thank God that He revealed this to me!” Then Solomon, peace be upon Him, saw the ant one more time, saying, “O Prophet of God! I would like you and your army to be my guests.” Solomon replied, “In the name of God!” The ant said, “Come to the seashore.” Solomon, peace be upon Him, along with this army went to the seashore and

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waited there. The ant came quickly and brought the foot of a locust and threw it into the sea. He said, “O Prophet of God! The meat is not much but it is tasty! Please taste it!” Solomon, peace be upon Him, smiled because of the wisdom of that ant. ‘One day Solomon took an ant and asked him, “Every year how many pieces of grain do you eat?” “Three grains,” the ant replied. Solomon, peace be upon Him, ordered three pieces of grain along with drops of water to be poured into a bottle. They put the ant in the bottle and sealed it from above and folded it up. After a year, he wanted to see the bottle. There was still a piece and a half of grain left. Solomon, peace be upon Him, said, “You said that you eat annually three pieces of grain and still half of it has remained.” The ant said, “O Prophet of God! You are a man and it is plausible that you may forget. I was afraid that I might forget it in the end of the year. I thought of what people say, ‘al-tadbiru nesf ul-‘aish’, meaning making plans is half of living.” ‘The next day Solomon, peace be upon Him, was offering public prayers for rain. They brought men, jins, rapacious beasts and insects but rain did not come. Suddenly he saw an ant, which had fallen behind and was praying. Solomon, peace be upon Him, said to his army, “Look, this because the Almighty will send rain due to the prayers of others!” ‘So beware that ants are many.’ Alexander said to that old man, ‘Say more of what is befitting!’ The old man said, ‘O King Alexander! Beware that Prophet Solomon, peace be upon Him, had many estates. Every day they cooked 7,000 cows and sheep. Solomon, during the evening prayer, waved a wallet and sold it; with this money they could produce bread made of barley and a piece of . . .31 did there and ate.’ *** Then Alexander said, ‘I killed that Zangı¯ and I released the girl who is in my hands. What was written on the paper which was given to this girl?’ She said, ‘O King! You may become weak or surprised!’ Alexander said, ‘You will not show it to me?’ She replied, ‘No!’ He asked, ‘Why?’ She said, ‘Because these Names of the Almighty were memorised and were given to me by Solomon, peace be upon Him. Asif bin Barkhiya¯ gave this glorious prayer to Bilqı¯s and put it in the seal of Solomon, peace be upon Him. Moses, peace be upon Him, with this prayer made the Pharaoh drown himself. It is with this prayer, when people hear it, it can make a mountain shake! You are an earthly king and you must always hold these prayers. You must not displease God for one day and you must not become a tyrant for your slaves. With these prayers, you will rule and you will foresee things by the power of these prayers and you will accomplish all your tasks by these powerful prayers. You will manage to deal successfully with all situations except death, against which nothing can be done.’ And Venus which shines on the sky was given this name by Harut and Marut. Actually, they wrote these prayers. Alexander said, ‘I will marry you!’ The old man said, ‘O King! She will be a burden for you!’ Alexander replied, ‘I cannot exchange these prayers for all of my kingdoms and I will not give them, even if you give me all your treasures! I will not give you a single line! If I do this, it will be a sin. I will write it down, wrap it up and take it with me to the grave so that the Almighty will pardon me my sins.’ Then old man said, ‘O King! You know

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better!’ Alexander gave a total of 50,000 gold Khusrava¯nı¯ coins to the old man. The old man went to the mountain and took the prayers with him and ordered Alexander to perform ablutions. When he wrote ‘In the name of the Almighty’ he gave it to Alexander, saying, ‘I have memorised it. Alas! Do not give it to foul people! And if any danger comes from it, then the heavens must send a fire and burn it!’ Alexander took the prayers and put them in musk and gold in the treasury. He gave a gift to the old man and then he wanted to depart. The old man said, ‘O King! Stay here for two days so that we can see you more!’ He replied, ‘The army is big and the provisions are restricted.’ Then the old man said, ‘O King! It will be good if you agree to stay here so that you may see the prostrations to the Almighty!’ Alexander had never slept there. He said to Alexander, ‘Come alone to the mountain with your great name tonight and stay there!’ Wherever Alexander was, he could sleep but that night he could not, for there was a graveyard there and he was not at home. He did not sleep for a single moment. He was constantly praying to God! He performed ablutions with water and took that amulet of the Almighty God and went up. He stood ready for prayers. When he had completed the prayers, he saw more than fifty lions, which came to the cloister of the hermit. That night the hermit came out of the cloister, having the amulet with him. The lions stayed with him. Then the hermit called Alexander so that he could reveal the amulet of the Almighty God. All those lions came along with the hermit. They sat in order, humbled themselves and sat next to Alexander on the ground. Then they stood and left. When they left, one of them returned with some hunting meat and placed it before Alexander at his disposal. When the night passed, one more time a group of rapacious beasts were found and stood opposite the cloister of the hermit. The old man came out without the amulet. The animals came after him. The old man called Alexander, saying, ‘Bring the amulet of the Almighty!’ They brought it out. The Almighty revealed those beasts to Alexander. They fell to the ground, were subdued and returned. Until the morning, those animals kept coming, mentioning the prayers of the Almighty and prostrating. Every animal brought the food of their own species to the old man. Alexander looked at these! The old man said, ‘For the last forty years they have been bringing their food here.’ And he continued, ‘I had ensured the quantity of food for my own needs. I left the rest for the travellers. As for the property that the King of the World has given me, how would I spend Alexander’s reward? I do not need it!’ When day came, Alexander came to the court and memorised the prayer of God. That day all of his soldiers were trembling with fear of Alexander. They asked him, ‘O King! What wrong did we do today?’ Alexander said to his army, ‘I see that your case is colourless. What happened to you?’ They said, ‘O King! Since the morning that you sat on your throne, we have been in fear and turmoil. And we have not done anything wrong!’ Alexander knew that the importance of those prayers as well as the splendour of God were great. He narrated the story to his soldiers, thinking that whatever he saw and whatever had passed was due to the amulet. Then he summoned the old man and looked at that girl. The old man said, ‘O King! You must get married to her here!’ Alexander said,

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‘Tonight we will stay here!’ Alexander took the big amulet from that girl and with this, he made a comparison. He asked the girl for marriage. When night came, those lions and beasts came to the riba¯t of the hermit. The hermit came out. He took the prayers in his hands and Alexander looked at him. In the morning, the old man came to Alexander and brought fruits of the season. It was a desert there. It is said in the story that he brought a fig while in another story it is mentioned as an apple, or various fruits as gifts for the marriage. Alexander inquired, ‘Where did it come from?’ The old man replied, ‘O King! Every time you have this name with you, it will undoubtedly show you immediately the way out of difficult circumstances. At this point, the old man narrated again a story of Solomon with the daughter of ‘Akurmalik and the assassination of her and her father by Solomon. Then he ordered, “Take the jewels to my palace,” assuming that the girl may come out. They brought her to his court and before Solomon’s throne. Solomon, peace be upon Him, fell in love with her and married her.’ This story is attested in the History of Prophets32 but we narrated it here briefly so that we may return to the story of Alexander. In the compilation of this book, some of the glorious stories of Jesus, peace be upon Him, have been included. These stories are also attested in other books and people often read and hear them.33 Now let us return to the story of Alexander so that the readers of this book will not be confused. When Alexander heard this story and left that place, he called the old man and asked for his blessing. Then he came to the Land of the Fairies. The fairies had heard what had happened to the demons and grew fearful. They rushed to the sea and found refuge. It was spread around the world that a king had come on foot and, like Solomon, he had captured the demons, had reached the edge of the East and he is now in the region of the fairy Ara¯qı¯t, who is the Queen of the Fairies. Then the fairies all looked at her and came into her presence because she was in charge of all the fairies. There were so many fairies gathered around her that their number and size was incomparable. ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN THE LAND OF THE FAIRIES AND THE STORY OF HIS

MEETING WITH ARAQ I T, THE FAIRY QUEEN, AND WHAT . . .34 It is divinely narrated that when Alexander was about four parasangs from the Land of the Fairies, he reached a region which was full of sweet-smelling herbs and plants, springs and streams similar to those in the Paradise of Eden. He commanded his army, ‘Camp here and be not afraid!’ The men pitched their tents in that beautiful meadow. At night, they went to sleep and Alexander took with him the Great Names of God and other amulets. For safety, they drew the Magic Circle around the camp and they rested in peace. After some time, the camp was encircled by creatures, some were like animals, some were like wild beasts and some were human beings with the legs of beasts. The soldiers saw them approaching the camp and running back, because they could not enter. The fairies said to one another, ‘He has drawn the Magic Circle! Probably Solomon has returned to life, because it was He who drew the Magic Circle.’ They kept surrounding the camp until morning, but they were unable to enter it. In the morning, they left.

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Alexander ordered his men to blow the bugles and beat the drums, the kettledrums and the like, as was the custom. The clamour terrified the fairies and made them escape, hiding under the ground. Their queen, Ara¯qı¯t, dispatched some of the fairies to discover what the clamour was. They returned to Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘From the time of Solomon, no king has had power over fairies. We do not know who they are or who their king is.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘We will send someone and summon him to our presence and thus learn his identity.’ In the morning, Alexander’s soldiers went to him and informed him of what they had seen on the previous night. Alexander said that he had seen something similar and wondered what would occur next. The next day 200 fairies arrived on horseback. Alexander saw them while he and his soldiers were riding in the meadow. He returned to his camp and retired to his tent. Yet the fairies could not enter the camp because of the Magic Circle. They wondered whether the King was the Prophet Solomon. They called out, ‘Let one of you come to us, so that he receives our message.’ Aristotle went to them to hear their message. They said, ‘O King! Ara¯qı¯t says, “Propose to Alexander that he should come to our throne, so that we may see him.”’ Aristotle returned and conveyed their message to Alexander, who said, ‘I am not used to going to people, especially to women. Let her come to us, visit us and give us provisions, if she wants us to depart without harming her.’ The fairies returned and gave Ara¯qı¯t the answer to her message. Ara¯qı¯t was troubled. She said, ‘What is to be done? We must discover what his religion is. If he is an infidel, we will fight him. If he is a Muslim, he will cross our land and will not harm us.’ In the meantime, Alexander called the Greek sorcerers to his presence. He asked, ‘What kind of fairies are these?’ They replied, ‘O King! These fairies look like human beings, except for their legs. They do not cause harm to people and they are believers. Their numerous women are more beautiful than the moon and the sun. It is correct to say that there are 100,000 times 1,000 of them and more in this land. Nobody can withstand them in the field.’ When Alexander heard this, he grew desperate and turned to God for protection. Ara¯qı¯t had decided to make an assault on Alexander’s camp that night if he did not manage to come before her. Alexander was not aware of this until night came. He did not renew the Magic Circle, for he did not know that the circle should be renewed every night. These types of strange things happen from time to time. Alexander was aware of the fairies’ intention and he was busy with his prayers to God. That night thousands of fairies came to attack Alexander’s camp. When they were near the camp, they found out that there was no Magic Circle and that the men were asleep. The fairies accumulated their strength and assaulted Alexander’s army, killing many and capturing many more, such as Aristotle and Alexander’s wife whom he had rescued from the Zangı¯. Yet they did not take with them any property or any beasts. When Alexander realised what they had done, he mounted his horse and ordered the elephant drivers to beat the drums. Alexander’s men started fighting, killing some of the fairies and capturing some others. Yet the fairies had killed more and captured more than Alexander who was in dismay. He was after the sorcerers, who could not be traced.

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He was under the impression that they had fled, but he found out that the fairies had captured them. Aristotle and the wife of Alexander were also missing, but Alexander was safe. He thought, ‘They will not kill them as long as we do not harm the fairies we have captured!’ Ara¯qı¯t dispatched a messenger to Alexander, saying, ‘If you come that I may be able to see you, I will return all the captives to you and I will forgive the blood you have shed. Otherwise, beware that tonight numerous fairies will arrive from every part of the world to set fire to your camp. You will be powerless against them.’ Alexander replied, ‘I will not let this affair last until night. Prior to the evening prayer, my elephants will crush your camp and your land. But, if you prefer, come forth from your army, and let us combat and see who will win.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I will come tomorrow, for it is late tonight. We will fight and let us see who will prevail.’ Alexander said, ‘So be it. I trust your word.’ And fairies keep their promises! Yet Alexander felt unprotected that night and guarded the camp. None of the fairies appeared that night. In the morning, the fairies began to arrive en masse, standing in line. There were so many of them that there were ten fairies for every man in Alexander’s army. When he saw that, he was terrified, thinking, ‘I was mistaken. I should have crossed their land and have claimed nothing. Indeed, I brought this down upon myself. I cannot tell how this affair will end.’ As he had these thoughts, Ara¯qı¯t mounted a horse like those used by humans and she entered the battlefield well equipped, unveiling her hair and face. You would have thought that the moon had come to the earth. When Alexander was notified of it, he entered the battleground too. His men were disappointed. Wearing the Great Names of God on his arm, Alexander entered the battleground, crying out all the while, ‘God is the Greatest!’ When Alexander uttered the Name of God, the numerous infidel fairies flew away but the Muslim fairies remained. Yet when Alexander looked at Ara¯qı¯t closely, the strength left his limbs and he stood motionless like a statue. Ara¯qı¯t wanted to attack Alexander, to take him by the belt and to dismount him from his horse. Yet she could not come near him. Alexander took advantage of the opportunity, caught her by the belt and he was about to take her from her horse when she tore her belt with all of her strength. The fairies flew to him from the air and before Alexander could make another move, they threw something into his eyes, thus darkening his vision. Alexander was scared. He let go of Ara¯qı¯t’s belt and she escaped. After she left, Alexander returned to his soldiers but his eyes and heart were so infatuated with that woman, that the army and his sovereignty were degraded in his eyes. All day long, he was seeking a solution. On that day, Ara¯qı¯t began to be afraid of Alexander and his strength. She was certain that only by shrewdness she could defeat Alexander. When Alexander observed his army, he found that all of his commanders had been captured. Moreover, his heart was enslaved. He was troubled and he did not know what to do. Hence, he performed ablution and prayed to God. The next day, he ordered his men to beat the drums and blow the war bugles. Four hundred thousand men armed themselves and mounted their horses. When Ara¯qı¯t was informed of these developments, she grew concerned, armed herself and led the fairy host to war. Alexander’s

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soldiers could not distinguish the fairies well, because they could take any appearance they wished: lions, dragons and every kind of animal. The battle was fierce with many casualties on both sides. Ara¯qı¯t was not courageous enough to go to the battlefield and thus remained behind. When the battle was over, Alexander dispatched one of the captured fairies as a messenger to Ara¯qı¯t, saying, ‘Let it be know that I do not desire your kingdom, your splendour or power. If you send my captives back to me, I will leave. I do respect you, but do not go too far, because your army is not more numerous or stronger than those with the hairy feet, whom I defeated.’ When the fairy came and conveyed this message to Ara¯qı¯t, she dispatched the same fairy to convey her message to Alexander, saying, ‘I know better how to show respect, because I did not slay any of those whom I captured from you and I treated the captives well. However, you have executed many of those whom you imprisoned. If you seek peace, come to me and do not be afraid, because you will receive no harm. Come, so that I may see you and know you. Let us find a way, so that you may cross the land in peace. If you do not come willingly, I can chain you, bring you here and put you in prison like the other captives. I do not aim to harm you. The fairies are frustrated with you and if it were not for me, they would have destroyed your whole army. Come to me and free yourself from this trouble! Or else, wait and see!’ Alexander was displeased with this message. He thought angrily, ‘I would rather bear with her but if I tolerate this, she will become presumptuous and think that I am afraid of her. Moreover it would be a matter of shame that I, who have visited the East and the West, and have subjugated every king and conquered all lands, should be ruled by a woman and go to her!’ Hence, he conveyed a message back to her, saying, ‘I have been to the farthest limits of the world, and I have achieved glorious conquests. The wonders that I have seen in the world make the Book of Alexander a camel load’s worth.35 I have never gone to any king; instead, every king has come to me. I brought everyone who disobeyed me to my presence by force. Come to me, you and your horsemen and the leaders of your army. If you have something to say, say it then and hear my answer. Or else get ready for war tomorrow, because we have stayed here too long and we have a journey ahead.’ When Ara¯qı¯t received the message, she thought, ‘He is not honest; I must abduct him.’ She sent a message, urging Alexander to pitch his tent outside the city the next day, promising that she would go there at noon and do as he wished. Alexander said, ‘Let it be so!’ Ara¯qı¯t dispatched two fairies to Alexander’s tent and commanded them to discover what he was doing. The fairies found Alexander saying his prayers and they informed Ara¯qı¯t. She dispatched them again. An hour later, they came back and said that he had completed his prayers and was asleep in his bed with a concubine. When Ara¯qı¯t heard this, she rose and with those two fairies flew to Alexander’s tent. Alexander was making love to the concubine and did not have the amulet with the Name of God with him. When he was finished, he fell asleep. The fairies came and lifted him in his sleep and they carried him away with the help of Ara¯qı¯t. When Alexander woke up, he found himself in a hall like paradise, adorned with silk and with golden verandas. Alexander thought that he was dreaming. When he turned to sleep on his other side, he saw Ara¯qı¯t sitting close to his bedside. Apart from her,

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there was no one else. When Alexander saw her there and found himself her captive, he thought, ‘If I had a knife, I would strike myself!’ Ara¯qı¯t and the fairies, aware that Alexander was strong, had tied his feet together. Due to this and the fact that he did not have the Name of God with him, Alexander could not free himself, although he tried hard. Additionally, he had to perform his ablutions and thus he stopped trying. Ara¯qı¯t said to him, ‘O Alexander! Do you know who and where you are?’ Alexander replied, ‘Sleep is the brother of death. There is no honour in abducting a sleeping man by magic. There is no shame in being kidnapped by a fairy while asleep. If you wish to see manliness, untie my feet!’ Ara¯qı¯t knew that Alexander was right and she remained silent. She untied his feet and she kept him in a place which was as beautiful as a temple. Her army was not informed of this. She ordered the fairies to bring food for Alexander. And the food of the fairies is different from the food of humans. When day came, Alexander’s men sought him, but they could not find him. As a result, the army was in chaos. Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Do not do this! If you set me free and return my chiefs to me, I will leave your kingdom tomorrow!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I will never let you go! It would be awkward to set free the bird one has caught. I will not let you go, nor will I kill you, nor let my soldiers know about you. The fairies will bring you food to eat.’ Alexander said, ‘Give me some time to do ablution.’ And there were streams of running water beneath the place where Alexander was. He asked Ara¯qı¯t to untie his hands in order to do ablution. Being unwise like all women, she ordered her attendants to untie the Alexander’s hands. Then he said to her, ‘I am ashamed to go into the water naked before you!’ Ara¯qı¯t left. Alexander entered the water and performed ablution. Around the stream, he saw wide pastures and many orchards. He thought, ‘If I follow the stream, I will reach an inhabited place and get rid of these stupid women.’ Ara¯qı¯t had commanded a slave girl to watch Alexander’s clothes. She asked him why he did not come out of the water. He said, ‘I will owe you gratitude if you do me a favour and set me free me from this woman, let me follow the stream and escape!’ She said, ‘You must not follow the stream. I will show you a shortcut.’ Alexander asked, ‘Where?’ She replied, ‘When you come out of the water, leave through that small closed door, which is the shortest way to your camp. However, tie my hands and my feet and leave me here, and promise me that when you emerge victorious over Ara¯qı¯t, you will rescue me from her. I am a woman and the daughter of the King of the East. My father, Arsla¯nkha¯n, is king of that region and my brother is Sha¯hmalik. Ara¯qı¯t fell in love with my husband, a descendant of Qa¯ra¯kha¯n and the King of Transoxania. Every night she would come and annoy my husband. However, because of his love for me, he did not pay any attention to her. One night, as I was sleeping with my husband, she came and carried me away, hoping that he would desire her. Yet he would have nothing of her. It was seven years ago when Ara¯qı¯t brought me here, and two years ago my husband died. He wandered around the world for five years, looking for me.’ The slave girl wept as she spoke these words. Alexander said, ‘Come with me!’ She replied. ‘I cannot. It will be difficult for you to return to your army on your own. Think of a way to rescue me after you return to the

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camp.’ Alexander put on his clothes, tied the maiden’s hands and feet, and left through the small door. In the meantime, Ara¯qı¯t was preparing food for Alexander. When he did not return from the water, she grew worried and went to see what had happened. She saw the maiden with her hands and feet tied fast, and realised that Alexander had escaped. Ara¯qı¯t asked the maiden, ‘How did he go?’ She said, ‘He came out of the water, tied my hands and my feet, and escaped through the small door.’ The world darkened before Ara¯qı¯t’s eyes and she almost fell unconscious. She untied the slave girl and said, ‘Beware! Say nothing of this.’ Yet Ara¯qı¯t’s slave girl knew well that she liked human males a lot, for her mother was human and her father was a fairy, as in the case of Bilqı¯s, the Queen of Sheba. But no man had had his will with her and the lifetime of fairies is long. When Alexander escaped through the small door, he came across a wilderness with green pastures and streams. There was no sign of life and it was midday. He bowed to the ground and said, ‘O Omniscient Lord! Show your sinful slave the way!’ Immediately God made a deer appear before him. Alexander tried to catch the deer, but the deer left. Through his wisdom, Alexander knew that he was to follow the deer. He did so for about half a parasang until he could not go further because he was barefoot. When he stopped, the deer stopped too, until Alexander started again. Alexander understood that this was God’s doing. When he had gone a little further, he could see his camp. It was midday and the army was in chaos for the chiefs were searching everywhere for Alexander who did not want the army to know that he had been kidnapped by a fairy – for kingship depends on respect from the subjects. He thought, ‘Let me be no weaker than the woman, who kidnapped me and reveal it to nobody. I will also conceal it, otherwise I will not command respect among my subjects!’ When Alexander looked from the border of his camp, he saw the elephants and approached them. The elephant keepers were terrified. Some were ready to escape and some others were asleep. Alexander mounted an elephant and suddenly entered the camp. When the soldiers saw him, they blew the longhorn, beat the drums and cried out aloud so high that the land trembled with the tremor. Alarmed by the tumult, the fairies hid under the ground. Ara¯qı¯t said to the slave girl, ‘The King has entered his camp.’ Alexander said to his men, ‘I had gone to attend some affair. Go to the city as you are, raising your voice with the bugle and the drums, and bring the fairies under the feet of the elephants.’ The army moved towards the city gate in that fearful tumult with 1,500 elephants, each of them like an iron mountain. They demolished the parapet and the gate and Alexander led the attack from the elephant’s back. They captured 2,000 fairies and caused much destruction. Alexander said, ‘It is enough for today!’ They returned. Later on, Alexander went back to the stream with fifty horsemen, aiming to rescue the slave girl. The door was firmly shut and they could not open it. When Alexander returned to his camp, he asked that the captive fairy be brought to the field. He sent a message to Ara¯qı¯t, saying, ‘You have captured 1,000 men and a woman who belong to me; I hold 2,700 of your fairies and they are imprisoned inside the Magic Circle from which, I can assure you, they cannot escape. Let’s exchange prisoners. Then I will let you know what is to happen.’

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Ara¯qı¯t agreed and dispatched a messenger to Alexander, saying, ‘Send me a trustworthy man of yours to speak to him secretly from the two armies!’ The fairy came and conveyed the message. Alexander said, ‘I know nobody who can keep a secret, whereas you may have many slave girls. Send me one!’ Alexander hoped that she would send Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter. When Ara¯qı¯t received the message, she thought, ‘This maiden knows the secret that I had caught Alexander and he escaped. It is better to send her.’ Therefore she summoned Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter to her presence and said, ‘Today you are like a sister to me, and above all the fairies I have chosen you to share this secret with you. Stand up and go to Alexander’s camp with two or three fairies and say to him, “You escaped from me, something which was not worthy of a king. I brought you here out of love and not hatred. I would have let you go in the right manner myself, because I know that you will not give up your kingship. But this is a meaningless talk, for you are gone. I have become attached to you and this woman is my confidante. Be careful not to break your word, and keep your promise.”’ Then the maiden and the two fairies, who were Ara¯qı¯t’s covenant, came to Alexander and prostrated themselves before him. He asked, ‘O woman! What are you here for?’ She replied, ‘I carry a message.’ Alexander asked, ‘What is it?’ She replied, ‘Only inside can I discuss it.’ Then she told him about Ara¯qı¯t and gave him the message. Alexander said, ‘I will mistrust this woman until she returns me my military commanders. Then I will release her captives, and we will give an end to our hostility.’ Alexander asked the maiden what he could do to help her. She replied, ‘O King! You know best.’ Alexander’s heart was filled with compassion, for she was very beautiful and the daughter of a king. However, he thought, ‘It is not appropriate to give her shelter now, because Ara¯qı¯t will detain my captives.’ He said to the maiden, ‘Be patient, for I will not leave this land before I rescue you from Ara¯qı¯t. I will take you to your father; if you agree, you can also become my wife.’ The maiden prostrated herself before Alexander and praised him. The fairies were waiting for her in the air. He said to her, ‘Bring the response to my message soon.’ She said, ‘O King! Her army is hostile to you, but she is your friend. The two fairies waiting for me outside are those who abducted you while you were asleep that night.’ Alexander said, ‘I will not harm them now, but you will see what is going to happen to them later.’ Then the woman said, ‘O King! You see the fair and beautiful Ara¯qı¯t, but only her upper half is beautiful, for her feet and legs are hairy like a beast’s.’ Due to this, Alexander lost interest a little. In addition, Alexander was wise and he would not set his heart on such things. When the woman returned to Ara¯qı¯t and conveyed to her Alexander’s response, Ara¯qı¯t ordered the chiefs of her army to be summoned. She said to them, ‘Alexander has sent a message, saying, “Surrender your captives and receive mine in return.” What is to be done?’ They said, ‘The Queen knows best. Since they hold three captives for every captive we have, it is proper to return their captives and receive ours.’ Ara¯qı¯t ordered that Aristotle and all the captives, except Alexander’s wife, be sent to Alexander. When Alexander saw Aristotle, he embraced him and cried, saying, ‘All the sorrow in my heart was for you! Praised be God for returning you back to me!’ Then Alexander

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ordered them to summon the fairies. When they were taken to his presence, he said, ‘Are any of you a relative of Ara¯qı¯t?’ Fifteen of those nobles were Ara¯qı¯t’s relatives. Alexander had those fifteen fairies detained so that Ara¯qı¯t would return his wife. He let the rest go. They went to Ara¯qı¯t, saying, ‘King Alexander says that he will not release your relatives unless you release his wife.’ Ara¯qı¯t sent Alexander’s wife to him, for she was afraid for her subjects. In any other case, she would have detained her. When Alexander’s wife returned, he was happy and commanded his men to place the drums on the elephants’ backs. The men raised their voices and marched to the city gates. They caused considerable damage and slew many of the fairies, but they did not take any captives, obeying Alexander’s command. When Ara¯qı¯t heard about it, she was not happy and said to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter, ‘The King is treacherous and I do not love him any more. By tomorrow I will have him here, dead or in chains.’ She ordered the fairies to be ready and prepared to attack the camp at midnight. Alexander was not aware of this at all. During the night, when Ara¯qı¯t left the city to order the army, Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter went to his camp through the opening of the wall. She arrived in Alexander’s camp immediately, for she knew the way. She went towards Alexander’s tent. The servants and guards informed Alexander, who was at his prayers. After the end of his prayer, the maiden narrated all the circumstances. Alexander mounted his horse and took his arms. He sent the woman to his tent for safety. He ordered the elephant riders and the soldiers to mount and to be on stand by. He ordered them to raise a louder cry from the war drums than they had done before and to go against the fairies. The men acted accordingly. In the meantime, Ara¯qı¯t was preparing to take the King’s army by surprise during the fairy host at midnight. Yet when the fairies heard that tumult and clamour, they were terrified and everyone fled to the city. Alexander’s men went after them with the elephants. Having the Great Names of God, Alexander himself set out for Ara¯qı¯t’s palace, entered it and earned many riches, as well as many slave girls. He carried away the slave girls, so that Ara¯qı¯t might think that Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter had been taken together with them. Ara¯qı¯t and all the fairies disappeared in the air. Then Alexander ordered his men to withdraw. Many fairies were slain and those of them who survived fled. Alexander returned to his camp and thanked God, ‘O Wise and Pure Lord! You are the Creator of all beings. The good and the evil are subject to Your will. You grant victory to whomever You like, and You humble whom You will.’ Then he went to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter. He was very kind and courteous towards her, because he was very grateful to her. He gave her rich garments, gold and jewellery. He promised to marry her when they reached her father’s kingdom and then to take her to Greece. When Ara¯qı¯t came to her palace, she found everything destroyed. The palace had been looted, all her jewellery was gone, the slave girls were missing and Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter was not anywhere to be seen. She said, ‘Alas! He has captured that maiden. He will marry her, because she is his own kind and the daughter of a king. But what is to be done? I will come up with a plan tomorrow, and see how it works.’ Ara¯qı¯t came to bear a feeling of resentment against King Alexander. When daylight came, she

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summoned the fairies before her, telling them that she needed several thousand fairies to follow her that night. When the fairies were assembled, Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I want you to dig a tunnel between my palace and Alexander’s camp and his tent, so that from here one can go to where he sleeps. You must carry out this tonight.’ They promised to finish the task by midnight. At midnight, they finished digging and arrived at the place where Alexander was sleeping, so that with one more blow of the pick Alexander would fall through. In the meantime, Alexander asked Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter about Ara¯qı¯t’s plans. She said, ‘O King! She has captured many men and she has kept them chained secretly. She plays with them temporarily, without giving herself to any of them. Her prisoners manage to escape or they die in prison. In some cases, she lets them go on her own. She is planning to do the same to Alexander, but she says, “I will not do this to Alexander, because he will not give up his sovereignty and rule for the world.” However, she contrives plans day and night. I do not know what the result will be.’ Alexander said, ‘It will be only what God has decreed.’ Then he continued his prayer. Suddenly he saw the earth sinking, while Queen Ara¯qı¯t and several thousand fairies attacked his army. Alexander was astonished by their shrewdness. He cried aloud the Great Names of God, drew his sword and assaulted the fairies. In this incident, Alexander’s camp suffered casualties more than ever before. The ground between his camp and the city had sunk, but nobody of his soldiers was injured. Alexander ordered his men to kill everyone. His eyes hunted Ara¯qı¯t, aiming to capture her. Yet, she had made her escape through the tunnel to her palace and then had gone into hiding. Alexander and his soldiers captured and slayed many fairies. However, his camp was destroyed. Alexander ordered his men to withdraw four parasangs and to camp on the mountain. He said, ‘If I leave this land without defeating them, I am not Alexander!’ The soldiers, who felt happy and secure, pitched their tents on the mountain. When they were settled there, Ara¯qı¯t dispatched a messenger to Alexander, saying, ‘If you want our permission to depart and to cross our land unharmed, return the trustworthy maiden, along with the other slave girls you have captured.’ When Alexander heard this message, he replied, ‘Go and tell this shameful woman that Alexander says, “I will not leave this land before I kill you! You know the trouble that you have created. I have sent everywhere men and elephants for war. They will soon trample your palace and your kingdom under their feet. As for yourself, I will capture you alive and hang you. The maiden in whom you have confided is the daughter of the King of the East, Arsla¯nkha¯n. I have notified him that I have rescued his daughter from you, so that he may join us. By divine favour, we will take revenge on you and give this region to mankind.”’ The messenger came back and conveyed his answer to Ara¯qı¯t. The message increased her enmity. She called the flying fairies to her presence and told them to go around the world, to let the fairies everywhere know what had happened and to call them to her court. The sorcerers she had taken captive sent her a message, saying. ‘If you release us, we will assist you with magic and deliver you from this trouble!’ Ara¯qı¯t was pleased. She released the sorcerers and they came before her throne. They said, ‘Send us to Alexander

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as messengers! We will terrify him and make him leave this land.’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘You lie! You said the same thing to the demons. Do you think that I have not heard about you?’ They said, ‘You are right, but the demons’ case was a different case from that of the Queen’s.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘Will you be my allies? I have only one wish: to capture him!’ The sorcerers replied, ‘This is easy to do. Send us to him, and a night we will put him to sleep through magic. Thus, he will not wake up until the next day. While he is asleep, you can send your fairies to lift him and bring him to you.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘You must promise this to me and five of you will remain here as hostages, so that I may be assured that you speak truthfully.’ The seventy-five sorcerers left five of them behind. The rest went to Alexander and prostrated themselves before him. He asked how they managed to go to him. They said, ‘O King! We escaped from her hands.’ Alexander asked, ‘How did you escape?’ He was aware of the fact that the sorcerers, despite their magic, could not withstand the fairies, and he thought that they were not loyal. He urged them to speak truthfully. They said, ‘O King! We escaped successfully because she did not know that we were sorcerers. Yet, five of us have remained there.’ Alexander said, ‘You lie! You have come to do some mischief. You must have agreed to do her a service; that is why you have left those five as hostages.’ Then he put them in chains and imprisoned them. Alexander had captured a fairy called Ghı¯la¯n, whom he had put in chains. [And when a fairy is chained, there is no way he can free himself.] Soon after the sorcerers were put in chains, Ghı¯la¯n’s brother came to Alexander, prostrated himself before him and said, ‘If the King releases my brother, I will reveal a secret to him.’ Alexander asked, ‘Who is your brother?’ The fairy said, ‘Ghı¯la¯n.’ Alexander’s attendants took him to the chained fairies so that he might set his brother free and take him to Alexander. When everyone returned with the fairy’s brother, the fairy said, ‘O King! These sorcerers have come to cheat you through magic, helping thus our Queen might steal you away. I have spoken thus out of despair, thinking that you will release my brother. If Ara¯qı¯t is informed about this, she will kill my brother and myself.’ Alexander asked, ‘Where are you planning to go now?’ The fairy said, ‘We will get back to the sea, and we will see how your quarrel will end.’ Alexander said, ‘I will release your brother, if you promise to keep me informed of all the developments in your land.’ The fairy consented and promised to act accordingly. Fairies keep their promise. Then Alexander freed Ghı¯la¯n’s brother. The two of them went to Ara¯qı¯t and informed her that they had escaped. Ara¯qı¯t was glad, because the fairy was of noble descent. For three days Alexander did not do anything, but on the fourth day he ordered his attendants to take the sorcerers to him and said, ‘You evil, foul creatures! You have come to deceive and put a spell on me! Do you not know that I have the Great Name of God and can destroy the sorcerers? Speak truthfully!’ Yet, no doubt they would lie and Alexander knew that the fairy had spoken truthfully. As a result, he punished the sorcerers by cutting off each one’s right hand. He asked for witnesses and made the sorcerers promise that they would return to Greece that night. Yet when they left Alexander’s camp, they said, ‘Thus injured, with no supplies and with our hands cut off,

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how can we go to the sea? It is better to approach Ara¯qı¯t and show her our dilemma. We will ask that her to allow those five who are with her to join and serve us. We may be successful in destroying this man.’ After they thought thus, they stood up and went to Ara¯qı¯t, with their hands cut off. They said, weeping, ‘We lost our hands in your service, and we have come here hoping to find a way to cope with this man.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I have tried every trick known to fairies, but in vain.’ They said, ‘If you call the Greek sorcerers to help us, together, through sorcery, we will set fire to Alexander’s camp and burn it down.’ Ara¯qı¯t sent someone to Greece. Soon after, the fairies returned with those they sought. The sorcerers who had been dismembered wept before the sorcerers who had arrived from Greece and said to them, ‘If you do not help us, we will commit suicide. We lost our hands serving the King. What is to be done now?’ They said, ‘We will blind Alexander and his soldiers within an hour!’ The dismembered sorcerers knew that they would succeed and were satisfied. The day reached its end and night came. Alexander bore the Names of God and he would not separate himself from them. That night, by divine intervention the old man who had given Alexander an amulet with the Names of God left the cloister, bearing the Great Names of God. Every animal and wild beast went to pay homage to those Great Names. In the meantime, the sorcerers went to the camp to blind Alexander and the soldiers, who were asleep, by throwing some substance into their eyes. When they arrived at the camp, a lion, by virtue of the Great Names of God, informed the old man, saying, ‘The sorcerers have moved to destroy Alexander’s men.’ The old man, who was blind, asked where they were. Then he rubbed the Great Names of God against his eyes. That very moment he was able to see and he could see the sorcerers. He said to the lions, ‘By virtue of God’s Great Names, kill these sorcerers!’ Many lions attacked and caught the sorcerers, killing everyone except one, who escaped. The rest of them were torn to pieces. The following day, the old man went to Alexander and narrated to him everything that had occurred. Alexander bowed with his forehead to the ground, thanking God. When he went to the camp, he found the sorcerers dead. He said, ‘Even after their hands were cut off, these evil men insisted on being evil until God destroyed them.’ They left the bodies as such. The soldiers saw the destroyed bodies and marvelled at God’s acts. That day Alexander saw no one and spent the day in prayer. Ara¯qı¯t was frightened when she heard what had happened to the sorcerers. She wondered, ‘Is this man Solomon and he has come to life again?’ In the meantime, Alexander stayed there, waiting to know God’s will. He thought to himself, ‘I wish the Angel who is my friend would appear and inform me of the result of my war against the fairies.’ In the meantime, Ara¯qı¯t conceived a new scheme. She thought, ‘This time I will go on my own. I will find him and either I will satisfy my will by him, or kill him and release myself. If my uncle had indeed arrived, this affair would have been arranged by now.’ Therefore, when night came and it was time for rest and sleep, she went to Alexander’s camp and reached his tent. It was empty, except for two guards. She thought, ‘The King is not in his tent in the night. Where could he be? Perhaps he has secretly entered the

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palace.’ However, when she went to her palace, she did not see anyone. She waited that night and went to the camp again the next night, but she could not find Alexander. The following day, 100,000 demons and fairies came from the sea and went before Ara¯qı¯t. They said to her, ‘What is your will? What do you wish us to do to this man? If you wish, we will drown him with his entire army.’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘It is not as simple as you think. The demon Sı¯ndah is Alexander’s prisoner and my uncle is his hostage. More than 5,000 fairies and sea demons have been killed from the time he captured my uncle.’ Alexander had captured these chiefs without knowing their identity. The demons asked if Alexander was protected by the Magic Circle. She said that he was. The leaders of the demons said, ‘I am glad that we came here to see the man who is like Solomon. He has been to the Land of Darkness, whereas Solomon with all his glory did not go there. We must go to see him and discover what empowers him to capture demons and fairies. We will go to see him today.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I will not allow you. Beware! This man is deceitful, controversial, discourteous, dishonest and unreliable, and he has conquered the whole world. Do as you wish. Go, if you are certain that you can return without casualties.’ They said, ‘O Lady! We will go and return unharmed.’ Then the chief of the demons said to his soldiers, ‘Go and watch near Alexander’s camp. If we need you, we will signal with smoke. Come to us if you see smoke. Otherwise wait until we return.’ Then Ghı¯la¯n’s brother, the fairy who had become an ally to Alexander, came to the King and said, ‘The demons and the fairies have come from the sea, but they regret what they have done. The King of the Demons is approaching your camp with his troops and he is going to move his army near your camp in secret. Be on alert!’ Alexander had the elephants covered with steel, for demons are afraid of steel. He commanded his men to blow the longhorn, beat the drums and cry out aloud. Alexander’s army raised such a yell that the whole world trembled and the uproar terrified Ara¯qı¯t. She said, ‘He is aware of the arrival of the demons and I wonder who let him know.’ When the demons saw the elephants, they were terrified and hence they withdrew. Alexander was informed that 100,000 demons who were approaching his camp withdrew when they saw the elephants. They said to Alexander, ‘We saw twenty demons near the camp, each as big as a mountain. They are led by the fairies. They were about to assault you, but they are afraid of the elephants.’ When Alexander heard that, he sent the Names of God and the amulet with which they drew the Magic Circle to the elephant riders and said, ‘Be not afraid and guide the elephants against them.’ The elephant riders attacked and three or four demons were crushed to death. The chief of the demons withdrew, leading his troops away. He said, ‘My son and my brother have been killed. What business did I have here? It was my mistake to come.’ He went to Queen Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘This man is above Solomon, the Prophet of God! He is not afraid and is merciless! They set the elephants on us, killing my two sons and my brother.’ The demons and the fairies mourned for three days. The sea demons said, ‘We will not leave before we take revenge on these people over the blood of those four youths.’ The fairies added, ‘We will assist you, because our Queen is powerless before him. We will use every means to kill Alexander.’

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Alexander called the old man to his presence and told him how he had defeated the demons. The old man consoled Alexander and said, ‘Everything happened by God’s intervention, for no man can withstand the demons and nobody has ever defeated them. Everything is accomplished by virtue of the Great Names of God. As long as this name is with you, nobody can do you harm. Neither man, nor fairy or demon can harm the man who has God on his side.’ He said, ‘O King! Know that all freedom is from God. If you conquer the demons, it is fine. But if not, turn for help to God, so that He may assist you to eliminate them, for this is a major task.’ Then Alexander said, ‘Each time they obtain new aid.’ The old man replied, ‘O King! Know that you set too much value on this world. Consider the past kings. First, Jamshı¯d reigned for 1,000 years and Zahha¯k, who reigned for 1,000 years. Then it was Fereydu ¯ n [Afrı¯du ¯ n], who reigned for half a millennium. Then there is the rule of Manuchihr, Kay Qubad and Kay Khusraw. They are gone and turned to dust. King Solomon, as you must have heard, was a Prophet of God. Think of the prophets. Where are Adam, Noah, Hu ¯ d and Salih? In the time of Hu ¯ d, among the tribe of ‘Ad, there was a man called Shattad of ‘Ad, who lived for 1,000 years and never had any problems. He built the Eram Garden, which is like a paradise, and after the completion of his creation, he made streams of milk and honey in it. Yet when he went to see his creation, the Angel of Death took his life, even before he had taken his foot out of the stirrup and made away with it, as Shattad had one foot in the stirrup and one just taken out. He stayed motionless in that position and that paradise disappeared from man’s sight.’ This story is widely known. We mentioned it here briefly, and now we can return to the story of Alexander.36 Then the old man said to Alexander, ‘I say this to you, because it is unwise to have so much trouble for this world.’ Alexander said, ‘O peerless old man! The affairs of this world have their own charm. But it is as you say, mainly regarding kingship. However, it is a shame that after my lifetime men should read the Book of Alexander [Iskandarna¯ma ] and the miracles that I have seen and I have narrated,37 and then claim that Alexander was defeated by the fairies, or, even worse, by a woman!’ Then Alexander again ordered them to beat the war drums. All of his soldiers mounted their horses, brought the elephants and set out. When they reached a city, he ordered them to beat the drums and to cry out loudly. When the fairies heard this noise, they came out, fought bravely and returned. Ara¯qı¯t sent someone around the world and the fairies and the demons studied all the regions. He said, ‘A king, like Solomon who died ages ago, has appeared and we were at ease. Now if we do not take this task seriously, he will conquer us and he will rule, like Solomon!’ Thousands of demons and fairies were gathered. Their age went back to the era of Solomon, peace be upon Him. When they were gathered around Alexander’s camp, they attacked it, setting fire around Alexander’s camp. And it was dark. When Alexander’s soldiers saw them, they were terrified and they went to Alexander, saying, ‘The demons and the fairies have set our fort on fire. What should we do?’ Alexander rose and looked around. He saw the fire at a distance of four parasangs around the camp. There was no way out of that fire for an animal or a human. When Alexander saw this, he said, ‘All the troubles that I have encountered so far have been easier. What

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are we going to do?’ Everyone was astonished. Aristotle came before Alexander. And day came. The power of fire at night was bigger. When it was midday, they sent someone to call Ara¯qı¯t, who had spent the day doing nothing, waiting for the night to come. Then Alexander ordered them not to pursue this task at night. He ordered the 400,000 horsemen who were stationed at his camp to mount their horses, to wear their armour, to bring the elephants and to beat the drums. They blew the trumpets and the whole world trembled at the sound of their voices. Then the demons said, ‘This task is very difficult.’ Those fairies who were captured by Alexander’s army sent a message to Alexander, saying, ‘If the King releases us, then we will tell him what to do so as to deal with his enemies.’ Alexander said, ‘I agree with you that when I capture, I will do whatever you like.’ Then they said, ‘O King! You have the Magic Circle with you. Draw it around this fire and look for a dry place. Then say to each man in your army to throw a handful of earth over themselves in the Great Names of God. Their fire will become their death. When fire erupts, then you do your own job!’ Alexander ordered 1,000 men to go and draw the Magic Circle between him and them. Alexander said, ‘Night may not pass!’ He gave much soil to the elephant drivers. Alexander mounted the white elephant and took the Great Names of God. He gave all his men much soil, ordering them to beat the drums. They attacked them and when the demons saw the land divided, they said, ‘Where did he learn this from?’ The fire was put out and the demons started battling. Alexander attacked them with the Great Names of God. Many people were killed and the demons were put to flight and came before Ara¯qı¯t. A demon, like a giant who was 150 years old, was captured by Alexander in the Name of God. He tied him with the lasso and turmoil erupted amongst the demons who said, ‘Another Solomon has come!’38 Then the captured fairies said to Alexander, ‘O King! Now release us!’ He replied, ‘I have released you in the sense that I spared your lives! But you need to stay with me for two more nights.’ They replied, ‘If you desire this girl so that the turmoil is over, she must be responsible for this. If you dealt with her with politeness, you have avoided all troubles!’ Alexander said, ‘Unity is not an easy task.’ Then Alexander said to his army, ‘Take your arms and be ready for war!’ They brought the elephants and beat the drums for war. They covered the remaining distance and reached the city. When they reached there, a dreadful fairy came and prostrated himself before Alexander, saying, ‘Ara¯qı¯t conveys her regards and she says, “Today and tomorrow we have a celebration and we are not going to fight until these two days have passed.”’ Alexander came to the camp and thought, ‘She is lying!’ Then he asked the fairies again about this. They replied, ‘During these two days there is a celebration and the Queen of the Fairies waited until they return to their country. She promised that they must not attribute to the Queen what they achieve by their own virtue. And whatever happens is always attributed to King!’ When she made that promise, they left. Alexander also rested during those two days. On the second day, that fairy came and said, ‘O King! [Ara¯qı¯t] has dispatched someone to the sea and has called the mighty demons. If they arrive, God forbid, they

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will fight like black clouds, attacking from above. Then you will be unable to deal with them! Detain this demon because he is one of their children!’ Alexander captured the demon in the Name of God and waited until the task was accomplished. He knew that those fairies spoke the truth. Then they contrived various plans but they did not find a solution. He invoked the Creator Almighty for help. The situation was just like the fairies had described. Alexander should have talked to that woman politely so that he would have arranged all the tasks to his benefit. But things did not work out. Now he was obliged to try!





ALEXANDER’S INVASION INTO AR AQ I T’S TERRITORY AND THE ARRIVAL OF

ARAQI T’S UNCLE TO HER AID It is divinely narrated that Alexander showed restraint that night so that they could celebrate. Then he thought to himself, ‘If I wait and the demons arrive, then my mission will become difficult. I must do it today!’ Then Alexander ordered his soldiers to wear their armour and along with their elephants, they moved against the city of the fairies. Ara¯qı¯t was trusting that the demons would come; yet they did not! There was no other option but to fight. They came out and fought bravely for half a day. They captured twenty of Alexander’s men, while fifty fairies were killed. Then they withdrew. That night a fairy messenger came to Ara¯qı¯t from the sea, saying, ‘Our allies, the demons, will arrive here in a week!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘By next week, none of us will have survived!’ The fairies brought this news to Alexander who said, ‘It will be good until this last week to open their gate!’ The next night Ara¯qı¯t conceived a trick and spent two nights with two of her fairies. They came to the resting place of Alexander and said, ‘We can kidnap the King!’ Alexander himself was saying his prayers and thus they did not touch him. There was an old woman amongst those fairies who had come. She was skilful and nobody else surpassed her in magic. She covered 100 parasangs in an hour and came to Ara¯qı¯t. She was 400 years old. She said, ‘O my Queen! What is the matter with you? You have been so attached to this king and you can find any other solution for this issue. I will accomplish this task for you and you will find peace.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘If you bring him to me in chains, then I will be indebted to you 1,000 times!’ When the day ended and it was getting dark, the old woman took the form of a man and went before Alexander. She said, ‘O King! Give me a gift because I have brought good news for you!’ Alexander inquired, ‘What kind of good news?’ She said, ‘O King! Ara¯qı¯t is standing along with two old men at your camp.’ When Alexander heard this, he hastened and stood up along with many horsemen. The old woman-demon, who was a witch, had said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Come and bring with you those two beautiful fairies.’ Ara¯qı¯t brought them and concealed them at the agreed place. Alexander came out along with those horsemen and came before Ara¯qı¯t. Due to his hastiness, he had forgotten to bring the amulet. Ara¯qı¯t along with those fairies encircled Alexander, took him off his horse and kidnapped him. Alexander was captured by those

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foul women and he was taken to an undisclosed place, which was like a paradise and was more beautiful than anywhere else. Alexander’s commanders and the horses along with the slaves went to Aristotle at Alexander’s camp. When Aristotle saw them, the power abandoned his limbs and he was very saddened, saying, ‘O King! Alas, King Alexander! For God’s sake, do not mention this to anyone and to the army! Today conceal it until we see what is going to happen!’ Then Aristotle said to the army, ‘The King has hastened going after the demons and the fairies. He will return in three days. Pray for a good outcome so that the Almighty assists him.’ Aristotle was astonished and thought, ‘What am I going to do?’ He did not know what to do. He came to that big demon, who had been imprisoned by Alexander. He wanted to tell him the situation but he changed his mind, thinking, ‘I will wait until I see what is going to happen tomorrow.’ When Ara¯qı¯t abducted Alexander, he knew that he should display nothing other than manliness. He was well armoured. When Alexander was taken to a remote place, there were seven fairies and sixteen concubines with Ara¯qı¯t. She knew that they would be killed but she did not say anything. Alexander said with manliness and self-praise, ‘Imagine how many fairies I am going to kill with my sword in the name of the Almighty!’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘O King! I did not capture you for the sake of warfare, hatred and animosity. I brought you here for the sake of peace.’ Alexander said, ‘I have my sword!’ Then he drew his sword and killed those seven fairies while the sixteen concubines fled. Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t were astonished. He said, ‘Give me your hands to tie you up or else I will behead you!’ Wherever Alexander went, he had a lasso with him. That big old woman was among the concubines. Alexander put the lasso around the neck of the old woman and tied her up in the name of the Almighty. Then he drew his sword against Ara¯qı¯t, who revealed her face and hair to him. He realised how much he desired her but this was not the proper time for it! Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! Do not do this and do not create enmity. You will regret this tomorrow, for it is pointless! I have sent someone to call the demons and fairies of the sea. When they arrive, you cannot face them and you will give up your life and kingdom to us!’ When Alexander heard this, he grasped the hilt of his sword and said, ‘Even if a woman rules, she remains a woman and is worse than a woman!’ He then drew his sword and cut the old woman to pieces. Ara¯qı¯t became disappointed by Alexander. She wanted to cry aloud and call her army to capture him. A fairy jumped quickly and said to Queen Ara¯qı¯t with terror, ‘Behold! Many people came along with the army!’ Ara¯qı¯t was afraid of dishonour and gave Alexander to the fairies. Some of the fairies were among those who had been captured by Alexander and he had released them. And due to his benevolence, they had given an oath to Alexander. They took Alexander, raised him to the air and brought him to his camp. He treated them kindly and graciously. When Aristotle was informed that the King had returned to his camp, he rejoiced and went to Alexander, saying, ‘O King! Do not tell the army where you have been because I have kept this secret. Yet the Almighty protected you from above and helped you in all tasks. The meaning of hope is that you will be victorious in everything. May peace be upon You!’

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THE ARRIVAL OF AR AQ I T’S UNCLE AND THE FAIRIES AT THE CAMP, AND THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND ALEXANDER It is divinely narrated that Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle was a fairy who had lived long and lived at the time of Solomon. He was of noble descent and resided in Fa¯rs, owning many estates. He lived underground, secretly from his own people. He was informed that Solomon, peace be upon Him, came back to life! The old man was astonished but he knew that it was not Solomon. He thought to himself, ‘it must be someone else because there are many servants of the Almighty.’ And there were 70,000 fairies with him. When he arrived there, he heard about the story of Alexander and the Magic Circle. He said, ‘From what you are showing to me, he is King Alexander, the son of Darius, son of Bahra¯m, son of Isfandiyar! People think that he is the son of Philip and that he is from Greece! But he is from our land and he is a great king. He is of royal descent going back to Adam, peace be upon Him. I know his story! You must give him way to cross our land freely. You have not treated him properly. Undoubtedly we must go to him and to take counsel!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O uncle! He is untrustworthy and he does not keep his promises! You must not trouble yourself with him!’ Her uncle said, ‘He must not be in trouble and he must look at me with virtue and proper behaviour.’ Then he called His Excellence King Alexander. The fairies who were Alexander’s friends came and informed the King, saying, ‘Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle is coming to you!’ Ara¯qı¯t thought that Alexander was still in captivity. She thought, ‘It is better to go and release Alexander so that he leaves. For if my uncle sees Alexander in captivity, he will think negatively and will have doubts. Then things will become difficult for me.’ When Ara¯qı¯t came, the two fairies were chained and said, ‘King Alexander chained us and left!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I do not know what to do with this man! There is no trick that I have not tried. After all, it must be due to him.’ Then she gathered all the senior commanders of her army and ordered them, ‘Go with my uncle to King Alexander!’ They replied, ‘We do not dare to go!’ The name of Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle was Ruvı¯d and he was a great king. He went to bow before Alexander. The King ordered them to bring the elephants and beat the drums. When he sat on the throne and his commanders wore their armour, assembling around Alexander, he drew the Magic Circle and held the amulet of God. Then the fairy spies came and said, ‘O King! Fear not for the fairies will come from the air. When they land, they will acquire their real image. Now order your men to produce clamour and make great noise so that the fairies will be afraid of you!’ Alexander ordered that 1,000 assloads produced noise at the rear of the elephants. The whole world was in terror! Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle with 70,000 fairies came from the air, hiding the sun. The camp was darkened and the air was not pleasant. Suddenly the fairies landed and Alexander had drawn the Magic Circle. When they landed, the mob at the camp, the elephants and all Alexander’s men who made that noise and uproar were astonished. The fairies came to Alexander’s tent. Of course, they were unable to enter because the King had the amulet of the Almighty and had drawn the Magic Circle. They said, ‘We have not come here for war. We came as

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messengers to the King!’ Alexander said, ‘If it is so, then a person who is the best of you should come to me and the rest remain outside my tent.’ Then Alexander dispatched someone to take the hand of Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle, took him through the magic circle and brought him before Alexander who was sitting on his throne.’ Ruvı¯d prostrated himself before Alexander who was astonished by Ruvı¯d’s virtue. Alexander asked him in a vilifying way, ‘O tough demon! Where are you coming from and what for?’ Alexander spoke thus in terms of diplomacy. Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle said, ‘O King! I am not a demon! I am your neighbour and I live in Iran. I regard highly the name and relation of your ancestors. You are Alexander, the son of Darius, the son of Bahra¯m, the son of Isfandiyar, the son of Gushtap! I have seen all of your forefathers and was in their service. Today I came to pay my tribute to you and you vilify me and you call me “a demon”! For I am Muslim and I adhere to the religion of Solomon!’ Then he brought out a prayer and showed it to the King. It was written in the script of Asif bin Barkhiya¯ and had the seal of Solomon, peace be upon Him!39 It was written, ‘Ruvı¯d is one of my devout followers. He is protected by me and nobody, demon, fairy or human, can harm his land!’ Alexander kissed that prayer and asked him, ‘Where do you come from?’ Ruvı¯d replied, ‘From Istakhr in Fa¯rs.’ Alexander said, ‘Nobody will harm your land but you need to live there! Given that you rode and have come 1,000 parasangs distance to fight me, I will kill you!’ Ruvı¯d said, ‘I did not come to fight you! I was called and told that Solomon, peace be upon Him, has returned to life and you are seen as Solomon! I was told to come and see you. When I arrived here and I heard your name, I knew that you are King Alexander! I came to pay my tribute to you and to see you and to advise you. And if you fight me, I will fight you but I prefer not to!’ Alexander asked him, ‘What advice do you give me?’ The fairy Ruvı¯d said, ‘I say to you to cross this land in peace!’ Alexander asked him, ‘If I do not, what are you going to do?’ Ruvı¯d replied, ‘You will be in trouble!’ Alexander said, ‘I swear on the soul of my forefather, Isfandiyar,40 that I will not leave this land before I deprive you of your rule. I will not give your rule to people except the Almighty decides so.’ Ruvı¯d said, ‘O King! We have been ruling this land for more than 1,000 years. If you want to take power here, so be it. But you will take it by sword!’ Alexander asked him, ‘Who sent you to me and whose messenger are you?’ Ruvı¯d replied, ‘O King! I am not a messenger. I came to give you counsel and I am returning now.’ Alexander said, ‘If you are not a messenger, then when did you rule this land? Who gave you this land and who was here before you?’ He replied, ‘O King! We have always ruled this land. Afrasiyab gave this land to us 750 years ago. We allied with him against Kay-Khusraw and we inhabited this land. We have created these blessed fruits and pleasing fountains!’ Then Alexander said, ‘I will not give to you what was once owned by man, but what a tyrant seized and gave you. Leave this land to man, to inhabit and to cultivate, that when strangers and wayfarers arrive at this region, they may not be at a loss for bread and victuals. You have captured these four cities whose inhabitants fled and were forced to seek refuge elsewhere. I will not let this happen. If you want to remain alive and leave unharmed, leave from this land and go back to the sea. Promise me and assure me in

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writing that you will never claim this land again, and leave. Only then will I leave. Or else I will kill each one of you! I will do with you as I did with the demons: I killed each one of them and threw them into the sea.’ Ruvı¯d said, ‘O King! Do you think that if you do all of these things, we will sit and do nothing?’ He immediately made a great noise and a fire was sparked. The King knew what he would do. Those 70,000 fairies lifted themselves into the air like a cloud and put Alexander’s camp on fire. Alexander said, ‘Fear not!’ He took soil and the amulet of the Almighty and ordered his men to bring chains and chain the old man. When the fairy was chained and weak, he could do nothing. Alexander kept him close to him in chains and when the fairies saw him in captivity, they put to flight and returned to Ara¯qı¯t. She said, ‘I told my uncle, “Do not go to that man because he is untrustworthy!” he did not listen to me. Now I have called the demons and the fairies of the sea and they will arrive in a week. If we do not defeat him this time, then we will deliver our land to him, take our way to the sea and leave!’ Alexander said, ‘We must be prudent tonight!’ When night came, he drew the Magic Circle around his camp and wrote and concealed the Great Names of God, may His name be glorified, in the four corners of his camp. He came alone to the cloister of the old man and fell asleep with the amulet of the Almighty. Throughout the night, the fairies kept coming and they were ready to die but they could do nothing. During these days, Alexander remained silent and was preoccupied with these issues. He thought to himself, ‘This task has taken too much time. It is not right to leave this place without purpose! I must be patient until the Almighty destroys them!’ Ara¯qı¯t sent two fairies to Alexander while he was asleep. She said to them, ‘You know when King falls asleep!’ The fairies returned and said, ‘The King is at the cloister with the old man.’ Ara¯qı¯t rejoiced. She thought to herself, ‘While he is asleep, I must go, capture and bring him here!’ When night came, Ara¯qı¯t flew alone. When she arrived at the cloister of the old man, the old man saw the hermit who had gone outside and the lions had arrived and the hermit had brought out the amulet of God, showing it to the lions. He left and went to the cloister. Alexander was praying. Ara¯qı¯t was hidden in a corner and the hermit returned. He performed ablutions and went to the upper part of the cloister. Alexander rejoiced because of the prostrations and fell asleep delighted. When Ara¯qı¯t saw Alexander falling asleep, she attempted to catch him. She could not approach him from any corner because he had drawn the Magic Circle and he had the amulet of God under his pillow and a sword like a drop of water. Ara¯qı¯t kept trying until the morning but she could not find an opportunity to come close to Alexander. When the morning came, Ara¯qı¯t became afraid and said, ‘I must return!’ When she came out of the cloister, she saw the hermit who was coming and was holding the great amulet of the peerless God. She recognised him because he was her neighbour and he had been brought to Ara¯qı¯t many times. But he said nothing until she left. Then he returned and he was in love with her! When the hermit came to the cloister, Alexander was asleep in peace. He waited until Alexander woke up. He said to Alexander, ‘In the morning Ara¯qı¯t left this place alone.

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I fell in love with her and when I came out I saw you sleeping in peace. I rejoiced!’ Alexander inquired, ‘Was she alone?’ ‘Yes,’ the hermit replied. Alexander said, ‘Alas! If I had come across her, I would have humiliated her before my army!’ The hermit said, ‘O King! You must think more prudently from now on because she is going to return!’ Alexander thanked God that He did not help Ara¯qı¯t. And that day passed. The next night Alexander said to the hermit, ‘Tonight you must go earlier to the upper part of the cloister. Maybe she will come. We can capture her.’ The hermit acted accordingly and Alexander spent the first night prostrating to God. That night he slept more than any other night and he had his lasso next to him. He drew the Magic Circle and had the amulet of God under his head and fell asleep. When it was midnight, Ara¯qı¯t came from the air, with a rope aiming to put Alexander in chains. He looked at her pretending to be sleeping. He saw that insolent fairy holding a rope and giving it the shape of a loop. She could not step in because of the Magic Circle. She threw the rope around Alexander’s neck but he was sleeping on his pillow. She did not manage to throw all the rope around his neck. Alexander pretended to be sleeping and he mumbled the Great Names of God. Once more Ara¯qı¯t looped her rope and threw it against Alexander. It fell on his foot. She was busy with this task. Alexander jumped and made noise with his sword. He did not dare to come out of the Magic Circle! He thought, ‘Maybe this insolent woman is not alone!’ And he was siting there holding his sword. When he rose, the whole rope fell on his neck and the other end of the rope remained in Ara¯qı¯t’s hands. Alexander could not see her face because she had concealed it. Alexander hit the rope with his sword. He did not make it and the other end of the rope was in Alexander’s hand. And he did not dare to step out of the Magic Circle! Ara¯qı¯t drew the rope with her own strength and brought Alexander out of the Magic Circle! And the amulet of God had been left under Alexander’s pillow! When she drew Alexander out of the Magic Circle, he attempted to hit her with his sword. She released fire and smoke from her mouth! A great darkness fell and Ara¯qı¯t managed in that darkness to tie Alexander’s feet. He could not make any move. Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I am in passion!’ And Ara¯qı¯t invoked the Gods happily. Alexander was astonished by her words and was powerless. He said, ‘O you insolent and ignorant woman! What are you doing?’ She had grown audacious. Alexander hit at Ara¯qı¯t’s shoulders with the sword he had drawn and blood came out of her. Ara¯qı¯t was terrified and thought, ‘If I die here, I will be defamed.’ It is said that at night someone came alone before the King and was in love with the King and saw the injury and blood.41 ‘What am I going to do?’ The blood was coming out of her tender body like a cinnabar on a snow-capped mountain. Then she thought to herself, ‘It is better to have fun with my lover in a garden!’ Then she let Alexander go in chains and tied the end of the rope on the door of the cloister. The stained blood was removed. She said to him, ‘O Alexander! If you kill me, I will not be Ara¯qı¯t!’ She went away from Alexander who suffered from another wound inflicted by Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander was again perplexed and memorised the Name of God. He was afraid of the air in case she tried to take his sovereignty and life. Ara¯qı¯t came with her army and explained the situation to her trustworthy companion. She said, ‘I beg you to cure this

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wound today!’ They put medicine on the wound and tied it up. Ara¯qı¯t fell asleep, thinking, ‘I am in pain!’ Alexander could not remove the rope off his neck. The morning came and the old man arrived, seeing Alexander in that situation. The old man had seen Ara¯qı¯t bleeding and he asked Alexander about the whole situation. Alexander narrated everything to him. When he heard everything, he was saddened and thought, ‘This King has been confused. I am afraid that this King may die in this process.’ Then he said to Alexander, ‘This insolent and ignorant fairy is a woman and she has done many evil things. She is trying everything to distress you! If you decide to cross this land in peace, then peace will be achieved.’ Alexander replied, ‘I should have done this before but so be it! Now pray for us so that things will be settled with her.’ Then the old man knew that he would not leave that land. He prayed so that Alexander may not be in trouble. Then the news reached Alexander’s camp that Ara¯qı¯t was ill. The fairies came to Alexander and said, ‘Ara¯qı¯t is very ill and has been seriously wounded.’ Alexander did not tell that story to them. Yet he asked, ‘What has happened to her? Maybe she is contriving a plan to abandon fighting?’ They said, ‘O King! Beware that the demons and fairies of the world have been gathered around here. Someone has gone to Ma¯zandara¯n to gather the demons of that region. You do your own task and keep an eye on Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle whom you have captured. Be careful not to let him go so that you do not fail in your mission and keep an eye on this anvil.’ After three days, he left and they did not fight. The demons and fairies were gathered and said, ‘There can be nothing else than the fact that Alexander desires this girl! If it is so, then we will give her to him to be his wife! She herself will protect this region. Either he wants to leave or stay here, we will be relieved by this trouble and disorder.’ Then they chose one of the fairies who had been captured by him as a messenger and dispatched him to Alexander. The message was, ‘Beware and be careful, Alexander! For much time has passed and the demons and fairies of the world have been gathered around here and much more are coming from Ma¯zandara¯n! You must make clear your intentions to us! Today you have completed a month of stay here and we have not seen you staying so long in any other place you have visited from the East to the West. If you desire us to give you Queen Ara¯qı¯t as your wife, we are at your disposal and we will do so. We are going to fulfil 1,000 more favours for the sake of her life! If you wish to take her with you and appoint someone from the nobility in her place, we will obey! If not, then tell us what your intention is. In this land, we have four regions with cities and another four regions with cities have remained before you reach the land where the sun rises. This land is inhabited by many people and thousands of fairies live here. We have been living here for 750,000 years. Humans gave this land to us. If you want to conquer it today, then it is very difficult. Again if you desire gold and silver, then we will give it to you!’ The ten fairies,42 that had brought the message, came before the King and handed in their message to him. Alexander replied as such, ‘I do not intend to marry a fairy because I have many wives! The reason for my prolonged stay in this region is that I do not want to cross this land without taking first the rule of this region from the demons and fairies and to give it to humans so that this land becomes fertile. This was my answer! If you

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surrender this land to me in peace, take this girl and move to the sea, then I agree. Otherwise, from tomorrow I will fight vehemently every day! When you all commit suicide, the Almighty will assist me to take this land from the demons and the fairies and to give to men! As for the issue of the gold and silver you mentioned, if you go in peace to the sea, then I will not ask anything. But if you do not go to the sea, then I will take everything: the jewellery, your life and property!’ The messengers returned and narrated everything to the demons and the fairies. They grew worried and thought, ‘Alexander is after Ara¯qı¯t!’ They did not know that Ara¯qı¯t herself was in love with Alexander! They did not answer. When they did not send anyone, Alexander ordered them to put armour on the elephants and the whole army in the morning and to beat the drums. They entered the city and there was havoc. The whole world was darkened and the army of the demons and fairies entered the battlefield; what a great fight erupted that day! Alexander had given this order: ‘Do not show them any respect!’ That day, they killed numerous demons and fairies and when night came the fairies and the demons returned and said, ‘If we continue fighting like this for a month, then none of us will survive! We must resolve the issue of this man who is worse than Solomon!’ Then the nobility of the demons came to Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘Our time is over! This king does not want men and he must cross our land in peace. We said to him for you to become his wife but he did not approve you!’ And Ara¯qı¯t did not like the expression they said: ‘he did not approve you!’ Yet she did not say anything. They went on saying, ‘Alexander says that he will not leave this region unless he takes power away from us and we move to the sea. If we do not act accordingly, then he will fight and kill us. And we do not have the power to resist! There is only one thing we can do so that we can escape. You must rise and fly to him and say, “We have come to you asking for your mercy! We will obey whatever you order!” And if he orders you to leave this region and go to the sea, then you must obey, for he is heading to the land where the sun rises and he is not going to stay here forever. When he leaves, then we can return here and resume power.’ Ara¯qı¯t liked their advice for her to go to Alexander. The next day during the evening prayers Ara¯qı¯t flew along with her followers and they reached Alexander’s curtain. They flew above the curtain and saw Alexander who had just finished dinner and was washing his hands. They came in suddenly and prostrated themselves before him! They said, ‘O King! Ara¯qı¯t has come to your presence!’ Then Ara¯qı¯t came and said, ‘O King! I seek refuge here! I will obey you in everything. I will do wholeheartedly whatever you command.’ Then she rose and prostrated herself before Alexander. The Greek and Iranian aristocracy in Alexander’s presence marvelled at the beauty of her face. They said, ‘Let us remain silent, until the King answers.’ Alexander said, ‘Your life and property will be under our shelter. However, you must leave 100 of your relatives with me as hostages and depart.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! I have come to you on my own and abandoned my kingdom. Take me for a slave whom you have bought. I have no mood for war.’ Alexander replied, ‘That would be easy. But if I arrest you now, you will lose your reputation. Return to your camp and send the troops that have come from the sea and other lands to their own place. Then let your army know that you have

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sought shelter with Alexander and that you plan to go to the East with him. Let them depart from the land and return to the sea. After you have acted accordingly, come to me and I will examine your case!’ Ara¯qı¯t promised to act accordingly, asking Alexander to promise that he would not kill her or chain her. He said, ‘I will not kill you, and, if you keep your promise, I will not put you in chains!’ Ara¯qı¯t returned to her camp and informed her army chiefs of the circumstances. They said, ‘It is best that you go to him and each one of us will depart. Your army can wait at sea for a month and some can come with you. After he comes back from the East, you can return to your own land. The whole army will return to you from where they are.’ Yet the fairies were unwilling to leave their land and accused Ara¯qı¯t of being in love with Alexander. When she heard this, she addressed herself to the fairies that had come from other lands, saying, ‘Let it be known that my soldiers are speaking evil of me. What am I supposed to do when you fail to defeat him? I went to him, as you had said, and sought quarter. If you are dissatisfied, prepare for war. We will assault you tomorrow.’ Ara¯qı¯t clandestinely sent someone to Alexander and said to him what had occurred. Alexander knew that her subjects had blamed her. He sent her a message, saying, ‘Either keep your promise, or be ready for war!’ Ara¯qı¯t told her army to go outside the city and mount their horses. When her men went to the field, Alexander’s soldiers with the elephants arrived from the other direction. A great battle followed. Many demons and fairies were killed, and 70,000 of the chiefs of Ara¯qı¯t’s army were captured. Ara¯qı¯t and her host were informed and the world darkened before their eyes. They said, ‘Tomorrow we will fight so hard that the whole world will tremble.’ The next day, Ara¯qı¯t ordered her army to go the field. They prepared for a major battle and took the lead. When Alexander was informed of this, he came to the battleground. All the men armed themselves and the elephants were prepared for the battle. Alexander called a fairy to convey a message to Ara¯qı¯t. He said, ‘Let her know that I was not the one who did not fulfil his promise . . . If I do not kill each one of you, I am not Alexander.’ Then they engaged in a battle, the so-called ‘great battle’. On that day the Iranians and the elephants fought in such a way that they had never done before. The demons and the fairies that had been called from other lands saw that their lives were endangered. They said, ‘Why should we suffer in this manner?’ Thus, they turned back and departed. Alexander’s men set upon Ara¯qı¯t’s host. They defeated thousands of them under the elephants’ feet and captured Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander said to his men, ‘Do not bring Ara¯qı¯t to me, but chain her!’ They acted so and delivered her to Aristotle. As for the other fairies, some begged that their lives be spared, and promised to take their wives and children and depart immediately. The rest were beheaded. Alexander and his army entered the city. They found a place similar to paradise where there were all kinds of fruits and trees. The jewellery and ornaments that Alexander found there were beyond imagination. The fairies’ domain covered four parasangs of land. After a day’s journey, Alexander visited a different city every day. In each city, the dwellers knew that Ara¯qı¯t, her uncle Ruvı¯d and the demon Sı¯ndah had been captured.

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The news forced them to evacuate the cities and return to the sea, their place of origin. Alexander relieved that land of demons and fairies and the original inhabitants, who had been dispersed around the world, returned, praising the King of the Earth. The houses of their fathers and ancestors were restored to them. They would give witness to one another’s ownership and regain possession of their homes. Alexander stayed there for four months, until the region was inhabited by man and had been completely free from demons and fairies. The war was over and Alexander remained in the region secure with Ara¯qı¯t as his prisoner. One day Aristotle asked him, ‘What are you going to do about this woman and the prisoners?’ Alexander replied, ‘I will summon them to the court tomorrow and look into their case.’ The following day when Alexander was sitting on his throne, Aristotle brought Ara¯qı¯t before him. Almost 700 fairies and demons were kept in the royal prison. Alexander had those who showed disrespect beheaded and spared the rest. When they brought Ruvı¯d to Alexander, the King took pity on him, for he had not captured Ruvı¯d in war but it was Ruvı¯d himself who had come to him. He commanded his men to release Ruvı¯d and sent for Ara¯qı¯t. Ruvı¯d prostrated himself before Alexander and looked at Ara¯qı¯t who was in chains. She was pale and her body was bent under the weight of her fetters. Alexander was in love with her, but he showed manly self-control. Ruvı¯d said to Alexander, ‘O King of the Earth! This woman is the Queen of all fairies and her father was the King of all fairies. The King should have held her in higher regard.’ Alexander said, ‘I will have her executed immediately! You do not know what I have suffered at her hands. I will be merciless to her. Be grateful that I have not spilt your blood and do not ask for more!’ Alexander called for the torturer and, when he came, he said to him, ‘Behead this shameless woman!’ Aristotle and all the noblemen prostrated themselves before him, pleading, ‘O King! She is a woman and of royal origin. Please spare her life!’ Alexander forgave her and commanded his men to unbind her and take her to Aristotle’s quarters. Alexander ordered Ruvı¯d to take Ara¯qı¯t to Istakhr in the region of Pa¯rs, where she could stay with him. Yet Ruvı¯d refused, saying, ‘The fairies will capture her from me and they will demand that she becomes ruler.’ Alexander said, ‘You are right.’ The next day, he called the demon Sı¯ndah to his presence. Alexander had the demon beheaded because he was an infidel. He presented Ruvı¯d with the robe of honour. Ruvı¯d prayed for him, saying, ‘O King of the Earth! Accept this advice from your servant and make Ara¯qı¯t your wife, for she is worthy of a king. It is wise that she herself does not rule but spends her life in ease.’ Aristotle and all the leaders of the army said, ‘O King! That would be prudent of you to do. For Ara¯qı¯t was born of a human mother and it is appropriate for her to be ruled by the King.’ Hence, they called the clergy, and Ruvı¯d gave Ara¯qı¯t to Alexander in marriage according to the Islamic tradition. Alexander gave gifts to Ruvı¯d again and dispatched him to the land of Pa¯rs. Hence Alexander married Ara¯qı¯t and stayed in that region for four months. He spent his time privately with Ara¯qı¯t and his men rested. When autumn came, Alexander decided to move. He said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘How far from the East is the place where the sun rises and what kind of lands are in the way?’ Ara¯qı¯t

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replied, ‘The next inhabited land is forty parasangs away and there are four kings on the way. The first is the King of pagan Russians who do not believe in God. They command a vast land, which we have to cross. Having crossed their land, you will reach a vast country inhabited by proud, fair-faced Turks who are ruled by a great king. We will have to cross a great river that runs by the city gate. The bridge is in the city. They have built leather bridges. The passage is narrow and difficult and the water is massive. They open the passage when they want. Once you pass that land, you will reach a country like a paradise, forty parasangs by forty parasangs. The king of that land is Arsla¯nkha¯n whose daughter I had taken captive.’ Alexander asked, ‘Have you seen all these regions?’ She replied, ‘Yes. Every time I flew along with 70,000 fairies over these parts. All the inhabitants of these lands obey me except the Zangı¯s. I am powerless against them.’ Alexander asked, ‘Were the fairies with you the night you abducted Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter?’ Ara¯qı¯t was embarrassed and she looked down, full of shame. She did not respond and Alexander did not continue the discussion. He said, ‘By divine protection we will cross those forty parasangs of land. We will prevail.’ The next day Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! I wish you would not sleep with any other woman.’ Alexander said, ‘Do not say anything more, because what you ask is impossible to happen. Do not set your heart on this, because only agony will come out of it. I am a king and I have many wives and concubines both here and in Greece. Kings can only be thus. You had better show yourself to be respectful.’ She inquired, ‘How many wives do you have in Greece?’ He said, ‘Ten princesses and here I have ten wives and forty concubines. The slave girl whom I captured from you is now my wife. God has given me such dexterity that in one night I have entered ninety chambers! What you ask will bring you only ill feeling. I will regard you higher than all other women, but I do not know if I will marry any other woman before we reach the East.’ Ara¯qı¯t was wise, in spite of the fact she was a fairy. She stopped talking, because she knew that it was pointless. Alexander spent three nights per week with her, and on the other four nights, he would be with other women. After Ara¯qı¯t’s territory was inhabited by man, Alexander prepared himself to leave. Ara¯qı¯t said to him, ‘I have 1,000 fairies who are my followers and they have nowhere to go. Let us take them with us.’ Alexander consented and those 1,400 [sic ] fairies entered Alexander’s service and joined the army. Among them, there were beautiful virgins who married Alexander’s soldiers. Their males married human females. Then Ara¯qı¯t decided to pay homage to Alexander. She revealed hidden treasures and brought them to him. She offered Alexander so much of gold and jewels that what he had brought from India and Greece looked insufficient beside them. Alexander marvelled at the booty and said, ‘God has willed to do only good to me. It is wise to stay long in this land!’ Alexander gave of those riches to his soldiers, rewarded Aristotle generously, and favoured Ara¯qı¯t more than before. Once the security of the region was stabilised, the inhabitants began to cultivate the land. Brave men came forth in that country and freed themselves from the demons and the fairies. That land will remain under man’s control until the Day of Resurrection and its dwellers will keep on praying for the King of the Earth, Alexander.

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Four months later, Alexander departed from that region and reached a country of many cities and inhabitants of which were infidel Turks. Their king, Julbab, had more than 1,000 times 1,000 soldiers, all of whom were heathens and pagans. They had been informed that Alexander was heading to the East and they were ready for war. They had decided to allow Alexander to cross their land peacefully, but also to fight him if he was hostile to them. They were aware of what Alexander had done to the fairies and the demons, and they feared him tremendously. ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL IN RUSSIA, THE STORY BETWEEN HIM AND THE RUSSIANS, AND THE DREAM HE HAD IN THAT LAND It is divinely narrated that when Alexander arrived in the Land of the Russians, Ara¯qı¯t said to him, ‘Send somebody to the Russians along with 100 fairies.’ Alexander said, ‘I will act accordingly.’ Yet Alexander did not send a messenger and he did not ask for supplies. No one dared question him. For two days, he did not speak and did not admit anyone to his presence. The soldiers began to worry and they said to themselves, ‘God forbid that this fairy woman should conspire against the King while we are at the city gates and for every one of us, there are ten Russians in the city. What has happened to the King?’ Rumours spread among the soldiers. Everywhere they whispered together quietly until the camp was in chaos. The leaders met, trying to find out the reason for Alexander’s strange behaviour. At last, the rumours grew out of control, and therefore the chiefs sought Aristotle to ask what had happened to Alexander. Aristotle said, ‘Do not speak of this.’ He went to Alexander’s tent but he was not allowed to enter. Ara¯qı¯t went to Alexander and found him sitting on the prayer rug with his head on his knees. She asked, ‘What troubles you?’ It was getting dark . . . Aristotle sent someone to Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘Let us know how the King is doing, because the day is over and we are afraid that chaos will erupt in the army.’ Ara¯qı¯t sent a message, answering, ‘Our King’s heath is good. Tonight he was by my side. Suddenly he woke up and he has been saying his prayers since dawn. I went to him a few minutes ago and found him praying. With a gesture he commanded me to leave him alone for the day.’ Aristotle was saddened by the news. At night, they opened the tent and Alexander admitted the Iranians to his presence. Aristotle was before all of them. He noticed that Alexander had lost his colour. He prostrated himself before him and said, weeping, ‘O King! May the evil eye be far from you! You did not admit us yesterday. I hope that everything is all right.’ The army was waiting and was sorrowful. Four hundred thousand men had gathered around Alexander’s tent to hear what was said. Alexander could hear the tumult in the camp and thought, ‘Before everything else, the army must be pacified and men return to their places.43 Then I will reveal the secret to Aristotle and the leaders of the army.’ Thus riding on his horse, he left his quarters majestically, pale but smiling, bearing a sword in his hand. When the soldiers saw Alexander, they blew the longhorn, beat the drums and cried aloud. They fell to the ground as if the sky was thundering and the earth was trembling.

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Alexander assured them that everything was under control. He said, ‘Today I was in the presence of God!’ When the soldiers saw Alexander, they left satisfied. Alexander returned to his tent and called the noblemen and Aristotle to his presence. They said, ‘O King! Tell us what has happened to you.’ He replied, ‘I have had a strange dream which terrified me.’ They asked, ‘What dream?’ He said, ‘I dreamed about a statue, the head of which was golden, its chest of silver, its thighs of brass, its legs of iron and its legs of baked clay. Then a rock fell on the statue and it was broken to pieces. The statue said to me, “O son of Na¯hı¯d! This is your earthly career and your reign!” I was frightened. An Angel was revealed to me and said, “Be not afraid and be courageous, for the faith still remains.” When I woke up, I was so sad that I did not want to rule any more. Today, I thought over this decision for a long time and I was sad. I thought, “I will divide my treasures and my riches among my men, I will return to the cloister of the old hermit, and I will worship God until the Lord of the World summons me.” But then I said to myself, “I am in charge of the lives of thousands of soldiers. How can I abandon them?”’ Aristotle said to Alexander, ‘Be joyful, because Bukht al-Nasr had the same dream and the Prophet Daniel interpreted it. I have the book of interpretations of dreams. It is written that Bukht al-Nasr, the son of Ruham Gudarz, became the King of Syria and had this dream after he slaughtered the Jews. Nobody could interpret it, except Prophet Daniel, peace be upon Him. He said to Bukht al-Nasr, “The golden head of the statue is your kingship which shall surpass the rule of all the kings of the earth. The statue per se represents the world. Its silver chest symbolises the rule of your successors. Its brass thighs represent those kings who are inferior to you. Its iron legs represent the Messiah, whose dogma is above every dogma in strength, just as iron is above everything in solidity. The feet, made of baked clay, symbolise the world, which will end in destruction.” Here is the interpretation of the dream. And, O King! Know that God sends dreams to his fortunate servants. Thus, they can take refuge to charity, if the dreams are frightening and thus avert the disaster. If the dreams are propitious and favourable, rejoice at them. The Angel who addressed you by the name of your mother at the end is the Angel who on the Day of Resurrection will call every man by his mother’s name.’ Alexander asked, ‘What is the meaning of this?’ Aristotle replied . . .44 Alexander was pleased. He had prayed and begged God to grant him to see the Angel manifest to Alexander. The King was gladdened and asked the Angel many questions. Alexander asked, ‘Was it right or wrong to drive the demons from their home?’ The Angel replied, ‘It was right, because they were evildoers!’ Alexander said, ‘Was it right to marry a fairy?’ The Angel replied, ‘It was right and God . . .’45 Thus Alexander remained there and fought against the Russians day and night. They slew many Russians and awaited the mysterious thing promised by the Angel. A few days later Alexander emerged victorious and invaded the land of the Russians, finding that the inhabitants had dispersed. His men drew their swords and killed many Russians. The battle went on until the evening prayer. Alexander came to a locked house. Inside they found a great number of deer. Alexander marvelled at that and thought, ‘Deer should be in the fields; why are they in this house?’ The deer attempted to escape but Alexander his men to let them go after he had discovered why they were in that house. They caught a Russian and made him reveal

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why the deer were kept there. He said, ‘O King! These are the deer that produce musk. Since you encamped here, every day we have been sending horsemen to the field, to catch the deer and bring them here. We were afraid you would catch a deer, find the musk and say, “This land is very pleasant, because it produces musk,” and take it from us.’ Alexander had come to this land for the deer and he took the musk from the deer’s navel. The next morning he ascended to his throne in the camp. The chief of the Russians was imprisoned, many Russians were killed and the rest fled, becoming homeless. The following day, a zebra as beautiful as 1,000 idols entered Alexander’s tent. He marvelled at its beauty and told his men to catch the animal alive, and to avoid harming it. The zebra playfully dodged them, trotting away, but returning to the tent. Then Alexander set out to catch the zebra. It attempted to run from him and Alexander followed. Then he thought, ‘I cannot follow a zebra on foot.’ Hence he mounted his horse and said to his soldiers, ‘Do not follow me, for I want to catch the zebra by myself.’ He chased the zebra for some distance. He was alone. Being afraid that the zebra could be a demon, he decided not to go further. However, he remembered the Angel’s words, ‘A great wonder will be revealed to you!’ Having that in mind, he set forth again. Looking around, he reached the seashore. He saw a chest, a dead Zangı¯ and a black snake which had curled around the chest. Alexander marvelled at what he saw and wondered, ‘What is this chest?’ When Alexander approached the chest, the snake unwound itself and sat apart. Alexander dismounted, and both the snake and the zebra stood before him. Alexander looked at the dead Zangı¯. He was astonished by his height and his heaviness, for he was eighteen gaz tall. A mule loaded with household utensils was standing nearby. Then Alexander looked to the sky and said, ‘O Glorious Maker and Perfect Creator, such are your doings that no creature can comprehend your mystery!’ When he went to the chest, he found it locked. He could not unlock it. He uttered the Great Names of God and unlocked it. Alexander lifted the lid and inside he found a maiden as fair as the moon and the sun, 1,000 idols and the nymph of paradise, adorned with jewellery and gold beyond measure. The moon-faced girl wept bitterly, with her face bent onto her knees. When Alexander saw her face and her beauty, he became faint and he marvelled at her, a maiden who had not yet attained teenage years, tall and graceful as a cypress. Her hands were tied behind her back. Alexander looked back and he discovered that the snake and the zebra had disappeared. He untied the maiden’s hands and took her out of the chest. He marvelled at her beautiful face, wondering at the creative power of God. An hour after Alexander had left to catch the zebra, his men set out to find him, tracing the footprints of his horse. Alexander saw the dust from an arrow shot in the distance and realised that it was the army. He asked the maiden about her identity. She replied, ‘My story is long, for I am a descendant of Afrasiyab and the daughter of the King of Turkestan, who is the King of the Paradise of Ganges. One day I went to a festival with slave men and slave girls. At night, the servants and the guards all rested and I was fast asleep. Suddenly I woke up and left my bed for a need. I saw this horrible Zangı¯ who jumped at me, caught me and abducted me. There was a fort nearby with Zangı¯s more appalling than this one. They kept me in the fort for ten days but they did not do me any harm. They said that they intended to take me to their king. We were sailing for twenty

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days. Every day the Zangı¯ would give me two loaves of bread and some food, and take me out of the chest for easing nature. Once he said to me, “Be happy, for there is one day left before we reach our destination.” He gave me food, which I ate, and I resigned myself to whatever God had decreed. I asked God to come to my aid day and night. ‘Then the Zangı¯ brought me back to the chest and said, “I will fall asleep for an hour, because I did not sleep last night. Home is near and your wedding night shall be tonight.” I was terrified and said to myself, “The bridegroom is black and appalling, a cannibal like the other Zangı¯s.” In this chest, I prayed to God to save me from the Zangı¯. Immediately I heard the Zangı¯ shouting, “I am slain by the snake!” He cried a few times and then he became silent. I knew that he was dead. This is my story as I told you. Now, O courteous man, tell me who you are!’ Alexander replied, ‘I am the grandson of Sha¯hmalik, who is the King of Turkestan.’46 She said, ‘Show me the sign of royalty!’ Alexander did so. Then she said, ‘O good man! Know that our land had been subject to disorder for two years. But it has grown better recently.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What was the cause?’ She replied, ‘After King Alexander left the Land of Darkness, he embarked for our land. Many kings in this region were slain. Alexander brought justice to the land and departed.’ Alexander and the maiden were thus conversing when the elephants arrived with the royal canopy. And when the men saw Alexander, they bowed to the ground before him. By this, the maiden realised that he was a king. Alexander was very good looking and still young. The maiden said, ‘Praised be God who saved me from those cannibal and infidel Zangı¯s, and put me in the land of such a king. But who is he?’ Alexander let Aristotle know about everything that had occurred. The men kept arriving and bowing before Alexander, who told them of his adventure. At night, he said to his men, ‘Behead the Zangı¯ and bury the body, but preserve the head and stuff it with straw, for it will prove useful.’ They acted accordingly. The place where the Zangı¯ had died was about two parasangs away from the fort. Alexander rode his horse whilst his men placed the maiden in a howdah and took her to the camp. However, they did not send her to Ara¯qı¯t, for fear of her envy. Alexander bowed to the ground and said, ‘O Omniscient Lord, and Powerful, Able Creator! You have been more benevolent to this servant of yours than to anyone else. How can I ever thank you enough?’ That night Alexander married the maiden, who was more beautiful and more delicate than every woman he had seen in his worldwide expeditions. Ara¯qı¯t was notified and when Alexander went to her, she asked what had occurred. Alexander told her everything about the Zangı¯, the snake, the maiden and the zebra that had brought him to that spot. Ara¯qı¯t asked Alexander how many wives he planned to have. He claimed that this was his last one. The prediction proved true and Alexander did not marry any other woman except for some maidens whom he had liberated and made his concubines. But on that day, he had four wives, including Ara¯qı¯t. Then Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Be happy, because I will come to you as often as before.’ Thus, he cheered her up, because the battle against the Zangı¯s was ahead and he did not trust the fairies fully. Thus, Alexander was over with the wedding. Most of the Russians were slain47 and the rest of them were driven away. Alexander brought the Russian believers back and gave

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them the land, making them happy. Alexander said to them, ‘Be content and fear not. If the Russians cause you trouble or attack your territory, ask Ara¯qı¯t’s kingdom for help. Now that land is in the possession of man and ruled by my deputies. For now I am in this region and on my return I will cross your land.’ Alexander departed from there and after two parasangs, he and his men reached the fort of Zangı¯s. They said, ‘It is unsuitable to camp here. We should move a little further.’ They pitched their tents near the fort. The camp extended for four parasangs, facing the road. Alexander did not camp along the road. It was time for the evening prayer. Then Alexander ordered his men to blow the bugles and beat the war drums at once. The whole world was shaken by the clamour and the Zangı¯s were horrified. They knew nothing about Alexander. They informed the King of the Zangı¯s, saying, ‘Such and such a Zangı¯ is approaching, bringing the daughter of such and such a king, with much gold and jewellery.’ Their king ordered them to leave the fort, discover what that noise was and keep him informed. They looked from the top of the fort and they saw a huge army with numerous elephants. They heard voices, saying that it was Alexander, the King of the Earth.





ALEXANDER’S ARRIVAL AT THE FORTRESS OF Q ATIL THE ZANG I , THE STORY
BETWEEN THE KING AND THE ZANG I S, AND THE SEIZURE OF THE FORT It is divinely narrated that when Alexander pitched his tent there, the King of the Zangı¯s said, ‘We must ask why he has arrived here. Has he come to wage war or will he only cross our land?’ His men answered, ‘We do not know this.’ In that fort, there were 7,000 cannibal Zangı¯s; each ate a whole ox every day. And in books and early written sources, it is stated that the Zangı¯s were the remainders of the tribes of ‘Ad and ‘Uj.48 They had huge bodies and their heads were as big as a mountain [lahd]. Their mouths were like the entrance of a cave and their teeth were like the tusks of a boar. They dispatched a messenger of the Zangı¯s to Alexander. The Zangı¯ was bigger and fiercer than the rest. The attendants informed Alexander, saying, ‘Someone has come who is as fierce as a dragon and more overwhelming than the fairies we experienced. Even the elephants and the horses rushed to see him.’ Alexander held the Great Names of God and sat on his throne. The men and the elephants were gathered Alexander’s tent. When the Zangı¯ approached the tent, they did not allow him to enter, asking first for permission from Alexander. Alexander gave them permission. The Zangı¯ entered and prostrated himself before Alexander. His appearance terrified Alexander, who asked, ‘What do you want?’ The messenger replied, ‘Qa¯til the Zangı¯, the King of the cannibal Zangı¯s, asks you what you want here.’ Alexander said, ‘Tell him that I have come to seize your fort, to destroy your army under the feet of my elephants and to slay each one of you.’ The Zangı¯ raised his hand to capture Alexander, paying no attention to the 10,000 Turkish slaves of Alexander’s household, who were guarding Alexander and holding their unsheathed swords. When the Zangı¯ raised his hand to capture Alexander, Alexander, holding the Great Names of God, rose and drew his sword. The Zangı¯ stretched his arm to unfasten a stone club from his belt. He squashed the ground, roaring so loud that some women and

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children in Alexander’s army were killed. Meanwhile Alexander was standing and the slaves were on their feet there with their swords drawn. Yet the Zangı¯ ignored them. Only Aristotle knew how to deal with the Zangı¯. He ordered the soldiers to bring the stuffed head of the other Zangı¯ and throw it at the foot of the throne. By divine intervention, the two Zangı¯s were brothers. As the Zangı¯ looked at the head, Aristotle ordered the men to assault him. The slaves took him by the sword and cut him to pieces. Except for his head, no other part of his body remained intact. Alexander ordered them to bury the body, but to save both of the heads. They acted accordingly. The Zangı¯s waited one or two days for the return of the messenger, but he did not appear. On the third day, they sent another Zangı¯ to Alexander, more frightening than the first one. The Zangı¯s ordered him to ask Alexander, ‘Why are you here? What are you planning to do? If you want to cross this land, pay the road toll. If you came for another reason, then you must make it clear!’ The King was informed that a Zangı¯ had left the fort and was heading to the camp. He ordered his men to carry his throne to the field and cover all the elephants with iron. He said to the drivers, ‘Watch for my signal and if the messenger of Zangı¯s swears or acts impolitely, do as I say. He should do no more than deliver his message and leave.’ On his way, the Zangı¯ asked Alexander’s soldiers what had happened to the first Zangı¯ messenger. They replied that no one had gone to them. The Zangı¯ was perplexed. When he came before Alexander’s throne, he bowed and said, ‘The sovereign of Zangı¯s, King Qa¯til, says thus, “I sent a messenger to make inquiries about you. You did not send him back. Why? What are you after in this region? If you want to cross our land, pay the road toll and leave in peace. If you have another aim, say it.”’ Alexander replied to the messenger, ‘First, except for you none of his men has come to us. Regarding your second query, that is, my purpose, I am heading to the place where the sun rises and I descend from the West. In my worldwide journey, I have faced more dreadful enemies than you. I have crossed various great kingdoms, bringing the East and the West under my rule. Every king on earth has obeyed my commands. I spilled the blood of those who defied me. I have made a stop in this land to relieve mankind from your annoyance, to conquer this fort and destroy every one of you by God’s grace.’ The Zangı¯, who was wise and held his life dear, said, ‘I will convey this message and we will see how he will respond.’ On his way back, the Zangı¯ saw the awe-inspiring sight of the elephants, the soldiers and the camp. When he went back to the Zangı¯s, he repeated Alexander’s answer exactly as he had heard it. The King of the Zangı¯s was not pleased at all. He rose and caught the messenger, pulling and cutting off his ears, saying, ‘How dare you repeat these words before me? Why did you not take him down from his throne when he uttered these words? You should have caused chaos upon them, even if the size of their army was 1,000 times bigger.’ He removed the messenger from office and sent another messenger, more terrifying than the previous one, ordering him, ‘Go and tell Alexander that if he does not leave this region, I will descend my fort and destroy him and his men like a multitude of ants. If he gives a rude answer, tear him limb from limb and do not be afraid!’

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The rude Zangı¯ came to Alexander’s tent and was granted admission. Alexander asked him, ‘What do you want?’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘I am here to tell you to depart from this land. Or else, King Qa¯til says he will come to cut you and your men to pieces.’ Alexander replied, ‘Let him know that I will leave this land when everyone of you is dead. I will capture the fort from you and you will be retributed for what you have done to mankind.’ Aristotle said, ‘It cannot be done otherwise.’ All of a sudden, the Zangı¯ jumped and took Aristotle down from the golden chair. The army fell into chaos. Alexander rose, drew his anvil-cutting sword and hit the Zangı¯ on the neck. The soldiers fell upon the Zangı¯ and cut him to pieces, burying his body but keeping his head. The next day, Alexander departed and came near to the fort at one parasang’s distance from it. He commanded his soldiers to beat the drums and blow the horns, making a great noise. In the morning, the Zangı¯ messenger did not return. The King of the Zangı¯s summoned the one-eared messenger to his presence and said, ‘Our first messenger did not return, and the other one I dispatched yesterday has not come back! What happened? Go, ask and inform us about the latest development because their army has approached the fort.’ When the Zangı¯ arrived, he went to Alexander’s presence, bowed and acted as accustomed. He said, ‘O King, the first messenger who came to your presence has not returned. The day before yesterday another was sent and he has not returned either.’ Alexander said, ‘No one else but you has come here. But we have heard that a bride is being brought to you. They might have gone to bid her welcome.’49 When the oneeared Zangı¯ heard this, he rose, prostrated himself before Alexander and returned. He said to Qa¯til, ‘The messenger did not go to Alexander. Apparently Alexander has dispatched his men to seize the bride, and both of our men were informed of this and rushed to rescue her.’ When King Qa¯til heard this, he armed 100 men and dispatched them [to look for the messengers and the bride]. They descended the fort in the night. The fairies saw them and notified Alexander, who sent 100 elephants with 1,000 brave horsemen to the seashore, saying to them, ‘The Zangı¯s will certainly come. Slay whomever you come across and throw them under the feet of the elephants.’ They went to the seashore and as they found no one there, they waited. After an hour, the Zangı¯s arrived and asked them about their identity. They replied, ‘We are Alexander’s soldiers!’ The Zangı¯s asked, ‘What do you want here?’ They replied, ‘We have come to capture Qa¯til’s bride and take her to Alexander.’ The Zangı¯s said, ‘We will not allow you,’ and they started fighting. It was a great battle and the Zangı¯s were very strong. They fought against the elephants and beat down two or three of them, slaying some of the men. Thus, Alexander’s soldiers were afraid of the Zangı¯s. They went on fighting, but they could not emerge victorious. They brought the elephants into the battleground but it was in vain. God inspired Alexander to send them aid. He sent 1,000 horsemen and 500 elephants. Meanwhile, the fighting became fierce. The Zangı¯s had slaughtered ten elephants and slain many of the soldiers. The aid arrived when Alexander’s troops were about to abandon the battleground. The soldiers cried, ‘God is greatest! Here

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comes King Alexander!’ They moved against the Zangı¯s and set the elephants on them. They slew each one of them, cut off their heads and took them to Alexander. He told them to stick the heads on lances, cry aloud, beat the drums and blow the horns. Alexander’s men shed tears of joy. The Zangı¯s looked from the fort, saw them celebrating and felt the uproar. When they saw the heads of their own people stuck on lances, they wept. One Zangı¯ out of 100 Zangı¯s managed to escape. He went back to the fort and said, ‘O King, all the Zangı¯s were slain. The army is still near the sea and the bride has not arrived yet. We must be on guard, because much jewellery was sent with the bride. They must not take hold of this wealth.’ King Qa¯til prepared 1,000 men, sending them to the seashore to guard the bride. The fairies informed Alexander of this and he was pleased, saying, ‘Let them stay there, for we will do nothing today.’ At night Alexander himself rode his horse and said to the fairies, ‘Go and draw information about them!’ After a while the fairies returned, saying, ‘O King! Everyone is asleep and dead to this world.’ Alexander, with 5,000 fine horsemen and 200 elephants, surprised them at night. Of the 1,000 Zangı¯s, ten managed to escape. Alexander had the heads of the dead put upon lances and carried before the host. His men were happy with the victory. Yet the Zangı¯s were angered and said, ‘Tomorrow we will fight from the fort.’ The next day the leaders of the Zangı¯s and their men attacked Alexander’s army with arrows and stones from the ramparts. Alexander and his soldiers were alarmed, and many came under attack and were wounded by the arrows and the stones, for the enemy was above them and they could not fight back. Alexander was at a loss. At night the armies retired. Alexander was saddened. He thought, ‘What can I do? It is hard to fight them while they are high above. We are powerless against them, we will waste time and many of us will be slain.’ The fairies said, ‘O King! There is a pleasant garden called the Haft Anbar two parasangs from here. We would be better to camp there, for the Zangı¯s will think that we have fled. They will pursue us and thus we can fight them on the plain.’ Alexander replied, ‘If we depart from here, they will never pursue us. Yet some of them might go to the seashore, looking for the bride.’ In the evening, Alexander went to the Haft Anbar Garden and there he saw a garden like a paradise on earth. He inquired, ‘Whose garden is this?’ They replied, ‘There was a king called Mahjasb in this country and this garden belonged to his daughter, ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t.’ Alexander pitched his tent in the garden. In the morning, the Zangı¯s discovered that Alexander’s army was missing. They said, ‘Alexander escaped!’ One of them left the fort to discover where the footprints of the horses led. The footprints led to the Haft Anbar Garden and he informed Qa¯til, saying, ‘Alexander has moved to the Haft Anbar Garden. I wonder what scheme this is.’ At night, the King of the Zangı¯s dispatched in secret 1,000 men from the fort and ordered them to stay at the seashore. They went to the seashore, called a ship and boarded it, aiming to find the bride. After sailing for a day, they saw a ship nearing from the opposite direction with much wealth and property, slave girls and a great amount of musk and ambergris. They had

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piled them in a second fort and were sending it to the King of the Zangı¯s. When the Zangı¯s came to the ship, they inquired where the bride was. They were informed that she had been sent to them ten days before, with a Zangı¯ and an abundance of gold and jewellery. The Zangı¯s claimed that she had not arrived. The fairies went to Alexander and informed him of these developments. Alexander realised that the Zangı¯s would come back soon. Hence, he sent a large number of his soldiers with some elephants to the seashore, commanding the fairies to go to the sea and keep watch for the Zangı¯s’ arrival. The men stopped at the seashore. Alexander had a feeling that his army would come to harm. One day, they saw more ships sailing towards the shore. The fairies informed Alexander that the Zangı¯s had returned with much wealth, the size of which only the Almighty knows! Then Alexander along with his army came to the seashore waiting until the day that they came out of the sea. When the ships came to the shallow waters, Alexander came out of the sea suddenly and his army did the same from the other side. They did not have any information and it was still dark. They drew their swords and killed 2,000 men except for five or six! They killed the rest, confiscated their property and returned. They came to the Haft Anbar Garden and when it was midday, Alexander rested from that victory. Then he performed ablutions, went to the prayer room and thanked the Almighty. He prayed, saying, ‘O Master! Help me to take this fort because I detest these infidels!’ When the fugitives entered the fort, Qa¯til said to them, ‘What is the situation?’ They replied, ‘When we came out of the sea, it was still dark. Alexander’s army attacked us from both sides and killed everyone. We fled and they took your bride along with others. You were not informed of their arrival. Today there are so many riches aboard the ship the size of which cannot be estimated!’ Qa¯til was scared to death by this cheating! He thought to himself, ‘Where did he take the bride? I kept an eye on her every day. Did something happen to the bride in the sea, was taken to the island or has this Zangı¯ tricked me? I will clear this out today!’ He dispatched two Zangı¯s as big as demons to Alexander as messengers, asking, ‘Tell me what is going on, for my case with you has been so prolonged and much hatred has erupted. You have abducted my wife! If you want peace with me, return this girl to me! As for the property you took from me, keep it and I will send you more! Cross this land and leave or else you will be in trouble! And your life will be scattered like dust!’ Then the messenger approached a garden. Alexander was informed that two Zangı¯s had come as messengers. He said, ‘Bring them in!’ When they came in, they prostrated themselves before him and said, ‘Qa¯til says that our enmity has lasted too long. It is better to make peace! First, you kidnapped my wife and this move cannot be accepted by kings! You must return my wife and I give you the jewellery and property you took. Then we can make peace!’ Alexander thought, ‘The Angel told me, “They will come to you for a reason and thus you will take the fort.” The reason is this woman. I must not tell them that I hold this woman until the Zangı¯s take the sea route for this reason. I will kill them and I will destroy all of them!’ Then Alexander gave this answer, ‘Know that we do not hold and we did not kidnap any woman! If we had taken her, we would have told you that! We do not have her! There

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can be no peace between us! Tell him that it is impossible to conclude peace because he has killed my men and I have killed his men! How can we make peace? The story between you and me is the story of the snake and the villager. In this story, the snake said to the villager, “As long as I look at my cut tail and you at your killed son, there can never be any friendship and peace between us.”’ And the story of the snake and the villager is famous! It has been narrated here briefly. ‘O Zangı¯! Also beware that there can be no peace between you and me and we have not taken your wife! Search for your wife and do not throw this calumny upon us!’ The messengers returned and informed Qa¯til. He said, ‘He speaks truthfully! He did not take my wife. Immediately select thirty men and go to the seashore. There might be a story or news there! Leave the fort disguised so that no one notices you!’ Then those thirty Zangı¯ men left the fort disguised. There were four walls and they hid there until morning. Then the fairies came and said to Alexander, ‘King Alexander must send 500 horsemen and 100 elephants. They went to the seashore that very night. They saw the Zangı¯s who were a few and were asleep deeply. When they woke up, they rose and looked for the ship, but there was no ship. Alexander’s army attacked them and killed all thirty men. They brought their heads and put them on the ground. Then they came and returned to the camp happy!’ That night it was Ara¯qı¯t’s turn to sleep with Alexander. When he came in, he took Ara¯qı¯t’s hand and said, ‘Come to see a wonder!’ And he took her to the Haft Anbar Garden. He led her to that image of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t [Source of Life] and there was writing on it and he showed it to her! Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! She is ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t, the daughter of Mahjasb! And there are many wonders related to her, for example, if you listen to her voice, you may forget your kingship!’ Alexander said, ‘Tomorrow I will call the old man to narrate this story to me.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘What can an old man say? Ask me to narrate this story and I will reveal it like the sun! You will hear about so many wonders that you will be astonished!’ The next morning the old man came and Alexander took him to Ara¯qı¯t. She said, ‘Tell me what you know about the story of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t and the throwing of the chicken into the rare sack of the sea where there was the image of the ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t; and also about the story of their love.’ This story is very famous and Hakim Ansari has compiled it and people often remember it. We have referred to this briefly in order not to deviate from Alexander’s story.50 The old man had not finished narrating this story to Alexander, when the fairies came in, bringing the news about the Zangı¯s. He said, ‘I would like to hear some stories tomorrow.’ Qa¯til did not know that those thirty men had been killed. He heard that they would return but they did not. He prepared 100 Zangı¯s and said, ‘Go to the seashore and look for the ship. Go to that fort and say, “O you foul one! Are you not able to bring a woman from that fort to this fort in the last four months?”’ A hundred men left that fort and Qa¯til strengthened them with these words, ‘Fear not and go! For King Alexander sees the Garden and is preoccupied, listening to the love story of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t and other wonders. As long as he deals with these, he will not fight.’ They left the fort with brave spirits and reached the seashore on the same day. There was no ship around and they

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spent the night there. The fairies came and informed the King, who rose and came to face them with much army that night. The Zangı¯s were asleep. He assaulted them, killing all of them, except for ten of them whom they brought back alive and in chains. As for the rest, they buried them. Alexander was asked, ‘Why do not we throw them to the sea so that we may avoid the trouble of digging the earth?’ He replied, ‘We cannot do this because the sea will not take them to the bottom and they will remain on the surface. In this case, the Zangı¯s would be informed about their deaths and would come out of their fort, making our mission difficult!’ Then the King ordered them to bury the Zangı¯s and to bring their heads to him. Then he went to the Garden to see what was going to happen. After five days, the fairies came, saying, ‘A ship from that fort is coming! There are ten Zangı¯s on board and they have no property with them. Yet there are some provisions. What is your order?’ He said, ‘Let them go and reach that fort and inform the King of the Zangı¯s!’ They let them pass and they went to the fort, free to rest themselves. Then the King of the Zangı¯s asked them, ‘O, cowards! Where is my bride?’ They replied, ‘O King! There has been a month since we sent her to the West!’ Qa¯til said, ‘During this week, we sent once thirty men and another time 100 men!’ They replied, ‘No one came!’ He asked them, ‘Did you come from the sea?’ ‘Yes,’ they replied. ‘Did you see an army?’ he inquired. ‘No,’ they replied. They said, ‘No, we came in peace and in trust!’ Then King Qa¯til said, ‘Something important happened to those Zangı¯s in the sea. Did you hear anything about the destruction of a ship?’ They replied, ‘Before we came some people said that there is a strong wind which destroys ships. Alas! The King sent us to check whether the ship of the bride had been destroyed.’ Qa¯til said, ‘Ah! What if the bride has fallen into the sea and has reached an island? We do not know what is going on!’ When the Zangı¯s I sent, hear this story, they will all go to that island. Let’s wait for another week so that there might be some good news. If there is no news, then I will dispatch 1,000 men to search for the ship of the bride. The Zangı¯s said, ‘O King! You know who this bride is and how many tricks we contrived and what bravery we displayed to bring her from Turkestan. Also you know how much gold, jewellery and property we had put in the chest! They were incomparable in size!’ Then Qa¯til said, ‘An enemy like Alexander has come. He is the King of the East and West and he has encamped at the Haft Anbar Garden. He killed 1,000 of our men and we sent 1,400 men to search for the bride but no one has returned! Our army has been reduced in numbers and, God forbid, if Alexander knows this and launches an assault, then what are we going to do?’ They replied, ‘They will return and we must send someone to that fort where there are 10,000 men so that 2,000 or 3,000 men come to our assistance!’ Qa¯til said, ‘I will dispatch another messenger today to Alexander to see what he is thinking!’ Then that Zangı¯ with the cut ears was dispatched to Alexander with this message, ‘Why are you in the Garden? If you want to fight come out! If again you want peace, then let’s make peace and you can cross our land in peace and we will send you the provisions you require!’ The Zangı¯ with the cut ears came to Alexander, who said to him ‘Once more I am telling you that there can be no peace between us! I told you not to bother me because I am preoccupied with listening and writing the story of the

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‘Ayn al-Haya¯t. I hope that you will find your woman and this bad suspicion about us will be removed; for you were searching for that woman. Look for her and you will return for there and I will depart from here, even if we start fighting!’ The Zangı¯s returned and said these to Qa¯til. The latter said, ‘I knew that he has been preoccupied with the story of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t because these stories are full of wisdom and they write them down. And he was the first one of them to know this story because he is the King of the World and kings make use of these stories! Now we must look for the bride.’





THE STORY OF QATIL THE ZANG I WHO SENT 2,000 MEN TO SEEK THE BRIDE, AND ALEXANDER’S SURPRISE ATTACK ON THEM It is divinely narrated that Qa¯til had sent his soldiers together in search of the bride and that Alexander had them killed, without revealing this. Qa¯til waited until the next day and was patient with the dubious affairs of the present. He waited for one more week and he still had not received any news. Then he ordered 2,000 Zangı¯s to go to the seashore to build ships in order to sail around the island and to look for the bride. The 2,000 Zangı¯s left the fort and reached the seashore. They secured their position and once they had done so, the fairies informed Alexander about it. Alexander said, ‘Do not say anything today because there is nothing to be done today!’ The Zangı¯s came freely and without trouble to the seashore, looking for the ship. Alexander had said to the fairies, ‘When the Zangı¯s come across the ship, let me know so that our seamen will not give them the ship!’ The Zangı¯s sent someone to the fort, saying, ‘We have been here for two days and no one from Alexander’s army has searched for us and there has been no problem! Tomorrow when the ship is ready, we will depart.’ Qa¯til thought, ‘I knew that Alexander is preoccupied with the story of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t and that he has not taken my bride!’ Thus, he was assured. That night the fairies came and said to Alexander, ‘The Zangı¯s are at the seashore feeding themselves with false hopes and they do not think of King Alexander!’ That night he prepared 10,000 elite horsemen and 1,000 elephants. He rose and ordered the fairies to draw the Magic Circle around the Zangı¯s so that they could not come out of it. They attacked the Zangı¯s when they were asleep and killed them all, except ten or fifteen who were captured alive. As for the rest, they cut off their heads from their corpses. Alexander ordered that the corpses of the 2,000 men be thrown into a ditch, that soil be brought and thrown over it. They covered the corpses and Alexander stood there until the day was over. He ordered sea water to be poured over the corpses until they were fully covered. Alexander supervised all of this. A few of the dead wore armour but there was no booty in particular. He collected the few armour and then asked, ‘Where is the sailor?’ The sailor came and Alexander gave him gold and riches, saying, ‘Leave the seashore and go far away so that nobody sees you and asks you this question.’ Then he returned gloriously and victoriously to the Haft Anbar Garden to thank the Almighty by humbling and lamenting. When night came he started listening to the story of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t and Ara¯qı¯t knew this story very well! She narrated this to Alexander and

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that night Alexander was preoccupied with this. And we have said, that a part of this book is about Alexander’s story.51 The story of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t is pleasant and famous. Now let’s return to the story of Zangı¯s!52 After a few days and the death of the 2,000 Zangı¯s, Qa¯til had no information of what had happened to them. Every day he calculated how many days had passed and they did not return. He thought to himself, ‘Ah! My rule will come to an end! Alexander is preoccupied at the palace of the Haft Anbar Garden and he will come here! I had 7,000 Zangı¯ men and of these I dispatched 5,000! Some of them were killed and some others went in search of the bride. Yet they have not been found yet! I do not know what happened to them!’ He was greatly astonished and he did not know what to do. Alexander summoned the experts and he was preoccupied at the palace of the Haft Anbar Garden. He said to them, ‘I will improve this garden!’ and he stayed there. One day the fairies came before Alexander, saying, ‘Ten Zangı¯ men are heading to the fort and they have ships which are full of so much rice and other provisions that their quantity cannot be described.’ Alexander said, ‘The Almighty has sent these to us! But now go so that we can go to the fort.’ He asked Aristotle, ‘What is your opinion? Should I send someone to Qa¯til to tell him that these riches are ours and to send them to us?’ Aristotle replied, ‘Yes! The King knows better!’ Then Alexander said, ‘No, [I will not act thus] for the Zangı¯s say that they want peace and thus it will come to nothing. I will send no one!’ When the Zangı¯s transferred the provisions to the fort, Qa¯til asked them, ‘Where is the bride?’ They replied, ‘O King! It has been a month since we sent the bride to that Zangı¯!’ He said, ‘I have heard these words but she has disappeared! I have sent thirty men!’ They replied, ‘O King! We did not see them.’ He added, ‘I sent another 100 men after those thirty men!’ They replied, ‘O King! We did not see them either!’ He continued saying, ‘I sent 2,000 men to the sea during these two days in search of them.’ They said, ‘O King! We saw many ships departing from a distance. But that was all!’ Qa¯til inquired, ‘When you came from the sea, did you come from your side up to here?’ They said, ‘When we came from the sea, it took us half a day. We rested there. Then we departed for the fort.’ Qa¯til asked, ‘Did you not see anyone from Alexander’s army?’ They replied, ‘O King! We saw them from a distance and they also spotted us. But they did not come after and we heard their war drums.’ Qa¯til said, ‘He is preoccupied at the palace of the Haft Anbar Garden.’ Then he said to those Zangı¯s, ‘I want you to go and to return bringing me news shortly. Go to my brother and ask him from where he has brought that girl, and let it alone. Ask whether he can dispatch his army to bring the girl. We are waiting here day and night. You must return soon and inform me. The name of the commander whom I dispatched with 2,000 men is Sandal. Look for him in the sea and bring him back to me!’ Then the fairies came and revealed this news to Alexander, warning him. Then Alexander sent two elephants with 100 horsemen and arrested the Zangı¯s, taking them to Alexander. He chained them. He had also captured another forty Zangı¯s! And Qa¯til knew nothing about it. Being imprudent, he waited day and night for the bride to come. Then he thought to himself, ‘It may be prudent to send something from these provisions to Alexander. Maybe we can achieve peace.’ The Zangı¯s said, ‘It sounds wise!’

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Qa¯til loaded 100 kharva¯r of rice, dates and honey, pomegranates, fat chickens, pieces of walnuts, manna and raisins onto camels. A man must take these to Alexander in haste to see what he is going to say. The cut-eared messenger said, ‘This is my task!’ When the messenger came and brought these gifts, Alexander was astonished, saying, ‘Someone becomes expert by practising. In the world there is nothing better than these ones. There is nothing better than telling someone his good faith! I mentioned that God has provided us with these provisions. This is how it happened.’ Alexander said to the Zangı¯, ‘I cannot take them! But since you brought them, we cannot give them back. For the Almighty has created whatever exists in the fort: property, provisions, beasts of burden and food. He has given us everything in a short time. We are like the Angel of Death for them! But beware, O Zangı¯, that I have showed you mercy every time. Today and the day I am going to take that fort, I will again show you mercy.’ He ordered them to dress him with a robe of honour and they treated him kindly. After the Zangı¯ received the robe of honour, he returned to the fort. He was a brave and cunning man and he did not mention anything of these terrifying words of Alexander. Qa¯til asked him, ‘How did you manage to return?’ He replied, ‘I managed it through your exaltation!’ Qa¯til grew confident and happy. After some days, those Zangı¯s who had come out of the fort had been captured by Alexander. Day and night Qa¯til waited for some news about them but it was in vain. However, some commanders were brought for incursion and they came out for this reason. When they reached the seashore, the fairies left to inform Alexander that Zangı¯s had arrived from that fort and had taken much booty from the nobility. They are coming on a ship, claiming with terror and cries, ‘This is our property.’ When Alexander heard this, he asked, ‘How many Zangı¯s are there?’ They replied, ‘Forty!’ Alexander sent forty elephants and 1,000 horsemen, saying, ‘Capture them and bring them here!’ When Alexander’s army reached the seashore, the Zangı¯s had not yet arrived. When they arrived, the ship with the oppressed people seeking justice also arrived. The travellers had heard that Alexander was at the seashore and it happened that the Greek nobility was there. They had come to Turkestan because of the arrogance of those men and because they had heard that Alexander was at the seashore and that he was heading to the place where the sun rises! When they came to the seashore, it was midday. They could hear the sound of the war drums shaking the world. The travellers became happy and said, ‘King Alexander is here!’ When they came out of the sea, they saw the army and the elephants. They cried aloud and Alexander’s army assaulted the Zangı¯s. The elephants were fiery towards them, killing some of them under their feet. Then they captured some of the enemies and took the booty to Alexander. When the Zangı¯s saw Alexander’s face, they were very frightened. They fell onto their knees, begging him, ‘We are dervishes and the King of Zangı¯s dispatched us to his brother!’ Alexander ordered them, ‘Return the silk clothes and the property of the merchants so that I may know it!’ They replied, ‘O King! We did not participate in the raid against the caravan because we were at the fort. He ordered us to take the silk clothes and go to the fort. They came after us.’ Alexander noticed one of those gigantic Zangı¯s.

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He said to him, ‘Tell the truth about whatever I ask you!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘I will!’ Alexander inquired, ‘Where did you bring this caravan from?’ He replied, ‘O King! Beware that there were 100 men of us and along with our commander we came out of the fort. The caravan sailed on the sea. All these silk clothes belonged to that caravan and we took them by force!’ Alexander asked, ‘Is that all?’ They replied, ‘Yes, this is all! Yet thirty of the Greek merchants were killed.’ Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Listen to their names!’ The Greeks gave their names and Aristotle knew everybody except for a few of them. He said to Alexander, ‘They are all Greek merchants.’ Those who were ready said their names and many of them were familiar with Alexander’s soldiers. The soldiers recognised them! Alexander then ordered someone to ride an elephant and go to the fort and to call for the cut-eared Zangı¯. The fairies were ready and said, ‘O King! Let us go for a moment and we will return!’ Alexander said, ‘All right!’ When the fairies left, he ordered them to chain those Zangı¯s. There were 200 Greek merchants. They gave them shelter at the lodgings of Aristotle and Alexander provided them with clothes and food. The merchants said, ‘O King! Thirty of our children have been captured by the Zangı¯s, who also captured forty of our men. And there was no room on that ship, so they loaded them onto another ship. They took them along with much booty. On that ship, there are also eighty Zangı¯s who descended from their fort.’ When Alexander heard these details, he rejoiced. He departed along with 1,000 horsemen. It is said that on that day Alexander mounted an elephant and when they reached the seashore, the Zangı¯s came off their ship, approached the fort and made a clamour. Alexander surrounded them and the Zangı¯s fought a battle. Alexander’s army was successful and they killed some of those eighty Zangı¯s and they captured some others. Two Zangı¯s escaped and went to King Qa¯til at the fort. When Qa¯til saw them covered in blood, he asked them, ‘What happened to you?’ They replied, ‘There were eighty of us Zangı¯s, bringing many riches on our ship. Then another ship came after us with forty men. They took the riches of the merchants. The Almighty protected the merchants who gave battle and some of them were killed. They took the other ship and went after them. They approached them and we took back the concubines, carpets, tools and everything they had. Their ship had left and another one came and its captain was an infidel Zangı¯. That time we travelled with him and we arrived today. We did not know that our persecutors were coming after us! When we are arrived at the seashore, they also did so. Some men from Alexander’s army were at the seashore. These Greeks recognised them, crying aloud and asking for help. They went towards them and we cried out to the fort. Suddenly the army and the elephants assaulted us. Some of us were killed under their feet, some others were taken captives and the two of us managed to escape. When Qa¯til heard this story by the Zangı¯s, he was astonished and said, ‘Alexander has summoned the cut-eared Zangı¯! Let’s wait for him and to see what he is going to say first!’ Then the King of the Zangı¯s was deeply troubled because of these developments. The fairies called the cut-eared Zangı¯. When Alexander returned from his victorious mission, he brought the mother of the Greek children. He entrusted them in God and they rejoiced, blessing and thanking Alexander! He said, ‘Do not thank me! Thank

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Commander of the Faithful!’ Then Alexander looked at the cut-eared Zangı¯. He said to the Zangı¯, ‘You must know that I spared your life in the past! But this shame of theft is unacceptable!’ In that situation, they had brought seventy Zangı¯s and forty others were in chains. In all, there were 110 Zangı¯s. Each one of them was equal to a palm tree or seventeen and eighteen tall tamarisk trees. When they brought each one of them, he sat on an elephant. Then Alexander ordered them to put a throne in the middle of the garden and he sat on it. They prepared the Greeks and the cut-eared Zangı¯ stood as a sign of trust next to Alexander. They brought those Zangı¯s, hitting them and beheading them until they killed 110 Zangı¯s. From that group of people, only ten people remained alive. The name of one of them was Sandal and another one was Kafur, while the names of the others were unknown. Alexander said in Greek to Aristotle, ‘Speak to the cut-eared one so that he asks them from me.’ Aristotle spoke to the cut-eared one, who said, ‘Beware that I am ready to die!’ Aristotle said, ‘Your life has been spared by Alexander. Fear not and go on!’ After this development was exclaimed, they took the dead bodies. Alexander ordered them to bring those ten corpses and said, ‘These are older than those ones. Their punishment must be bigger! Cut their hands and feet on a willow! Their right hand and left foot! Then hang them; they deserve the death of thieves!’ The cut-eared Zangı¯ fell to the ground before Alexander, saying, ‘O King! Spare their lives!’ Alexander laughed and said, ‘I spare their lives!’ He then ordered them to put them in chains and to send them to prison. Alexander said to the cut-eared one, ‘I have spared your life, you will stay next to me and I will make you an elite fighter in my army.’ The Zangı¯ put his head on the ground and said, ‘I swear to your life that I am going to hand in this man and this fort! I was so disappointed today!’ Then Alexander said, ‘By the grace of the Almighty, I control this fort.’ Then Alexander said, ‘Has the bride not returned yet?’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘Not yet! We are waiting for her and when she arrived I am going to take her to you and this is going to be the reward of Qa¯til. For what sin did I commit that he cut my ears?’ Alexander said to the cut-eared one, ‘Tell Qa¯til that as long as he is a thief and he blocks my way, I am going to stay here for now. Tell him whatever you saw here and come back to me. Bring camels with you so that I may send him back those provisions because now I do want to be indebted to him!’ The cut-eared Zangı¯ asked, ‘O King! How many camels should I bring?’ Alexander replied, ‘Bring 100 camels because I do not have food and it will cost us as much as expensive silk clothes!’ The cut-eared Zangı¯ came and entered the fort, revealing this story to Qa¯til. The name of the cut-eared one was Land. Qa¯til said to Land, ‘What did Alexander do?’ Land replied, ‘He killed 100 Zangı¯s and cut them to pieces. He also captured ten Zangı¯s.’ Qa¯til inquired, ‘Did he kill Sandal and Kafur?’ Land replied, ‘No! But he gave me a message for you to repent for your theft because he is going to stay here!’ He also narrated all the developments and threats he saw. Qa¯til wanted to die. Land said, ‘O King! I have some good news!’ ‘Tell me about it!’ Qa¯til said. ‘Alexander has not taken the bride and he asked about her.’ The King of the Zangı¯s said, ‘This is good! But what is the matter that she has not arrived yet and I am troubled?’ Land said, ‘O King! You will receive your gift! Alexander orders you to send 100 camels because I have run out of food.

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I will pay for it in the price of silk clothes.’ Qa¯til asked, ‘What is to be done?’ Land said, ‘It is better not to refuse!’ The next day, Land the Zangı¯ returned with 100 camels and ten Zangı¯s. Alexander was informed that the cut-eared Zangı¯ had come and he had brought the 100 camels and the sacks. He summoned him and praised him, saying, ‘Tonight stay here and take the sacks to the treasury. Tomorrow take the camels back so that we may not be indebted.’ Land, the Zangı¯, bowed and said, ‘O King! Why do you send these to him? I will deliver him to you this week in chains.’ Alexander said, ‘I already hold him. He did not accept my favour!’ Alexander ordered that the head of the Zangı¯ who held the bride be brought and all the other heads. They put all those heads into the sacks. Aristotle said, ‘We must send the head of that Zangı¯ who held the bride so that Qa¯til grows hopeful.’ Alexander said, ‘It is not appropriate to make him hopeful and able.’ Those heads were put into a piece of woven sackcloth. Then they closed them in each bale and sewed the heads in the sacks. Then they loaded them onto the camels. They threw a piece of brocade on the head of each camel. Early in the morning, the cut-eared Zangı¯ came. When Alexander saw the merchandise, he ordered them to set out in the morning. Land came to bow before Alexander and he was not given any load. He left with the camels and when he came close to the fort, he brought good news to Qa¯til, saying, ‘We came, bringing Alexander’s gifts! We must accept his gifts!’ The King of the Zangı¯s ordered them to beat the drums in the fort and much havoc was caused. The noise reached Alexander’s camp and he smiled. When they entered the fort, they brought the camels to Qa¯til’s palace and he ordered them to take them to the palace. The cut-eared Zangı¯ came to Qa¯til, prostrated himself before him and said, ‘Today you have accomplished everything in this world. Give these silk clothes to me!’ Qa¯til said, ‘Fifty of them are yours!’ Then Qa¯til ordered the Zangı¯s to get ready and to open the sacks. He had a chamberlain and said to him, ‘Write!’ When they opened the upper part of a sack, they took out that black sackcloth. The King of the Zangı¯s was marvelling at them, saying, ‘Open them up to see what is inside!’ When they opened it, they saw the head of the Zangı¯. Qa¯til’s eyes became red like blood and smoke came out of his chest! And they opened them all. His chamberlain was Khuja Zarif and had been in chains there for ten years. He was a captive. When he saw those developments, he rejoiced and his soul blossomed like a flower! The King of the Zangı¯s was angry and he could say nothing. Turmoil erupted amongst the Zangı¯s who looked at each other. The chamberlain grew hopeful and thought, ‘I will say something, one by one!’ He said, ‘O King! Should I write down the 2,000 heads one by one?’ The King of the Zangı¯s said, ‘O foul one! Write what? I have removed you from the position of chamberlain.’ He put his hands down; Qa¯til took the inkpot and the paper and tore it up. Then he threw them away. He had put a throne; he took hold of it to hit him with it. The chamberlain fled. Qa¯til said to Land, ‘What were you saying?’ Land said, ‘At night, they packed the sacks and told me to come in the morning and take them. When I went there, they had put these into the sacks and loaded them onto the camels. Then they took those silk cloths

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around the others. I saw the same and they summoned me before King Alexander. And I came.’ When the King of the Zangı¯s remained quiet, Land said, ‘O King! It is not appropriate to accept these clothes!’ Qa¯til became angry. He jumped, took Land’s ear and cut it! He said, ‘O foul one! You make me laugh!’ Land took his ear in blood and went to his home. He thought to himself, ‘If I do not hand him in to Alexander, then I am not a man! I will not tolerate this wretchedness.’ The King of the Zangı¯s had a brother and his name was Ra¯fi‘. He was in another fort. At that very moment, Qa¯til dispatched a Zangı¯, saying, ‘Go to my brother and tell him to rise, take all the Zangı¯s and do not come from this way. Follow the other way! Do not come from the seashore. It would be good if you come to the fort from the sea, for otherwise there will be enemies on your way!’ The fairy came and narrated to Alexander what happened to Land and his ear, and the story of the chamberlain. But as she did not know, she did not tell Alexander about the Zangı¯ who was dispatched to the other fort in order to inform Ra¯fi‘. On the second day, the King of the Zangı¯s said, ‘If I stay inactive, then I will be lost! I must send a messenger and give an answer to Alexander.’ He searched for the cut-eared Zangı¯. The other Zangı¯s said, ‘He is in trouble. We will not let him go!’ The King of the Zangı¯s remained silent until Land felt better. Alexander ordered them to gather the booty he had taken from the Zangı¯s and stored it there. They wrote the names of the merchants who had been killed. He summoned the Greek merchants and ordered them to take whatever they have been deprived of. All of them did so. Alexander also ordered them to write down the property of the killed merchants and they gave it to the other merchants so that they may bequeath it to them. They asked him, ‘O King! Where should we go? We want to be in your service!’ He replied, ‘This is my piece of advice.’ Those merchants stayed with Alexander who was preoccupied with the palace at the Haft Anbar Garden. In the meantime, Ara¯qı¯t became ill and Alexander was very concerned about her. After a few days her illness became worse and said to Alexander, ‘Call the fairies to take me to the mineral water!’ Alexander asked her, ‘Where is it?’ She replied, ‘It is on the left side of the Haft Anbar Garden at a distance of seven parasangs. There is warm water and when ill people get into this water, they are cured.’ Alexander paved the way and prepared the concubines, the servants and the army, sending Ara¯qı¯t along with her fairies, and they left. Now let’s return to the story of Zangı¯s.53 King Qa¯til rose and went to Land’s bedside. He said to him, ‘Wake up and go as a messenger to Alexander!’ Land said to Qa¯til, ‘What was my sin that you cut both of my ears? Now if you do not give me the clothes, I will not go as a messenger!’ Qa¯til ordered his men, ‘Give him forty pieces of clothes!’ And they did so. Then Qa¯til said, ‘Go and tell Alexander that if I leave a single man of your army alive, then I am not Qa¯til! I have controlled this fort for seventy years. Nobody has threatened me and I will not allow you to do so! I have dispatched someone and I have summoned my brother along with his army so that I can destroy you and your army!’ Land said, ‘O King! I do not dare to convey this message!’ There were two enormous Zangı¯s and each

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one of them had fought against 1,000 men. Qa¯til ordered both of them to come and they left with Land. When they came out of the fort and came close, Alexander was informed that Land had arrived and that he was accompanied by the two enormous Zangı¯s. He ordered them to let them come in. Then the three of them came in and, when they saw Alexander, they prostrated themselves before him. Alexander ordered Land to convey the message that he had. Land said, ‘The King of the Zangı¯s spoke thus, “I have had this fort for seventy years and nobody dared to do what you have been attempting! If I leave anyone of your men alive, then I am not Qa¯til!”’54 When Alexander heard this, he said, ‘Arrest them because they have been presumptuous!’ Alexander’s intention was to make them feel terrified. Land spoke to his followers in the language of Zangı¯s, telling them to surrender and he remained silent. Alexander’s soldiers encircled them but they could not arrest them. Aristotle said, ‘O King! They are messengers!’ Alexander replied, ‘I have not concluded any treaty with them because they are cannibals. And if there is a messenger, that is Land. The other two came to support him.’ Alexander’s army and slaves could not arrest the two Zangı¯s. Land knew that they could not do him any harm. He stood up, grasped one of his followers and threw him down like a palm tree. Both of them said, ‘You are hopeless!’ Land thought, ‘Why should my two ears have been cut off?’ Then Land said, ‘O King! Please, I swear to your soul and life, order me to cut the ears of these two!’ Then he cut off the ears of the two Zangı¯s and at that very moment, they beheaded the two Zangı¯s. They took their skulls and put them on Land’s neck. They put him on an elephant and sent him out of the fort, returning him to Qa¯til. He took the two skulls off his head. The King of the Zangı¯s asked, ‘What is this?’ Land answered, ‘The Zangı¯s surrendered. The three of us were arrested and they wanted to kill us. Their commander summoned us and said, “He is the messenger!” Then they killed the two Zangı¯s and put their skulls on my neck. Then they put me on an enormous elephant and brought me before the fort.’ After Land said these words, he took the two skulls and threw them down and fell to the earth. Qa¯til said, ‘All the trouble comes from this man. He is now doing to me whatever I did to mankind.’ Land said, ‘He has done nothing yet!’ Qa¯til asked, ‘What is to be done now?’ Land said, ‘I am not going as a messenger any more and I will not allow myself to do such a thing!’ Then the King of the Zangı¯s replied, ‘Alexander does not know who you are and he knows you as a messenger! Be strong because this week my brother, Ra¯fi‘, is coming with his army! Then things will come to an end.’ Land replied, ‘O King! We must abandon our fort and abandon any efforts to defeat Alexander!’ Qa¯til replied, ‘When the army arrives, we will not need to abandon the fort and we will be happy then!’





THE STORY OF RAFI‘ THE ZANG I , WHO CAME TO THE AID OF HIS BROTHER, AND THEIR WAR AGAINST ALEXANDER It is divinely narrated that after Qa¯til conveyed a message to his brother, Ra¯fi‘, along with 7,000 Zangı¯s who were at his fort, set out to his brother’s. He came from the sea and when they had come close, the fairies informed Alexander that 7,000 Zangı¯s who were at that

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fort had set out to come to this fort, that they were coming by sea and that today they would reached the seashore. Alexander asked his commanders, ‘What is to be done now?’ The Zangı¯s came to the seashore and attacked openly! Alexander prostrated himself before the Almighty and said, ‘O God! Guide me so as to know what I must do! I will let them go to the fort until the Almighty shows His will.’ The Zangı¯s went to the fort, taking with them numerous provisions. Both brothers saw each other and lamented the murdered Zangı¯s. Amongst those skulls that Alexander had sent, they looked for the skull of the Zangı¯ who had kept the bride. They did not find it. They grew hopeful and said, ‘He has not come back yet!’ They thought, ‘We must search for him before we engage in warfare.’ Then they summoned Land and dispatched him to Alexander with this message: ‘Every day we must fight on the parapet until the evening prayers.’ When Land came and delivered this message to Alexander, he was astonished by this message but he did not show his surprise. Alexander thought to himself, ‘I will see what I am going to do.’ Land said, ‘O King! Let me go and I will come to you at night.’ He left and returned to the fort of Zangı¯s. He said, ‘I went and delivered the message to Alexander. He ordered me to act as follows. However, as far as I know, the bride has come very close.’ The fairies informed Alexander and 1,000 horsemen with ten enormous elephants had left. Ra¯fi‘ inquired, ‘Are the fairies Alexander’s supporters?’ Qa¯til said, ‘Yes! And when he conquered their region, he married Ara¯qı¯t. He did to the demons things what cannot be said!’ Ra¯fi‘ regretted coming. He said, ‘Ah! The forts and lives of both of us are history!’ Then he asked Land, ‘Where did you hear this from?’ He replied, ‘This news was spreading around in the camp!’ Ra¯fi‘ asked, ‘What is to be done?’ They said, ‘Let’s prepare 2,000 men and send them to the seashore.’ They agreed on this and they spent that night drinking! That night, Land reached Alexander’s camp and said, ‘O King! Tomorrow morning send an army to the seashore, I may be able to surrender the two Zangı¯s to you.’ He returned immediately and when he arrived at the fort, the porter of the fort knew that the King of the Zangı¯s had sent him on a mission. He was one of the trustworthy men of Qa¯til and he opened the door. Land entered the fort and in the morning 50,000 men from Alexander’s camp arrived at the seashore. The Zangı¯s had not arrived yet. When Alexander noticed that they had not arrived yet, he dispersed his army at the seashore and hid them behind the sand hills. When it was time for the prayers of the next day, 1,000 Zangı¯s came to the seashore and searched for the ship. They did not find it. They prepared themselves and said to the sailor, ‘How many ships must we have? We must disperse ourselves in order to find the bride!’ They constructed some ships and they agreed to do the right thing and leave. A group of fairies informed Alexander about these developments. Alexander said, ‘It is obvious that I must kill them all when they are asleep.’ The first night came and it was time for rest. They all slept well. Suddenly Alexander came out of his ambush position and his army attacked the Zangı¯s from the four sides. They drew their swords and assaulted the Zangı¯s. They were merciless and guarded the road. They did not let anyone survive. Whoever died left and whoever stayed was taken captive. Alexander returned to his camp happy. It was still dark and his men were

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asleep. They were not informed about the movements of the Zangı¯s who were in the fort. The Zangı¯s are stupid and the Almighty has created them as such, idiots, fools, unwise and foul. Land knew that their end was close. Alexander had a good thought and said, ‘We must certainly not search for them many times per day until Land comes and we see what he is going to say.’ Alexander was thinking of Ara¯qı¯t that night. In the morning, he got up and along with 2,000 horsemen left to see Ara¯qı¯t. She had recovered from that illness and was cured. When Alexander arrived there and saw that she had been cured, he rejoiced. He thanked the Almighty and then he took her and they came together to the Garden. Alexander stayed there for five days and then left. When he returned, he asked Aristotle, ‘Did anyone come?’ ‘No!’ Aristotle replied. After two or three days, Alexander said to his soldiers, ‘We have stayed here for long, making the Haft Anbar Garden habitable and getting rid of the demons and the fairies. Now these Zangı¯s have left. We must not show weakness! Let’s take the fort from them!’ His soldiers replied, ‘We are at your disposal and ready for whatever you order!’ Alexander ordered, ‘Prepare 10,000 archers so that they may fight tomorrow morning and we see what the will of God is!’ Then 10,000 archers from Pa¯rs, Kerman and Iran came. He divided them into four sections, giving each section a part of the fort. Other horsemen came to the fort with the drums and the elephants, making a lot of noise. When the Zangı¯s came next to the fort, an arrow like a bee came against their face and was deterred. Every Zangı¯ wore armour and came before the fort, fighting until the evening prayers. Nobody from Alexander’s army was harmed. By contrast, they killed 200 Zangı¯s with their arrows. As a result, the rest of Zangı¯s were disheartened by the activity of the archers. The next day, they dispatched Land telling him, ‘Ask Alexander what his problem is with us. If he wants us to give him gold and provisions, take them and leave! For you have killed many of us and this war has lasted too long! We will give him as much gold and provisions he wishes and then he must leave.’ Land, the Zangı¯, came to Alexander, he prostrated himself before him and said, ‘They are very much terrified and they are thinking of a plan which cannot be treated. The plan is that they are about to stay at the passage and fight there. If they do so, then you will be unable to defeat them. Leave or else you will be defeated by their tricks!’ Alexander said, ‘We have run out of time!’ Land said, ‘You will run out of time, if they are fortified in the fort and they do not fight! You can do nothing to them! If you stay here for a year, Qa¯til will no be deprived from food or water, because he has everything!’ Alexander thought and asked, ‘What is to be done now?’ Land replied, ‘You must take the gold and provisions and leave!’ Alexander replied, ‘Tell Qa¯til that there is no meaning if I leave this place without first taking the bride with me and killing you!’ Then Land asked Alexander, ‘Did you leave anyone alive from those 2,000 men?’ Alexander replied, ‘Many! Has he not heard the news about them?’ Land replied, ‘Yes we were informed immediately but they are donkeys! They drink wine and eat all day long!’ Land returned and approached the King of the Zangı¯s, conveying him the above message. Qa¯til inquired, ‘Where do you think this bride has been taken?’ Ra¯fi‘ said, ‘That

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Zangı¯ who was about to bring her was a brave man! Perhaps he was informed about these developments and he has been hiding on an island until they leave! But I do not know what has happened to these 2,000 men. Some days have elapsed and there is no news from them.’ Five or six Zangı¯s were again dispatched so that they would bring news. Those five Zangı¯s left the fort and, when they reached the seashore, they saw no one. They remained at the seashore until they received some news or might see someone coming from the sea. One day Alexander came with 1,000 horsemen to the seashore to observe the situation. He saw those Zangı¯ men who had camped at the seashore. Although Alexander did not tell them anything, the Zangı¯s came and prostrated themselves before him, saying, ‘O King! Be merciful so that we can convey to you our message!’ Alexander said, ‘Go ahead!’ They replied, ‘They have dispatched us out of the fort and we can go nowhere! If you accept us, then we will be at your service!’ Alexander ordered to have them chained and took them to the camp. He said, ‘I will test you! If you speak truthfully, then I will hire you. Or else I will behead you!’ Then he put them in chains and sent them to the camp. Three days had elapsed and Qa¯til had no news. On the fourth day in the morning, the King of the Zangı¯s summoned Land, saying, ‘Go cautiously to the camp and bring me some news, for there has been no news from our camp! I think that it is impossible for the bride to come when the 2,000 Zangı¯s might have been arrested.’ Land replied, ‘I cannot go without any precaution!’ Ra¯fi‘ said, ‘This is not all. I will come with you today disguised as a messenger, because he does not know me. I will tell him all those hard words I have in mind. If he gives me a tough response, I will dare to bring him down from his throne. I will cut him into pieces with my teeth. Then if they kill me, it will be nothing because I will have accomplished such an achievement!’ Qa¯til rejoiced on hearing this! He said, ‘I will prepare two men and I will send them with you so that you support each other.’ Thus, they prepared two Zangı¯ men. The fairies came immediately and informed Alexander about these developments. He ordered them to let them come into the court. That day, they dismissed the Greeks and Turks from standing behind Alexander’s throne. Instead, 10,000 Iranians were armoured and were ordered to stand behind Alexander’s throne. They brought a golden throne and they put silver on the upper part of the throne so that Alexander stood higher. And there were 1,400 fairies who remained in the air, above Alexander’s head. They protected him from the foul Zangı¯s but Alexander had faith in God, saying, ‘The Creator protects me!’ Ra¯fi‘ and the other Zangı¯s and Land came before Alexander. Land was afraid and he was looking for someone to inform Alexander about the new developments. He did not know that Alexander had already been informed! They came to the court and Land realised that the fairies had already informed Alexander. Land came and prostrated himself before Alexander but Ra¯fi‘ and the other Zangı¯s did not do so. That day Ara¯qı¯t wanted Alexander to order her to be amongst the fairies and stand above Alexander to see what Rafi’ looked like. Alexander gave that order. So when Ra¯fi‘ did not bow before Alexander, an enormous fairy showed her wrath to Ra¯fi‘ and hit Ra¯fi‘ with a spear. She

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asked him, ‘Why did you not bow before the King?’ The fairy showed her face to Rafi‘, the Zangı¯, and hit his head with the spear like a fire, saying, ‘O foul and shameless man! Bow before the King of the East and West!’ Ra¯fi‘’s head was cut by that wound! Due to that headache and wound, he bowed! And Land was smiling secretly! Alexander asked Land, ‘Why did you come?’ Land showed Ra¯fi‘ and said, ‘He is the messenger!’ The ministers said to Ra¯fi‘, ‘Speak!’ The Almighty made him feel so afraid that he could not speak! Alexander remained silent for a while. When Ra¯fi‘ could not utter anything, he ordered them to take him to the messenger’s quarters. They took him there with provisions. The three Zangı¯s stayed in three different places and had dinner. That night, ten enormous elephants with their drivers had them under supervision. Land came to Alexander and said, ‘O King! Be merciful and do not release Ra¯fi‘ because I have brought him here after contriving so many tricks!’ Alexander said, ‘O Land! You are not in danger; he is!’ Land smiled, bowed and returned. That night Ra¯fi‘ asked Land, ‘What is to be done?’ Land said, ‘Does your tongue not work that you cannot speak?’ Ra¯fi‘ replied, ‘Due to fear for him, his army and the fairies, my tongue does not work and I cannot speak!’ Land knew that his tongue did not work. When day came, the ministers came and said, ‘King Alexander orders that if you have a message, then convey it! And if you are spies, then say it!’ Ra¯fi‘ trembled with fear and thought, ‘I cannot go!’ Land said to Ra¯fi‘, ‘Injure yourself and say that you are lamenting!’ Then Ra¯fi‘ said, ‘I cannot come because I am lamenting!’ The chamberlains came and informed Alexander about Ra¯fi‘’s situation. Alexander ordered, ‘Take them because they are spies!’ Many Iranians and elephant riders came and took Ra¯fi‘. They chained his hands and feet tightly. They also beheaded the other two Zangı¯s but they did not say anything to Land. They said, ‘He is the messenger,’ and they let him go and behaved politely to him. Land said to Alexander, ‘I did not listen to him. I am afraid that he will take revenge from me!’ Alexander replied, ‘Fear not because he is not so bold to look for you.’ Alexander assigned Land with some tasks, which he carried out. Aristotle wrote a prayer in the name of the Almighty, he gave it to Land and said, ‘Keep it!’ Land asked, ‘What is this?’ Aristotle replied, ‘This is God’s Great Names!’ Land inquired, ‘Who is your god?’ When Land said this, Alexander who was very faithful, grasped his sword and Land was terrified. Alexander said to him, ‘Our God is the God of the Seven Spheres and the Earth, the Creator who is peerless, supreme, has no wife and children! There is no other God but Him and God does not accept the worship of idols.’ When Alexander said this, Land, the Zangı¯, became a believer. Alexander praised him and said, ‘The Almighty blesses whomever He wants to be happy in eternity.’ Then he said to him, ‘Go and fear not, for he will not dare to harm you!’ Then Land the Zangı¯ rejoiced and Alexander sent him to the fort with gifts and a robe of honour. When he came to the fort, he shouted and fell down, that is, he fainted. The King of the Zangı¯s, Qa¯til, was concerned. He came to Land’s bedside and asked him, ‘What happened?’ Land narrated the whole story from the beginning to the end and that the reason for everything was Ra¯fi‘’s impolite behaviour. Qa¯til trembled and said, ‘All these problems are due to Ara¯qı¯t.’ Land said, ‘O King! Fear not because Alexander did not kill Ra¯fi‘ but he has him chained. Yet he killed the other two men.’ Qa¯til said, ‘He

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must not kill Qa¯til either! What should be done now?’ Land said, ‘You must surrender this fort to Alexander and go to the Eastern Sea. You must save your life by moving to another fort, if you remain alive!’ Qa¯til said, ‘I will not tolerate this disgrace! Go back and tell him that tomorrow I will come out of the fort to the battlefield and that he must also come.’ Land said, ‘I will go tomorrow!’ When night came, the King of the Zangı¯s regretted his words. He summoned another Zangı¯ and said, ‘What is the gain of leaving this place?’ The Zangı¯s replied, ‘You must feel regret for Ra¯fi‘ who has left this place. Why do you need to go? Do you have a better stronghold than this one?’ Qa¯til said, ‘You are right!’ In the morning, Land came to Qa¯til and asked him, ‘What is your order? Should I go to Alexander?’ Qa¯til replied, ‘No! Why should we leave this place? I will go to the inner fort until I receive news about my bride. I know that those 2,000 Zangı¯s who have left will return.’ Land said, ‘Your order is to be obeyed!’ Qa¯til said to Land, ‘You must go and convey a message from me to King Alexander. Tell him that since he is a king, what he did is not worthy. One of his actions was to send the gift and another one was the fact that he arrested Ra¯fi‘, who is my brother and he came to you as a messenger! This was a strange behaviour for a King! Now he must let him go and I will send Alexander 50,000 gold coins in money and 1,000 silk pieces of clothes. If he kills him, then what kind of king is he?’ When Land came, he conveyed this message to Alexander who said, ‘So be it! Tell him to send the gold and I will release his brother.’ Land returned and said to Qa¯til, ‘King Alexander wants the gold!’ Qa¯til said, ‘I am afraid that I will send him the gold and he will not release my brother!’ Land said, ‘I do not know! If you want, either send him the gold or do not! Do delay your order until tomorrow!’ Then the Almighty convinced Qa¯til to send the gold and the clothes to Alexander because he thought his brother was worthy of everything. Then he ordered the treasurer to come and they loaded the gold on camels along with 1,000 pieces of woven clothes, gave them to Land and sent him to Alexander. When he brought the gold and the clothes, Alexander said, ‘I will release him on one condition, that he will not return to the fort and that he will go to the sea, and that my army will be with him until he crosses the sea. He should return to his won fort and he should swear and sign a contract with me that he will never steal from anyone and if one day he does so, then he will have violated his promises.’ Land returned to Qa¯til and informed him about these developments. Qa¯til said, ‘It is obvious that when he escapes Alexander, he will return from the sea at night and he will come to me.’ When Qa¯til, the King of the Zangı¯s, said this, Land returned to Alexander and informed him about the plan that Qa¯til was contriving. Alexander said, ‘It is easy!’ Then Land said, ‘Cut both of Ra¯fi‘’s ears so that I may be pleased!’ Alexander summoned Ra¯fi‘ who made an oath with Aristotle. Alexander said, ‘One thing remains. I want to spill his blood. In what form?’ Every person gave a different interpretation. One of them said, ‘We must have him beheaded!’ Another one said, ‘We must cut his veins!’ Aristotle said, ‘We must cut his ears so that the King’s sugar becomes sweet.’ Alexander ordered them to cut off both of his ears and to take him to his camp. He said, ‘Take him, show him the way to the ship and then you must return!’ When they reached the seashore, they put Ra¯fi‘ on board and Alexander’s men returned. The fairies protected him until he went on his own.

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When his soldiers had returned and an hour had passed since darkness had fallen, Malah asked, ‘Should we set out with our ship?’ Ra¯fi‘ said, ‘Wait!’ At midnight, seventy Zangı¯ men came out of the fort and went to the seashore, bringing a horse for Ra¯fi‘ to take him to the fort. Some of the fairies came and informed Alexander about these developments. Alexander himself came before the fort along with 1,000 horsemen and 100 elephants. He camped there until dusk. The Zangı¯s were approaching cheerfully. Alexander came out for the ambush and saw Ra¯fi‘. Land, the cut-eared one, stood next to him. Alexander said, ‘Arrest Land but do not kill him because he is a messenger!’ And this was a trick. As for the rest, they drew their swords and killed them all. Reinforcements came from the fort and a battle erupted. Qa¯til did not dare to come himself to the battlefield. The Zangı¯s threw stones and arrows from the parapets, fighting bravely. Four war elephants and fifty of his men were killed. Alexander called Ra¯fi‘. The next day, Alexander received reinforcements and they killed the Zangı¯s. Around 1,000 Zangı¯ men were captured during that night and day. They arrested Ra¯fi‘, put a bridle on his neck and returned. The Zangı¯s returned exhausted to their fort and sealed the main entrance tightly. When they counted the Zangı¯s, there were 1,170 Zangı¯s less. Qa¯til, the King of the Zangı¯s, sat and lamented, searching for Land but it was in vain. They said, ‘He was caught first and he is in chains!’ He said, ‘Ah! Was he too bold from all the Zangı¯s to go Alexander’s presence? My brother, the gold and silver are gone! Everything has perished! Now one thing has left . . .’ He summoned all those Zangı¯s who had remained and said, ‘We shall act as follows: I will go to the parapets. Twenty of you must go out of the fort to Alexander and tell him that Qa¯til has fled to the sea to his nephew; that there is nobody in the fort and that there is much booty there. Hence he may come and we will arrest him!’ He suggested this solution not as a wise one because this plan would fail. Alexander had never been tricked by this kind of plot! When Qa¯til thought of this, he went to the parapets and hid himself there. The Zangı¯s spread the rumour that Qa¯til has abandoned the fort and had fled to the fort of his brother, seeking refuge there. Twenty Zangı¯ men went to Alexander. In the meantime, Alexander sent someone to Land who was at Aristotle’s tent and was being taught the principles of Islam. The King narrated these developments to Land who said, ‘That’s a lie!’ The night fairies did not go there and they did not have any news. Alexander said to the twenty men, ‘If you speak truthfully, I will reward you! I like this joyful news. But if you do not speak truthfully, then at this very moment I will have you beheaded!’ Then he summoned Land and asked him, ‘Is this a trick?’ He said, ‘O King! This is a trick! Qa¯til is on the top of the fort which is a well-fortified area!’ Alexander dispatched the fairies to reveal the truth. After an hour, they returned and said, ‘He is with a few soldiers at the top of the fort, lamenting for his brother and the gold. He has taken all of his treasures there and has managed to bring some of his fortune out of the fort.’ Alexander ordered them to behead those twenty Zangı¯s who had spread the false rumours. Then he asked Land, ‘Do you not have a wife?’ ‘I am patient, O King of the world! I am married and I have a son.’ Alexander said, ‘I will release you so that you can fetch your son! But wait because Qa¯til has sent someone and he is looking for you.’

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Then Alexander ordered them to put a tree from the fields on the walls of the fort. Then they brought Ra¯fi‘ and some other Zangı¯s and had Ra¯fi‘ hanged. As for the rest, they cut their ears and nose as well as their left hand and foot. He ordered them to take their hands so that they walk away on two. He said to them, ‘It is apparent that Qa¯til has tried to trick me. Tell Qa¯til that if I do not drag you out of this fort and give you to the cannibals, then I will not be a man!’ He ordered them to bring Land to those Zangı¯s and said, ‘Hang him!’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! He is a messenger. Save him for my sake!’ Alexander did so. And those Zangı¯s left for the fort in their dreadful condition, rising and leaping. When they reached the fort, they saw Qa¯til and they narrated to him what had happened. Qa¯til was astonished and mourned. He asked, ‘Has Ra¯fi‘, my brother, died or not yet?’ They replied, ‘He is dead and they cut him into pieces. They also brought Land to hang him! An old man wanted him and said that Land is a messenger.’ Qa¯til said, ‘I wish you could send him to me!’ Then he said to one of Zangı¯s, ‘You go!’ The Zangı¯ said, ‘I am afraid to go!’ Qa¯til said, ‘Do not go to Alexander. Go to that old man who is Alexander’s minister. Tell him to return Land to us!’ The Zangı¯ notified Alexander’s camp and went to Aristotle, begging for mercy. Aristotle took him to Alexander to convey his message. Alexander said, ‘I will not send Land!’ Aristotle and the nobility begged Alexander to let Land go. Alexander said, ‘Tell Qa¯til the unfortunate that he must do things, for time is up! Either he must become a Muslim, send all of his property to me, come to ask for my mercy and stay with me so that I can make him one of my elite warriors, and then I will spare your life. If you do not do this, then surrender your fort to me, leave the place and go to the sea. Then I will enter your fort and I will do whatever I must do. If you do not either of these two, then you must come out of your fort and fight!’ Land left and when he approached Qa¯til’s fort, he threw away his clothes and put soil on his head and lamented for Ra¯fi‘. Qa¯til took him to a private place and started lamenting. Qa¯til said, ‘It was really fortunate that you managed to escape!’ Land said, ‘His minister wanted me.’ Qa¯til asked him, ‘Now what is to be done?’ Land replied, ‘You know better! You cannot trick him because the fairies come day and night and inform him about any developments. We cannot hide anything from him. It is a difficult situation.’ Then Land conveyed Alexander’s message to Qa¯til. Qa¯til replied, ‘I can certainly not become a Muslim and I cannot subjugate myself to him. If I leave this fort, where can I go and how can I fight against thousands of soldiers and elephants? Return to him and say that I will never do what he orders! I will not renounce my ancient religion and I will not embrace another one. I will not come out of my fort. I will keep taking care of my fort and I will not fight because your army is numerous! I will wait to see what is going to happen.’ Land came and brought his son to Alexander who introduced him to the Islamic faith and sent him to Aristotle’s tent. Land conveyed Qa¯til’s message to Alexander who replied thus, ‘Tell him that we will also wait to see how the Almighty will attain your destruction because your end has not come yet! Usually you will die just like your brother. Everything is God’s hands, may His name be glorious!’ Land came to Qa¯til and conveyed Alexander’s message. Land stayed at the fort to see how things would come to an end.

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The next day Alexander was patient while the King of the Zangı¯s was thinking in grief day and night. In the end, he remembered that Ra¯fi‘ had a son whose name was ‘Anbar. He dispatched someone to summon him. A messenger went in haste to summon Ra¯fi‘’s son. In the message he conveyed, it was written, ‘Come and take revenge for your father’s death!’ One of Zangı¯s set out to deliver Qa¯til’s message. In the message, it was written, ‘Gather and bring every Zangı¯ who resides in this region because Ra¯fi‘ is dead and the Zangı¯s are facing a dreadful enemy. If you do not act rapidly then things will get out of control and I will also die.’


HOW ‘ANBAR RECEIVED QATIL’S LETTER, GATHERED AN ARMY AND WENT TO THE AID OF HIS UNCLE, AND THE STORY BETWEEN THEM AND ALEXANDER It is divinely narrated that when ‘Anbar, Ra¯fi‘’s son, received Qa¯til’s letter and learned about his father’s death, he mourned. ‘Anbar’s fort was on the border of the Zangı¯s’ territory, and it was protected by a great number of Zangı¯s. ‘Anbar lamented for his father. He dispatched someone to gather the Zangı¯s who lived in that region. Those who wanted to take retribution were numerous. Then ‘Anbar left someone he trusted in charge of the fort. He prepared the ship and remained on board for a month until he had gathered all the Zangı¯s. When 20,000 black Zangı¯s had been gathered, ‘Anbar prepared for the voyage and departed. Alexander and Land did not know any of this, for he was preoccupied with the building of the Haft Anbar Garden. He had planned to ask Ara¯qı¯t to finish the narration of the tale of ‘Ayn al-Haya¯t, but Ara¯qı¯t was still weak. One night Alexander continued praying until the morning. Then he sat on his throne and he was troubled. He ordered Aristotle and the whole army to come into his presence. Alexander delivered an address and praised God and the prophets. He said, ‘O chiefs! Know that last night I prayed to the God of Gods until morning, hoping that he would forgive my many sins. I thought over my sins. When the night came to an end, I fell asleep for a while. The Angel who is a friend to me, came to my dream, saying, “O Alexander! Ever since you left Greece, you have done works of value in the other world, except for the war against the Zangı¯s. Killing one Zangı¯ is enough retribution for a year’s sins, punishable by hell. You will kill so many Zangı¯s that their number is only known to God. You must remain in this country, because a friend of God’s is in a trial from which you will relieve him. The term of his trial has not yet come to an end. Remember that divine doings are inscrutable and unlike man’s habits and behaviour. You must be patient.” Since that is what God has ordered, and by his order we will win heaven, we must exercise patience and see what God’s will is. Fourteen months have elapsed since we reached the land of the fairies, the demons and the Zangı¯s, and we do not know yet when we will depart. According to precise calculations, I am exactly thirty-five years old today. I wish God would allow me to live to an old age and then everything would be fine.’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! Life and death are mysteries which are known only to God. You must not be sad. Did you ask the Angel?’ Alexander replied, ‘Yes, I have asked the Angel repeatedly. The Angel says, “What is unknown is not known to us but to the Omniscient,

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not to us.” I am very sad, and happiness and joy are meaningless for me.’ Then Alexander asked Aristotle, ‘How many months are there in thirty-six years?’ Aristotle replied, ‘There are 432 months.’ Alexander said, ‘to the best of my knowledge, about seventy months of my life still remain.’ He bowed with his forehead to the ground and said, ‘O God! Bless my remaining time and grant me success in serving your will.’ In the meantime, Ara¯qı¯t was pregnant and Alexander was preoccupied with this. In the evening, the fairies came and said to Alexander, ‘Ten ships have come from the sea. There must be 1,000 strong Zangı¯s and Ra¯fi‘’s son is with them. They have not gone yet to the fort but they aimed to go there.’ Qa¯til was not at ease. He said, ‘If they come against the fort, Alexander will make a surprise attack!’ And they had not reached the fort yet. At that moment, the noise of war drums was heard. When Alexander heard this noise, he fell on his knees and said, ‘The dream I saw has been accomplished. The Angel said that “These are the people whom you must kill. The person who is looking for salvation will be revealed.”’ ‘Anbar, the son of Ra¯fi‘, came to his uncle. He cried for his father and they both lamented. Then they asked each, ‘What is to be done?’ ‘Anbar said, ‘O uncle! Leave this case to me for I know what to do. You have outnumbered your army gradually. Beware that I know very well who Alexander is for he has crossed our land. We were at the fort next to Jaihun River and he conquered Turkestan, killing many people. It is pointless to fight him since he decides to fight whenever he wants. Now I have brought 20,000 men. A thousand of them are foreigners from Zanjibar. There is a hermit, who lived on that mountain for 700 years and he reproached us. I arrested him and it has been 300 years that he has been in chains. Since I arrested him, my rule has flourished. Otherwise, there would be no positive development from his prayers and advice. He says that this is a temptation that God has put on me and he is testing me in terms of friendship. The duration of my temptation will be as much as the time of Ayu ¯ b and Yu ¯ sif’s prison. It is almost seven years. I am afraid that he might be correct and when I come, he may escape and destroy my rule once more! I locked him in a metal trunk and assigned 10,000 men to guard him. Today or tomorrow, we will put him in a subterranean cavern and thus we will be relieved! We will fight for a day and, if we prevail, then it will be our achievement. If we do not prevail, then we will enter the fort and fight from there. Every week we will receive reinforcements. Leave this to me!’ Qa¯til rejoiced, and kissed and praised his nephew. They brought a table and had food and wine. The fairies immediately returned and informed Alexander about these developments. Alexander fell on his knees with happiness, considering all this to be the result of God’s favour to him. When he rose, he summoned Aristotle and said, ‘What the Angel told me in the dream has been revealed!’ Then he ordered them to gather 100,000 horsemen from Iran, Fa¯rs and Greece and to bring 500 armoured elephants. He put himself in charge and, without having complete information, by beating the war drums, they arrived at the seashore. Alexander ordered his men to be prepared and to encamp there. The fairies went to the sea covering two days’ distance. They saw the ships of the coming Zangı¯s. They returned and informed Alexander, saying, ‘The Zangı¯s will be here by midnight.’ Alexander headed there and when it was midnight, the fairies informed

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Alexander that the Zangı¯s had arrived and they had come ashore. When everyone had come off their ships, Alexander jumped out of his ambush and cried aloud, ‘God is greatest! God is greatest! God is greatest!’ Then all the soldiers uttered the same and drew their swords. Those Zangı¯s were foreigners. They did not know what was going on and who the enemy was! Alexander killed so many Zangı¯s that his hand and the hilt of his sword were covered in blood. He uttered ‘God is greatest!’ and he killed. In the night, nobody noticed that metal trunk. The old man said, ‘Before morning all the Zangı¯s will have been killed!’ And he would have been left in the trunk but it did not happen this way. Alexander brought his bow. That Zangı¯ who guarded the trunk was very tall and he had come to the fort many times. He knew every inch of that fort. When he reached the fort, it was morning and, since he was tired, he sat behind a stone. When the day came, Alexander gave the order, ‘Accept no Zangı¯ in the fort! Arrest everyone and use these Zangı¯s instead of a cow or camel!’ His soldiers did not fail to kill the Zangı¯s and they were certain that they would wage war. When the day passed, they had killed and drowned all 10,000 Zangı¯s in the sea. The colour of the seawater was like that of the Tree of Happiness. In the morning, Alexander returned to the battlefield and ordered them to beat the drums of war. Dust and turmoil were raised. ‘Anbar and Qa¯til with the Zangı¯s were very drunk. They did not know what to do. Qa¯til said, ‘One of you should go to the top of the fort and see what is going on!’ Land knew that something was going on. Then he rose and went to Qa¯til’s bedside, saying, ‘Are you asleep when something important is going on? I do not know what it is.’ Qa¯til sent an investigator to the upper part of the fort to see what was going on and to inform them. When he looked around, he saw Alexander coming with his elephants and the war drums. He had put 2,000 or 3,000 skulls of Zangı¯s on the spears! He was coming with his army. When the Zangı¯ saw these, he returned and informed Qa¯til. ‘Anbar, the son of Ra¯fi‘, said, ‘Ah! I wish I could get rid of this old man! Because the army that I had told you about, who were coming after me! They were about 10,000 men.’ As they were discussing these, the porter of the fort gate came out and said, ‘O King! Since midnight a Zangı¯ man who has a trunk on his shoulder, asks for permission to go. What is your order?’ ‘Anbar rose and came to the fort. He opened the door and they arrested that Zangı¯ with the metal trunk. They opened its upper part and brought out the old man. They tortured him a lot and the old man kept saying, ‘God is greatest! God is greatest! God is greatest!’ They chained him tightly and put him into a well. When they were finished with him, they said, ‘Now let’s fight!’ After Alexander had killed those Zangı¯s and became victorious, he ordered his men, ‘Search for the metal trunk!’ They searched a lot but it was in vain. Then the fairies came and informed Alexander that the trunk was in the fort. He was sad because of the trunk and said, ‘The testing time of that friend of God has not passed yet and depends on this victory.’ Qa¯til summoned Land and said, ‘Stand up and go to Alexander and ask him until when is he going to use tricks? It is not his work but that of the fairies.’ He spoke in a very ugly way about Ara¯qı¯t because she had done many things. Land replied, ‘I cannot say

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these things.’ Khwaja the scribe said, ‘I will write it and go as a messenger to Alexander. Look how I am going to accomplish this task.’ Qa¯til dictated everything and he wrote them down and dispatched the scribe, saying, ‘Bring him [Land] with you!’ Both of them came and the scribe was a pious and chivalrous man and he did not know that Land had become a Muslim. As they were walking, Land said suddenly, ‘O blessed God! You have given this strength and glory to King Alexander!’ The young man inquired, ‘Do you believe in God?’ Land replied, ‘I embraced the right faith because of Alexander!’ The scribe rejoiced. Land said to him, ‘I have convinced you!’ Then both of them came to Alexander’s camp and joined him, reading what had been written! Alexander did not react to those ugly words. The Iranian commanders started discussing and looking at each other and said, ‘These are the consequences of one who is accustomed to speaking wrongly!’ Alexander was infuriated by these commanders and so much sorrow was caused by them that Alexander forgot the King of the Zangı¯s. He ordered them to take Land and the scribe to Aristotle’s quarters. Apart from this news that Alexander already knew, the fairies informed him about Ara¯qı¯t who had grown very sad because of those developments. Alexander stood up and was infuriated at his court. Ara¯qı¯t thought that he was angry for that reason. Yet Alexander was angry due to another issue – the words which had not been said in a wise manner. Alexander was angry by the words of his commanders. That day he did not come out of his tent. Discussions and rumours amongst the soldiers were growing and everybody had something to say. That day Alexander had his evening prayers next to Ara¯qı¯t who was terrified by him. Alexander said to her, ‘What is the matter with you this time? I have not been troubled by any of the words of our enemies. Fear not! I am saddened by the discussions of my soldiers. I swear to the soul of Darius the son of Bahra¯m and Philip that if I were not at the edge of the world, I would have ordered to have my commanders beheaded!’ When the soldiers heard of this, they were very terrified. They admonished each other and they did not dare to say anything more. The next day Alexander came out of his tent to the field and put a throne there. He sat there angrily and ordered Aristotle, ‘Order all of my soldiers to gather!’ All of them came and sat silently. They trembled with fear. Land and the scribe were taken there and Alexander ordered him, ‘Read the message again so that my army listens!’ They did not dare to speak. Alexander took the letter and gave it to one of the Greeks. He said, ‘If you forget to read at least one word from those that the infidel has written, I will kill you!’ That Greek read that ugly message in Ara¯qı¯t’s name! After he was through with reading the message, Alexander looked at his soldiers. He said, ‘Did you hear and did you understand what Qa¯til the Zangı¯ has said?’ Ara¯qı¯t was standing above Alexander’s head in the middle of the fairies. She was scared to death, waiting to see what Alexander wanted to do! When Alexander said this, he added, ‘I swear to the soul of Darius, the son of Bahra¯m, and Philip55 that if I were not at the edge of the world surrounded by enemies, I would have ordered to have 1,000 commanders of you beheaded!’ The commanders

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fell to the ground, saying, ‘O King! Be merciful! Certainly what we mentioned was related with your family. The topic of our discussion was that what that cursed Qa¯til said was malevolent and insolent. It was said in vain.’ Alexander said, ‘Now I will answer you and the answer to the accursed Qa¯til will be my sword which is not elegant and it will not speak improperly to him but it will with you!’ They were scared and waited to see what answer Alexander would give. Alexander ordered them to make a golden bowl full of blood and dung. They put it there and he showed it to the army, saying, ‘Since you are the nobility look here!’ After an hour, he asked them, ‘Did you think enough?’ They replied, ‘Yes, we saw it.’ Then Alexander ordered them to pour the blood and dung out of the bowl and to wash it with clean water. They did so. Then he ordered them to bring rosewater and they poured it into the bowl and put it before Alexander. The nobility and Aristotle knew that there was great power in what Alexander was doing and it was his answer to the army! Alexander said to his soldiers, ‘Beware that Queen Ara¯qı¯t in my reign is like the golden bowl. When she came to my house, she was impure like this bowl. However, when they poured rosewater in it, the bowl took the smell of the rosewater, as though she was always pure and she came to me with the seal of the Creator!’ Every soldier put their head on the ground. The commanders rose and came to the palace of Queen Ara¯qı¯t. They prostrated themselves and said, ‘O Queen of all the women! Please forgive us if the King became angry because of our faults! Our opinion of you has been always positive and full of respect.’ Ara¯qı¯t accepted their apologies and she left to please and help Alexander. He indeed rejoiced and forgot the whole story. He summoned Land and the young scribe and said to Land, ‘Who is this man who is with you?’ ‘He is Qa¯til’s scribe,’ Land replied. Alexander asked him, ‘Where are you from?’ The scribe replied, ‘I am from Bukhara! I was of noble origin and I had a property of 10,000 gold coins but I was captured by Rafi‘. He sent me here where he has kept me captive for ten years. I hope to find salvation in your rule!’ Alexander praised him and said, ‘You are free!’ Then he said to Land, ‘You must return and say Qa¯til, the King of the Zangı¯s, that since 20,000 men came to help him, then he must come and fight! Leave these immature words! Come, instead of lamenting, to see real manliness!’ Land, the cut-eared one, returned and informed the King of the Zangı¯s. Qa¯til asked him, ‘Why did you stay long there?’ Land replied, ‘O King! They do not know how to behave to the messengers!’ ‘Why?’ Qa¯til inquired. Land replied, ‘They arrested Khawja the scribe, put him in chains, and all this what for?’ Qa¯til said to ‘Anbar, ‘Tomorrow we will go and fight!’ ‘Anbar replied, ‘O uncle! You must not come so that our prestige is not hurt. For if you come out of the fort and you are defeated, then our prestige will be damaged.’ HOW ‘ANBAR CAME FROM THE FORT WITH 2,000 MEN, AND THE BATTLE BETWEEN
ALEXANDER AND THE ZANG I S It is divinely narrated that when it was dawn and the first rays of the sun had attacked the darkness of the Zangı¯ and the world of darkness was illuminated, ‘Anbar came to fight

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along with 20,000 strong and villainous men. Each of them was enormous, equal to the size of an army! They said, ‘We do not know how to fight altogether. We will fight one by one in the battlefield.’ Alexander replied, ‘All right!’ Then he addressed the fairies, saying, ‘Today you must stand by us!’ They asked him, ‘What are your orders?’ He replied, ‘Let’s prepare 1,000 horsemen. First, when it still dusk, take them with you and there must 1,000 of you. When they come out of their fort, you will assault them. When they have been dispersed and they attempt to return to their fort, we will attack them from our side and you from your side!’ The fairies replied, ‘O King! This is difficult. They have guards who observe in the air and, regardless of the fact that we will attack without being seen, they will see your men and our mission will fail.’ The fairies went on to suggest, ‘Today let’s do another thing. When they come onto the battlefield, we will look at the fort. We will check the fort but we will not come in, so that they can have access to the fort. We will make a talisman so that they cannot come to the fort and hence, they will abandon their task.’ Alexander said, ‘It sounds good, if God grants us victory!’ Then the Zangı¯s came out of the fort and they were placed in battle array. The two armies started fighting on the battlefield making a noise like two mountains fighting each other. A horseman from the Iranian army came forth. His name was Pı¯ru ¯ z and he was looking to fight a Zangı¯ who was not strong. He looked behind in order to withdraw. The Zangı¯ drove his horse away with a bare knife in order to hit Pı¯ru ¯ z. By accident, the horse faltered and fell down! The infidel Zangı¯ fell from the horse, which had turned upside down. His foot was stuck in the stirrup and he could not take it out. Pı¯ru ¯ z returned and with his sword, he cut off and threw the Zangı¯’s head to a distance of ten feet! An uproar was heard from Alexander’s army. After this, another Zangı¯ came to the battlefield. Pı¯ru ¯ z wanted him to come onto the battlefield. Alexander did not give any order. The Zangı¯ was moving in an agitated way and wanted to fight. A horseman from Aristotle’s horsemen came forth. Both the man and his horse were completely covered in iron armour. He said, ‘Today I hope in the name of the Protector of the faithful to kill seven Zangı¯s so that I may be forgiven for my seven years sins.’ Alexander and the army commanders did not know him. He came onto the battlefield and compared to the Zangı¯, he looked like a sparrow against an eagle! Alexander looked to the sky and said, ‘O God! Grant him victory!’ The young man fought against the Zangı¯ and said to him, ‘O you foul one! You are nothing! You have the size of ten men and you are calling others to support you? You are shameless!’ The Zangı¯ asked, ‘Who is coming to support me?’ The youth replied, ‘The one who is coming behind you!’ The Zangı¯ looked behind and the pious youth moved against the Zangı¯, displayed strength and after removing the armour from his face, he wounded the Zangı¯ at the back part of the nape of the neck. The Zangı¯ fell off his horse immediately and Alexander’s men cried aloud, ‘God is greatest!’ The youth inflicted one more wound and cut the Zangı¯s into two pieces. Again he came to the battlefield and looked for another Zangı¯ to fight, saying, ‘O Zangı¯s! What is going on with you that you do not want to come and fight?’ Then another Zangı¯ came forth angrily and they looked at each other and a fierce fight erupted. The youth could not beat the Zangı¯. He was astonished and invoked the

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Almighty. He grasped the lower parts of the horse and shook its saddle. The Zangı¯ waited to see what would happen. The youth hit him with a spear at his back in such a way that the edge of the spear came out of his chest! The Zangı¯ fell off his horse and died immediately. This is a story for everyone to know that power lies wherever God is; it is not misfortune, thickness and great height! When the Zangı¯ was defeated, Alexander ordered his men to summon the youth. When he came, he asked the youth, ‘Who are you?’ He bowed before him and replied, ‘O King! I am the scribe of the Zangı¯s!’ Alexander replied, ‘Unbelievable! Ba¯zarga¯n come and see a brave man!’ He praised him and said, ‘You have fought enough today!’ Ba¯zarga¯n said, ‘O King! I saw in a dream that I would kill seven Zangı¯ today!’ Alexander said, ‘Go ahead and kill five of them tomorrow!’ When he spoke thus, ‘Anbar became very angry and came onto the battlefield, standing there like an iron mountain! He said, ‘I do not want anybody else to come against me except King Alexander himself!’ When Alexander heard this, he came onto the battlefield. Aristotle said to Alexander, ‘O King! Do not ruin your prestige!’ Of course, he did not succeed in preventing him from entering the battlefield. All the soldiers were gathered and said, ‘As long as 400,000 horsemen stand, the King cannot enter the battlefield!’ An Iranian horseman named Bahra¯m came to the field. He was a brave and warlike man. He stood opposite ‘Anbar and looked at him. Alexander said, ‘Call the archers!’ They did so. Alexander said, ‘Stand at the edge of the field and, if you see any Zangı¯ in the open field, then shoot him! I know that Bahra¯m is weaker than ‘Anbar.’ The archers said, ‘We shall act accordingly!’ Bahra¯m and ‘Anbar the Zangı¯ fought each other but no one and no fight erupted between them. In the end, ‘Anbar was victorious. He grasped Bahra¯m from the saddle of his horse and delivered him to the Zangı¯s, ordering them, ‘Do not kill him! Keep an eye on him!’ Then he returned to the field. Another Iranian from Dariusgird came forth and his name was Kushiar. He was a brave man. He fought against ‘Anbar but he was also defeated. ‘Anbar grabbed him from the saddle and took him alive. Another youth from Isfahan came forth to the field. His name was also Kushiar. ‘Anbar captured him alive too and took him away. And ‘Anbar wandered in the field, looking for someone to fight against. He defeated eight commanders and took them to his camp. Alexander said to the Iranians, ‘Do not be sad and be at ease because they have not been killed.’ When night came, the two armies stopped fighting. ‘Anbar the Zangı¯ returned to Qa¯til and kissed the soil before him. His uncle took him aside and said, ‘You were brave today! What you did today is done only by lions!’ ‘Anbar said, ‘You saw today. Tomorrow you will see how I will avenge for my father’s death, benefiting your realm!’ On the other side, Alexander returned and along with his men, they were sad for those seven men. Alexander was full of anxiety said to the fairies, ‘Check what is going to happen to those seven commanders.’ When the fairies came and the night was over, Qa¯til ordered, ‘Bring me the captives!’ They brought all of them before him. Qa¯til said, ‘You must kill them because they are many. After I kill them, I will send their skulls to Alexander as a gift!’ They put heavy chains on them and sent them to the Zangı¯s. When the fairies saw this, they returned and informed Alexander. They said, ‘O King! It is easy

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to take them out of there tonight, if you order us to do so!’ Alexander said, ‘Why not? There is no better opportunity for victory than this one, that is, to liberate the commanders and to bring the plans of Zangı¯s to an end!’ The fairies prostrated themselves before him and said, ‘O King! Pray for us. We are off!’ and forty fairy men left. The seven commanders were sleeping together and the Zangı¯s terrified them and behaved in a bad manner. The fairies, by God’s will, lifted those seven commanders with their bands and took them to Alexander. When he saw them, he rejoiced, thanked the Almighty and prayed for the fairies. He then ordered Ara¯qı¯t to take care of them. In the meantime, the Zangı¯s who guarded the seven commanders woke up in the morning. They did not find the captives and were astonished. They said, ‘Where did they go? Maybe the King of the Zangı¯s sent them to a more guarded place?’ They waited for the morning to come. They came to King Qa¯til and said, ‘O King! We bring the news that the seven commanders have escaped and the pious guard whom you appointed cannot be found anywhere!’ The King of the Zangı¯s had a slave who was very pious and noble. Qa¯til appreciated him a lot and his name was Meymu ¯ n. Qa¯til trusted him entirely [He ate food and drank wine from his hand!] When Qa¯til heard this, he took his hat from his head and threw it away and he tore up his clothes, saying, ‘What should I do with you who do not know how to guard the enemy?’ When the fairies had freed the seven commanders with their chains, they had also taken Meymu ¯ n to Alexander. When Alexander saw the slave, he rejoiced because he was a noble and pious slave. When the slave saw Alexander, he prostrated himself before him. Alexander inquired, ‘What is your story and how did you fall into the hands of Zangı¯s?’ He replied, ‘O King! I am of noble origin. My master has been in captivity for fifteen years!’ Alexander inquired, ‘Where is he from?’ ‘He is from Khurasan!’ the slave replied. ‘What kind of man is he?’ Alexander asked. The slave responded, ‘He is a pious old man who has been in a subterranean cavern. Like my master, there are also seventeen Muslim men in that subterranean cavern. Maybe they have been there for ten years or less. The Zangı¯s torture them and kill them one by one. They cut them into pieces and eat them. Every year they eat one man. I was a child when I was brought here. Now I am a man and they regard me highly. Day and night, I am in Qa¯til’s service. Such a bad odour comes out of his mouth and nose! But I have been used to him. When he talks to the princesses whom he captures, they die at once! For they cannot stand that bad odour! O King! Do not ask me how much oppression has taken place and how many Muslims have been executed during these 15,000 years.’ Alexander asked him, ‘How did you manage to escape?’ He replied, ‘I relied on my power! I saw some people who were Iranians and came to the fort at night. They were captured yesterday in the battle. I said to them to take me to your camp for they would need a man of letters! I came with them.’ Alexander praised him and gave him a hat, a robe of honour and a horse, telling him, ‘Be joyful for, by God’s will, you and the seventeen Muslims are safe now, with the assistance and grace of God, may His name be exalted!’ When the day was over, the Zangı¯s came out of their fort. On that day, ‘Anbar had said to his uncle, ‘I will kill whomever I take captive because Ara¯qı¯t and the fairies do this: they liberate whomever I capture! This will not happen again.’ Alexander’s men were

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gathered on the battlefield. The first Zangı¯, fearsome and evil, entered the battlefield and looked for an opponent to fight. The handsome youth from Bukhara came forth. Alexander and the army knew that it was him who had fled from the Zangı¯s. The Zangı¯ said to him, ‘O foul one! Are you not our scribe who commanded our fort?’ The youth replied, ‘Yes! Today there is no time for the scribe’s duties. It is time for using the sword!’ He fought against him and all the Zangı¯s felt great hatred for the youth. By divine decree and heavenly power, the Zangı¯ came forth and grasped the youth’s belt and took him off his saddle. He then took him to the King of the Zangı¯s! The Almighty bestowed him power and the youth drew his dagger and stabbed the brave Zangı¯. The Zangı¯ cried, ‘Ah!’ and he left the youth’s belt. His wound was a serious one. He did not expect this. He tried to get off his horse to go after him. He was powerless. He fell down and the youth from Bukhara beheaded him. He cried ‘God is greatest!’, returned, and then came to Alexander and prostrated himself before him. Alexander said to him, ‘Did you enjoy the battle today?’ He replied, ‘O King! Today I must kill four Zangı¯s!’ Alexander replied, ‘Three more Zangı¯s are left.’ ‘Anbar the infidel came to the field well armoured and Alexander’s men were terrified. The seven horsemen, who had been taken captives on the previous day and who had been released by the fairies at night, got prepared and entered the field. They attacked ‘Anbar and fought against him severely for the whole evening. All seven of them could not withstand ‘Anbar! After the prayers, Alexander ordered them to beat the drums and they returned. That day the youth from Bukhara had killed another Zangı¯. ‘Anbar said to his uncle: ‘Be on alert tonight and do not drink for I am going to conduct a night assault!’ The fairies heard this and informed Alexander. He ordered them to empty their tents and to go to the field. They stood over sand hills and then all of them made an assault. No one from Alexander’s camp had remained behind. The royal tent, the treasury and the harem had been left at the Haft Anbar Garden. Alexander usually spent his nights at the Garden. That night Alexander ordered them to fortify the Garden. He wore his armour and stood along with 5,000 horsemen and 500 elephants. When he heard the expression there were also another 1,000 horsemen and 500 elephants. They set out happy from the hill. He said to them, ‘God is greatest! Rush before the fort and block all the ways!’ After they had contrived their plan, and arranged the lights and everything in their tents, a Zangı¯ came to the camp at midnight. He did not hear anything. He returned and said to ‘Anbar, ‘No sound is heard there! Everyone is asleep well. Their lights and personal belongings are there!’ ‘Anbar set out with 7,000 horsemen and came to conduct a night raid against Alexander’s camp. Voices were sounded saying, ‘May Qa¯til be victorious!’ And there was not even a child in Alexander’s camp! Alexander waited for the seven Zangı¯ horsemen to enter to camp. Then he sent the elephant drivers with the elephants and the horsemen to the fort, crying aloud ‘God is greatest!’ The men and elephants emerged from all directions, left and right, going next to each other. You would have thought that this night was the Day of Judgement! How could 7,000 Zangı¯s be seen amongst 400,000 horsemen? When ‘Anbar realised that he could not emerge victorious there and he fled Alexander’s camp. He hid himself in a tent which was used for cooking. He went to a

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large oven where they prepared food for the horses. As for the 7,000 Zangı¯ horsemen who fled from Alexander’s camp, they were killed by Alexander’s men who had blocked the roads. They killed all of those 7,000 Zangı¯ horsemen. In the morning, they saw the blood which was flowing and was abundant. Many of Alexander’s men were wounded but no one was killed. They looked for ‘Anbar amongst the dead Zangı¯s but he was nowhere to be found! In the morning, Alexander ordered his men to throw all the dead into the sea. They left the place and returned to the Garden. They were all extremely happy with that divine victory! Alexander thanked God that day! After an hour, Land came, prostrated himself before Alexander and said, ‘O King! Qa¯til says that you did whatever you could do! Now come and make peace because there is nothing better than peace in the world!’ Alexander asked Land, ‘Has anyone returned alive to the fort?’ Land replied, ‘O King! A thousand horsemen returned to the fort but they did not participate in the fighting! They counted 6,000 dead Zangı¯s and ‘Anbar, Ra¯fi‘’s son has not been found!’ Alexander said, ‘It was dark and we did not recognise him!’ Alexander ordered Land, ‘Walk amongst the dead Zangı¯s and search for ‘Anbar!’ He did so but he did not find him. He returned to Alexander and said, ‘He is nowhere to be found!’ Alexander said to Land, ‘Go and tell Qa¯til that if he wants to have peace, then he must release the slave teacher whom he has kept in captivity in a subterranean cavern for fifteen years. We will make peace if he delivers the old man to Land!’ Land, the cut-eared one, returned and informed Qa¯til, who said, ‘What news do you have about ‘Anbar?’ Land said, ‘O King! They are also in search of ‘Anbar but they do not know whether he is dead or not! I myself went in search of ‘Anbar amongst the dead men but I did not find him!’ Qa¯til, the King of the Zangı¯s said, ‘I do not know what to do in this turmoil!’ Land said, ‘O King! Send him the captives. What are you making out of them? Nothing but vilification!’ Qa¯til said, ‘You are correct!’ Then he released them and sent the seventeen Muslims and the slave teacher to Alexander. When Land left the fort with the captives, he came across ‘Anbar who was riding on a thin horse. He informed the fort and reached its gate. Land thought, ‘Alas! If he was close to Alexander’s camp, I could have delivered him to Alexander! Now he has passed!’ Land came and handed over the captives to Alexander who ordered them to take the freed captives to the Garden. They sat cleaned with new clothes and were provided with special food. He said to them, ‘We must thank the Almighty that He saved you!’ And he praised the slave teacher. Land said, ‘O King! I saw ‘Anbar, going to the fort. He must have hidden himself somewhere!’ After Land returned, ‘Anbar went to the fort. When Qa¯til saw him, he rejoiced. He took him aside and said, ‘What is to be done? I released all the prisoners!’ ‘Anbar inquired, ‘Did you release the old hermit?’ ‘No!’ Qa¯til replied. ‘Anbar said, ‘If you give the hermit to anyone, then I will throw myself out of this fort!’ ‘Anbar did not believe it, so he went to the subterranean cavern to see him. The next day, following his daily habit, he inspected the army and arranged the ranks for battle. There were still 15,000 Zangı¯ men in the fort. They came out altogether except those who guarded the fort and stood there, beating the drums for war! A Zangı¯ said to ‘Anbar, ‘Order me to go to the field and to show my bravery!’ ‘Anbar did so and the Zangı¯

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came onto the field and walked around. The youth from Bukhara came forth from amongst Alexander’s men, crying ‘God is greatest!’ and moved against the Zangı¯ who was thin and went against him slowly. When the youth came onto the field, he hit the shoulder of the Zangı¯ with an arrow. The Zangı¯ fell off his horse and died. Another Zangı¯ came and was also killed by the youth from Bukhara, who smiled and walked around the field. Then he returned to Alexander’s camp. After an hour the accursed ‘Anbar came forth to the field and walked around! He had an arrow like that of Arash. He smiled at the arrow, looked for an opponent to fight and praised himself! A horseman came forth from Alexander’s camp. He did not have time to move against ‘Anbar; he was immediately killed! Another horseman came forth. He was also killed on the spot. Many other horsemen came forth one by one and they were killed by the accursed ‘Anbar! He killed forty of Alexander’s men! Alexander was astonished. Nobody else dared to go against ‘Anbar! If Alexander’s men attempted to attack, then the Zangı¯ would retreat to their fort. It was a difficult task. Alexander thought of sending an elephant and a warrior against ‘Anbar. An elephant along with ten men standing behind the animal came forth to the field. They approached that accursed shameless Zangı¯ and a great fight erupted. In the end, ‘Anbar hit its trunk with his sword, cutting off half of it! The elephant without its trunk becomes weak. The elephant withdrew, ‘Anbar came after it and hit him again on his foot. The elephant lost his leg and those ten men were not wearing chain mail and armlets. They did not fight because they were Indians without bravery and honour. ‘Anbar killed all of them and Alexander grew anxious by this reality and was so worried that he ordered his men to gather around him. The situation was very difficult and the army fell into turmoil because of this. Suddenly, a horseman from the ranks Alexander’s army came forth. He was dressed and equipped in steel and ornamented in silver. You would have thought that he was peerless in power and majesty amongst Alexander’s horsemen. He rode a horse and held a long spear. He came forth onto the field and cried aloud against ‘Anbar, walking around him! Alexander and his men did not know who he was. After he walked around for a while, he suddenly grasped ‘Anbar’s belt and displayed his power. He took ‘Anbar, raised him into the air and then threw him to the ground. His bones were broken and the horseman dragged ‘Anbar on the ground bringing him to King Alexander! He got off his horse and prostrated himself before Alexander. Then he mounted his horse again and returned to the field looking for an adversary to fight again. Alexander knew that the horseman was Queen Ara¯qı¯t. He praised her and the whole army knew her identity! They left their ranks and came to the field. All the commanders got off their horses and prostrated themselves before her. Then they attacked the Zangı¯s who, when they heard that ‘Anbar was arrested, fled back to their fort! When Qa¯til heard about the arrest of ‘Anbar, he tore up his dress, lamenting and throwing soil over his head; he ordered them to close the gate of the fort firmly. Five hundred Zangı¯s were killed in that battle. Alexander returned to his camp. Around thirty or forty of his men and an elephant had been killed. Then ‘Anbar was taken to Alexander. Land came immediately and prostrated himself before Alexander. He said, ‘Qa¯til says not to kill ‘Anbar and send him to Qa¯til and he will

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give you 100,000 gold coins.’ Alexander replied, ‘Tell him that, by God’s will, this week I will conquer your fort, the gold and whatever is in it!’ Alexander said to Land, ‘Go and tell Qa¯til that he must send him the old hermit so that I return ‘Anbar to him!’ ‘Anbar said to Alexander, ‘You must never see him! Kill me or not, I do not care! You did not arrest me. The fairies did it by means of witchcraft! Ara¯qı¯t is not worth anything!’ Alexander ordered them to cut out his tongue and cut off his right hand! Alexander said, ‘Cutting your tongue is your punishment for talking improperly against Alexander’s wife and cutting off your right hand is the punishment for torturing the old hermit!’ So they took away the bleeding ‘Anbar in chains. The next day, Alexander called him again and had his left hand cut off, saying, ‘This is your reward for theft!’ Then he ordered them to hang him and said to Land, ‘Stay here tonight and tomorrow I will give you my answer.’ At night they brought ‘Anbar down, rolled him in a black woollen cloth and in a yellow silk dress and then they put him in a metal trunk. He said to Land, ‘Take this metal trunk to Qa¯til!’ Land did not know what was in there. He loaded it on a camel and took it. When he arrived at the fort, Qa¯til was informed that Land had come, bringing a metal trunk. ‘We do not know what is in it!’ they said. Qa¯til said, ‘There might be the skulls of the dead Zangı¯s!’ He thought that ‘Anbar was still alive and he wanted to pay for his release. When he opened the upper part of the trunk and saw ‘Anbar had been killed, he stood up and cried. Then he fell down unconscious. He lamented so much that all the Zangı¯s ran and lamented. They did not open the fort gate for three days! Alexander spent his nights with Ara¯qı¯t. He asked her, ‘Can our fairies take that fort?’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘Be merciful, O King! We have different tasks. You are a man and we are light. We jump from any place to any place. But you have the Divine Charisma and fairies cannot capture you! What are you planning to do?’ He replied, ‘I want to free an old hermit from a subterranean cavern in the fort. I have released all the other captives that Qa¯til held.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! I will send the fairies to the subterranean cavern. I will do whatever is necessary. Then she sent a fairy who returned and said, ‘They are all sitting on the ground and they have brought the hermit from the subterranean cavern and they are torturing him. They have tied him firmly at the upper part of the fort.’ Alexander was astonished, looked to the sky and said, ‘O God! Is not the time of his torture over?’ Qa¯til, the accursed King of the Zangı¯s, summoned Land once more and sent him to Alexander, saying, ‘Tell Alexander that you did whatever you wanted. Listen to you companion!’ Then Land came and conveyed the message. Alexander asked him, ‘What is he hoping for?’ Land said, ‘O King! Beware that kings always care for other kings. When slaves know something bad and say it, then they are killed! Beware that I am your slave and if I know something and I do not say it, this is due to unrighteousness. Beware that enemies have come from two directions! Thirty thousand Zangı¯ men are coming tomorrow morning from the Zangı¯s he called for help. Sha¯hmalik has also sent reinforcements. Qa¯til is the King of the Zangı¯s all over the world and his army who stationed in Zanjibar is also coming. Be careful!’ Alexander inquired, ‘How long is it to get to Sha¯hmalik’s region?’ He replied, ‘It is twenty parasangs and his land is the place where the sun rises.’ ‘I hold his daughter,’ Alexander said. Land said, ‘Beware and be

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careful because this Zangı¯ has sent someone to Zanjibar from the sea route which is sixteen days’ distance. Tonight the Zangı¯ arrived and tomorrow 30,000 Zangı¯s are coming. They are all cannibals and they are not coming only from the sea route! They will come from another sea and there is a route from this fort to that sea and you cannot prevent them from coming. This is the situation. And this week he dispatched someone to Sha¯hmalik, saying, “King Alexander wants to take your kingdom! And you heard what he did to the demons. There is no kingdom in the world that has not been subjugated by him! Your time is coming!” Sha¯hmalik replied, “I have closed the way to the sea so that he cannot come close to me. I have dug ditches of thirty and forty gaz depth. I have poured sea water into them so that he cannot cross them and go to the place where the sun rises. And if he saw the West, he cannot see the East! Then they dispatched another Zangı¯ who knows many things to help them take your life and kingdom! Before he comes to you, send an army to go behind him. On the other side we will get there in a day and a half until everything has been accomplished and to drive him away.”’ The messenger came and said, ‘On Friday night at that arranged time an army will arrive!’ It was Wednesday when Land revealed these details to Alexander, who became unhappy. He summoned his commanders and shared this information with them, saying, ‘The One God is enough for me!’

[Scribe’s Commentary] When the scribe of this manuscript reached this point, he found a few inaccuracies in the story, which would be disturbing to the knowledgeable reader. The inaccuracy results from this fact:56 when Alexander reached the East and came ashore, it is stated in this copy that he arrived at the town of Divas [?], in the region of Taghma¯j; that the King of Taghma¯j was Sha¯hmalik, a Muslim and a honourable man, an adherer to the faith of Abraham, the friend of God. The Angel said to Sha¯hmalik in a dream, ‘Tomorrow Alexander will appear before you as a messenger. Treat him kindly, so that he may leave without harming you.’ On the next morning, Alexander went to him as a messenger, Sha¯hmalik fell on his knees before him. In brief, he paid so much respect to Alexander that the latter was embarrassed and agreed peace with him. He signed a treaty with Sha¯hmalik and departed without doing him any harm. He went to the country of the demons, and then to the region of the fairy Ara¯qı¯t. At this point of the story we are informed that Sha¯hmalik57 dispatched an army against Alexander and between them there were great wars without reason. This is an inaccuracy, and this inaccuracy is repeated by the naive and badly informed.58 In brief, ‘Abd ’l-Ka¯fı¯ b. Abi ’l-Baraka¯t,59 the scribe of the manuscript from which this copy was produced, studied many copies. In all these copies, the story was written in this manner. The same is the case with the original copy in the Jami‘ Library at the end of the market. No one ever noticed the inaccuracy, and they had written and read the story in a careless manner.60 In fact, when Alexander reached the seashore, he arrived at the town of Divas, whose king was Taghma¯j, Sha¯hmalik’s relative. He owed his kingship to Sha¯hmalik. Alexander signed a peace treaty with him and departed. The land where he fought to conquer the

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fort of the Zangı¯s was close to Sha¯hmalik’s kingdom. Sha¯hmalik was the King of the East, and all the kings of the East obeyed him. Arsla¯nkha¯n was the brother of Sha¯hmalik and he was under Sha¯hmalik’s rule. Another inaccuracy is that in the early parts of the story, when Alexander fights against Queen Ara¯qı¯t, it is attested that the maiden whom Alexander seized from Ara¯qı¯t was Arsla¯nkha¯n’s daughter. Here it is written that she was Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. This is a strange contradiction and God knows the truth best. This chapter was compiled so that the scribe of this story might be excused because the original copy reads in this manner. Such things are usual among ill-informed scribes. Yet, no doubt, the contradiction existed from the beginning, for Taghma¯j, who was Sha¯hmalik’s relative, was taken for Sha¯hmalik himself. Hence, the story seems conflicting. Now let us complete it and return to Alexander’s story. *** When Alexander heard these words, he prepared his army and made an invocation to the Almighty. He ordered them to move the camp into the Garden, which had strong walls. He sent the fairies to take him the news and to confirm whether Land had spoken truthfully or not. The fairies left from both directions, returned and said, ‘O King! There is a mountain and there is a road between two mountains. This road is full of water, so much water that everything has been ruined.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Is it possible to go to the mountain?’ They replied, ‘O King! The mountain is so steep that not even a bird can jump!’ The fairies returned from the sea and said, ‘O King! Thirty ships from the sea arrived and went to the fort.’ Alexander said, ‘I will kill them all, by the power and will of the Omnipotent Creator! You have a pure heart and take refuge in God, for he is our Saviour and Protector!’ On Thursday morning, he divided his army into four sections. He kept one section at the fort of the Zangı¯s. He said to Ara¯qı¯t, the fairies and Aristotle, ‘I have assigned you with the task of conducting a surprise attack against the Zangı¯s!’ He ordered 100,000 men to be with Queen Ara¯qı¯t in the ambush. It was such a vast field that the size of 100,000 men was not obvious. He said, ‘If Ara¯qı¯t needs a volunteer, you must come out of the ambush!’ He kept 100,000 men at the entrance of the Garden to guard the four walls of the Garden. He himself along with 100,000 men went to Sha¯hmalik to inflict him with sorrow. Alexander’s horsemen were Iranian. He assigned some of the fairies to be with Ara¯qı¯t so that when the Zangı¯s set out, the fairies may inform her. He took another group of fairies with him and sent ten of them to inform him about Sha¯hmalik’s army, that is, where he has arrived to and where he is heading.





THE SUDDEN ASSAULT OF BUQRAQUZ, SHAHMALIK’S SON, AGAINST ALEXANDER’S
CAMPING GROUND, THE CAPTURE OF BUQRAQUZ AND WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN ALEXANDER AND THEM It is thus divinely narrated that Sha¯hmalik had a son and his name was Buqra¯quz. He was a very handsome and polite young man. Sha¯hmalik had given him 3,000 Turkish horsemen. Buqra¯quz had passed the age of a child and teenager and he was about to

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ambush the enemy. He had come close at the distance of ten parasangs and he was getting prepared for an ambush. When Sha¯hmalik’s son came close, the fairies came to Alexander and informed him, saying ‘O King! Give us some men because there is a road on the right side of the sea. There is a passage in the sandy hill between them and we can go over it, so that we will be at their rear.’ Alexander said, ‘It is prudent.’ He rode on that Arab horse, wearing armour. He said, ‘The lion must be strong, conduct war against him so that it cannot annoy anyone else. I will conduct war tonight and I will remove this thorn from my foot.’ Then he chose 30,000 warriors and set out to the right direction. Then a fairy came and said, ‘O King! They have come!’ And four parasangs still remained to Alexander’s camp. There was dust in the air and you would have thought that the air was dressed in the form of moonlight and everything else was darkened. Alexander stood along with 70,000 warrior horsemen and he remained in charge. Suddenly he uttered ‘God is Great!’ and so did his men. He ordered them to beat the drums of war behind the elephants and chaos and disorder erupted amongst the enemies. The 70,000 horsemen encircled the 30,000 infidel Turks. They drew their swords, listened to Alexander uttering ‘God is Great!’ And he slaughtered them. Some Turks fled from the battle. Those 30,000 warrior horsemen whom Alexander had dispatched to the right direction arrived in the battle and stayed in the middle of the two fighting armies without killing anyone. Buqra¯quz along with thirty of his cavalry [esfahsalaar ] golden armoured commanders were captured. By sunset, 20,000 men had been killed. It was not morning yet and Alexander rejoiced and went to the top of the hill. He dismounted his horse, took off his hat and prostrated himself, falling to the ground and saying, ‘O Lord of Lords! Guide your slaves and give victory to the faithful and smash the neck of the infidels!’ Then he left and returned to his camp. When it was daylight, all the captives were brought to Alexander who ordered his men not to harm any of them. When he saw Buqra¯quz, Sha¯hmalik’s son, he said, ‘My goodness! I cannot be assured that my wife is his sister.’ He had also put Buqra¯quz in chains. When he put his army in order, he dispatched Ara¯qı¯t and Aristotle to strengthen the ambush against the Zangı¯s. The fairies came again, bringing news to Queen Ara¯qı¯t, that 10,000 Zangı¯ men had come out of their fort and they were very close. Ara¯qı¯t said to Aristotle: ‘Come behind me and listen to me!’ Some soldiers were in the ambush. Alexander had ordered them to help Ara¯qı¯t if she was in trouble. Ara¯qı¯t went to the rear of the Zangı¯s and attacked them. The Zangı¯s had never seen an ambush. Some of them were killed and some others fled the battlefield, without finding the way to the castle. After the Zangı¯s were killed and were dispersed in that valley, Alexander’s men came out of the ambush. When Ara¯qı¯t arrived, she came before Alexander and was adamant that she did not achieve that victory. Alexander treated her with respect and rejoiced. Then Alexander rested and said nothing that day. Then Land came, prostrated himself and said, ‘O King of the World! I am so frustrated that I lied to you, the King!’ Alexander ordered him to give her gifts. His son was in the service of Aristotle. Whatever Land had done, had befallen upon his son.

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When he came to Aristotle, the latter said, ‘O Land! King Alexander trusts you and holds you in high regard.’ Land said, ‘I am at the King’s disposal!’ Then he went to Alexander’s presence who said, ‘O Land! Look what honour the Almighty has brought to me! For I have captured Sha¯hmalik’s son with all his commanders. My way has been opened after their capture!’ Land said, ‘May the Almighty brings more wisdom to the King every day!’ Alexander asked Land about the number of Zangı¯s who had arrived, the thirty ships and how many of them had been ambushed. Land replied, ‘There were about 5,000 or 6,000 Zangı¯ men and 1,000 of them were killed. The rest were dispersed and lost in the fields.’ Alexander inquired: ‘What is this accursed Qa¯til up to?’ Land replied, ‘O King! I do not know, but I will go and I will let you know about whatever they are up to.’ Alexander said, ‘Go!’ After this, Alexander called Sha¯hmalik’s daughter who was his wife. He said, ‘Is not everyone who assists the Turks is evil?’ She asked, ‘O King! What is going on?’ Alexander replied, ‘I saved you from the fairies and I made you my queen. I know that your father knows that you are with me and you are my wife by law, for nothing remains hidden! Now he stands in my way, has dug ditches with water and has sent his son with an army to ambush me.’ Alexander’s wife was not aware of her brother’s arrest. She thought that Alexander was fighting the Zangı¯s. When she heard this news, she said nothing. Then Alexander said, ‘O woman, be patient and say nothing until I see what is going to happen eventually.’ Alexander’s wife remained silent and relaxed about every problem. On that night, Alexander was with Ara¯qı¯t and he was very perplexed due to the difficulties he had faced in those battles. Alexander and the fairies spent three nights with Ara¯qı¯t, contriving a plan about the fort. Eventually he thought to himself, ‘Unless the fairies help me, I will be unable to conquer the fort!’ On the fourth day, Alexander sat on his throne and summoned the commanders of Sha¯hmalik’s army. He ordered, ‘Behead all thirty commanders!’ Aristotle and the nobles of his army protested and said, ‘O King! Killing them before conquering the fort is not prudent. Order to have them in chains until we defeat the Zangı¯s.’ Then Alexander sent the commanders to Aristotle who sent each commander to an elephant driver, putting chains on their necks and having the soldiers guarding them. Then Alexander summoned Sha¯hmalik’s son and said to him, ‘What have I done to you and your father that he ambushed us? I have not yet reached your land and if I had, I would have behaved kindly to him. Why, out of hatred and due to the Zangı¯s’ allegations, did he send an army to ambush us and dig water ditches so that I do not pass and reach the place where the Sun rises? But he must learn that I will kill every one in this region! I crossed the Western Sea with thousands of horsemen and elephants and I also visited the Land of Darkness! Do you think that I cannot overcome his ditches? Do you think that it is a great deal? If I do not bring his land under the feet of my elephants, then I am not Alexander!’ Sha¯hmalik’s son prostrated himself and said, ‘O King! Our father is seventy years old and it seems that his lifetime is coming to an end. He does not know how to rule because his mind has weakened.’ Alexander asked him, ‘Why do you say that his mind does not work? It was due to his mind that he ordered his men to dig ditches!’ Then Buqra¯quz said,

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‘O King! Beware that my father had a daughter with a beautiful face that nobody else had in the world! He had betrothed her to someone but suddenly she disappeared! Nobody knows where she went and her husband, due to his grief, has looked for her everywhere. Eventually, no one from the people knew where she was, but there was a rumour that the fairies had abducted her.’ Alexander did not want to mention Ara¯qı¯t’s name, although Buqra¯quz accused Ara¯qı¯t with her ugly character. But this young man did not know that she was Alexander’s wife and that this region was full of fairies. Apart from this, he said nothing else. He added, ‘My father has been saddened by the loss of his daughter; the colour of his face has darkened because of her. Day and night, he lives with her memory, he does not feel any sadness in his reign and he has appointed me as his successor. All of his soldiers obey my orders and for this reason he sent me to ambush you. I swear to your life, O King of the World! I said to him, “O father, there will be no garrison and it is not prudent.” He replied, “The Zangı¯s called us! If there was no need, then they would not call us.” I said to him, “The Zangı¯s are ignorant and unwise. They do not know what to say and do. Do not listen to them, for they are calling because of need and they want you to help them. Do not do it, father! Listen to my words!” He did not do so and hence many things happened and you, O King, became angrier. But beware, O King, that you do not have anything to gain from my death. Release me so that I may stay alive and belong to those whose lives King Alexander has spared. I wear the earring of slavery and I will obey whatever you order me!’ Alexander said, ‘Today I spared your life! I summoned you because I planned to behead you next to that tree so that you father is informed about it. Beware that deceit, tricks and ambushes do not work with kings like Alexander! But given that I heard the story of the loss of your sister and the sorrow of your father, I spared your life for today until I see what is to happen tomorrow.’ He ordered them to unchain him and they went to Alexander’s palace. That night Alexander was praying until morning. The next day, he heard that Land would come, bringing some news. He did not come. Three days elapsed and Alexander had still heard nothing from the fort. He knew that the Zangı¯s were contriving tricks. He thought to himself, ‘There are two tasks and I must do them one by one.’ Alexander came to Ara¯qı¯t and said to her: ‘Know that this girl whom you had and brought is Sha¯hmalik’s daughter.’ Ara¯qı¯t was ashamed by Alexander’s words. Alexander said: ‘I have answered your bashfulness. It is over.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! I brought her from the lake where she was sleeping with her husband whom the fairies killed. Her father has gone crazy and out of his mind.’ The next morning, Alexander commanded his attendants to bring the son of Sha¯hmalik to his private quarters. Alexander, Aristotle and some servants were there. Sha¯hmalik’s son prostrated himself. He was ill and his face was pale in Alexander’s prison. Alexander said to him, ‘I have learned everything. Now give me an honest answer. Tell me first what your religion is.’ He replied, ‘O King! The religion of the Arab Zahha¯k, Jamshı¯d and the Kings of the Turks.’ Alexander inquired, ‘How is it you are not idolaters?’61 Then he said, ‘You answered this truthfully! But tell me how far your land is from the place where the sun rises?’ The son of Sha¯hmalik responded, ‘We can reach the place where the sun rises in five days.’ Alexander asked, ‘Have you ever gone

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to the place where the sun rises?’ He replied, ‘We dare not go there!’ Alexander asked, ‘Why?’ He replied, ‘It is five days’ journey from the place where we are. At the sunrise, they hide their the women and the children underground, fearing that they would perish from the terror of the great uproar and tumult.’ Alexander asked, ‘What are the pandemonium and the tumult like?’ He replied, ‘Like the sound of war drums and terrible voices.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Are there any dwellers in the land?’ He replied, ‘Yes, there are but they do not wear clothes and are of different kinds. Among them, there are Gog and Magog who have stayed there from the other side. Their original dwelling is on the left of the place where the sun rises. There is another tribe yet unknown to mankind, whose members do not know anything except themselves and their nudity.’ Alexander asked further, ‘Are they not harmed by the sun rising?’ He said, ‘They have been used to it.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Did your father attack these tribes ever?’ He replied, ‘In spite of his supreme power, my father has decided to bear with them.’ Alexander asked again, ‘What is the extent of your father’s kingdom from the place where the sun rises?’ He said, ‘Our kingdom extends from the place where the sun rises to the point where we have dug the ditches. It includes four cities and, after you cross the kingdom, you reach Jabalsa.’ Alexander asked, ‘What is your father’s manpower?’ He replied, ‘Their number is uncountable!’ Alexander said, ‘A thousand times a thousand?’ He said, ‘Twice as many and more!’ Alexander inquired again, ‘Has your father fought against any other king?’ He replied, ‘Yes, against Queen Ara¯qı¯t and the cannibals.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Who prevailed?’ He said, ‘O King! It would depend. Sometimes we prevailed, and sometimes, they did.’ Alexander’s said, ‘I know that you have given true answers. Can you recognise your sister, if you see her?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ Alexander said, ‘She was captured by the fairies. When I conquered that land, I rescued her from the fairies and now she is my wife.’ The son of Sha¯hmalik fell to the ground full of happiness. Alexander ordered his soldiers to unchain his feet and treat him kindly, saying ‘I will spare your life. Remain here!’ He asked his servants to take him to his sister. When she saw her brother, she jumped up and they embraced each other full of happiness. Buqra¯quz was a clever young man and he knew it was not prudent to remain there longer. His sister let him go, and he returned to Alexander along with the servants. Alexander sent him to Aristotle, saying, ‘Treat him kindly, and let him remain without bounds. But do not feel secure about him until I see how this situation unfolds.’ In the meantime, Alexander was waiting for the arrival of Land, who was Qa¯til’s messenger. A number of slaves were appointed to serve the son of Sha¯hmalik and Alexander sent him a meal twice a day. One day Sha¯hmalik’s son said to Aristotle, ‘May I dispatch one of these slaves to my father and convey him the news about my sister, bringing thus this enmity to an end?’ Aristotle replied, ‘If the King permits so, it can be done. I will ask the King’s permission.’ When Alexander heard Buqra¯quz’s suggestion, he said, ‘I will not allow this, because Sha¯hmalik will think that I fear him.’ Then Alexander summoned Sha¯hmalik’s son, asking him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘Your slave, Buqra¯quz.’ He did not dare to use the title of the shah. Alexander said, ‘You have requested to send a slave to your father and inform him of these circumstances. Indeed,

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your father will be unaware of these affairs now and later. May it please God, I will arrest him and send him in chains to his daughter. Thus, he may understand what he has done. I pardoned you due to your honesty, and it was through pity for your youth that made me forgive you. I did not act thus because of your sister or your father.’ Then the son of Sha¯hmalik bowed before Alexander and returned to his quarters. He stayed with Aristotle and the days passed. In the meantime, Sha¯hmalik was informed that his troops had failed and that Alexander prevailed while Buqra¯quz and thirty commanders had been captured. This drove Sha¯hmalik mad and made him weep, with tears rolling down his white beard. He beat himself, saying, ‘I could not stand separation from my daughter. How can I stand the absence of that moonfaced gorgeousness that used to stand before my throne? Cursed be the Zangı¯s!’ He summoned the ministers to his presence, saying, ‘We conceived a scheme, but we failed. Now both my daughter and my son are lost. The same will happen with my home, my kingdom and my kingship. What can I do?’ The ministers said, ‘O King! Alexander is a major ruler. Today he is the King of the East and the West and the kings of the earth pay him tribute due to their fear. Wherever he has been, he has defeated every king. He killed those who revolted against him and disobeyed him. Write a letter to him and dispatch messengers to him with presents worthy of his kingship and say, “The Zangı¯s caused to this conflict. If you so show magnanimity worthy of you and return my son to me, we will owe you our gratitude.”’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Be it so!’ He sent a letter to Alexander together with 10,000 Khusrava¯nı¯ durusts, each durust is worth five dı¯nars, 1,000 musk buds, three or four pairs of deer, bosons and two ostriches with gem-studded leashes. He prepared them all and sent them to Alexander with a fast messenger. A few days later, Alexander was informed that Sha¯hmalik’s messenger had arrived. Alexander told his men to decorate the Haft Anbar Garden with great majesty. They decorated the elephants and put the lions at the entrance. When the messenger entered, Alexander was sitting on the throne and the fairies were standing in line in the air, above Alexander’s head. The messenger bowed to Alexander and offered him presents. Alexander looked at the presents. The messenger gave him the letter, but said nothing. Aristotle opened the letter. After he had seen the presents, Alexander was silent for an hour. Then he raised his head and said, ‘How dare Sha¯hmalik be an obstacle to my way when God has opened the whole world to me from the East to the West?’ The messenger bowed and said, ‘O King of the Earth! Who would dare go against your will? Take note of what is in the letter.’ After the letter was read, the messenger added his message. Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Provide the messenger with lodgings for the night. I will answer him tomorrow.’ They provided accommodation for the messenger and gave him food. Alexander had told Aristotle to ensure that the messenger did not see the son of Sha¯hmalik or hear anything about him. That night, the messenger stayed with Aristotle. Alexander prayed to God all night long. At dawn, having said his morning prayer, he went to rest. When he woke up, Land, the Zangı¯, who was his spy, came to the camp. He said to Alexander, ‘O King! Tomorrow is the day of fighting: 400,000 Zangı¯s will come out of the fort.’ After a while the Zangı¯

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troops left the fort and stood in line. Qa¯til did the same and he was huge as a mountain covered with steel. When Alexander’s soldiers saw Qa¯til, they trembled with fear, saying, ‘Who will dare to fight him in combat? Alas! We are ruined. What will happen?’ Alexander found out that his men feared Qa¯til. He ordered his army to prepare themselves for battle and to station the elephants.





ALEXANDER’S BATTLE AGAINST QATIL THE ZANG I AND WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THEM It is thus divinely narrated that when Alexander was getting prepared for war, the Zangı¯s were arranging their battle ranks. Alexander was perplexed by that situation and the enormous size of the Zangı¯s. Then Alexander went to pray, prostrated himself and said, ‘O Almighty, please grant me victory so that I can defeat these infidels who are my enemies.’ The Almighty decided that the Angel, who was Alexander’s friend, should appear before Alexander and say: ‘Be not afraid of these Zangı¯s for tomorrow morning 20,000 more men will arrive and they will be at your disposal. The Almighty will hand these fighters to you and it has been decided long before that all of them will be killed by you. The time has come and the fort will be yours and you will acquire all of its treasures. But your mission with the infidel Turks will be more difficult. Be sober and be not afraid of their deceit. You will stay for an extra five months in this Garden. Then you will find a way to be released from Sha¯hmalik’s grip and the story with the Zangı¯s will come to an end. And when this victory comes, it will be by God’s power. Everything occurs according to the will and the power of God. If something happens without the God’s power, then it is insignificant.’ When the King heard this, he grew contented with the divine decree, looked at the enemy’s ranks and he stopped fearing the Zangı¯s. When the two armies faced each other, a young man from Bukhara came to Alexander and said, ‘I swear to your life that I saw a dream that I will kill today four Zangı¯s.’ Alexander gave him a military order, thinking that this was an omen. The young man came to the battlefield. He held the dagger over his head and he held the javelin ready to fight. A tall, strong and dreadful horseman from the Zangı¯s came forth. Both looked each other. The Zangı¯ was not wearing a helmet but the young man from Bukhara could not defeat him. The Almighty sent a wind to blow upon the head and the face of the Zangı¯. As a result, the Zangı¯ could not open his eyes. The young man from Bukhara hit the Zangı¯’s foot with a sword and cut one of his thighs and wounded him at his rear, aiming to cut the other thigh. The Zangı¯ became unconscious, fell and died. When that Zangı¯ with such strength was killed by such a weak opponent, all the Zangı¯s thought: ‘How strong they are!’ They said to Qa¯til: ‘This horseman is the scribe of the castle.’ Qa¯til became angry and ordered, ‘Summon Land!’ When he came, Qa¯til said, ‘O foul man! Did you not say that the scribe is in prison?’ He said, ‘O King! It is not my fault for he is supposed to tell us his news and to be saved!’ Then Qa¯til said to Land, ‘If he was not on our side, I would have taken out his eyes. He swore to his own faith that he would not ally himself with anybody else but you.’ Then Land wore his armour and came

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to the battlefield. He looked around and shouted, ‘It is me, Land!’ so that everyone, Alexander and his army know. He looked at the young man from Bukhara and they exchanged good words. He said to Land, ‘What did I say to him and he sent me to fight you?’ Then Land thought, ‘What is going on with me in the fort? It is better to pretend to be captive of the young man from Bukhara!’ He said to the young man, ‘Put a lasso around my neck.’ But the young man did not have a lasso. He caught Land from his belt and Land did the same with the young man’s belt. Both of them drew the belt of each other. Then Land displayed strength and caught the young man from his waist and raised him above his head, saying to him, ‘Fear and be strong!’ He made the sound of the Zangı¯s! The young man shouted, ‘O King! Save me!’ Alexander ordered his horsemen to go for Land’s help. When Land looked around, he saw the horsemen coming and he ran. He let the young man down and fled to Qa¯til. Qa¯til asked him, ‘O you foul one! Why did you let the young man go when you held him in your hands?’ Land replied, ‘O King! They arrested me and if I had killed him, then you would not have had any messenger to go there. And I did not want to go there!’ Qa¯til said, ‘You spoke truthfully!’ Alexander moved to the battlefield but his army did not let him do so. They said, ‘Given that there are so many of us standing here, then why should he fight?’ Alexander did not order his army. Instead, he sat on a white elephant fully armoured and looked to the sky, saying, ‘O Almighty! Cry out and bestow us victory against these infidel cannibals!’ He said to Aristotle, ‘Be strong, for victory is near.’ He encouraged his men, saying, ‘Look!’ He came to the battlefield and clamour rose from his army ranks. The elephant drivers were encouraged and stood by Alexander. All the commanders came to the battlefield and chaos prevailed. The fairies informed Ara¯qı¯t that Alexander had gone onto the battlefield. She was very scared and she immediately put on her armour. She held her bow and headed to the battlefield. When she arrived there, she stood in the centre. The army knew that she was Ara¯qı¯t. They went around her and the fairies stood over her head. Then Qa¯til was informed that Alexander was standing on the battlefield. He was looking for someone to fight Alexander in a single combat. Qa¯til said, ‘I order one of you to go and bring Alexander’s head. Then I will return to the fort. for it is very hot here.’ A Zangı¯ went to the battlefield and said to Alexander, ‘You will fall down from your elephant!’ Alexander replied, ‘You are on horse and you are one gaz taller than me.’ Alexander turned the elephant and hit the mount of that infidel with an arrow and he fell unconscious from his horse. The Zangı¯ died and Alexander cried out aloud ‘God is great!’ Another Zangı¯ came to face Alexander, who said, ‘O you infidel cannibals! If I leave anyone of you alive, I will not be Alexander!’ He looked at the Zangı¯ who was brave. The Zangı¯ hit Alexander, who was taken by surprise, on the shoulder with a spear. Alexander was not wounded and moved against the Zangı¯ and hit him at his armpits and he fell from the saddle. Alexander soldiers cried out aloud ‘God is great!’ and beat the war drums. Another fierce Zangı¯ came forth and fought Alexander but eventually his spear broke. Alexander caught his belt and hit him at his saddle and sent him to the ground. Then the

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elephants moved over him and killed him under their feet. The Zangı¯s were terrified and said, ‘We cannot withstand him! Perhaps we should not fight him in a single combat!’ Qa¯til ordered them to choose ten Zangı¯s and to march against Alexander. They attacked the elephant and cut his trunk off. The elephant was paralysed by that wound. The ten Zangı¯s cried out aloud against Alexander and the elephant fell down. Ara¯qı¯t came out of the crowd and hit a Zangı¯ with an arrow, killing him immediately. She killed another Zangı¯ with her spear. Ara¯qı¯t was greatly scared. She went on foot, took her horse and raised Alexander up. Then she put him on the horse. Of the Zangı¯ horsemen, there remained seven of them who turned their faces to Alexander. As Ara¯qı¯t was fighting, suddenly a horse came from the sky. Ara¯qı¯t mounted it and wanted to replace Alexander on the battlefield. When the Zangı¯s saw the horse descending from the sky, they knew that she was Ara¯qı¯t. Qa¯til ordered them, ‘Attack her! Capture this foul woman!’ A thousand Zangı¯s were gathered around her and started fighting her. That day Ara¯qı¯t fought so bravely that all the Iranians, the Greeks and the whole army were astonished. Alexander felt for her. Ara¯qı¯t rode until she reached Qa¯til, who was terrified. He retreated; he called the men at the fort and returned there. Ara¯qı¯t, who was riding like 1,000 horsemen, hunted him. From the Zangı¯s, 1,000 men were killed. Alexander was pleased. When Ara¯qı¯t returned, she stood in the middle of the crowd. She unfolded the banners so that the soldiers of Alexander could see these and open the gates. Ara¯qı¯t prostrated herself before Alexander and then they headed to the Garden. Alexander returned to the Haft Anbar Garden happily as a victor and a conqueror. Sha¯hmalik’s messenger came to inspect the situation and saw all those deeds. According to the Angel’s sayings, Alexander was displeased with Sha¯hmalik and his son. Yet he had spared the latter’s life. The next day Alexander summoned those captured commanders and put them next to the messenger. Alexander had the messenger sit on a golden chair and he did not accept Sha¯hmalik’s gifts. Then he answered and said, ‘Tell Sha¯hmalik, “O you foul infidel! Previously you had not heard the name of Alexander, the son of Darius and you ambushed me. Now you send me gold and precious gifts!”’ Then Alexander ordered the thirty Turks to convert to Islam and renounce idolatry. They refused and said, ‘We do not renounce our faith and we do not embrace Islam!’ Alexander ordered his men to behead the thirty commanders and turbulence was caused in the camp. Sha¯hmalik’s daughter stood up and secretly went to Ara¯qı¯t, saying, ‘Alas, Queen of Queens! Spare my brother’s life that the King wants to kill!’ Ara¯qı¯t knew that Alexander had spared Sha¯hmalik’s son life and that he would not change his mind. She said to his sister, ‘Right now, being here, he must renounce his previous faith and embrace Islam. Then I will send a fairy to the King, telling him that I want to see your brother.’ His sister sent someone to her brother with the message, ‘Alas! Accept the new faith and save your youth!’ Then Ara¯qı¯t sent a fairy to Alexander with the message, ‘For my sake, please spare the life of this young man!’ Alexander replied, ‘I will do so!’ Then they left and they brought Buqra¯quz before Alexander without chains and dressed him in beautiful clothes. When Buqra¯quz looked around, he saw the messenger of his father and all the riches and wealth that Alexander had accumulated. He also saw Alexander’s

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majesty. Sha¯hmalik’s son was terrified and wanted to eat poison. He started reconsidering his view. Alexander said to him, ‘Embrace and accept Islam and say that the God of the Seven Spheres of the Sky and the Earth is One. Otherwise I will behead you, for there can be no agreement with idolaters.’ Sha¯hmalik’s son said, ‘I swore to the God of the Seven Spheres of the Sky and the Earth that He is One and I renounced idolatry.’ Alexander gave him special honours, praised him and sent him to Aristotle. Alexander answered the messenger, saying, ‘Time is coming when the Zangı¯s will pay, I swear to the Almighty! When I come there on my own, I will speak and listen and you will see what I am going to do in revenge. Now they will give us gold because all the treasures of the world are in my treasury, and beware that I am not boasting. There is nothing between myself and the infidel Turks but the sword! The Almighty has showed me the way to the place where the sun rises and nobody can prevent me from going there. And you will see that according to the decree of the Almighty, when I cross your land, I will fill all these ditches, which you have dug with the bodies of your men! Then I will behead you and I will put a spear through your skull and I will carry it to the edges of the East. Thus, you may understand that you do not own that land and you cannot ambush me and close my way to the water.’ And he gave a gift to the messenger and granted him leave. After the departure of Sha¯hmalik’s messenger, the fairies were preoccupied with the assassination of the evil Qa¯til. They informed Alexander that the conquest of the fort was about to happen. They had also told him that since this is going to happen, he must be patient until what is hidden [behind the curtain] is revealed. The next day, Land came and said, ‘Beware, O King! Another 20,000 men have arrived to the aid of the Zangı¯s. They carry much wealth with them.’ Alexander said, ‘I did not know it. We are about to conquer the fort. Leave the fort because dreadful war will happen and nobody will recognise you in the middle of the night!’ Land prostrated himself before Alexander and said, ‘I will come, by God’s will!’ Alexander replied, ‘How many Zangı¯s are there?’ Land said, ‘They are planning to come out of the fort and fight tomorrow. There are more than 50,000 Zangı¯s.’ That night, Alexander ordered them to prepare their equipment in their military rank formations and they were preoccupied with various tasks. In the morning, clamour and the war drums were heard from within the fort and the Zangı¯s came out to fight. Alexander’s men had been prepared for battle from the previous night. It was the day of their victory! Alexander and his brave army prepared themselves and they sent first a horseman to the battlefield; he was the young man from Bukhara. He wandered alone on the battlefield looking for an enemy to fight. A Zangı¯ came out of the ranks of Zangı¯s. He held a spear but he had no armour. He looked at the young man from Bukhara who noticed that the Zangı¯ had no armour. Yet the Zangı¯ was very strong and brave. He fought hard. In the end, the young man from Bukhara raised his hand and hit the shoulder of the Zangı¯ with his sword, cutting his arm. Yet the Zangı¯ continued fighting. In the end, the Zangı¯ was killed. After this, another dreadful Zangı¯ came forth, looked at the young man from Bukhara. He caught him from his belt and threw him out of the saddle and took him to the King of the Zangı¯s. When Qa¯til saw him, he said, ‘Was it my retribution for

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making you a scribe?’ He said, ‘O King! Alexander that day chained me and he afterwards forgave me and spared my life. I belonged to that army and I obeyed their orders. Today that I managed to escape from him, I belong to this army. If the King of the Zangı¯s spares my life and sends me to the battlefield, then he will see what I am going to do to them!’ Qa¯til, who was stupid, unwisely believed him, said to him, ‘Return to the battlefield to see what you are going to do!’ Alexander was concerned about the fate of the young man from Bukhara. An Iranian from his army came forth, looking for an opponent to fight. The young man from Bukhara was taken before Qa¯til and said, ‘Can you order me to go back to the battlefield and show them my manliness?’ Qa¯til replied, ‘Go ahead! But if you play tricks with me, then I will kill you.’ The young man from Bukhara returned to the battleground. He looked to the Iranian and there was much cursing and insults exchanged between them, the young man from Bukhara said to the Iranian, ‘I will pretend falling to your hand and, promise me that then you will carry me away.’ The Iranian did not have a lasso so he caught the young man from his belt and the young man did the same. Both laughed at Qa¯til! In the end, both of them fell from their horses, holding each other’s belts, wrestling and smiling! Alexander sent two Iranian horsemen in order to capture both of them and to bring them before him. The Iranians beat the war drums but the young man from Bukhara did not come. Qa¯til thought, ‘This was a trick!’ But he had been deceived once more! ‘We must kill him.’ Once more, a Zangı¯ horseman came forth onto the battleground looking for an opponent to fight. Ten Iranian and one Greek horseman went to him. All ten men were killed by the young man. Alexander was very angry about this development. He entered the battlefield without nonsense and with agility; he killed the Zangı¯ in a single attack. Then Qa¯til was told, ‘This King who entered the battleground is Alexander! Yesterday you ordered us to inform you when he enters the battlefield.’ When Qa¯til heard this, he cried out aloud and entered the battleground. When Alexander saw Qa¯til, he invoked the name of the Almighty and looked at Qa¯til. And this foul Zangı¯ was very strong! Alexander was thinking of the Zangı¯’s strength and Alexander’s men were afraid, saying, ‘The King is in the dragon’s nest! If he does not make it, then we are dead!’ They sent someone to look for Ara¯qı¯t while Alexander was fighting the infidel Qa¯til. Alexander’s men were praying while the Zangı¯s were getting prepared to assault Alexander’s army. They fought for half a day and after this, both opponents were tired. No one could advance. Then they beat the drums of rest and Alexander returned to his camp healthy. So did Qa¯til. That day, Alexander was astonished by Qa¯til’s strength. He said, ‘I have never seen someone stronger than Qa¯til! I do not know what is going to happen!’ Similarly, both armies retreated. Alexander came to the Garden and, when he sat down a horseman hurriedly came to him, saying, ‘O King! The Zangı¯s have not gone yet to their fort!’ Alexander thought and said, ‘I hope that the Zangı¯s are not up to something!’ He put on his armour and once more so also did his men. They stood in the middle of the Garden to see what was going to happen with the Zangı¯s who remained captured and astonished by their fort and they beat their drums to inform the fort. No one answered

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them and the reason for this was the fact that when the Zangı¯s had approached the fort, the gate of the fort was firmly closed. None of the Zangı¯s inside the fort would open the way for them. Qa¯til was astonished and he was hungry due to the heat and his previous efforts to fight. It was at that moment that the Zangı¯s had returned and stayed out of the fort in order to fight, about thirty or forty Zangı¯s remained in the fort for defence. It was then that the fairies appeared and their Queen Ara¯qı¯t who informed them and said, ‘The fort is empty at the moment and that there are no more than thirty or forty Zangı¯s. Let’s get up and go to the fort! Ara¯qı¯t stood up and took those 1,400 fairies with her. All of them were armoured and took Ara¯qı¯t with them. Some of the fairies went ahead and killed those thirty or forty Zangı¯s. When Queen Ara¯qı¯t went there, the Zangı¯s had dug a certain place and there was a lot of filth and evil. Because of this, she did not dare to enter Qa¯til’s palace. They checked all over the palace and they saw 100 women who were ugly and frightened. They killed them all. When King Qa¯til returned from the battle, he ordered them to shut the gates of the fort firmly. He came to the upper part of the fort with the fairies and looked for the hermit, but he could not find him. He thought to himself, ‘Akh! I am afraid that he has been killed!’ Alexander was not aware of these developments. When Qa¯til came and there was no way to enter the fort, he stood there and he could not work out what was really going on. He thought to himself, ‘The watchmen are either asleep or they have gone to the upper part of the fort.’ Given that Ara¯qı¯t knew that Alexander was not aware of these developments, she dispatched two fairies to inform Alexander about these events. Alexander rejoiced and his face blossomed like a spring flower! As he was standing with his army, he said to his soldiers, ‘There is no need to attack the fort, for Ara¯qı¯t has already taken it and killed all the Zangı¯s!’ Then he sent the two fairies to Ara¯qı¯t with this message, ‘When I attack Qa¯til and raise war against him from the upper part of the fort, you must cry aloud “God is Great and King Alexander is victorious!”’ The two fairies left and told all of this to Ara¯qı¯t who said, ‘I will act accordingly.’ When Alexander reached the last part of the fort, they beat the war drums. The Zangı¯s informed Qa¯til, ‘Once more Alexander’s soldiers are coming to fight!’ Qa¯til said, ‘I do not know what the reason is. Poor us, we must fight again!’ When Qa¯til came to the battleground, all of Alexander’s men were happy. The sound of the war drums was heard from the upper part of the fort. Alexander’s men shouted, ‘King Alexander is victorious!’ When the Zangı¯s heard these words, they lost their morale and the power abandoned their limbs. Meanwhile, Alexander’s men were coming and Alexander himself stood in the middle of the army formation. Alexander’s men attacked and killed the Zangı¯s, who did not have anywhere else to go apart from the sea, which was located on their right hand side. Qa¯til said, ‘What is happening?’ Still he did not know what was going on! His men told him, ‘Do you not hear them shouting, “King Alexander is victorious!”? Queen Ara¯qı¯t has conquered the fort!’ Qa¯til replied, ‘When I return here, I will have killed her.’ His men told him, ‘O King! What are you saying? Have you lost your mind? Do you not

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hear that they have conquered the fort and that Alexander is the holder of the fort?’ The world was darkened around Qa¯til, who stood motionless. Alexander mounted his fiery horse and 1,000 Zangı¯s surrounded him. A big fight erupted between them. When the Zangı¯s realised that they had lost the control of the fort, they moved towards the sea and abandoned Qa¯til. Alexander with 1,000 horsemen around him came along and arrested Qa¯til. They put a lasso around his neck and dragged him. They killed the Zangı¯s with their swords because they were the victors. They killed all those Zangı¯s, who were enormously big. The number of the dead Zangı¯s was not identified. Probably 400,000 men defeated 40,000 men. When he came close, Alexander ordered his men to bring Qa¯til to the Garden. The fairies came and asked him, ‘O King Alexander, what is to be done?’ He replied, ‘Go to the fort and stay there so that in the morning we may know how many of the Zangı¯s are still alive.’ That night, as every night, Alexander was in the prayers area, thanking the Omnipotent Almighty for making things against the Zangı¯s easier for him. Early in the morning, Alexander ordered his army to stand up and kill each of the Zangı¯s who were still alive on the seashore and everywhere. When Alexander came to the fort, he responded to the sound of the war drums. When he came to the upper part of the fort, Ara¯qı¯t came and prostrated herself before him. Alexander praised her. That day and night, Alexander’s men were happy and satisfied. Alexander was looking for the old hermit but he could not find him. He said, ‘Search for Land!’ He was not found either. For these two reasons, Alexander was saddened. Neither Land could be found, nor the old hermit. And there was no Zangı¯ left alive to inquire from him where they had put the old hermit. Then the army looked to the fort and said, ‘O King! What are your orders? Should we bring your tent here?’ Alexander replied, ‘No, for I do not want to stay in this fort which belonged to someone who caused hardships to Muslims. Look for Land!’ When they did so, they found him amongst the dead and he had ten wounds. Yet he was still alive and they brought him to Alexander. They asked him, ‘Who wounded you?’ He replied, ‘Queen Ara¯qı¯t headed to the fort and I did not know this. I came to the camp and I rejoiced. The Zangı¯s had hatred for me and whoever saw me attempted to wound me. I did the same. I remained steadfast until I fell down!’ Alexander praised him and Aristotle made various drugs and put them on his wounds. Alexander said to him, ‘Tell me about the treasures!’ He replied, ‘O King! I will reveal everything to you and I will show you all the underground quarters!’ Alexander went to his own quarters and brought the hermit outside. He was in a miserable condition and no one had seen him. He had been chained tightly and was sleeping in the middle of filth. When they brought him out, they cleaned him and gave him clean clothes to wear. He prayed for Alexander and prostrated himself before the King, thanking God for relieving him from his troubles. He said, ‘O King! If you want to achieve posterity, then destroy this fort! Otherwise someone will conquer it and it will become a source of trouble for Muslims!’ Alexander replied, ‘I am thinking the same but I must be patient until the case of Sha¯hmalik is over for me. For it is an important case and the war will be difficult. We will bring the women and the nobles here so that they are at ease.’

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The hermit said, ‘O King! It is of benefit. But be strong because your future will be better than you think! Due to Alexander’s piety, faith and good character, everything is going to be fine.’ He added, ‘Send me back to my place so that I can pray to God! I will pray for the King so that he defeats the numerous infidels!’ Alexander inquired, ‘Where is your place?’ The hermit replied, ‘On that mountain in the middle of the sea! It is twenty days distance.’ Alexander said, ‘It is not of benefit. You must be with me so that when I return from the place where the sun rises, I will send you to your place.’ The hermit replied, ‘The King’s order is to be obeyed!’ Alexander ordered them to go on the mountain where the fort of destruction was. The hermit went there and prostrated himself to God. Alexander wanted Land to reveal Qa¯til’s treasures! Land did so. Alexander acquired so much gold, jewellery, musk and other treasures that no one could imagine and comprehend it. Land’s wounds were healed and he got his strength back. Alexander gave him the command of his army and a golden belt as well as a portion of the Qa¯til’s treasures. As soon as he was finished with his payment, Alexander ordered them to bring Ara¯qı¯t to the Garden. Ara¯qı¯t, who was in the process of childbirth, gave birth in the fort to a very beautiful boy whose name was Iskandaru ¯ s. He was very beautiful and Alexander became very happy. For seven days, they celebrated in the fort. After seven days, they came out of the fort and Alexander came to the Haft Anbar Garden and they stayed for another seven days in that Garden. The sound of the musicians made them stay another seven days in the Garden, which was like a paradise. After fifteen days, Alexander was finished with the task of hospitality. He prepared his army and summoned them, ordering the commanders of his army to be prepared and put Qa¯til in the court and keep him there. Alexander said to Qa¯til, ‘O infidel! Can you see the Almighty’s punishment?’ Qa¯til replied, ‘That fairy did this shameful task! But do you think that you have already killed all the Zangı¯s of the world? There are so many Zangı¯s in the world that you cannot count them! And they are so strong and tall that you cannot kill them!’ Alexander had given Land a golden belt and a metal stick on his shoulder and he was standing there at his disposal. When Qa¯til used Ara¯qı¯t’s name in a negative manner, Alexander looked at Land who hit Qa¯til’s head with the metal stick and said to him, ‘Keep your mouth shut, you evil infidel dog!’ Qa¯til looked at Land and said, ‘You foul one! You did everything! In ten days, the Zangı¯s who will come and surround you, will not spare your and Sha¯hmalik’s lives wherever you go, even to the place where the sun rises!’ Alexander said, ‘In ten days, I will be alive.’ Qa¯til said, ‘I know that you will kill us but those miserable ones will come because this fort belongs to the Darulmalik Zangı¯, this fort which that evil woman gave to you!’ Land hit Qa¯til again. Alexander said, ‘Embrace Islam, accept the Almighty God of the Heaven and Earth! In this case, I will make you an elite soldier of my army and commander of my elephants’ battalion. I will also give you beautiful concubines. You will have such a position that all the kings of the world will prostrate themselves before you. In your army, there will be nobody more senior than you.’ Qa¯til replied, ‘O King! Please give me time tonight to think!’ Alexander gave him time.

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In the morning, he summoned him again and said, ‘What did you think?’ Qa¯til had thought to himself, ‘I will accept Islam superficially and, when Alexander leaves, I will return to my faith. When he returns from the place where the sun rises, I will ambush him during the night, aiming to take revenge on him by attacking him at his rear when he attacks Sha¯hmalik.’ When Alexander asked him, ‘What did you think?’ he replied, ‘O King! If you want me to become a Muslim, give me my fort back!’ Alexander laughed and said, ‘You will never see this fort again except for this one hour that I will take you there. I will construct a gallows and I will hang you there. I will go over these gallows and I will leave you there so that everyone who crosses this place sees you and realises that the world has been relieved from your nonsense!’ When Alexander said this, Qa¯til realised that he would not give his fort back to him. He said, ‘Now do whatever you decree! But give me three days to think well!’ Alexander said, ‘I gave you time!’ Land said, ‘O King! He is contriving a trick! He has sent someone to the Zangı¯s and they will arrive in a few hours. The commander of the Zangı¯s wants to come with a numerous army, for this fort was the glory and the stronghold of the Zangı¯s, since they kept there their treasury and army!’ Alexander said, ‘If the Almighty helps me to kill them, what else remains? I wish the Almighty had decided to give me the power to decide about the life of the Zangı¯s. And God’s decision cannot be annulled!’ He gave Qa¯til three days and on the fourth day he summoned him and asked, ‘Have you made up your mind?’ Qa¯til said, ‘O King! If you want me to become a Muslim, send me with your army to the fort because I must do something there. I have put something there, which I want to bring to you! I accept Islam and I know that when I become a Muslim you will give me back my fort to keep it.’ Alexander knew that Qa¯til was bluffing but he thought to himself, ‘So be it! For he has hidden something and he wants to reveal it!’ Alexander ordered his men to chain Qa¯til firmly. Land stood next to him and they put the chains on Qa¯til. Alexander, along with the nobility of Qa¯til, took him to the fort. Then Qa¯til said, ‘Take me to the upper part of the fort!’ So they did. There was a hole and he said, ‘Dig gradually!’ As they were digging, they found a metal door of a house. Qa¯til put his finger under the door and took the key out, giving it to Alexander. He said, ‘Open this door!’ Alexander acted accordingly. He saw ten boxes, which had been put there. They were all full of gold and jewellery and pearls. Qa¯til said to Alexander, ‘Take all these and I will embrace Islam! Give this fort back to me!’ Alexander replied, ‘O you villain! All of these are mine! What can you do about this?’ The Zangı¯ became angry and said, ‘Close the door and give me the key!’ Alexander laughed and said, ‘This has gone too far.’ They chained Qa¯til in the treasury and Alexander put the key in the special treasury, and said, ‘Today is the last day you see this fort! But if you become pious, then I will spare your life and you will be with me wherever I go. But if you do not become a Muslim, I will immediately hang you.’ Qa¯til replied, ‘You cannot kill me! Now listen to a couple of words I must tell you! Then you will see that my words are sharper than the dagger!’ Alexander said, ‘Tell me!’ Qa¯til said, ‘You think that Ara¯qı¯t is your wife. She has another ten men! When your time is over, the fairies will leave and bring young men from other places!’

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Alexander was very angry when he heard this but he did not express his anger. He said, ‘O you villain! Shut up because you do not know what you are saying!’ Qa¯til said to Alexander, ‘Stand up and come! I want to show you something.’ Alexander went with him. He saw a hole. He dug and there was found a gate. Qa¯til brought out a key and gave it to Alexander. When they opened the gate, there was a very big house revealed. There were also 100,000 skulls, which had been put there. All of them had been hanged. When Alexander saw these, he said, ‘O you villain! Why are you showing these to me?’ Qa¯til replied, ‘Because I want you to know what kind of place this fort is!’ Alexander thought, ‘I must kill this infidel, so that everyone is punished!’ Qa¯til said, ‘O King! Beware that 100,000 Zangı¯s are coming tomorrow and a single one of you will not remain alive!’ He added, ‘Come for I want to show you something else!’ Alexander followed him once more. He dug another hole and another gate was revealed. When they opened it, there was a hole, which was bright from the light of the air. Alexander saw 500 men who were alive and chained sitting there and receiving water and bread through that hole. Alexander asked them, ‘Who are you?’ They could not give them an answer. He saw that each one of them had their mouths shut. There was an underground gate and ten vicious Zangı¯s sat there. When it was time for lunch, the Zangı¯s removed the food from the men’s mouths who cried aloud, ‘Alas! Alas!’ They were all full of the Zangı¯s’ filth and evil. Everyone was into evil and filth. Alexander asked them, ‘Where are you from?’ They replied, ‘Each one of us is coming from a city where, thank God, we worship God! The Zangı¯s sent all of us here and we are all merchants.’ Alexander inquired, ‘How long have you been here?’ They replied, ‘It has not been very long.’ Some said four months and some others said two months. Alexander ordered his men to take the merchants and bring them out of the fort to the Haft Anbar Garden. They cleaned them and gave to them clothes and food, having a good time. Alexander said to them, ‘Be happy for I will seek revenge from this evil Qa¯til for you!’ Alexander said to Qa¯til, ‘What else is left to show me?’ Qa¯til replied, ‘Nothing is left! Only the Zangı¯s are expected to come and they will punish you and your army.’ Alexander ordered them to bury those skulls and they divided the wealth. Along with the horsemen, he went around the fort. And no other task was left. From there, he came to the Haft Anbar Garden and released 10,000 horsemen. He gave Land a porter and brought Qa¯til out of the fort. Alexander sat on his throne and his men brought Qa¯til before him. Alexander said, ‘O you villain! Why did you make Muslims suffer? What for?’ Qa¯til replied, ‘I wanted to eat them!’ Alexander asked the hostages, ‘Did he eat anyone of you?’ They replied, ‘There was a youth amongst us; he was beautiful like the sun and the moon. He was still a child. Qa¯til summoned him and did immoral things to him. The youth shouted. Qa¯til with his wrath cut the youth with his teeth and ate him.’ Alexander ordered them to kill that villainous dog. They brought an iron smashing machine and they smashed Qa¯til’s teeth in it. They also cut both his nose and ears and that day they kept him alive. The next day, Alexander ordered them to bring him and they dragged out and cut off his tongue and throat. They took one of his eyes out and then took him to the prison where he shouted and cried due to his pain until the morning. On the fourth day, they

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brought him and left him there. Alexander ordered them to pierce his face and they opened two holes in his face. Then they cut one of his hands and sent him back to prison again. The next day, they brought him and cut his testicles. Then they took him back to prison but he did not die. On the seventh day, they brought him, cut his right foot but again he did not die and they gave him food. One day the fairies came and said, ‘O King! Two ships have been detected and they are full of Zangı¯s. We went and saw that their commander is Jundu ¯ l who is stronger and bigger than Qa¯til.’ Alexander said, ‘By God’s word, there is no problem.’ He summoned Land who came. When Alexander saw him, he said, ‘You must undertake this task. You must go to them and observe. If they are aware of the conquest of the fort and Qa¯til’s capture, let me know through these two fairies. If they do not know these developments, then tell them that Qa¯til sent you there and that he orders them to come out of the sea tonight and come to the fort so that Alexander’s army does not see you.’ When Land left, Alexander sent 5,000 horsemen, Iranian horsemen, to guard the fort. When Land went to the Zangı¯s, they rejoiced and they did not know anything about what had happened at the fort and to Qa¯til. Land went to their commander, whose name was Manku ¯ s. He asked him, ‘How is everything?’ Manku ¯ s replied, ‘We are at your disposal!’ Land said, ‘Qa¯til orders that you must get off the ship and come to the fort this evening during prayer time. You must come so that you get to the fort happy in the morning.’ The Zangı¯s replied, ‘We must act accordingly!’ There were about 30,000 Zangı¯s and their leader was the King of Zanjibar. After this, he sent the two fairies to Alexander with all the news. When Alexander was informed about these developments, he chose 100,000 horsemen, divided them into four groups. The first group was sent to the seashore and said, ‘When they come out of the sea, you must go to their rear!’ Another group was sent to the fort so that when the Zangı¯s come, this group would stand between the two armies. The third group was sent to the right direction and the fourth to the left. Alexander ordered them, ‘Before you hear me saying “God is Great!” no one should move from his position!’ At midnight, Land came and said, ‘I brought all the Zangı¯s in front of the fort. They are all tired and they are well asleep!’ King Alexander stood by with 10,000 horsemen. In the morning, the Zangı¯s were asleep. Alexander trusted Land who was, however, stupid and could not carry out any task. When those Zangı¯s came out of the sea, Land came to Alexander. From those half-killed Zangı¯s, two or three of them were dispersed on the seashore and they were hidden from the people during the day. That night, they were aware of the arrival of the army of Zangı¯s. They went to the newly arrived Zangı¯s, crying, lamenting and saying, ‘Where are you going? The fort has been conquered and the King of the Zangı¯s, Qa¯til, has been captured and we do not know whether he is alive or not. Alexander and his men hold the fort now.’ The Zangı¯s asked them, ‘What is to be done?’ The two Zangı¯s replied, ‘You must go to Sha¯hmalik, for he is coming to fight Alexander as well! You must go and help Sha¯hmalik.’ They replied, ‘It is prudent.’ Those Zangı¯s who were tired got on camels and they all went to Sha¯hmalik. Alexander was not aware of these developments. A well-formed army appeared in the ambush. Those Zangı¯s did not go against the fort but they moved to Sha¯hmalik.

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When Alexander cried aloud ‘God is Great!’ and came outside the fort, he did not see any sign of the Zangı¯s. His men came in the form of four groups. They did not find one of those Zangı¯s. In the morning, they saw the camel footprints outside the fort. Alexander came out and the hermit left his cloister and said, ‘O King! Beware and be careful because the Zangı¯s are unwise.’ Land was not this kind of man. When Land went to them, the Zangı¯s were still in the sea. When the Zangı¯s came to the seashore, I heard62 that some of the half-killed Zangı¯s who had survived their wounds and had escaped Alexander’s camp hid themselves and narrated their story to the newly arrived Zangı¯s. The latter said, ‘It is not prudent to attack. It is better to go to Sha¯hmalik.’ Alexander was shocked by this news. Along with 100,000 horsemen, he went after the Zangı¯s. They did not come across anyone for half a day. Alexander returned with his army and he was unhappy. He ordered them to take the half-killed Qa¯til to the fort and had him hanged there. Alexander was preoccupied with the issue of Sha¯hmalik and the infidel Turks. He was working and was concentrated on this issue.








THE ARRIVAL OF MANKUS AND THE ZANG I S AT SHAHMALIK’S PLACE, THE BATTLE
BETWEEN SHAHMALIK AND ALEXANDER, AND WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THEM It is divinely narrated that when the Zangı¯s were informed about the situation of Qa¯til, from the seashore they looked for Sha¯hmalik. When Sha¯hmalik heard that the Zangı¯s had arrived, he went to welcome them. He brought the Zangı¯s into the city and needed a place to accommodate them exclusively. He found a place for them and offered them food and other facilities. When Sha¯hmalik had completed this task, he summoned the messenger who gave him Alexander’s answer. He also told Sha¯hmalik about the healthy condition of his son. Sha¯hmalik’s hatred grew inside him and he thought, ‘I have never felt better than now that these 30,000 Zangı¯ have come to my aid. I will send someone that moment they reside in the place where the sun rises, so that they may come to my aid. Now my horsemen have been multiplied. Let’s go now and ruin them by bringing them up and down.’ He ordered them to build bridges and dig ditches. The roads were closed. Sha¯hmalik sent another message to Alexander, saying, ‘Beware that every task must be well calculated and measured. You came from Iran and Greece and you did whatever you did to the world leaders. Now the time for retribution has come and you will suffer from me whatever you did to other world leaders. You think that you kill the Zangı¯s. You are wrong! Given that the world is afraid of the Zangı¯s, they cannot sleep at night! Now if you want to return healthy, send me Qa¯til, the King of the Zangı¯s, and my son! Send me also the booty of the fort you conquered. If you do not do what I am asking, then we will come with an army that 1,000 horsemen will correspond to each one of you! You can be certain that you will be dead!’ The messenger thought, ‘I must write this down so that I convey the message in a pleasant manner!’ He ordered him to write these words in a letter. They sealed the letter and sent the same messenger to Alexander. When the messenger approached the fort, he looked at it and saw Qa¯til’s body hanging. The messenger was astonished. Alexander had

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ordered his men to hang the skulls of the Zangı¯s around the parapets of the fort. When the messenger came, he prostrated himself, stood and waited for Alexander’s aides to show him the golden seat where he would sit as he was accustomed to do. Alexander’s men took the letter from the messenger and he read it out. Alexander thought, ‘He says all this to terrify the Zangı¯s who came in his support.’ He said to the messenger, ‘This is the story of Qa¯til and Sha¯hmalik’s son: I will bring you Qa¯til out of the fort. But your son is a Muslim now. What can be done to a pious and religious person who is amongst the infidels? When I kill you and if your army does not embrace Islam, I will destroy them! By God’s will, I shall deliver this city and region to the Muslims. If you come to fight me, the way is already closed!’ When the messenger received Alexander’s answer, he returned and conveyed it to Sha¯hmalik. He informed him also about the skulls of Zangı¯s which were hanging from the parapets and all the news about the Zangı¯s. Sha¯hmalik grew very sad about the dead Zangı¯s. The Zangı¯s in his camp were also very angry. Manku ¯ s said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘There is no other choice but for this. We must attack him!’ Sha¯hmalik armoured 50,000 infidel Turkish horsemen and said, ‘You must follow a certain path and attack their army when you approach the Haft Anbar Garden at the distance of one parasang [fa¯rsang].’ He sent a commander with them, ordering them to take the army to Qa¯til’s fort where there is the fort’s parapet and sea. Along with the Zangı¯s, he sent 50,000 horsemen. When they arrived, Alexander was unaware of these developments. When that army came close, following the right path, the watchman of the fort saw that an army had come! They informed Alexander that an army had arrived. Alexander also ordered all of his men to wear their armour and he summoned Land. He ordered all the women and concubines to be taken to the fort during that night. After he did this, he behaved towards Land with disrespect, forced him to walk like a dog for being a bad character and because the Zangı¯s did not keep their promises. He sent someone to Manku ¯ s and his army with this message, ‘You will be happy if I give you the women, concubines and treasures of Alexander that are kept in this fort tonight.’ There were two despicable Zangı¯s, who were doormen and came to save Land. He sent urgently one of those Zangı¯s see how things were that night. He went to the other Zangı¯s, explained to them the situation and he returned through the Garden. Alexander was standing in the Garden with his horsemen. He had woken up early and he saw the Zangı¯ who was moving in haste. He immediately understood that the Zangı¯ had been sent for a particular task. He thought to himself, ‘He is from that army!’ He ordered them to bring the Zangı¯ before him. Then he asked him, ‘Who are you?’ He replied, ‘I am at Land’s service.’ Alexander inquired further, ‘Where were you?’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘I went to carry out a task to this village!’ Alexander said, ‘You are lying! Check whether he holds something written or not!’ When they checked the Zangı¯, he was holding a short letter written by the vizier of Sha¯hmalik – the letter which had been written by Land and which we mentioned earlier. It was written in that message that ‘when the army comes tonight, you must fulfil what you promised, that is, to hand over the fort to us. You have a porter whom we highly esteem and you will be the commander of the fort.’ Alexander took that letter and read it. He was

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astonished by what that villainous shamelessly one had done. Then he ordered them to chain that Zangı¯. The army, which Sha¯hmalik had divided, arrived on that very day. And they fought bravely. Alexander and Aristotle went immediately to the fort, summoning Land. When he came, Alexander ordered them to arrest and to chain him tightly. Land asked him, ‘O King! What have I done that I deserve this outcome?’ Alexander showed him the letter and brought the messenger who said, ‘Land sent me this!’ When Land heard this, he was greatly astonished and could not give an answer. Alexander ordered them to hang Land on a tree which was located at the upper part of the fort, at the same place where Qa¯til had been hanged. They did so. No one in Sha¯hmalik’s army knew anything about it. After these events, the same Zangı¯ went to Sha¯hmalik who had come. A trustworthy commander of Sha¯hmalik was praying with Manku ¯ s, the Zangı¯. The plan was as follows: he would spend all the night, when he came, before the gate of the fort. Land would take them to the interior of the fort, along with 200,000 horsemen. That night, the commander came and spent the night next to Manku ¯ s and informed him about the latest developments. Manku ¯ s, the Zangı¯, rose and came. Alexander was in the fort that night and slept beside Queen Ara¯qı¯t. Suddenly he woke up, ‘Another victory has been granted to us!’ Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘What kind of victory?’ Alexander replied, ‘Manku ¯ s has come as a result of the tricks of Land. He was supposed to come here but he is not aware of Land’s death!’ Ara¯qı¯t inquired, ‘Who told you this news?’ Alexander replied, ‘The Almighty revealed this in my sleep.’ Then he rose and with 200 horsemen went to the fort, stood there and observed the guards from the upper part of the fort. Suddenly, the Zangı¯s came to the fort. Alexander had released that Zangı¯ who had brought the message. He had told the Zangı¯ to act thus and help him. Alexander asked the Zangı¯, ‘What is to be done?’ The Zangı¯ replied, ‘Land had said that “when you enter the fort, do not say that I saw from above. I myself will open you the gate.”’ When the guard saw the Zangı¯s, he informed the Zangı¯s that they had come. Alexander sent that Zangı¯ alone to open the gate, saying, ‘Get the horses in first and come in!’ There were 400 infidel Turks and 200 Zangı¯s. When they came in, it was morning. There were 7,000 pious fighters in the fort. They closed the gate and drew their swords. They shouted, ‘God is great!’ Manku ¯ s was strong and had an enormous body. The commander of the infidel Turks was captured and killed. In the morning, the enemy arrived at the fort and made an assault against it. Alexander stood at the parapets. His army consisted of 400,000 armoured horsemen and elephants. They came out of the fort, arranged in ranks. Alexander ordered them to take Manku ¯ s to the upper part of the fort, and they did to him what they had done to Land: they hanged him. The army of the Zangı¯s looked at that spectacle! Alexander ordered his men to hold the daggers over Manku ¯ s until he died. The head of that amir of the infidel Turks was shown around the fort. Then they threw the dead bodies from the walls. They were well fortified and Alexander came out towards his camp. The four groups of Sha¯hmalik’s army were not aware of Alexander’s moves. Alexander brought his army in one body and arranged them well for battle. Both armies faced each other. When the Zangı¯s looked to the fort, they saw the dead body of

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Manku ¯ s, their commander. He was executed in the same manner as Land. They saw also the dead bodies of the other Zangı¯s, the skull of the infidel Turkish commander and the skulls and the bodies of the other Zangı¯s hanging from above the parapets. Chaos fell in the ranks of the Zangı¯s. The strength abandoned their limbs. Alexander himself attacked the central ranks of the enemy and hit the core of the enemy arrangements. His men followed suit. Then the fairies came and said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘The army of the Zangı¯s and the infidel Turks are coming from the direction of the Haft Anbar.’ Ara¯qı¯t knew that they had prepared an ambush. And it was only a month that she had been pregnant and she was in a bad mood. When she heard the news and that Alexander was on the battlefield, she thought that she had to agree with those terms and may revolt. Along with 2,000 horsemen who were in the fort and 1,000 fairy horsemen she came out of the fort, attacking the enemy from its rear. The armies were big and a great battle erupted. On King Alexander’s side, the army of the infidels were scattered into pieces like the heart and the infidel Turks fled the battleground. Alexander was victorious! Alexander returned to the fort and suddenly attacked that group of the infidel Turks who were at the seashore. Alexander was not aware of their existence and a part of his army suffered defeat at the hands of the Zangı¯s. Eventually, Alexander gained victory and the Zangı¯s were defeated. Alexander returned victorious. When he came back to his camp, his men said to him, ‘O King! While you were fighting, an army from this direction appeared. Ara¯qı¯t with 2,000 horsemen came out of the fort to fight them. She has not returned yet.’ Alexander was worried about this news and moved with his army to the other direction. When he was half a parasang away from the Garden, he saw Ara¯qı¯t coming back, hit a spear on the horse’s ear. She withdrew because of the excessive heat. She had defeated the army of the enemy, killing many and capturing many infidel Turks, putting chains on their necks. When she saw Alexander, she rejoiced, dismounted her horse, prostrated herself and kissed the ground. Then she sat and told Alexander all that had happened. Alexander praised her and then they set out for a new victory. They went to the upper part of the fort and they beat the war drums. The next day, some groups of the army went close to Sha¯hmalik. Some of his Zangı¯s were in his ranks but there were also some other men, most of them Zangı¯s, who had ranked themselves on the right side of the army. They were standing there without fighting and in peace. Sha¯hmalik summoned the Zangı¯s and said, ‘Alexander does not know to hide himself. Yet those fairies that were with this shameless woman are with Alexander now. Day and night, they are doing espionage and are informing him. Now what is to be done?’ The Zangı¯s replied, ‘From here to our fort, it is ten days’ distance. Two or three of us can go hastily and the son of Manku ¯ s is there along with 50,000 Zangı¯ men. We will take him and bring him here to take vengeance for his father!’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘This is appropriate!’ Seven Zangı¯s came to the sea secretly and sailed for eight days until they reached the fort. There, many Zangı¯s from Zanjibar had arrived. The travelling Zangı¯s got off their

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ship, and shouted saying, ‘Qa¯til has been killed, Manku ¯ s has been hanged and all the Zangı¯s have been thrown down from the fort. Now Sha¯hmalik, the King of the Turks, is our aid and he needs reinforcements. We have one week to sail there.’ The Zangı¯s were enraged and they collected every piece of wood they could gather from the region. They constructed forty ships and 50,000 brave men got on the ships and they departed. On their way, the leaders of the Zangı¯s said, ‘We must go to an island so that we arrive safely to our comrade Sha¯hmalik in the East. They are towards that place. They travelled for ten days and then they arrived.’ Alexander was unaware of these developments and he was certain of what he had been told, that is, that he would stay in that region for another five months. After this, he would head to the place where the sun rises and achieve his goals. At night, Alexander was in the fort and during the day, he came out and was at his camp in the Haft Anbar Garden. And the fairies were going here and there informing him with much news. Meanwhile Sha¯hmalik called for reinforcements from every province of his kingdom in order to fight Alexander who was informed about the armies gathering in Sha¯hmalik’s camp. Yet he had no news from the Zangı¯s. One day the fairies came and said, ‘O King! Forty ships have anchored and they are all full of dreadful Zangı¯s. Manku ¯ s’ son is with them and he is thousands of times braver than his father. They arrived and went to Sha¯hmalik. There is joy and satisfaction in their camp.’ Alexander laughed and said, ‘What a surprise! Where are these coming from and they cannot become less? I am the Angel of Death for them!’ And that day he remained silent, waiting to see what kind of news he was going to receive. Then he got prepared to depart, to head to Sha¯hmalik and fight him. That night he was preoccupied with praying to the Almighty until midnight. At dawn, the glorious God ordered the Angel, who was Alexander’s friend, to appear to him. The Angel said to Alexander, ‘Have courage, because you have prevailed completely over the Zangı¯s. Your engagement against the Zangı¯s has ended and now you have to deal with the pagan Turks. It is not prudent to go any farther. Here is your place, because here you have two strong shelters: the fort and the Garden. The unbelieving Turks will prevent you from crossing as long as they are able to do so. You have great duties before you. Protect yourself from the infidel Turks and have trust in God. You will emerge victorious eventually.’ Alexander heard the Angel’s words and he bowed to the ground, expressing his gratitude. Then the Angel disappeared. Alexander guarded the Haft Anbar Garden and the fort cautiously. In the morning, he went to the hermit’s cloister. The hermit prayed for Alexander and boosted his self-confidence. On the previous night, the Angel had said to Alexander, ‘There are great wonders ahead for you, and you will see them.’ Alexander had asked, ‘Are they for good or not?’ The Angel had replied, ‘They are only for your good!’ One day Alexander was sitting before the hermit, looking at the road. He saw two horsemen galloping, one following the other. When they approached, Alexander said to his soldiers, ‘Check the identity of these galloping horsemen dressed in green.’ They replied, ‘We see no one!’ Alexander insisted, ‘Now they are near us!’ The horsemen greeted Alexander but he did not know them. When he greeted them too, one of the

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horsemen asked, ‘Do you not recognise me?’ Alexander replied, ‘No.’ He said, ‘I am Khidr, the Prophet and this is Ilya¯s, my brother. We have travelled a seven months’ journey within an hour! God has dispatched us to you bringing the good tidings of victory. Be on alert, because 100,000 pagan Turks lie in ambush ahead. They will come to your camp soon. You were not aware of this at all. The Zangı¯s have planned to seize your fort. There is a fort underground passage to the sea and every remaining Zangı¯ has gone to the sea, aiming to return at night to the fort through the passage and seize your wives, concubines and treasury. Be on guard. Now we have warned you and God will protect you.’ Then Khidr resumed the appearance he had had in the Land of Darkness. Through the grace of God, he gave the King the happy tidings of great conquests and good deeds that he would achieve in the place where the sun rises. He said to Alexander ‘Do not lament over death. When death comes, one is obliged to depart, because death is just. When the time comes, it is better there, because you will be near God. Be merry, for one must not lament over death prematurely. Send your men in two directions.’ Khidr showed Alexander both directions and said, ‘Keep the fort from the Zangı¯s tonight. You will be victorious in the end. If you ever feel weak or failed, do not be sad, because it is good to fail occasionally.’ Then Khidr bade them farewell and departed. Alexander ordered the 400,000 horsemen to armour themselves. Khidr had told Alexander, ‘Their army is coming from directions!’ Alexander divided his army in two groups and sent his men in this arrangement. Thus, in each group, there were 100,000 infantry and 5,000 horsemen and he sent them to the fort under Ara¯qı¯t’s command, as she checked the fort. When the army went there, they did not see Ara¯qı¯t. Not a single fairy was ready there and the people did not have many provisions. They informed Alexander, who grew worried and asked, ‘Did you not ask where they went?’ Then two men came to the fort and Alexander asked them about the situation. They said, ‘O King! We have no news. We know that everyone was asleep at night. In the morning, the fort was sealed by the magistrate. But the fairies could not be found anywhere and we were very surprised and we could not go out because we were scared.’ Alexander said, ‘Return to the fort, check and be on alert. Look around the fort, for there is a way in the fort through which one can go and come out. Search there and check the place until we return from our mission. Tonight we will decide about what we are going to do with the fort.’ Then they went to the fort, looking at its upper and lower parts. Alexander departed with 100,000 armoured horsemen. After a parasang, he saw a fog of an army approaching. The air was darkened. Alexander took his bow and drew his sword, shouting ‘God is great!’ when he looked at that army, Ara¯qı¯t stood next to the two armies of Ara¯qı¯t. She came forth on her horse. When she saw Alexander’s face, she dismounted her horse prostrated herself before Alexander. She veiled her face again, sat and said, ‘O King! Return for your single victory passed [and it is not enough]. There 100,00 infidel Turkish horsemen were coming, ready for an ambush. At night, the fairies informed me and I came outside the fort along with these horsemen. God bestowed victory on us: I killed many enemies and I captured others. As for the rest of them, they

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were put to flight. From this point of view, be at ease!’ Alexander inquired, ‘How did you manage to defeat them with such a lack of provisions for brave horsemen?’ She replied, ‘O King! It was night and the fairies had started a fire. They said, “King Alexander came with the elephants. They were terrified and they immediately fled. Some of the Turks were captured and some others fled. Thus a victory was achieved for Alexander’s rule!”’ Alexander returned and sent Ara¯qı¯t to the fort, ordering the fairies, ‘Check the way to the sea!’ Then he narrated the story with Khidr. Alexander took the army and departed. When he had covered a distance of some parasangs, he saw Aristotle who was fighting an army of infidel Turks. Aristotle was wounded and many men had been killed. Alexander drew his sword and headed for the enemy ranks. He cried aloud ‘God is great!’ and his men killed numerous infidel Turks. Their number is known only to God. They captured many people and the rest were put to flight. Ara¯qı¯t sent her fairies to bring news from Alexander’s side. When they brought the good news that Alexander had put the Turks to flight, Ara¯qı¯t came out of the fort and headed towards them and set up an ambush. When the fleeing Turks were coming close, she came out of the ambush, drew her sword and captured them. Suddenly she saw Aristotle with his hands and feet chained. And there was butter on a mule which they told to him to eat. When Ara¯qı¯t saw that spectacle, the world was darkened around her. Around Aristotle, there were 20,000 Zangı¯ horsemen and they held him at the centre. They knew that he was very important and was part of Alexander’s army. Ara¯qı¯t went and fought them bravely. The fairies killed many Zangı¯s and took Aristotle back. All the Zangı¯s fled and Ara¯qı¯t returned to the fort taking Aristotle there. Aristotle was treated kindly and with affection. When Alexander put the Turks to flight, he returned to his camp. He looked for Aristotle but he could find him anywhere. He thought to himself, ‘Oh! They have taken Aristotle and we will fail in our mission. If I had known that earlier, I would have gone after them. Now what am I going to do? The Almighty must aid me.’ He became unhappy and worried and came to the Haft Anbar Garden. He stood there and kept thinking. His men were all armoured and it was midday. Alexander ordered one of his men to go the fort and inform Ara¯qı¯t that Aristotle had been abducted, hoping that she would send a fairy to see who those infidels to the old Sage were. When Ara¯qı¯t heard this, she knew that Alexander was worried. She sent Aristotle to Alexander. People ran happily to Alexander to inform him that Aristotle had returned and was coming. When Alexander looked around, he saw Aristotle coming. When the latter saw Alexander, he dismounted his horse, prostrated himself before Alexander and kissed his hand. Alexander thanked the Almighty for offering him these victories. He asked Ara¯qı¯t again, ‘How did it happen that you came out of the fort?’ She replied, ‘Beware, O King! When you headed towards that direction, I sent my fairies to collect news for me. They came and gave me the tiding news of your victory and that you had put the Turks to flight. They also informed me about Aristotle. I was enraged and once more, I put on my armour. I came out of the fort and went after them. I ambushed them. After this, I fought bravely and took Aristotle back.’ Alexander praised her especially. He was

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hungry and they ate something. After this, they were never without provisions. Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Tonight there is war and trouble ahead until we see what is going to happen!’ Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘What is the matter?’ Alexander replied, ‘There is a passage between the fort and the sea that no one else knows about but for the Zangı¯s. Those Zangı¯s, who have remained, are many and today they have come to Sha¯hmalik’s aid. They are sailing now until they reach the fort tonight.’ Ara¯qı¯t summoned her fairies at once and said, ‘Be steadfast and look around for any passage from the fort to the sea!’ They left and searched but they could not find any passage from leading from the fort to the sea. They went to the sea and looked towards the fort. They saw a fine passage. They assumed that the passage ended up to the fort. They followed that passage up to the fort. They came across a small metal gate at the fort. There was also a mountain in the middle of the sea. When they reached the mountain, a metal gate was revealed to them. Two towers were built on it like a major talisman, so that if 100,000 men went there, they would not know that there is a gate there. The fairies appointed two or three of them to remain there. Two or three others went to that gate towards the fort. They looked around near the passage to the fort. There was no sign up to the place that Qa¯til was. They cleaned the place and put a throne for Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t. Under the throne, they saw a door, which was on the ground. They figured out what it was all about and they opened it. They saw a house, which came to the surface. There were many pieces of armour in it. They saw another metal door. They opened it. Those fairies that were in the sea came out. Alexander was astonished by this miracle. Then they closed that door. At night, the fairies went to the sea but the Zangı¯s checked the passage. When it was time to sleep, 20,000 Zangı¯ men were on ships and were coming to the seashore. When they arrived, many of them struggled greatly. They could not break that door. Alexander had appointed a number of armoured Zangı¯s to remain at the door. He had ordered them not to do anything or say anything before they came out. He had also ordered them to bring the pieces of armour out of that house. The fairies returned and said, ‘O King! The Zangı¯s have come and they are trying to open that door.’ Alexander put his armour on and along with his men, came to the door of the house. When the Zangı¯s broke the metal door, fifteen Zangı¯s came in. The other door was firmly closed. Alexander was standing and looking at them. He had drawn his sword, ready to cut off their heads. As many as 150,000 men came out of the door. Eight thousand men63 replaced them on the ships. Alexander wanted each one of them to come to the fort because fighting in the sea is a hard task and it is completely dark at night. After this, Alexander said to his men, ‘Slowly leave this door and guard all sides of the fort!’ He appointed 2,000 armoured men in every corner of that fort, ordering them to, ‘Wait and listen to me shouting, “God is great!”’ Alexander came down with 200 men from there. There was a balcony there. He went there and looked around. When all the Zangı¯s had shown up, he cried aloud, ‘God is great!’ When the 2,000 men came out, they said to each other, ‘There is only one narrow place here!’ When Alexander heard this, he went to the upper part fort and the 2,000 men followed him. They said, ‘Can a Zangı¯ man show me the way here?’ With a low voice, he said, ‘I know a way! Come after me!’

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Those Zangı¯s came upwards from that narrow passage. Alexander cried aloud, ‘God is great!’ and his men came out of the ambush. Ara¯qı¯t sent her fairies to their aid until they had killed all of the 2,000 Zangı¯s who had come to the fort. Whoever was in the sea, was also killed. Those Zangı¯s who remained alive were put to flight and went to Sha¯hmalik. They told him what had happened. He was very worried and astonished. For three days, he was trying to think of a trick to deceive Alexander.











SHAHMALIK’S SEDUCTION OF ARAQI T FOR HIS SON, TAFQAJ, AND WHAT HAPPENED It is divinely narrated that Sha¯hmalik was perplexed with this situation and had reached a dead end. Then he thought, ‘The first thing I should do is to face the fairy woman although this task seems to be easy.’ Sha¯hmalik was thinking about how to face Ara¯qı¯t. Sha¯hmalik had another son, who was older than the son who was in Alexander’s captivity. His son was very beautiful and Ara¯qı¯t had been after him for years. This son desired the daughter of the King of Sind but she had passed away and he had not been married. Sha¯hmalik thought, ‘I can seduce her through mildness.’ He commanded two noblemen to prepare themselves and asked if Ara¯qı¯t was in the Garden or in the fort. They let him know that she was in the fort. Sha¯hmalik sent a spy to observe the fort and inform him as soon as Ara¯qı¯t headed to the Garden. The spy stayed there. When Alexander prevailed over the Zangı¯s, he ordered his men to seal off the passage between the fort and the sea. Thus, no one could enter it. He said to his soldiers, ‘Preserve this fort. This shelter must not be destroyed, for it may be useful and necessary for us one day. We have a difficult task ahead and time is limited. Yet we are about to achieve our goal, by God’s will.’ Soon the corpses in the fort started to rot. Alexander commanded Ara¯qı¯t to move to the Garden for two or three days, before the corpses were thrown into the sea. Then Ara¯qı¯t returned to the Garden. Being certain that she was in the Garden, Sha¯hmalik’s spy informed Sha¯hmalik. The two armies were twenty parasangs away. The spy covered the distance in two days and informed Sha¯hmalik. In the meantime, Alexander had dispatched scouts and placed watchmen. He was resting and waiting to know God’s will, in a carefree manner. When Sha¯hmalik was notified that Ara¯qı¯t had come to the Garden, he sent messengers, women and a servant to her as messengers. He wrote in his letter, ‘O Queen of the Earth! You have surprised us, because you have been sided with the enemy, left your home and a seventy-year-old reign, abandoning your own people. All these marvellous deeds are not Alexander’s but yours. What has Alexander achieved that did not start and end with you? Now, listen to these wise and prudent words, so that you may understand. Alexander will stay in this region, planning to visit the place where the sun rises. He will take you with him to Greece, where [he will not treat you as he does here], for he has many wives, all of them daughters of great kings. Here too he has two or three with him. Soon he will pay no attention to you.

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‘You know that my son, Buqra¯quz, is held in Alexander’s prison. Tafqa¯j, my elder son, has no wife. His wife died a year ago. Abandon Alexander and come with us. When he leaves, I will restore you to your kingdom and your reign. I will be your slave. Think of a plan, if you think these words to be true and deem it wise to do as I suggest. Once you leave him, he will be unable to resist us for a single day, because we have sent fast messengers to the Zangı¯s and they will arrive soon. We have also called the Naked Tribe, Biranhigan, from the border of the place where the sun rises. When they come, they will assault the camp and tear them all to pieces, limb from limb. You are the reason of our undoing. It would be better for you if you do as I have said. I will force Tafqa¯j, after marrying you, to swear not to look at any other woman.’ Sha¯hmalik sent those women and the servant to Alexander’s camping ground. They arrived in secret and at night, they entered courageously to seek admittance. Ara¯qı¯t was sitting on the throne and the daughter of Sha¯hmalik was standing and waiting before Ara¯qı¯t’s throne. The two women recognised her, wondering, because in spite of everything that had occurred, Sha¯hmalik was not aware of the fact that his daughter was in Alexander’s hands. The two women had thought that she had been captured by Ara¯qı¯t, because after her disappearance, there were rumours that the fairies had kidnapped her. They remained there silent and, when Sha¯hmalik’s daughter left, the women and the servant said to the fairies, ‘Tell the Queen that we are Sha¯hmalik’s messengers. We will convey our message, if she wishes. We have come unknown to King Alexander.’ In the meantime, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter was listening unobserved these words. Ara¯qı¯t knew that Sha¯hmalik’s daughter was still there. Hence, she ordered the fairies to hide the messengers. After Sha¯hmalik’s daughter had left, Ara¯qı¯t summoned the messengers and treated them nicely, as accustomed. She ordered them to deliver their message. They did so and handed the letter to her. Ara¯qı¯t read the letter, thought about Sha¯hmalik’s offer and was perplexed. She said to herself, ‘Sha¯hmalik is right. As long as Alexander is here, I will be dear to him. When he departs from this land and returns to his kingdom, every day he will make me jealous of his wives. Tafqa¯j is better for me, because he is young and I will be able to command him. I have done so much for Alexander, but he does not recognise it.’ Having thought thus, she made these thoughts again, ‘Alexander is the King of the East and the West. He has seen me naked and I have borne him a son. What will people say afterwards?’ She was especially troubled and was at a loss. She started to feel uneasy but could not explain it. After leaving Ara¯qı¯t, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter went to Alexander immediately. She said, ‘O King! Two women and a servant have come to Ara¯qı¯t from my father.’ Alexander asked, ‘What did they say?’ She replied, ‘They did not allow me to hear!’ Alexander said, ‘Alas! This cursed woman has acted in an evil manner.’ She left the messengers and ran up to him, bowing and flattering in her usual manners. Alexander ascended the throne and sat. When Ara¯qı¯t saw that, she sat too, but she was pale and nervous. Alexander asked, ‘Any news?’ Ara¯qı¯t said nothing of the arrival of the messengers. Alexander grew more suspicious because he expected her to let him know about the situation. Then he lay on the throne and pretended to have fallen asleep. Ara¯qı¯t

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commanded the fairies to hide the messengers until night. Alexander was awake and heard this. The fairies took the messengers away. Alexander stayed there for an hour. Then he got up and left. After he returned to his tent, he called Aristotle and told him everything that had happened. Aristotle said, ‘O King! True nature never errs. Her deeds have always been so but we must let it be, otherwise there will be turmoil in the army.’ Alexander said, ‘I will go immediately and chain her. Then I will seize the messengers and learn the truth.’ Aristotle replied, ‘This is not time for such action. Dispatch someone to capture the messengers as they return. Thus, we may take Ara¯qı¯t’s letter and read her answer.’ Alexander replied, ‘She will send the messengers accompanied64 by the fairies so that they may go undetected by man.’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! This is more difficult than the Zangı¯s.’ Alexander rose perplexed and went to Ara¯qı¯t’s quarters holding a naked sword. Ara¯qı¯t grew fearful viewing Alexander in that condition. She asked, ‘O King! What is the matter?’ He said, ‘Be sincere to me and speak honestly.’ He repeated these words three times and he ordered the fairies to bring the two women and the servant to him. Ara¯qı¯t was in despair but she said nothing. The fairies brought them before Alexander who ordered that they behead the servant, chain the two women and deliver them to Aristotle. Ara¯qı¯t regretted bitterly what she had done. She trembled with fear of Alexander, looking at the ground shamefully. Alexander was on his feet. He himself beheaded fifty fairies, causing terror and fear. Ara¯qı¯t was standing and was shaking out of fear. Alexander took Ara¯qı¯t’s hands, tying them with her long hair, which reached down to her feet. He took her inside the tent. Except the concubines, no one knew of these circumstances. Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘What have I done?’ Alexander replied, ‘You have revealed your evil nature!’ He left and ordered his men to guard the tent. The remaining fairies escaped and hid in the sea for fear of Alexander. They cursed Queen Ara¯qı¯t saying, ‘You foul, evil, reckless woman! Do you desire a husband superior to Alexander?’ Except for Aristotle, none of Alexander’s army knew of this. Alexander did not do anything else until the next morning. When he entered the tent, he found Sha¯hmalik’s letter on the edge of the throne. He read it and stuffed it into the upper part of his boot. At night, Alexander sent someone to Aristotle, asking him to bring the two women to him. They were taken to Alexander. One of them was a beautiful free woman and the other a slave girl. Alexander ordered his attendants to unbind them and treat them kindly. He said, ‘What women are you?’ One of them replied, ‘I am the wife of the Sha¯hmalik’s cupbearer.’ The other said, ‘I am Sha¯hmalik’s concubine.’ Alexander said, ‘You will never see again the Sha¯hmalik or the cupbearer. If you answer my questions honestly, I will not spill your blood, I will honour you, and give you high positions. But if you lie, I will not spare your life.’ They replied, ‘We will speak only the truth.’ Alexander said, ‘Why did Sha¯hmalik send you here?’ They replied, ‘Beware and be careful that he held a council with the commanders of his army and said, “Our trouble comes from these fairies. If we resolve the issue of fairies, then we will be relieved from Alexander’s nonsense!” His commanders said, “You know better the situation.” He replied, “Come and we will be unable to get the Queen of the Fairies! We must deceive

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her and write a letter with nice words so that we can take her away from Alexander.” Then he sent us away. When we arrived, we handed the message to Ara¯qı¯t but she has not replied yet. This is all that happened. We are at your disposal.’ Alexander said, ‘Indeed! This is what happened!’ He ordered a maid to take them to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and let them stay with her while Alexander investigating the issue. He was very disappointed by Ara¯qı¯t. He sent some of his men ordering them, ‘Search for the fairies!’ They went to the seashore and called the fairies. There were 1,400 fairies there. Alexander had killed fifty of them. All the rest came and prostrated themselves before him and said, ‘O King! We are innocent! What wrong have we done? We are your slaves under your command!’ Alexander forgave them and made them make an oath that they were not going to do any harm to him and to his army. The fairies rejoiced because they knew that they could not go against Alexander and at this moment, there could not be a better king than him. When they rejoiced, Alexander was convinced [about their sincerity]. He said to those fairies, ‘Maybe a messenger was sent to Ara¯qı¯t in order to seduce her and take her from the right path. She hid him, treated him well and kept him at her house without informing me. She took with her all the evil she did and whatever good she accomplished is gone!’ The fairies replied, ‘She did not do this. But she may be thinking something else. She may come up with a trick to help the King gain something.’ Alexander went to his private quarters and brought Ara¯qı¯t out. He ordered them to chain her with iron chains. When a fairy listens to the word ‘iron’, she becomes totally powerless. Ara¯qı¯t was entirely embarrassed and felt ashamed in front of Alexander and the fairies. She looked down and they reprimanded her. She replied, ‘It is not my fault!’ When they brought the iron chains, Alexander looked at her and he was saddened. Alexander put the chains on her and left a sword next to her. He dragged her angrily until he chained her. All the fairies fell to the ground and said, ‘Alas! O King! She is thin and she has never worn iron chains. If you put these chains on her then she will be defamed.’ Alexander replied, ‘She should not have done this, so that she would not be given this punishment!’ Ara¯qı¯t said to the fairies, ‘Ask the King what I have done wrong!’ Alexander brought Sha¯hmalik’s letter out and showed it to them, reading it out aloud. When he reached the name of Tafqa¯j, the colour of his face changed. Because of his anger, he was ready to draw his sword and kill her! Ara¯qı¯t and the other fairies fell to the ground. Alexander said, ‘How is it possible that my wife can be seduced by the son of an infidel, listen to his proposals and it is difficult for her to turn him down, to behead his messengers and to conceal this from me? This is an immoral act because the Zangı¯s took her side and my men complained about her. Thus I did this to her.’ He narrated again the story of blood and the cup. All of them praised him and Ara¯qı¯t was shaking and felt regret and blamed herself for concealing the messengers. She did not say anything because she knew that Alexander would not listen to anything at that moment. She felt cold because of her shame. Alexander grew angrier because of this. Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and the two concealed women had come and listened to what Alexander had said to Ara¯qı¯t and what he was going to do with her. As the time passed, Alexander grew angrier because of the letter. Eventually, he raised his hands and chained the hands and feet of Ara¯qı¯t with iron chains tightly.

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The fairies said, ‘Alas! Our Queen! But it was her mistake!’ There were ten maids from Habash.65 He called them and ordered them, ‘Take her to her place!’ He sent 1,000 horsemen to escort her to the fort where there was the cloister of the hermit and they left her guarded. They guaranteed her safety. He sent a fairy who was known as her nurse. He assured the fairies that if anyone saw Ara¯qı¯t, then he would behead all the fairies! When he had completed this task, he went to the quarters of Sha¯hmalik’s daughter with his sword at hand. Sha¯hmalik’s daughter had heard about the trouble that had befallen Alexander by her father, and she knew her life was in danger. When she saw Alexander with his sword in hand, she thought that he would kill her. She confessed. She ran next to Alexander and prostrated herself before him. Alexander sat on his throne. Those women looked at his height and body and said, ‘Whoever becomes his wife will not be able to have feelings for anybody else!’ Alexander asked Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, ‘Do you recognise these women?’ She fell down and replied, ‘O King! My mother was the aid to this concubine and she is my nurse. As for the other woman, she is very respectful.’ Alexander said to the concubine, ‘What are you going to do? Be at his service or against him?’ She replied, ‘O King! For years, I have had the desire to see him. Today I am in this dilemma where to go! I have decided to serve you!’ The other woman said, ‘Come back!’ She replied, ‘O King! I have returned and I contrived a trick that the King would be astonished at. I will take my husband and I will be at your service!’ Alexander never trusted the women: he did not think of them. Sometimes he paid some attention to them. He said to the woman, ‘What are you doing?’ She said, ‘O King! I can hand Tafqa¯j to you!’ Alexander said, ‘You must be able to do this. Or else you will be killed!’ She said, ‘O King! Let me see what I can do!’ She gave Alexander a gift and returned to Sha¯hmalik. When Sha¯hmalik saw her, he rejoiced. He said, ‘Tell me what happened.’ She said, ‘Do not ask me! The maid was beheaded and the concubine returned. But I have good news for you!’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Tell me!’ She said, ‘Your daughter is his wife! She lives with wealth in the private quarters and no one can speak to her. They call her Lady of the East and the West. But when we arrived there, Alexander knew it. There is no other king like him in terms of politics and anger. Queen Ara¯qı¯t was very happy and she liked very much your letter. When Alexander found out that she had concealed your letter he asked, “Why have these come here?” He beheaded the maid and chained the concubine, sending her to the private quarters. When I looked around, I saw your daughter, sitting on the throne. She saw me and recognised me. We spent that night in chains. The next day, Alexander came to her and she looked for us. She took the concubine and sent me. He was angry with Ara¯qı¯t, saying to her, “Why have you accepted the messengers and why did you not behead them?” Ara¯qı¯t has no relative and she does not count Alexander as her kin and stays in her private quarters. And fairies sit around her in the Garden. Alexander does not go to her. Like me, your daughter has rejected her previous faith.’ Sha¯hmalik asked, ‘Did you see my son?’ She replied, ‘No, but I asked his sister and she replied that Alexander treats him well and twice every day he sends him to see her. He has rejected the faith of his father and has

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embraced Islam. Alexander has given him hope that he will become king of this region.’ Sha¯hmalik became angry and said, ‘Are my son and daughter waiting for my death and have they sold out their faith for his sake and do they want to take my rule?’ Then he said to himself, ‘Neither this nor that!’ When the woman heard this, she said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘When I was finished with this, Ara¯qı¯t summoned me and said, “If Sha¯hmalik really means that, he will turn King Alexander against me. And after this, I do not want him because my heart desires Tafqa¯j! If he really means that, let him send Tafqa¯j with 500 brave horsemen tonight. When he comes, I will put my hand on his own and we will be engaged. We will come together and then we will decide what is going to happen with Alexander’s case. We will punish him.”’ When Sha¯hmalik heard these words, he thought rightly and summoned his son and told him the story. Tafqa¯j rejoiced because of Ara¯qı¯t’s love and vowed to leave with 500 horsemen.


HOW THE CUPBEARER’S WIFE DECEIVED TAFQAJ AND SURRENDERED HIM TO ALEXANDER It is thus divinely narrated that when the night passed, Tafqa¯j set out and covered four parasangs. On that day, he hid himself until night came. That woman said to Tafqa¯j, ‘Stay here so that I and my husband can go to inform Ara¯qı¯t.’ And this woman had brought her husband with her but he was a lazy old man, listening always to her orders. He did not object to whatever his wife did. He did not know what the situation was or what his wife was up to! After Tafqa¯j’s arrival, that woman went to Alexander and said, ‘O King! I brought him at the time that you are calm and asleep. If you stand with your army at the Haft Anbar Garden, he will think that you are Ara¯qı¯t!’ Alexander inquired, ‘How many men are with him?’ She replied, ‘O King! There are 500 horsemen with him but you must have 1,000 men with you.’ Alexander said, ‘I shall act accordingly!’ The woman put her husband in the Garden. He went to Tafqa¯j and said, ‘You have managed what you planned so that Queen Ara¯qı¯t will come out well dressed and will come one parasang away from the Garden! She is at your disposal.’ Tafqa¯j sat down and it was the first night. And he headed hastily to that woman, who was sitting on a mule. She came and said to Alexander, ‘Here he is!’ She came with him and went to the Garden and sat in the royal private quarters! When Alexander looked around, he saw 500 horsemen coming but he could not recognise Tafqa¯j. He called for a horseman of his army and said, ‘Go and ask who Tafqa¯j is! Raise your hand to him and tell him, “Queen Ara¯qı¯t says ‘Come and let’s be engaged and leave! For this is a bad occasion.’”’ The horseman left and brought Tafqa¯j out of his ranks. He put Tafqa¯j’s hand to Alexander’s hand. Alexander signalled to his army for his men to go to the rear of Tafqa¯j’s men, who thought that they had been engaged and that the army had come for this reason. Alexander’s horsemen were 2,000 and half of them went to the rear of Tafqa¯j’s army. Alexander hit Tafqa¯j’s hand with his hand in such a manner that blood came out of the edge of his finger. Then Alexander grasped Tafqa¯j by

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his belt, dismounting him from his horse and raised him into the air, saying, ‘God is great!’ When Alexander repeated it and his men heard it, they attacked the infidel Turks, killing many while some others were put to flight. They returned to Sha¯hmalik, who was unaware of these developments and they explained to him what happened. They thought that Ara¯qı¯t had come to get engaged to Tafqa¯j but Alexander had come in secret and arrested her. Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Ah! I have lost this son too! This man is either a sorcerer or he is a very clever soothsayer.’ Messengers returned one after the other and they each told the same story from their own perspective. However, the woman’s trick was not revealed. Alexander held Tafqa¯j from his saddle and held him in this state for some time. When he returned to the fort, his men beat the war drums for Alexander’s victorious return. When Alexander went to the fort and put Tafqa¯j there, his army did not know and Alexander did not mention the name of that crafty woman. Nobody knew the devious character of that woman. Alexander said, ‘I ambushed them and arrested Tafqa¯j!’ A group of people said, ‘Sha¯hmalik’s son was ambushed because he thought that he would take Ara¯qı¯t!’ Alexander knew the truth and left, taking Tafqa¯j with him. Tafqa¯j was kept at the upper part of the fort with his hands and feet tightly chained so that the army would see him in this state. Alexander said, ‘O you villainous infidel! By using tricks, do you want to seduce King’s wives?’ There was a very narrow place in the fort. Alexander ordered them to put heavy chains on him. Alexander was so angry that he wanted to kill Tafqa¯j at that very moment. He said to himself, ‘If I kill him immediately, there will be many bad rumours in the camp in favour of Ara¯qı¯t. It is unfortunate that the enemies will say that she is in chains and they will say things without knowing the truth, that is, that poor Ara¯qı¯t is innocent.’ Alexander ordered them to keep her with all the heavy chains in another place and had many soldiers guarding her. When the chained Ara¯qı¯t heard these rumours, she asked some men, ‘What is this all about?’ They replied, ‘Alexander has arrested Tafqa¯j! He regrets what he has done and is in great trouble and weakness with all those heavy chains on him. He started crying and was filled with regret.’ Alexander came out of the fort and went to the Haft Anbar Garden. At that time, his men were more at ease and leisure due to their victory. When night came, Alexander went to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and he informed her happily about the arrest of her brother. Tafqa¯j did not have good relations with his sister and she also considered him an enemy. She said, ‘O King! May you always be victorious!’ Alexander did not tell her about the case of the cupbearer’s wife who had been taken and kept to the fort. Alexander had ordered them to give her much gold and silver, benefiting her husband too! Alexander said to her, ‘O brave woman! You enjoyed us well!’ The cupbearer’s wife prostrated herself and said, ‘It was the King’s wisdom that did it! But, O King, your goals have been accomplished. Alas! Do not spare his life because he is your enemy and Ara¯qı¯t is very much in love with him.’ Alexander was upset and asked her, ‘What do you know?’ She replied, ‘Before she became your wife, she came every night before she was abducted. We kept an eye on her and now that I brought this letter, I noticed that she still likes him.’

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Alexander replied, ‘It is so! What are your suggestions now?’ She said, ‘O King! Let me go to her place and bring Ara¯qı¯t here.’ Alexander knew of this and [this is why] he went to them, arrested and chained both of them. ‘Grant me permission to leave and when the task is complete, I will let you know every detail,’ she said. Alexander praised her and she left. She hid the treasures and the gold that Alexander had given her somewhere. With bare head and feet, she went to Sha¯hmalik, shouting and lamenting! When Sha¯hmalik saw her, he asked her, ‘What is the matter? Tell me!’ She replied, ‘O King! I was hiding in the ground as I was coming today!’ She added, ‘O King! My task has been completed. I brought Ara¯qı¯t out of the Garden along with 1,400 fairies and sent her to your son! They took each other’s hand and they were engaged. When I wanted to return, suddenly Alexander arrived with 10,000 horsemen, arrested and chained both of them. Then he took them to the fort where he keeps them.’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘So this is the news!’ The cupbearer’s wife went to her home with the riches and gold that Alexander had given her. She sat down happy and satisfied. After two days Sha¯hmalik thought, ‘I must resolve this issue before Alexander attacks us.’ Then he said to Akhta¯f, Manku ¯ s’ son, ‘What is to be done?’ He replied, ‘We must take our army and fight Alexander until we see what we can do! Our luck and power will help us!’ Sha¯hmalik gave the command of the Zangı¯s to Manku ¯ s’ son. They checked again their army, which consisted of 40,000 Zangı¯s and 100,000 infidel Turkish horsemen. Along with the ten Turkish commanders, they prepared the army and they vowed to wage war against Alexander. They set out, leaving their camp and gradually they arrived at Alexander’s place. Alexander was aware of these developments and alarmed his men. He ordered his men to be prepared and strengthened their own and the fairies’ moral. When the two armies faced each other, a horseman came out first from the ranks of the infidel Turks. It was Akhta¯f the Zangı¯, the son of Manku ¯ s and the commander of the Zangı¯s! He came onto the battleground and he starting shouting and saying, ‘Hey Alexander! Come out if you have really come out of the Land of Darkness! For I am more dreadful than the Land of Darkness and you cannot escape from me!’ When Alexander heard these words, he wanted to come forth and fight Akhta¯f on his own. When he looked around, a horseman from his army came forth. Nobody could compare himself with this horseman and he was an Iranian from Tu ¯ s. His name was Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s. When Alexander saw him, he rejoiced because he knew that this horseman was strong, brave and full of enthusiasm. When Pı¯ru ¯ z came before the Zangı¯ and was ready to fight, the latter thought, ‘He must be King Alexander!’ Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s was very crafty and had put on Alexander’s gold belt, which was of Manuchihr! He was the King of the regions of Ray, Gurga¯n and Tu ¯ s. He looked at the Zangı¯ who was of enormous size, brave and warlike. Pı¯ru ¯ z was not a match for him. Pı¯ru ¯ z was astonished and he was ashamed to flee the battleground. He said to himself, ‘Those who endanger themselves are not prudent!’ Then he prayed to God. Alexander thought that he was a nobleman from the nobility of Iran in terms of birth, ancestral line and bravery. The thoughts of Alexander and his men were with him and they looked to the sky and they asked God to protect him. Until the next

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prayers, both of them were on the battleground, fighting and insulting each other. Neither emerged victorious. After sunrise, Alexander ordered them to beat the war drums and the two armies started fighting. The foul Zangı¯ said to his fellow fighters, ‘What kind of people are these? I do not know whether this young man is Alexander or not. Yet he has the power of 100 elephants. Don’t you have anyone to be a match for this brave man?’ The next day, Alexander ordered his men to get into their ranks and beat the war drums. A battle erupted which lasted until the evening. Many infidel Turks were killed and a man from Alexander’s army was wounded. When the day was almost over, a youth came forth from the army of the infidel Turks. He was as beautiful as the moon and the sun. He marched between the two armies, holding his spear above his head and asking for an opponent. One by one, Alexander’s men fell at his hands. In such a manner, seventy of Alexander’s soldiers were killed. Alexander and his men were surprised, admiring the Turk. No one dared to go forward from Alexander’s army. Alexander’s heart was full of horror as the horseman kept circling the battlefield and looking for an adversary. It was the first time that anyone had slain seventy men from Alexander’s army in combat. Alexander noticed that his men were terrified. He thought, ‘Fear will defeat my army. If we are defeated, I will be humiliated. First, this is a difficult land and at the limit of the earth. Second, they will say, “What Alexander accomplished was through the fairies and he is defeated now that Ara¯qı¯t is in chains.” Yet I am hopeful of conquering them and emerging victorious, because God has promised me victory.’ Having reasoned thus, he pulled the horse’s rein, aiming to fight the Turk himself. Immediately, a horseman on a black horse came forth from Alexander’s army. He entered the battlefield, swift as wind and assaulted the Turk as soon as he reached him. The horseman from Alexander’s army was in fact Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and Alexander’s wife. She held the Turk by his belt, and, putting forth her strength, unseated him from the saddle, brought him before Alexander and threw him to the ground. She prostrated herself and went back to the troops. No one knew her identity. Alexander said, ‘This horseman did well! But it was a woman and not a man. I do not know her identity but I am sure she is a woman. But this is not the time to make inquiries about her; it is time for warfare and manliness.’ Another fighter from the Turks entered the battleground. The Turk who was taken captive was Sha¯hmalik’s brother and was called Tura¯nmalik. His strength was equal to 1,000 men in battle and he loved Sha¯hmalik dearly. From the very beginning, Tura¯nmalik had warned his brother, saying, ‘Do not ally yourself with the Zangı¯s, because it will harm you. Do not strive against Alexander, because he is blessed with good fortune and you cannot cope with him. He who has good fortune overcomes everyone who chooses to fight him.’ Yet Sha¯hmalik did not pay much attention to his brother. The Turk, who charged to the field after Tura¯nmalik, was captured; he was Tura¯nmalik’s son. When he entered the field, he behaved in a rude manner. The maiden, who was now King Alexander’s wife, had once been betrothed to Tura¯nmalik and Sha¯hmalik had given her to him. When he entered the battleground, he insulted and

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abused her because he had asked for this maiden’s hand in marriage from his uncle. Yet the maiden had turned him down and did not want to marry him. For her sake, Sha¯hmalik had refused to give her to his nephew. Then Tura¯nmalik and his son insulted her and claimed that she was unchaste and in love with that prince. Due to this quarrel, there had been a blood dispute between them. It was after these events that Ara¯qı¯t carried away Sha¯hmalik’s daughter while she was sleeping beside her husband. This story has already been narrated in detail. When the husband passed away, Tura¯nmalik said to his son, ‘Rise and go to your uncle. Ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage and say to him, “If you give her to me, I will go around the world and look for her.”’ When Tura¯nmalik’s son went to his uncle and spoke thus, his uncle replied, ‘Why do you ask for a whore to be your wife?’ In the meantime, she had disappeared. When Sha¯hmalik’s nephew and Tura¯nmalik’s son entered the field, he circled around and cried out aloud, ‘O Alexander! Do you know whom you have taken captive? It is my father and Sha¯hmalik’s brother. His capture will do you great harm, because he sought your good day and night. Let him go!’ Alexander replied, ‘Fight and be at ease about him, because he can shift for himself.’ From the ranks of Iranians, a horseman confronted Tura¯nmalik’s son and was killed by him. Then other soldiers came forth, and one by one seven men were also killed. Again, Alexander, due to manly zeal, decided to enter the field. They blew the golden horn to announce that Alexander would fight, but they realised that the same horseman was on the battlefield again, bedecked with fine ornaments. The horseman fought against the Turk for a long time. Finally, grabbing the Turk by his belt, he unseated him from the saddle. However, being unable to hold the Turk, the horseman threw him to the ground, placed a rope around his neck and dragged him away. When the pagan Turks saw that, they charged as one body. Alexander attacked also. The two armies fought each other and dust rose up towards the sky over the battlefield. In all that commotion, the horseman disappeared. Having taken the Turk to the Haft Anbar Garden, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter disarmed him and delivered him to the attendants to bind his hands and feet securely. They said to him, ‘You reckless one! Will you accuse a chaste maiden again?’ They discovered that the horseman was Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, who was Alexander’s wife. She had asked God to surrender her uncle and his son to her. Since the time of her separation from her father, she was thinking of revenge day and night, because they had insulted her. After the animosity and the war between her father and Alexander, one night she dreamed that her uncle had been devoured by a lion, and that he and his son were slain. Then she thought, ‘I am a hopeless woman. I do not know whether my father or Alexander adheres to the right faith.’ She looked to the sky and prayed, saying, ‘O Omnipotent God! Reveal this mystery to me. Give me a sign, if Alexander’s religion is the right one, leading to heaven and saving from hell. Make me as strong as forty men, so that I may arrest my uncle and my cousin in combat and deliver them to Alexander. That will elevate my status, because Ara¯qı¯t is less than a woman, but she has fought many battles.’ She implored God to grant her request.

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The night the Turk arrived, she dreamed that they said to her: ‘Tomorrow arm yourself and go to the battleground. Your request has been granted. You will capture your uncle and your cousin, and you will be convinced that this faith is the right one.’ This maiden was so shy, that she could not lift a stick. However, God gave her great power and resilience. She went to Alexander’s weapons store and she called her brother Buqra¯quz and told him everything that had occurred. Her brother helped her to arm herself. After she was armed, no one looked as handsome and vigorous as she. The servants admired her courage. She rode a black horse, belonging to her brother, who thought, ‘If this weak woman defeats those two great princes, I will be assured that this is the right faith. I will abandon my father once and for all, and be in Alexander’s service unreservedly.’ As he thought of this, his sister entered the battlefield. She defeated Tura¯nmalik and seized him. Later on, she entered the battleground in a different range, returning triumphant and happy, bringing her chained cousin with her. Out of fear for Alexander, she did not show him to her brother. She chained him securely in her quarters and gave him to the guards. Then she and her brother embraced the faith with certainty, saying, ‘Now, undoubtedly this is the true faith!’ And after gaining victory in two combats, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter dressed in women’s clothing and without arms, and she went to her quarters. She knelt, bowing to the ground, thanking God. This event diminished Ara¯qı¯t’s standing, because there was a reason for the strength of Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. Due to her strength and her combat, everyone forgot Ara¯qı¯t and applauded Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. The nature of this world is that the old is forgotten when the new appears. Alexander went on fighting with that army until night came, killing many and then he slept. All the elephants were ranked in the middle and killed many Zangı¯s. When night came, the two armies beat the war drums and withdrew. Alexander returned to his camp. And that night, it was the turn of Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. Until the time of falling asleep, he was in his private quarters with his noble commanders. They had chained Tura¯nmalik and sent her to the fort. Alexander said to his men, ‘Does anybody know the horseman who arrested this infidel and his son? I know that this horseman was a woman! But I do not know exactly her intentions!’ None of his army knew either! Alexander’s private maids and servants knew, but they did not dare to say anything. Alexander said, ‘Search for the last Turk whom the horseman brought here to see whether this horseman is a woman or a man! Search for his identity and where he was taken!’ Alexander’s special maid said, ‘The captive is in the King’s tent.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Who was the horseman who brought the captive?’ The maid replied, ‘O King! The person who brought the captive is in your tent!’ Alexander did not like this because this girl was very hostile to him and wherever he went after her, she drew her sword and he trembled with fear. Then Alexander rose and went to his tent. There that Turk was tightly chained. The maid said, ‘O King! The Queen, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, brought the captive here!’ Alexander was astonished and went to the girl. He asked, ‘Did you bring him here and did

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you achieve this wonderful task?’ The girl prostrated herself and said, ‘It was the King’s glory and fate that achieved it!’ Alexander attributed her victory to God’s grace. She prostrated herself and said, ‘O God of Gods! Everything, from the gnat to the elephant, is ruled by you. You strengthen whom you will, and you bestow victory on whomever you choose. Your servant had a wife who would come to his aid in every battle. When she was beguiled, you gave your servant another, so that he may not be dismayed. O Lord! Grant your slave grace that she may praise you as she should.’ When the rumour was spread that the horseman was Alexander’s wife, the daughter of Sha¯hmalik, the army was astonished and they forgot Ara¯qı¯t. They went to praise and congratulate Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. That night, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter narrated the story again to Alexander from the beginning to the end. She wanted to be relieved from the false allegations that she was accused of and to achieve with certainty by God’s grace whatever she aimed to achieve. She called her brother and prepared a set of armour for him so that he is not naked and unlawful in the female apartments. Alexander grew happier and Queen Ara¯qı¯t remained sitting doing nothing. Alexander spent his time sitting on his throne. His soldiers came to congratulate him for the fact that his wife had descended to the battle. They prayed for Alexander and the fairies who also came and did likewise. Alexander ordered them to take Tura¯nmalik and his son to the fort. When they brought them to the fort, they beat the war drums. Ara¯qı¯t asked the guards, ‘What is this noise and clamour for?’ They replied, ‘The other day, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, who is Alexander’s wife, entered the battlefield in the same fashion you fought every time. She captured her uncle and her cousin!’ This is the reason for this joy! When Ara¯qı¯t heard this, she cried aloud out of envy, fell down and became unconscious. After an hour, some emissaries came to her bedside. They saw that she was unconscious and she was not showing any signs of life. They thought that she was dead. They waited for an hour and still she did not move. It seemed to them that she was dead. They returned crying to Alexander and said, ‘Alas! O King of the World! Ara¯qı¯t has passed away as our enemies desired! The cypress has fallen and has passed away!’ Alexander inquired, ‘What happened to her?’ The fairies came immediately with their hair cut and said, ‘O King! Please order us to go and see her for a rumour has been spread around that Ara¯qı¯t has passed away. We cannot go to her without your permission.’ Alexander said, ‘Go and inform me about what has happened!’ The fairies left and found Ara¯qı¯t lying unconscious without showing any signs of life. They asked the other fairies what had happened to her. When the other fairies narrated the story, they started laughing and said, ‘She has fainted because of her jealousy. She is not dead!’ They were unable to touch her. Immediately the concubines and women of Alexander came to Ara¯qı¯t’s bedside and touched her heart. They said, ‘She is alive but she is unconscious! Inform the King to come over, for when she hears his voice, she will wake up.’ The fairies left in haste and informed Alexander of what had happened and that when there was a problem she was accustomed to cry aloud and remain unconscious for a whole day. Alexander said, ‘Everything is over! If she is dead, then there is no remedy for

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her!’ They insisted, ‘What if the King goes to her bedside to see her?’ Alexander averted his face and said, ‘Go and remove the iron chains from her and take her out of that small house. All of you go to her as my representatives and take care of her until we see what we are going to do about her.’ They left and removed the iron chains from her hands and feet. They took her to the upper part of the fort until she recovered. Once more, she lamented her fate and said to those women, ‘Weep for me before God!’ And they lamented greatly. They were afraid of Alexander and they went to her house. The representatives stayed around that house and that night two or three concubines stayed with her. At night, Ara¯qı¯t summoned the fairies and said to them, ‘You think that I have committed a sin. I received a letter and a woman and a servant told me the story. I was afraid of Alexander and I concealed them. What a misfortune has befallen upon me!’ The fairies said, ‘Your situation is difficult. You must invite Aristotle and explain to him what has happened.’ She said, ‘I will act accordingly!’ The next day, when she knew that Alexander was out of the court, she sent someone to call Aristotle. He replied, ‘Given that Alexander has not ordered me to do so, I cannot come!’ Aristotle went to Alexander and asked him for permission. Alexander granted him permission and Aristotle came to see Ara¯qı¯t. She started crying. Aristotle bowed to her and sat down. Queen Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O Sage! God’s power over humanity is life and wherever there is nonsense, life is lost. In this story, I did not make any mistakes. Although I concealed those two women, I thought that I should give an answer. It so happened that by divine decree all this misfortune has befallen me! What is wrong with me? I have no other strength. If it is necessary to kill me, do so to relieve me!’ Aristotle replied, ‘O Queen! Beware that you are Alexander’s wife and all the kings of the world are under his rule. Your task is very sensitive, for every word has its own importance. For all the kings of the East and the West are Alexander’s tributaries and they are his enemies ready to resort to violence against his life! They also calumniate against him. He has received that letter and whenever he looks at it, he is enraged.’ Then the woman said to Alexander’s messenger, ‘Before your arrival, Queen Ara¯qı¯t was in the region of Sha¯hmalik every night looking for Tafqa¯j!’ She also said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘You were also happy with that letter! Everything is upside down! You must be patient until I see today what is going to happen with Tafqa¯j’s case. If I notice any gentle response on his part or that he is less angry, I will tell you what is to be done regarding this affair.’ Ara¯qı¯t knew that the situation was out of control and that Alexander would not alter his behaviour to the previous state. She stopped eating and Aristotle left. Aristotle thought to himself, ‘She cannot escape because she is chained.’ The next day, she dispatched someone and she wanted her son. Alexander did not consent, saying, ‘I will send our son to Greece. Why are you looking for him?’ More than anything, Ara¯qı¯t was disappointed by this. Alexander did not ask Aristotle what Ara¯qı¯t wanted him for. Because of his fear of Alexander, Aristotle did not dare to tell him what had happened! On the next morning, Alexander sent two fairies to Sha¯hmalik’s camp in order to know whether Sha¯hmalik was eager to fight or not. The fairies left and returned saying,

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‘O King! The army has gone to Sha¯hmalik.’ Alexander said, ‘Go there and send me further news!’ They left and returned, saying, ‘O King! Their horses are exhausted. They are lamenting for Tafqa¯j, Tura¯nmalik and his son. Sha¯hmalik has come down from his throne and has sat on the ground. There is no sign that there will be a war in the forthcoming days.’ When Alexander heard this, he ordered them to bring Tafqa¯j before him immediately. Tafqa¯j’s brother, who had embraced Islam, stood by the throne, wearing a robe of honour and a golden hat. They put a chain around Tafqa¯j’s neck and kept him next to Alexander’s throne. Alexander said to Tafqa¯j, ‘Accept the right faith and renounce idolatry so that you will be relieved of this calamity.’ Meanwhile Ara¯qı¯t was informed that Tafqa¯j had been taken to Alexander. She sent a fairy to inform her about these developments. Tafqa¯j replied to Alexander, ‘What is this new religion about?’ Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Explain to him what our religion is about!’ Tafqa¯j said, ‘Give me two days to think about it.’ Alexander sent him to the fort and removed his chains. When Tafqa¯j was taken to the fort, he crossed a point where Queen Ara¯qı¯t was standing. Both saw each other. And the fairy that Ara¯qı¯t had sent to gather information returned and informed her. Aristotle said to Alexander, ‘O King! We must take care of Ara¯qı¯t’s case.’ Alexander said, ‘I am thinking about it.’ Alexander said to Tura¯nmalik and his son, ‘Embrace the right faith so that you can save yourselves.’ They did not obey. He ordered them to hang Tura¯nmalik and his son in the upper part of the fort where Land and Qa¯til had previously faced the same fate. Ara¯qı¯t wondered, ‘What is this tumult about?’ They said, ‘Alexander has hanged both of those who were captured by his wife.’ Ara¯qı¯t thought to herself, ‘There must be a trick given that these two who have been executed were captured after Tafqa¯j and the latter is still alive!’ She was very perplexed. According to her, Tafqa¯j should have been executed so that she could be pardoned for her disobedience.








TAFQAJ’S LETTER TO ARAQI T, HOW IT WAS DISCOVERED BY ALEXANDER AND THE DETERIORATION OF THE SITUATION It is thus divinely narrated that Tafqa¯j was taken to the fort and he saw Ara¯qı¯t. Tafqa¯j had never seen Ara¯qı¯t before. When he saw Ara¯qı¯t’s extreme beauty, the power abandoned his hands and limbs. That night he thought to himself, ‘I must send someone to her to see whether she is preoccupied with those tasks I wrote in my letter to her or not.’ By chance, there was one of his servants and his name was Isfandiyar. He served Tafqa¯j day and night. At midnight, when the emissaries were asleep, Tafqa¯j said to his servant, ‘I will write a few lines to Ara¯qı¯t, if I find an inkpot. Go to Ara¯qı¯t and throw this letter to her from a distance to see whether she replies or not.’ The servant said, ‘There is no inkpot!’ Tafqa¯j said, ‘Bring me one!’ Tafqa¯j had a golden signet on his finger, a ring of ruby. He gave it to the servant and said to him, ‘Whatever the circumstances are, go ahead and search for an inkpot. Give a deposit and if they sell it, then buy it and bring it over.’ The servant took the ring and said, ‘You must not write something that will cost you your and my life.’ Tafqa¯j said, ‘Go and search for the inkpot.’ The servant thought to himself, ‘If I bring the inkpot to him, then, no doubt, they will spill both my and his blood. They will

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kill me! I must rise and take the ring to Alexander, telling him the story. I will be at his service until I receive my reward.’ He was having these thoughts when he rose and went to meet Alexander. He was not allowed to meet Alexander and in the end, he said, ‘I have a serious task to carry out for Alexander! Let me pass!’ They said, ‘Tell us what this is all about!’ He replied, ‘I can only say this to the King!’ They informed Alexander who ordered them to let him in. When he appeared before Alexander, he prostrated himself before Alexander, put his face to the ground and told the story to Alexander. No one knew anything about it. When Alexander heard it, he said, ‘Something good will come out of this!’ Alexander praised him for revealing the secret and giving the ring to Alexander. Alexander said, ‘You did something important. You will accomplish this task successfully.’ The servant replied, ‘I am your slave for whatever you decree!’ Alexander said, ‘Take this inkpot and paper to Tafqa¯j and bring me back the letter, which he will give you for me to read and decide what I am going to do.’ The youth paid tribute to Alexander, who provided him with two dresses. The servant brought the inkpot to Tafqa¯j, who asked him, ‘How did you acquire it?’ He replied, ‘I bought it for 1,000 jahd from a foreigner.’ Tafqa¯j took the inkpot and the paper and wrote the following, ‘This letter has been written by the powerless slave who has been captured by the oppressor. May the Almighty reveal your situation to me! I heard that you have been released from captivity and that all the fairies have come under your command. I am lamenting day and night. I have forgotten my trouble and I am thinking of yours because every trouble you are suffering now is due to us. Yet that woman was not so hateful and she did not know how to act, so that she would not cause any trouble for us. I hope that God shows us the way, for God’s path is always open. All the fairies are in our service and God will hopefully release us from our captivity so that we can save ourselves from this foul oppressor [Alexander]! For God can accomplish everything!’ He wrote this letter and gave it to the servant, saying, ‘Make sure that you hand this letter to Ara¯qı¯t when all Alexander’s emissaries are asleep!’ He then gave him the inkpot and said, ‘Take it with you!’ The servant came when all the emissaries were asleep. A candle was burning next to Ara¯qı¯t. That night Alexander was at the fort with his concubines and he knew that this man would not be able to come out of the fort at night. He ordered his men, ‘Whenever this man comes, let him come to me!’ Then that young man came to Alexander from the very beginning. He showed the letter to Alexander, who read it. Everyone was afraid that Alexander would kill Ara¯qı¯t and Tafqa¯j. Yet he showed restraint and sat down. He said to the young man, ‘Go and show this letter to Ara¯qı¯t and listen to what she says and what kind of response she gives. Then come to me quickly and show me her response so that I can read it!’ The man left and was careful. All the emissaries were asleep. Then he put the letter in front of Queen Ara¯qı¯t and was standing at a distance. When Ara¯qı¯t saw him, she came out and said to him, ‘Who are you and how were you allowed to come here at this time?’ It is thus divinely narrated that Alexander summoned all the fairies, who were close to Ara¯qı¯t.66

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Then Ara¯qı¯t said to the servant, ‘Sit at a distance until I read the letter and I let will you know.’ The man acted accordingly. When Ara¯qı¯t had read the letter, she was perplexed once more and she started thinking [lit. She fell into the sea of thought]. She could not give an answer and she was disturbed by her lust and desire, for she liked men a lot. If the fairies were obedient to her, then she could have set her fairies, herself and Tafqa¯j free in an hour. However, the fairies were not under her command. She thought to herself, ‘Maybe Alexander will never restore me to the previous status I enjoyed, for I have been a disgrace to him. He took my son and I am afraid that he may kill this youth. I do not know what is to be done. The fairies do not listen to me. For if they did, then I would have left immediately and I would have saved this young man.’ She was thinking about this until midnight. Then she thought to herself once more, ‘If I send this letter to the King and I reveal this to him, I will restore my good reputation and the King will like me.’ She was thinking about it for an hour. Then she said to that servant, ‘Go and tell him [Tafqa¯j], “Due to your nonsense, I was disgraced once and the fairies today are not under my command. For myself, I have been captured and desperate, and I am not sure what the King is going to do about me eventually. And I am astonished at you. Try to save yourself for when everything is arranged, it is going to be fine until finally we see what is to happen.”’ She thought to herself, ‘If the emissaries are not awake, then I will go and see him tonight! Then I will return.’ She said to the servant, ‘Go and when Alexander’s emissaries are asleep come and inform me. I will go to see Tafqa¯j because I can only secretly go and see him so that people do not see me.’ The servant said, ‘Come tonight for there is no one around!’ She replied, ‘Go and check what is going on!’ The servant left and the emissaries were all awake. He did not go to Tafqa¯j but he immediately went to Alexander and told him everything that had happened. Alexander gave him much gold and said, ‘Go and have faith that you are in my service. Keep an eye on her!’ Alexander could not sleep that day. He thought to himself, ‘I will behead both of them!’ In other moments, he thought to himself, ‘I will be patient until this foul woman is proved to be entirely blemished. I have done injustice to her and she is still in love.’ Alexander did not trust her for he knew that she liked men a lot. Alexander thought, ‘What am I supposed to do? For this situation is far more important than all the wars against my enemies that I have conducted.’ He sent two or three emissaries from his special quarters to guard Tafqa¯j. In the morning, he ordered to have Ara¯qı¯t put on a couch and they brought her to the Haft Anbar Garden. He ordered them to dig a pit in the royal special quarters where the throne was. They put four metal columns over that pit and they brought four metal chains with which they tightly chained Ara¯qı¯t to those four columns. Then Alexander separated Ara¯qı¯t from the fairies and they opened a pit for her purity. There was no way for Alexander’s concubines or anyone else to enter the place. Ara¯qı¯t said to herself, ‘What am I supposed to say? Does he know the secret and did he find out about it last night? Poor me, if he knows my thoughts! He will spill my blood, if this is revealed!’

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Early in the morning, Alexander had brought Tafqa¯j out of there and ordered his men to cut off two of his fingers and remained silent. Tafqa¯j said, ‘O King! What do you want from me? Kill me once and the result of this torture will be that these acts are not befitting of kings. I did not do anything wrong. But whatever you have done to me, you will be punished for by my father! Now do you think that you will bypass my father and reach the place where the sun rises? You are wrong!’ When Alexander heard these words, he said nothing. They put a heavy chain on him with his two fingers cut and put him in a subterranean cavern. People started spreading rumours, saying, ‘Alexander has arrested Ara¯qı¯t and Tafqa¯j. Alexander brought Ara¯qı¯t out of the fort and tortured Tafqa¯j, shutting him in the subterranean cavern.’ This news reached Alexander’s camp and the fairies could not leave. When Ara¯qı¯t heard that Tafqa¯j’s fingers had been cut off, she knew that Alexander had been informed about that letter. She immediately thought to herself, ‘I must send the letter to Alexander and I must act immediately.’ Then she gave a message to one of the emissaries, ‘Go and tell Alexander to come or send a trustworthy person so that I can inform him about what has happened.’ When Alexander received the message, he summoned Aristotle and showed him the ruby ring and told him about the inkpot and the letter and whatever had happened that night. Aristotle was surprised and he did not allow Alexander to speak because he found Alexander’s words contradictory. Alexander knew that Aristotle did not believe him. He sent someone to call Tafqa¯j and to tell him as a whole whatever had happened. When Aristotle heard this, he thought to himself, ‘Killing him is necessary!’ He then said to Alexander, ‘O King! You have fallen again into the women’s trap. It is the same as in the case of India but then it was easy. For we were at the centre of the world and there were women there, while Ara¯qı¯t is a fairy. If this story is proved to be true, then we will be in trouble and our lives will not be worth even two grains of barley! O King! Do not do this and do not be attached to women further! For eventually, these kinds of affairs do not have a positive outcome!’ Alexander said, ‘At this very moment, I will go to the upper part of the fort, set up a court and hang her so that I can be relieved from this trouble!’ When Alexander said this, Aristotle added, ‘O King! Be patient until I see Ara¯qı¯t!’ Meanwhile, the fairies came to Alexander, lamenting and crying. They said, ‘O King! Has Queen Ara¯qı¯t done anything wrong lately?’ Alexander asked, ‘What do you mean?’ They replied, ‘There is a rumour all over the camp that Alexander has arrested Ara¯qı¯t and Tafqa¯j, then separated them and brought one of them out of the fort.’ When Alexander heard this, he became sad and said to Aristotle, ‘Whatever you predicted has come true!’ Due to his anger Alexander rose, took his sword and said to Aristotle, ‘This foul woman has called me. I will behead her and I will resolve this problem!’ Aristotle followed Alexander too. He said, ‘O King! If you behead her today, your name will be disgraced for ever!’ Alexander thought to himself, ‘He is right! At first, it was my mistake that I brought her out of the fort, I punished Tafqa¯j and thus the rumour was spread around!’

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Then both Alexander and Aristotle went to Ara¯qı¯t, who had been chained in a very miserable condition. When Alexander saw her in that state, he was moved but he did not show his emotions. He said to her, ‘How are you?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘O King! You must be afraid of God and feel shame for you have put me in this trouble, although I did not do anything wrong.’ She brought out the letter and gave it to Alexander to read it. Alexander thought to himself, ‘I have read this letter first!’ Then he said to her, ‘O you foul woman! What is it about?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘O King! This is a trick someone has contrived to put me into this trouble and make you feel miserable!’ Then Alexander inquired, ‘Why then did you want to go to him?’ She replied, ‘O King! I swear on your life that I tried to kill him, bring you his head and return without being at fault. I did not know that you have power over the birds who convey your orders and that they can bring you false news!’ Alexander did not add anything to her words. They both came out. Aristotle said, ‘O King! You analysed the situation and you have revealed the fraud. They are all your enemies and they cannot see that the fairies are in your service. O King! Do not do this! Release her for, God forbid, if you want to release her tomorrow, then you will be unable to do so and it will lead to negative results. If this woman loses her interest in you, then it will have the opposite results. I will go now and reveal all this to the army. Then we will see what we can do about Ara¯qı¯t.’ Alexander said, ‘Go!’ Aristotle came and summoned the army commanders and revealed everything to them, that is, the story of the letter and the servant, Ara¯qı¯t’s trick, who wanted to kill Tafqa¯j. When the commanders heard this, they grew afraid and regretted what they had said. None of them dared to visit Alexander at his court. Aristotle was a cunning and bold man. He said to Alexander, ‘O King! Release Ara¯qı¯t and send her to me tonight!’ Alexander did not give this order and said, ‘It is very soon.’ Alexander spent that night in the Garden. In the morning, a rumour came from the fort that the Zangı¯s that night had attacked the fort by way of the sea and had taken Tafqa¯j. The garrison of the fort had fought against them but they abducted Tafqa¯j and Qa¯til’s bride. They had also abducted an excessive number of concubines, killed a few men and then left. When Alexander heard this, he was shaken and summoned Aristotle. He said, ‘Look how we underestimated them and on that day we did not inflict a heavy defeat on them. Now they have done this to us!’ Eventually, he prepared his army, the elephants and the cavalry and said, ‘You must catch them as soon as possible!’ When Alexander sat, he said to Aristotle, ‘Look for the fairies so that they can go and block their way!’ No matter how extensively they looked for them, they could not find the fairies. Alexander took his sword, put on his armour and went immediately to Ara¯qı¯t. He did not find her; only her broken chains were thrown there. He became angry and said, ‘Ah! This was planned and well prepared! I do not know what to do. The Almighty has brought this upon me but I am hopeful that in the end I will prevail.’ Yet he had grown crazy because of his love for Ara¯qı¯t and his royal pride. He said to his soldiers, ‘Two horsemen come with me!’ His army was turned upside down and each was going against the other. Alexander appointed two commanders with 50,000 horsemen to be in the Garden and guard it.

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THE STORY BETWEEN ARAQI T AND TAFQAJ, HOW SHE PURSUED TAFQAJ AND THE
ZANG I S, AND THEIR WAR It is divinely narrated that the fairies were saddened when they heard that Alexander had arrested Ara¯qı¯t with Tafqa¯j. When they approached Alexander, they found out that the rumour was false. They said, crying and weeping, ‘This woman is a disaster and the King will kill her soon. Let us return to the sea with those of our kind. Let us avoid this ill repute and the dread of witnessing the death of our lady.’ At night, they headed to the sea and at midnight, they discovered the Zangı¯s, who had returned through the tunnel near the fort and were leaving through the entrance. There were about 400 of them and they had brought Tafqa¯j and Alexander’s wife with them. They said that she was Qa¯til’s bride. They were carrying along the bodies of Qa¯til, Tura¯nmalik and his son, and the Zangı¯, Land. When the fairies saw them, they said, ‘Let us conceive a scheme to restore our lady to her throne.’ They went to Ara¯qı¯t, finding her in a miserable state tied in chains. They said to her, ‘If you do not love Tafqa¯j and you have been falsely accused, know that the Zangı¯s have gone to the fort through the sea tunnel. They have seized Tafqa¯j and the King’s wife, along with an abundance of goods. They are still at sea and they will return by morning. There are not more than 400 Zangı¯s and they are carrying with them the bodies of Qa¯til, Land, Tura¯nmalik and his son. Let us free you. The horses are ready. Mount and we will take you there in an hour. Through this victory, you can make amends for your deed. We had decided to leave, for the King intends to kill you. Yet we thought, ‘Let us go and see!’ If we win this victory and the King is pleased, we will gain what we wish. Or else, we will take you and return to the sea. There we will be free from this miserable situation.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘Let it be so!’ They untied her hands and she went to Alexander’s bedside. He was sleeping with Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. She took his sword from his bedside. She armed herself and mounting Alexander’s stallion, she rode away with the fairies. The Zangı¯s had not gone more than a parasang when Ara¯qı¯t caught up with them. She said to them, ‘I am King Alexander, the Conqueror of Countries. You villains! Where are you taking these?’ The fairies attacked the Zangı¯s and Ara¯qı¯t pursued them, killing many of them. They won back Alexander’s wife and untied her hands and feet. The fairies also captured Tafqa¯j, who recognised Ara¯qı¯t and said to her, ‘O Lady! Was this fair?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘You reckless villain! Because of you, I put my life in danger and displeased a man of Alexander’s calibre.’ She struck his shoulder so hard with her sword that she wounded his arm. Then she stuck the heads of the Zangı¯s on lances and returned. In the early morning, they observed the dust from the troops and heard the drums. Ara¯qı¯t recognised Alexander’s army. When she approached, she saw Alexander galloping in full charge, like a lunatic who had broken out of his chains. His men followed him. Ara¯qı¯t also was galloping fast. Alexander said to his men, ‘They are few in number and are approaching us. Go and check their identity.’ He loosed the reins, riding slowly. Ara¯qı¯t saw Alexander’s canopy, but did not go to him, feeling ashamed.

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The Persian Alexander

When she saw Alexander’s face, she fell to the ground. Then she sat and kissed Alexander’s stirrup. He was astonished. The fairies brought his wife to him, displaying the dead and the heads of Tura¯nmalik and his son. Alexander examined them while the leaders of the army looked at each other amazed. When they found out what had occurred, everyone dismounted in a similar manner. Four hundred princes with gold belts bowed with their foreheads to the ground, saying, ‘O King! There is nothing left!’ Then Ara¯qı¯t placed the rein around Tafqa¯j’s neck with her own hand and brought him to Alexander, who saw him and said, ‘Who cut his arm?’ They replied, ‘O King! It was Queen Ara¯qı¯t’s doing.’ They repeated Ara¯qı¯t’s words to Tafqa¯j. Alexander looked at Ara¯qı¯t’s hand; she was holding the sword that he had placed at his bedside on the previous night and she was riding his special horse. Ara¯qı¯t threw Tafqa¯j to the ground and said to him, ‘You foul one! You aimed to deceive me and you caused such a king to become displeased with me.’ Then she struck him with the sword, cutting his head from his body and putting his head on a lance. Alexander was joyful with this victory. He prostrated himself with his forehead to the ground, saying, ‘O Pure God! You can do what you wish. How can I thank you enough? At dawn, I was so downhearted and by morning I am so happy!’ Alexander pardoned Ara¯qı¯t for her sin. They brought a canopy and sat her in it. Alexander’s wife, who was Qa¯til’s bride said, ‘O King! As long as I am alive, I will protect her for she saved my life!’ Ara¯qı¯t invited her also in the canopy and the army commanders were at their disposal. They beat the war drums and brought her to the camp. During that week, Alexander spent every night with Ara¯qı¯t, who was highly respected by everyone. Every day the army commanders served Ara¯qı¯t as if they were in Alexander’s service. Alexander praised the fairies and treated them dearly. That night, he asked Ara¯qı¯t, ‘How did you manage it?’ She replied, ‘O King! Beware that the fairies were at odds with me and they went to go to the sea. I did not know their intentions. They went to the sea and they saw the Zangı¯s, who had come from the fort taking with them Tafqa¯j and your wife. They had brought out the dead and there were about 400 Zangı¯s.’ The fairies thought to themselves, ‘Now is the right time to return since we witnessed this. Let’s rescue Ara¯qı¯t from the people’s accusations and remove all fake suspicions about her. Thus, Alexander will show mercy to her. They came and informed me. They broke my chains and I came full of enthusiasm to your bedside. You were asleep along with the daughter of your enemies. I came, took your sword and mounted your noble horse. I entered into battle and if I had killed everyone with the sword, there would be no one to inform you about this. The fairies stood nearby and then we left and reached the seaside. The fairies left and that door was closed. They went on and when they reached them, they had covered two parasangs. I cried out aloud, saying, ‘King Alexander is here! They came to confront me and a fierce battle erupted until midnight. In the end, the Almighty bestowed victory on me: I killed the Zangı¯s and I retrieved that girl and brought her back. I arrested that villain and I wanted to kill him more than everything but then I thought, “It is better to kill him before you, so that my integrity would be restored! O King! Beware that everybody disliked me and they wanted

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you to kill me or to imprison me, so that they could defeat you, without us fairies being in the middle of the way!”’ Alexander was pleased with her. They both went to the fort and they closed firmly the door to that house so that no one could enter. Alexander looked at the centre of the fort. That youth named Isfandiyar had been killed. Then Alexander returned to his throne and took care of every task. The fairies went to Sha¯hmalik’s camp and he was aware of these developments and of Tafqa¯j’s death. Everybody was lamenting. They returned and informed Alexander. He became happy because he knew that Sha¯hmalik would not come to fight him. Alexander then went to his private quarters and he prayed until midnight. During the day, he went to the cloister and prayed with the hermit for an hour. Then he spent the night with Ara¯qı¯t.


THE TRICK OF SHAHMALIK’S DAUGHTER TO POISON ALEXANDER, HOW HE DISCOVERED HER PLANS AND WHAT HAPPENED It is divinely narrated that by God’s decree Sha¯hmalik’s daughter should become jealous of Ara¯qı¯t. She wanted to make Alexander lose interest in Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander went to Ara¯qı¯t every night for ten days and the wife, who was Qa¯til’s bride, attended her day and night. Thus, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter became extremely jealous, she also turned against Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t for the killing of her brother, Tafqa¯j. Despite the fact that Tafqa¯j had been her enemy, he was still her brother. If Alexander himself had killed him, she would not have taken it to heart as much as when she knew that Ara¯qı¯t had slain him with her own hands. Therefore, she decided to kill both Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t. One night, she called her brother Buqra¯quz and said, ‘O brother, you may have heard that this fairy has killed our brother. What are we going to do to be safe from her? Our father has lost his son, and I brought his brother and nephew to destruction, attempting to prevent Alexander from striking peace with Ara¯qı¯t. Now again, this fairy whore has been restored to kingship and every army leader is at her service.’ Buqra¯quz replied, ‘If you were good, neither you nor I would be imprisoned.’ She said, ‘I will never act this way again.’ They wondered what to do, and in the end, they sent a letter to their father with a slave girl, to describe to him all the circumstances and to ask for poison. She said, ‘Whether we poison Ara¯qı¯t first or Alexander, we will accomplish this major deed.’ Her brother said, ‘Your plan is good!’ Then they dispatched the concubine, giving her a letter in which they cited what had happened. They wrote in the message, ‘We have decided to leave. If you want us to stay here for a night and to send poison so that we can kill Alexander and you come with your army.’ They dispatched the concubine with this letter secretly at night. The concubine left by foot as she had done every night. In the morning, she hid herself somewhere. After four days, she reached her destination. When she came to Sha¯hmalik, she became happy and so did Sha¯hmalik! He asked her, ‘What is the matter?’ The concubine handed the letter to him. When he read the letter, he became happy and said, ‘Hide yourself for he is a sorcerer and he knows all the secrets.

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The Persian Alexander

Nobody can withstand for him. Yet they should have acted earlier since my daughter and son have such a prestigious position and I am an old man living with trouble and hope. But now he is gone and it is fortunate that they have found their father! Tonight I am going to contrive a plan and tomorrow I will dispatch you.’ That night Sha¯hmalik summoned ten commanders and ten noblemen and showed them the letter. They said, ‘This task must be assigned to this girl immediately. Tomorrow we will sew a quantity of poison into the girl’s dress and we will write a letter.’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘God forbid that she is not disturbed on her way!’ After the evening prayer, Sha¯hmalik sent the girl to ten horsemen and said to them, ‘Take her in haste!’ They took her and left her at half a parasang to the Haft Anbar Garden. Then, they themselves left. In the morning, the concubine entered the Garden and approached Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. She gave her the poison and revealed to her the message that Sha¯hmalik had given for his daughter and whatever her father had said. When the concubine came, Sha¯hmalik thought of something else: ‘I could have thought of something better: I should have given her a quantity of anaesthetic and she could give to Alexander at night so that he would fall asleep for seven days. In the meantime, I could have sent an army to bring him here.’ His ministers said, ‘That is better but wait until she returns with fresh news.’ When Sha¯hmalik’s daughter received the poison, she hid it and showed it to her brother. She asked, ‘What is to be done?’ He replied, ‘First, we must give this poison to a fairy woman.’ Then they said, ‘He must not eat from our food!’ They went on contriving a plan against Alexander. It so happened that Alexander came to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. He usually did not have dinner but that night he wanted to have something sweet. He asked for it and Sha¯hmalik’s daughter prepared that sweet, planning to bring it to Alexander. She had three or four plates of khalva which all looked alike. In every plate, she put a quantity of khalva as was customary. Khalva was made of sugar. She put poison into one of the plates and she distinguished it from the rest. When she came to Alexander, he had fallen asleep. She did not dare to wake him up. The girl asked the slave cooks of the kitchen, ‘Do you know whether all these foods are all right?’ They replied, ‘Yes, we do!’ She said, ‘This plate is for the King. Keep this separate for I will take it for him and consume the rest.’ Alexander did not check it for himself. The next day, the plate with the khalva was left at its place. Her father listened day and night to be informed of what he should do. No news came. Then they thought to themselves, ‘What are we going to do?’ Her father said, ‘We cannot send any man there. A woman must carry this out and convey the message!’ There was wise woman in Sha¯hmalik’s palace. She was ordered to leave at night, escorted by various horsemen. When they brought her close to the Haft Anbar Garden, they returned. This woman entered the Garden and walked into Alexander’s tent. When she went Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, Alexander was sitting on his throne. When she saw her, she recognised her. She asked, ‘How nice! Why did you come here?’ She replied, ‘I came to see you.’ The girl praised her and the night came. The woman said, ‘Your father asks you what you did with that task!’ She replied, ‘Nothing yet! This task is difficult and I am looking for an

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opportunity to accomplish it!’ The woman said, ‘You can easily do it. Where is the poison?’ The girl replied, ‘I put it in the plate with the khalva so that Alexander eats it!’ The woman inquired, ‘When is it your turn to sleep with the king?’ ‘Tomorrow night. When he shows up, I will give him the sweet!’ the girl replied. The woman said, ‘Do not do anything! Give that piece of khalva to me so that I can kill this tyrant tonight!’ Sha¯hmalik’s daughter gave the poison to her. Two pieces of that khalva had remained. The one that was poisonous, while the other was not. She gave the woman both of them. She inquired, ‘What are you planning to do so that Alexander does not recognise you?’ She replied, ‘When he has finished his dinner, I will throw the poison into the water jar. When you sit next to Alexander, call me to bring this piece of khalva!’ That night Alexander came to the bedside of Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, for it was her turn. When he sat down, she called the servant and said, ‘Bring me that plate with the khalva!’ By God’s decree, it so happened that a mistake occurred regarding the plate with the poisonous khalva! In fact, the woman withheld the plate with the poisonous sweet. Instead, she put the plate with the non-poisoned sweet on a gold disk and gave it to the concubine, who had also come from Sha¯hmalik, so that she would give it to Alexander. And the woman who had come from Sha¯hmalik’s place had said to him, ‘I will go there on that night and on the night after, you must send an army to come close to the Garden so that when everything is ready, they will attack the camp.’ Sha¯hmalik had another son named Yazaq. He was very handsome, pious and was the oldest amongst his brothers. Sha¯hmalik summoned him and told him the whole story. Then he dispatched him along with 30,000 Turkish horsemen and Zangı¯s. The order was to approach Alexander’s camp and from there to go to the Garden. When they arrived there, Sha¯hmalik’s son thought to himself, ‘I wish I could go there secretly and see my brother and sister!’ During the evening prayers, he sent a spy telling him the story, and added, ‘If you find a way here, please let me know [This ‘way’ was that woman who had come on behalf of Sha¯hmalik]. Tell her that we have come with much military power and that Yazaq says, “Is there not any place for me to come secretly tonight and see my brother and sister?”’ That spy came to the Haft Anbar Garden and no one suspected him, allowing him to pass. When he went further, he saw the woman standing at the royal private quarters. The spy told her the news and the woman immediately took a veil and left with him. She sat with him and then he left and brought Yazaq, when it was time for prayers, just before falling asleep. Then she sent the spy, covered by the veil, to the King’s tent. The Turks guarding the place were inexperienced and they did wonder how those two got there. When his sister saw him, she became happy and she hid him somewhere. The woman said, ‘He must stay there until we do our job! When everything is over, then he can show himself.’ However, on the previous night, the woman had mistakenly given the non-poisonous sweet to Alexander, who ate it and fell asleep. She had kept the poisonous sweet for herself! The girl came happily to the woman and said, ‘The King ate the khalva and fell asleep! I will go to him so that he does not become suspicious of me!’ Alexander had slept as usual and he had sexual intercourse with a woman. At around midnight, he woke up, performed ablutions and started praying to the Almighty!

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Meanwhile, Sha¯hmalik’s daughter had left. The woman gave the poisonous plate with the khalva by mistake to Sha¯hmalik’s son! She herself, Yazaq and the concubine ate from it. They immediately fell down and died! In the morning, Alexander came out. Sha¯hmalik’s daughter came to see her brother, the woman and the concubine. When she entered their place, she found them dead on the floor. She asked Alexander’s concubines, ‘What happened to them?’ They replied, ‘We do know!’ And a quantity of the khalva sweet could be seen on the floor. She thought to herself, ‘Oh! They made a mistake! Alas! Poor me! Where should I put these three dead bodies?’ She had a trustworthy concubine, who was not aware of these developments. She had thought to herself, ‘This man is Sha¯hmalik’s son!’ He came secretly to see his sister and return. Sha¯hmalik’s daughter said to her, ‘If the King asks who this unknown man and woman are, what am I supposed to say and do? The solution to this problem is to conceal them in my wardrobe.’ Then she summoned her brother, Buqra¯quz, and sent the bodies to him. When Buqra¯quz saw his brother dead, he started lamenting, weeping and saying, ‘Ah! Our father will not believe how this situation has evolved! He will say that his son was called into a trap and killed.’ Both brother and sister were astonished for they could do nothing and they could not say anything to anyone. Buqra¯quz asked his sister, ‘Is Alexander going to come here?’ She replied, ‘He comes every day!’ He inquired, ‘During the night?’ She said, ‘He is going to come next week [at night] because he was here last night. And all this misfortune is due to this foolish woman whom my father sent here.’ They concealed the three bodies and threw a blanket over their faces. The army stayed there for two days and nights, listening but no noise could be heard. Eventually, they wondered, ‘Where did the King’s son go?’ They were astonished but could not say anything. One day, it happened that a member of the kitchen staff went to bring a stick. The army had come to a place full of sandy brambles. The man saw the soldiers but they did not see him. Immediately, he came to the camp and said, ‘A large number of Turkish and Zangı¯ soldiers have arrived at the Garden in the middle of the sandy brambles. They killed the guard and have come secretly to ambush us!’ Alexander immediately sent two fairies for reconnaissance. They returned and reported, ‘They are just an army without tents, pavilions and utensils. Every group of them has come from the sandy brambles.’ Alexander ordered 50,000 horsemen to be prepared and divided them into four sections. It was a hot midday. They fell asleep carelessly. Alexander in full military capacity set out. Those four sections of his army appeared from four different directions. They attacked the core of the enemy, drawing their swords, killing many of them and forcing the others to flee. However, most of them did not make it. Half of these 30,000 men were killed and the rest were put to flight. They went to Sha¯hmalik and told him what had happened, saying, ‘That woman came and took Prince Yazaq and we waited for two days. We heard nothing. On the third day at noon, we remained inactive and we had received no news. An army attacked us from four directions, killed most of our men and we just managed to flee.’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Another son of mine has been killed! He threw

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his crown down and he lamented. He had no information and he wept day and night, waiting for some news.’ Sha¯hmalik’s daughter wondered how to conceal those dead bodies, which remained hidden. When night came, brother, sister and those concubines who were aware of the situation, they dug a hole behind the tent of the kitchen and buried the three bodies. Immediately, the news came that Alexander had defeated that army. The brother and sister said, ‘Ah! If our father knew what is happening to us, then he would be astonished.’ Suddenly, Alexander entered their tent and said to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, ‘The trouble that your father has brought upon me is endless. I do not know what to do! I have been really miserable due to his tricks. He falls into my trap and then in another moment, he starts his tricks again!’ The woman saw her fault and she was thinking. Alexander did not understand her thoughts because every time she was under meditation and fear. Alexander held the Divine Charisma and whatever he achieved was the result of this charisma. Then he came out and went to Ara¯qı¯t. He told her what had happened and Ara¯qı¯t was very careful with all those developments. Alexander said, ‘Every day I used to see trust and good in the face of Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. Today I saw something negative.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘As long as she is with you, I did not notice or know anything evil on her but it is possible that she has some secrets.’ The next day, Sha¯hmalik was not informed about the latest developments about his son. He thought that his son was with his sister and other brother. He hoped that he would receive some news from them but it did not happen. Eventually, he thought to himself, ‘I do not know what is going on!’ Then he summoned the cupbearer’s wife, who had come initially and had handed Tafqa¯j to Alexander. Sha¯hmalik told her the news. Sha¯hmalik had a brother from his maternal side and his name was Arsla¯nkha¯n. He was more powerful than Sha¯hmalik. All the soldiers wanted to be under Arsla¯nkha¯n’s command. Sha¯hmalik was old and Arsla¯nkha¯n had been raised by Sha¯hmalik. Arsla¯nkha¯n had extreme respect for Sha¯hmalik. He was an infidel dog, who one day fought against 1,000 men. When he heard that Sha¯hmalik’s sons were killed, he sent a message to Sha¯hmalik, saying, ‘Until when will you remain sitting. Get up and take your army and come with me. I will come with you and I will enjoy myself with Alexander’s calamities! I will give this Alexander an overall answer.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n hated Alexander day and night. Sha¯hmalik sent a message and replied, ‘I will do this and this and by God’s will everything will be prepared!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n sent another message and replied, ‘Tricks are the task of women. Men deal with the sword and rank themselves for battle!’ Sha¯hmalik gave the anaesthetic to the cupbearer’s wife and said, ‘You must carry out this task and give this drug to Alexander to eat it and to send him to me by using a trick.’ The cupbearer’s wife said, ‘This may prove to be difficult, if I try to give the anaesthetic to Alexander to eat. But it might be easy, if I give him the anaesthetic and bring him out of his tent while he is asleep. But what am I supposed to give to him?’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘Whatever you prefer!’ She said, ‘Give me some cash!’ He gave her 1,000 gold coins [dı¯nar]. She took them and said, ‘Write a letter to your daughter so that she is under my

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advice!’ Sha¯hmalik wrote a letter both to his daughter and his son. The cupbearer’s wife rose and came to Alexander’s camp. She went to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and gave her the letter of her father. And the cupbearer’s wife did not know that Sha¯hmalik’s son, that woman and the concubine were dead. Sha¯hmalik’s daughter, due to her fear, said nothing about it to the cupbearer’s wife. The latter explained to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter about the case of the anaesthetic, saying, ‘I will give it to Alexander when I become audacious with him!’ And she spent the rest of the day there. That night Buqra¯quz came out and saw the cupbearer’s wife. The crafty cupbearer’s wife asked the girl, ‘Where is the poison?’ The girl replied, ‘I have it in a pocket.’ She said, ‘Show me!’ She brought it out so that the cupbearer’s wife could see it. The latter said, ‘Put it back!’ Then she asked her, ‘Where is your brother?’ She said, ‘I hid him somewhere and he cannot be here because Alexander comes and goes from here all the time.’ The cupbearer’s wife got up and left. She looked around to spot Alexander. He came out and went to his tent in the garden. That woman did not go to Ara¯qı¯t because she thought, ‘It is better to do this kind of task secretly. On my previous mission, things evolved well, as I had expected. Anyway, no rumour was heard. Now I must act similarly.’ When Alexander came to Ara¯qı¯t, the cupbearer’s wife went to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and said, ‘Alexander is in Ara¯qı¯t’s place. I came here before he leaves that place. I cannot go to her place since a youth like Tafqa¯j fell in love with her.’ Sha¯hmalik’s daughter sat next to her and told her everything – a story full of poison and corpses. Alexander came to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter’s tent and when he looked at the cupbearer’s wife, he recognised her but he said nothing. The woman rose and prostrated herself before Alexander, kissing the ground. Then she sat somewhere. Once more Alexander looked at Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. When he saw that she was in a good mood, he said, ‘O wife! What happened to you and your face has changed colour? I do not see this often. Instead, I now see fear in your face!’ Sha¯hmalik’s daughter was afraid and said, ‘O King! I am not afraid of anything under your rule!’ Alexander said to the cupbearer’s wife, ‘Why did you come here?’ She replied, ‘I came to see Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and she hinted her to the King.’ Alexander knew that she had been sent for a certain task. At around midday, it grew hot suddenly and Alexander went alone to his pavilion. He summoned Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. She came and prostrated herself before Alexander. He asked her, ‘What were you up to with her?’ She replied, ‘She came for your affair. If you allow me, then I will tell you why she has come here.’ Alexander said, ‘Tell me!’ She said, ‘Beware that Sha¯hmalik has a son named Yazaq. He had sent him with 30,000 men to attempt an assault against you.’ And she did not mention the issue of the poison! Alexander was merciful towards Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. She thought to herself, ‘If I conceal the issue of the poison, then she will kill him!’ She said, ‘O King! The issue of the assault against your army was meant to be revealed to you! Now my brother is nowhere to be seen. He did not go to our father along with the other fleeing soldiers and he cannot be found amongst the dead men. The soldiers who returned said, “On the day we arrived there, he said, ‘I will go secretly to that camp to see my brother

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and sister.’” And he did so but he did not return. Sha¯hmalik himself does not know anything! Sometimes he says that he, like his brother and sister, embraced your religion and abandoned the religion of his father. Some other times he says that they killed him. He has no news and nothing is certain.’ Alexander thought, ‘O God! What worries me with this woman is that she is not in her usual mood!’ He said to cupbearer’s wife, ‘Do not hide your thoughts and speak out!’ She said, ‘O King! Beware that they sent me here to know the situation and they said that you must leave which is a difficult thing to happen. And there is something else but please, O King, spare my life!’ He replied, ‘I do so!’ She said, ‘They gave me anaesthetic and Sha¯hmalik said, “You and my daughter must collaborate so that one night when Alexander is with my daughter, you will make him eat the drug. Then I will send my army, who will bring the unconscious Alexander to my camp. I came here for this reason!”’ Alexander said, ‘Did you propose it to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and did she agree?’ She replied, ‘O King! No! I did not dare to tell her anything without your approval! But, O King, we do not need her!’ Alexander said, ‘Should it not be right?’ She replied, ‘O King! Everything will be all right for you.’ Then she added, ‘O King! Be patient and I will go and bring Sha¯hmalik close to the garden here.’ Alexander said, ‘May your God protect you!’ The crafty woman went to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and she did not tell her that she had seen the King or had a discussion with him. She stayed with her until the evening prayers. After the prayers, she said, ‘Answer to your father’s letter so that I may go!’ Sha¯hmalik’s daughter replied, ‘I do not dare to write it! Why are you leaving so soon?’ The cupbearer’s wife replied, ‘I have a task to carry out. Be confident!’ Sha¯hmalik’s daughter did not trust her any more! She knew that one day the cupbearer’s wife would reveal everything to Alexander and that she herself would not escape! She thought to herself, ‘I want to go to my father!’ When Sha¯hmalik’s daughter came that night, it was her turn to stay with Alexander. She came close to him, sat down and she wanted to take his consent. He asked her, ‘Where is the woman who came on behalf of your father?’ She replied, ‘She did not see me and left.’ Alexander said, ‘Where is your younger brother who came to see you?’ She grew scared and replied, ‘O King! I did not see him!’ Alexander said, ‘Where is the concubine to get her confession by force of the stick?’ He said to the concubines, ‘Bring her to me!’ The concubines fled and said, ‘It has been three days since she left!’ Alexander said, ‘O you foul daughter of an infidel!’ He used rude words for her and then rose and summoned his servant, ordering him to arrest her and beat her with the stick until she consents and reveals where her brother is. She received 100 hits with the stick but she did not speak. Alexander was astonished. He ordered them to chain her and guard her. Then Alexander said, ‘What the Angel of the Almighty predicted was correct, that I must be careful with the infidel Turks and that they will create much trouble for me. Everything has been confirmed!’ He then ordered them to bring Buqra¯quz. He said to him, ‘There is a rumour that a brother of yours has come here. This evil and villainous woman does not speak out. Can you?’ He replied, ‘O King! I swear on your life that I did not see him! But I heard that he is in this camp. Yet I did not see him. If I am lying, then

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please spill my blood!’ Alexander knew that he was telling the truth. He gave him to his emissaries and said, ‘Take him and guard him until I see how things evolve!’ Alexander rose and turned the tent upside down but he did not find Yazaq anywhere. A bad odour was coming from the court. He sent some men to search everywhere for the source of that rotting smell. After an hour, they returned and said, ‘It is the smell of corpses!’ Alexander said to them, ‘Make an inquiry behind the curtains to find the reason for this rotting smell.’ They left and they searched a lot before they came across the burial place from where the odour was coming. When they realised that the bad odour was coming from that place, they were astonished and said to each other, ‘Can you imagine what it is about?’ They brought pick axes and dug the place. They found the three corpses and informed Alexander. Alexander inquired, ‘Did you recognise the corpses?’ He summoned Aristotle and the army. They were all prepared and looked at the corpses. As was to be expected, they were unable to recognise the bodies. Alexander said, ‘First, you must know that one of them must be a concubine, the other is the brother of my wife, who proved to be a real brother to his sister. As for the third body, I do not recognise him.’ Alexander ordered them to bring Buqra¯quz and show him the corpse. When Buqra¯quz saw the body, he said, ‘He is my brother!’ Alexander said, ‘But you said that you did not see him!’ Buqra¯quz replied, ‘I swear to your life that I did not see him while he was alive! I know that this woman came from there but I do not know who she is and when she came.’ Alexander said to Aristotle, ‘Everybody knows this! Write that I do not know eventually when he will be found.’ Then he dispatched someone to bring Ara¯qı¯t. When she appeared, every noble person came to her and prostrated themselves to her. She approached and she had put a burqa‘ over her face. She stood next to Alexander’s throne and Alexander told her everything that had happened. He asked her, ‘What is this trick about?’ She replied, ‘I have no idea! When I kill my own brother, I will throw him into the well!’ Then the Greek physicians came and examined those corpses. They concluded that they had been poisoned. Alexander inquired, ‘How did this happen?’ He ordered them to bring and torture the two concubines who knew the truth. They could not stand the torture and asked for mercy, saying, ‘Do not hit us! We will tell you truthfully whatever we saw! That night Alexander wanted to have something sweet and we prepared it. He fell asleep and he did not have it on that night. We put it on a plate in case the King wanted to have the sweet on the following night. They brought a piece of khalva to Alexander and he had it and another piece was left. The three of them ate that piece and they immediately died.’ Alexander asked, ‘Anything else?’ They replied, ‘The King’s wife came and when she found them dead she said, “Alas! They mistakenly ate the wrong piece!”’ When Alexander found out the truth, he prostrated himself to the Almighty and thanked Him for helping Alexander to overcome these obstacles and for punishing his enemies. Then he asked them, ‘Did Buqra¯quz see his brother alive?’ They replied, ‘No, he did not see his brother alive. After they had died, his sister called Buqra¯quz and both

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of us that night. When he saw the corpses, he wept and lamented. We then dug out that ditch and we buried them.’ Alexander had them tortured. They brought that villainous woman and tortured her brother until they confessed that their father had given them the poison. Alexander said, ‘Search the girl!’ They did so and they found the poison in her pocket. They took it out. Alexander ordered the fairies, ‘Chain her hands and feet firmly and amputate them and throw the limbs into the sea!’ Ara¯qı¯t fell to the ground and said, ‘O King! Let her be in my service until we see what happened with her father!’ Alexander spared her life, thanks to Ara¯qı¯t and sent her to the Queen of Fairies. She was unchained and taken to the fort. Alexander ordered to have Buqra¯quz beheaded. He also ordered them to keep the skulls of the two brothers until that crafty woman returned; for she had promised Alexander to bring and hand over Sha¯hmalik to him by means of deceit.


HOW THE CUPBEARER’S WIFE SURRENDERED SHAHMALIK TO ALEXANDER BY MEANS OF DECEIT It is thus divinely narrated that the cupbearer’s wife returned after two days and following the way around the palace, she went to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. She saw the concubines and asked them, ‘How are you?’ They did not dare say anything. Then she went to Alexander and asked to see him. Alexander asked her, ‘What is it?’ She replied, ‘O King! I brought Sha¯hmalik along with 10,000 armoured horsemen. Tonight everything will be over!’ He asked, ‘What should I do?’ She said, ‘Bring the youth so that we may give him the anaesthetic to eat and put him in the box. Then we will claim that he is King Alexander! At night, we will bring Sha¯hmalik to the Garden to bury Alexander!’ Alexander liked difficult affairs very much. He conceded and said, ‘Bring the dead youth!’ They brought him, joined his skull with his corpse, they perfumed him with ambergris and musk, dressed him in colourfully embroidered clothes and put him in the coffin. Alexander said, ‘I want to give him a pious man to kill him.’ Then he ordered them to bring Sha¯hmalik’s daughter. They put the poison that she had in her pocket into a syrup to eat. She died immediately and they put her in the coffin too and concealed her. Then he summoned Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘Stand up and along with the fairies attack their army. Then stay and prepare yourself for an ambush at the edge of the road. Look carefully around!’ Sha¯hmalik came with 10,000 horsemen. He had appointed Manku ¯ s’ son as governor of that region and its military unit. Sha¯hmalik had said to him, ‘Follow me!’ After the crafty woman had cautioned Alexander about Sha¯hmalik’s coming, she returned to her place and went to Sha¯hmalik during the evening prayers. She said to him, ‘Your daughter put that food before Alexander but he did not eat it. Then he and your daughter ate two pieces of the sweet, they fell asleep and they have not woken up for four days. Now give me a man and a mule to come with me. Then I will put both Alexander and your daughter in the chest and send them to you with the man you send to me. And you can take this chest with you to your direction and rejoice! In the morning, when the

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whole army arrives, stand up and fear not! Exalt in knowledge, decapitate Alexander and show his skull to your army!’ After she said this, she was given various gifts and presents. Sha¯hmalik and the commanders, who were with him, gave her so much gold and silver that she could not carry it. She loaded it on the mule, departed and came to her place. Alexander had informed his men and had allocated 400,000 horsemen in four divisions. They stood in the middle of the road and not even a bird could pass through! He armoured himself and Ara¯qı¯t stood on the road. From this direction, Alexander stood also in the middle of the road with 500 horsemen. They gave the chest to that man who had come. He loaded it onto the mule and left in haste. The distance to Sha¯hmalik place was one parasang. When he brought the chest to the camp, they became happy and everyone went to Sha¯hmalik. They threw money around; all the commanders and noblemen of the region were with Sha¯hmalik. Then he ordered them to stop. Sha¯hmalik said to the man who had brought the chest, ‘Where is that woman?’ ‘She is there and gave me this message, “Tell King Sha¯hmalik, ‘Come tomorrow morning at dawn and do nothing tonight! Bring the girl out immediately and put her on the travelling litter. Send her to her region so that when she wakes up she will find herself at her home. Behead Alexander and cut him into pieces and come!’”’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘I shall act accordingly!’ They opened the lid of the chest and he first saw his daughter. She looked like a bride with all her adornments. Her hair fell in combing. She was dressed in fine clothes, as she was Alexander’s wife! They brought her out dead but they thought that she was alive and unconscious! There were two aged commanders from Sha¯hmalik’s retinue, who came from beyond the sea. They said to each other, ‘The King is not clever and he has been deceived! He does not know that his daughter is dead and that he has been well deceived!’ Both of them were Sha¯hmalik’s enemies. The one said to the other, ‘Do you know anyone in the army who can recognise Alexander?’ The other said, ‘No!’ He said, ‘Akh! He has been greatly deceived! O brother! Stand up and let’s go, for everything will be thrown into confusion! It is impossible that they have put Alexander, who conquered the East and the West, into that chest!’ The other said, ‘Wait until they bring him out of the chest!’ He said, ‘You know better but I am leaving!’ He got up and left in haste. When he had crossed half a parasang away from the camp, the fairies and Ara¯qı¯t were standing in the middle of the road. She asked him, ‘Speak! Where are you coming from?’ The old man knew that he had guessed correctly. He said, ‘Spare my life so that I may speak truthfully!’ Ara¯qı¯t spared his life and he spoke the truth. She asked him for all the details and he answered, ‘When they brought out Sha¯hmalik’s daughter dead, I knew that it is impossible to do such a thing to the King of the East and West! I fled!’ Ara¯qı¯t spared his life and set him free. She said, ‘Go!’ Once she let him go, she changed her mind and said to herself, ‘God forbid that he has deceived me and he is going to bring Sha¯hmalik’s army!’ Then she ordered them to bring him back. They did so. She said to him, ‘Stay here to meet the King! I have decided to set you free with the robe of honour given by Alexander!’ She ordered her aides to leave him alone but to chain him.

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SHAHMALIK’S CAPTURE BY ALEXANDER AND HIS REPLACEMENT BY ARSLANKHAN AS A KING It is divinely narrated that Sha¯hmalik took his daughter out of the chest and embraced her. He put his face on hers, saying, ‘I am so happy to see you again!’ Then he asked his aides to bring a howdah. He placed her there to sleep. He ordered them to carry her to her own room the next day. So that when she woke up, she would find herself in her own quarters. Sha¯hmalik’s aides said, ‘Take out Alexander!’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘I will take him out tomorrow.’ They called the musicians, drank wine and celebrated. One of the noblemen said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘Be cautious, because Alexander may wake up suddenly!’ They looked into the chest, found a sword inside and said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘O King! If Alexander exits the chest with that sword, we and our army will not be able to cope with him!’ Sha¯hmalik said, ‘I know this better than you! That is why I have kept him in the chest.’ They closed the chest firmly and fastened it. An hour later, the servant in charge of the howdah alerted Sha¯hmalik who asked, ‘Did my daughter wake up?’ The servant answered, ‘No!’ Sha¯hmalik went to his daughter’s room and found her dead. He returned terrified to the other chest, saying, ‘Alas! My daughter is dead. Open the other chest and bring Alexander out!’ When they uncovered the lid and took out the body, Sha¯hmalik saw his own son, dead, with his head sown to his neck. He fainted. His men fled on horseback terrified. The fairies went to Ara¯qı¯t and informed her of everything. Ara¯qı¯t learned that Sha¯hmalik’s men had abandoned him. She mounted her horse and along with the fairies, she went to the road to block their way. Alexander came from the opposite direction and cried out aloud ‘God is great!’ They beat the drums of war and the three divisions of his army knew that they should attack Sha¯hmalik’s camp. Ara¯qı¯t also moved around waiting for the fleeing troops of Sha¯hmalik. When they arrived, she arrested them and decapitated them. Whenever someone tried to cross her post, she did not spare even the life of an animal. Alexander attacked Sha¯hmalik’s camp, gaining much booty. He looked for Sha¯hmalik but he was nowhere to be found because he was wandering around the camp lamenting. He wanted to die. Ara¯qı¯t arrested him and chained him firmly. She put a bridle around his neck and they ran towards Alexander. When night came, not a single soldier of Sha¯hmalik’s army could be seen. Dead soldiers could be seen lying on the ground, whilst those who had fled were scattered in the region. Arsla¯nkha¯n was informed about these developments. Once he heard this news, he moved in haste and ascended the throne of his brother. He took over the army and put a guard at Sha¯hmalik’s treasury. All the soldiers wanted to be under his command. He encouraged his men, saying, ‘Be strong! I will deal with him [Alexander] in such a way that the whole world will weep!’ He praised Manku ¯ s, the Zangı¯, and appointed him as commander of his army. The defected soldiers arrived gradually and prostrated themselves before him. Sha¯hmalik’s soldiers had seen Ara¯qı¯t pursuing Sha¯hmalik and putting a bridle around his neck. They informed Arsla¯nkha¯n about this development. Arsla¯nkha¯n said,

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‘I repeatedly sent a messenger to my brother, telling him to join forces against Alexander and rejoice at Alexander’s failure! He did not consent. He said, “I am going to trick him!” Thus, it happened. Undoubtedly, everything went well. Now wait for a week and see what I am going to do to Alexander!’ On the other side, when Ara¯qı¯t came and saw Alexander, she asked, ‘Who is this old man?’ Alexander replied, ‘He is Sha¯hmalik!’ Ara¯qı¯t went to the middle of the camp. The fairies came to Ara¯qı¯t and notified her that they had found Sha¯hmalik’s daughter in a dreadful situation. Ara¯qı¯t was not pleased at all. She commanded them to put a cover around her and bring her to the Garden. Then she gave Sha¯hmalik to Alexander. They tied his hands and feet firmly, placed him on the back of an elephant, and brought him to the camp, so that he would be visible to the entire army. Later, they took him to the fort and imprisoned him in a cell. Ara¯qı¯t came to Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and found her dead. She examined her womb and found her pregnant with a girl from Alexander. The foetus was not ripe yet. She cried bitterly and called Alexander to blame him severely, saying, ‘Nobody has ever done what you have done! You have murdered a hopeless pregnant woman. Know that you will be punished for this.’ Alexander said, ‘God forbid! I did not kill her. It was the cupbearer’s wife who said that such an act was wise to do.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I swear to God I will kill this woman!’ Then she by herself buried Sha¯hmalik’s daughter and mourned for some days. On the burial day, the Angel appeared to Alexander in a dream and said to him in an angry manner, ‘You will be punished for the killing of this woman!’ When the Angel had disappeared in anger, Alexander woke up, meditative and terrified. He went to his wife’s tomb and wept a long time. He did not admit anyone to his presence for a week, lamenting and praying to God day and night. After a week, the Angel appeared and said, ‘O Alexander! You should not have killed this woman. God is not pleased with you. The Angels of the Seven Spheres tremble at this act, because she had embraced the right faith and she was a Muslim. The destruction of the whole world does not weigh with God as much as the murder of a believing Muslim. God has decreed that you must suffer at the hands of the infidels for your evildoing. However, you will win victory eventually. Have in mind the proverb, “Whatever in this world, to whomever in this world!” If you plan to conquer the whole world, be ready to take share the world’s troubles.’ The Angel went on saying, ‘Beware of the pagan Turks. From now on, if you capture one, first ask him three times to embrace the true faith and warn him. If he does so, spare his life, even though he might have slaughtered many. If he refuses the true faith and will not turn to God, slay him, even though he might have done you much good. Belief in God and Islam redeems every evil. Shelter those seeking protection. You will do much good on your way to the place where the sun rises between the two mountains.’67 The Angel bade Alexander farewell and disappeared. Alexander grew remorseful, bowing with his forehead to the ground, crying and asking for forgiveness. He prayed to God day and night until seven more days had elapsed. He then resumed his royal duties. The cupbearer’s wife came to Alexander once more and prostrated herself before him. He thought, ‘I must not take this woman to my palace. Instead I must be afraid of

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her because if she has inflicted such misery upon Sha¯hmalik whilst she was under his command, then what is she going to do to me?’ He asked her, ‘O woman! What was the reason for your enmity towards Sha¯hmalik and his family?’ ‘Nothing!’ she replied. He inquired, ‘Why did you do all this then?’ She replied, ‘I did it for your sake!’ Alexander asked her, ‘How long were you in their service?’ ‘Forty years!’ she replied. Alexander asked her, ‘Was this your retribution to them for their favours towards you for forty years? Now everything has passed. If I am to hold you dearly, then you must embrace Islam!’ She said, ‘I will never accept Islam!’ ‘Why?’ Alexander inquired. She replied, ‘Because I have my faith which does not oblige me to pray, to fast or cause any other trouble! And we do whatever we prefer! It is an easy faith and I am not going to change it for a difficult one!’ He ordered, ‘Take her to Ara¯qı¯t so that she receives her retribution for the help she offered to us and she is happy.’ He said to himself, ‘It is allowed to spill the blood of this infidel! She will go nowhere and her death will be her reward for killing Sha¯hmalik’s daughter!’ Then he sent her to Ara¯qı¯t and when she arrived, she prostrated herself before Ara¯qı¯t, prayed for her and saluted her, saying, ‘O Queen! How did I do all this?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘You did well! But you have harmed yourself by killing that wretched pregnant woman! Now what do you want?’ She replied, ‘Whatever you decide!’ Ara¯qı¯t ordered her to be given a gold gown. When the woman saw her reward, she became happy and said to herself, ‘I must go to Arsla¯nkha¯n for he will treat me dearly!’ When she heard that Alexander had come, Ara¯qı¯t spoke to him. He asked her, ‘What did you do to that woman in relation to what the Angel said?’ She explained. The cupbearer went to Alexander and said to him, ‘I would like to propose something. May I tell you, O King?’ He replied, ‘Tell me!’ She said, ‘There is no better repayment for me for your rewards, generosity and praise that you showed for me than to stay away from your court!’ Alexander liked her words and thought, ‘She is right!’ She said, ‘Let me go and if something comes up, then I will return!’ Alexander gave her leave. Ara¯qı¯t said to him, ‘I desire to kill her!’ He said, ‘Set your desire aside and let her go for she will never come again here! Since she proposed this, there is no need to kill her!’

Story It is written in a book that, in our time, there was a distinguished and powerful man amongst the noblemen who had an incompetent man at his house. He was very aged. One day, there was news that they had decided to execute that incompetent man. They took him to hang him. The nobleman was informed about this development and said to himself, ‘He has served me at my house for many years! I must not let them kill him!’ He rose and went to ask for the cancellation of the decision. They did so and released the incompetent man whom they forgave for the nobleman’s sake. When the man was freed, he left and he never went to the nobleman’s house! One day, he sent someone to find the incompetent man and ask him, ‘Why did you not come to us?’ He replied, ‘O nobleman! You have supported and have been benevolent to me!

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Your benevolence towards me was so unprecedented that there is no better sign of gratitude than to keep away from your house!’ The nobleman liked his response and said, ‘You are right!’





THE ASCENDANCE TO THE THRONE BY ARSLANKHAN AND WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN HIM AND ALEXANDER It is divinely narrated that when Arsla¯nkha¯n, Sha¯hmalik’s brother ascended his throne, his army went to salute him. He gathered the dispersed army, summoning them from various regions. Thus, he gathered thousands of horsemen. He opened the treasury and paid those soldiers, who had served his brother for seventy years. He also paid his army to strengthen their morale and he was righteous towards everyone. He also gave some portions of money and land estates to his commanders, appointing everyone at his place. After three days, the cupbearer’s wife came to him before his throne and kissed the ground under his feet. Arsla¯nkha¯n looked at her and asked, ‘Who is she?’ His men replied, ‘She is a wise and bold woman whom you must use!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n inquired, ‘Did she do anything for my brother?’ She replied, ‘I accomplished two good tasks for him but now it is over!’ He asked, ‘What kind of tasks?’ She said, ‘Once I brought Ara¯qı¯t and put her hand over Tafqa¯j’s hand and Alexander was informed about it! He came and had both of them arrested. The other one was when I wanted to have Alexander arrested on Sha¯hmalik’s behalf. He did played a trick on me and they gave me a chest. When we looked into the chest, it was Sha¯hmalik’s son in it and Sha¯hmalik was captured!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘You accomplished two tasks which both have had negative results! And if it was not considered as negative to kill a woman at the beginning of my reign, then I would have punished you.’ He forbade her from staying in the region. She said, ‘O King! Do not expel me because I can hand Alexander to you! If not, then you can spill my blood!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n asked her, ‘How can you achieve this?’ She said, ‘Wait and see!’ She said this and left. She went in haste to Alexander and said to him, ‘O King! May you long live!’ Alexander inquired, ‘What is the matter?’ She said, ‘O King! I can hand Arsla¯nkha¯n to you immediately! For he ascends the throne, and then things will not be easy for you and you will be in trouble!’ Alexander asked her, ‘How can you hand him to me?’ She replied, ‘It is so near that it is great opportunity! You must come there along with a few men tomorrow night at midnight without making any noise so that I can hand the son of Manku ¯ s, the Zangı¯, to you!’ Alexander asked her, ‘How are you going to do this?’ She replied, ‘O King! Manku ¯ s’ son is heading to the sea to conquer the fort. Have you blocked firmly the way to the fort?’ ‘Yes,’ replied Alexander. Then she said, ‘Now along with your army commanders you must be prepared to ambush them!’ Alexander said to himself, ‘She is right!’ He ordered 400 commanders to sit with him. Ara¯qı¯t was unaware of these developments. They had no weapons with them apart from Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s who held a golden bow in his arm and he was an extremely handsome youth, being very skilful in horsemanship. Yet Alexander and the rest of the 400 men

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had come there unprepared. They hid themselves behind those dusty blackberry bushes. When the cupbearer’s wife came, Arsla¯nkha¯n had armoured his 50,000 horsemen. When she returned, it was time for the evening prayer and she said to Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘I have encircled Alexander with 400 of his commanders! They have hidden themselves under some dusty blackberry bushes and I have contrived a plan. What are you going to do?’ Arsla¯nkha¯n set out with those 50,000 Turkish and Zangı¯ horsemen. When Alexander’s 400 commanders heard the noise of the 50,000 horsemen, they left their place and they were encircled, captured and taken. No more than two of Alexander’s men fled the area and returned to Alexander’s camp. Hence, that villainous woman left their camp. Alexander said, ‘Alas! This villainous woman has deceived us! She did what I anticipated she would do. Now she has handed each one of those major commanders to the enemy.’ In the morning, they entered the enemy’s camp. No one recognised Alexander! They looked for that woman but they did not find her. Arsla¯nkha¯n’s messenger, who had been sent to Alexander and could recognise him, was at odds with Arsla¯nkha¯n. He remembered Sha¯hmalik’s time. He had major status amongst the nobility. He wanted to kill Arsla¯nkha¯n or to give more power to the nobility, in order to satisfy himself, for during the entire time of his reign, he had not shown righteousness. Arsla¯nkha¯n was in the palace. Then he ordered those 400 commanders to be chained and imprisoned them in the ‘four benches’. That place had four doors and he ordered 1,000 men to guard each door. He said to them, ‘Do not deal with anyone before I find out who Alexander is!’ And no one could recognise Alexander, who encouraged his army commanders, saying, ‘Be at ease and have the Almighty in mind because this is going to be their reward for killing a pregnant woman! In the meantime, ask for God’s help and do not reveal who Alexander is! Say that Alexander is not amongst you!’ Then they prayed for God’s help. They heard the drums of war and Arsla¯nkha¯n prepared 50,000 horsemen in order to send them to Alexander’s camp early next morning. In the morning, a messenger came to Arsla¯nkha¯n. The messenger was a clever and wise man who had heard some news. He asked Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘Should I go and look whether Alexander is among them or not?’ When he went to the ‘four benches’, the guards there prostrated themselves before him with humility . . .68 . . . they came, bringing the cupbearer’s wife with them. She came forth, prostrated herself before him and said, ‘O King! What I have accomplished!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n inquired, ‘Who is Alexander?’ The woman looked closely everyone. Then she put her finger to her mouth and said, ‘He is not to be found among these commanders!’ Alexander’s commanders looked at that foul woman. Arsla¯nkha¯n now saw that commander Qaymu ¯n spoke truthfully and he trusted him more. He said, ‘I was thinking of sending the whole army against Alexander’s camp.’ Qaymu ¯ n replied, ‘It is not wise to lose victory which has been granted to us.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘You decide whatever you prefer!’ He said that to appease him! Then he dispatched him, treating him dearly and rewarding him. The commanders were in captivity and they grew hopeful, saying, ‘Once Alexander has left, then our affairs will be arranged.’ They did not know what was going on.

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HOW ARAQI T AND ARISTOTLE WERE INFORMED OF ALEXANDER’S DETENTION AND THEIR PLAN TO RESCUE HIM It is divinely narrated that the next morning Alexander’s men were informed of the developments. His wife, Qa¯til’s bride, went to Ara¯qı¯t and said to her, ‘It was that villainous woman who came up with this trick. Alexander was in my room when she came and proposed this plan.’ Ara¯qı¯t was angered at the woman and ordered every soldier to arm themselves. Aristotle came with his sleeves torn, wearing a small turban on his head and full of tears. When Ara¯qı¯t saw him, she fell unconscious. The men came to her all together and said to her, ‘Be cautious, O Queen of Queens, be cautious! The lives of thousands of men and beasts depend on that man.’ Ara¯qı¯t wailed and tore her hair. The sound of weeping from the camp rose to the sky. The two princes who had escaped were taken before Ara¯qı¯t to notify her of what they had witnessed. They said, ‘They forced the King to run with a noose around his neck, along with all those princes.’ As soon as Ara¯qı¯t heard this, she bit her arm and hand to tear off her flesh. Alexander’s bareheaded wives and concubines were standing before Ara¯qı¯t. Aristotle said to her, ‘O Queen! Know that this is not the time for mourning. The army will arrive any minute now.’ Ara¯qı¯t, full of tears, said, ‘I have dispatched ten fairies to assess the situation. If the King is still secure, I will sleep or eat after I bring him here. God forbid! If it turns out to be otherwise, I will drown myself in the sea, because I do not want the world without King Alexander.’ On the first day of Alexander’s capture in Arsla¯nkha¯n’s hands, the fairies looked for Alexander. They found him chained and bareheaded, detained among the princes in the midst of closure. They went back and informed Ara¯qı¯t of what they had seen. She was enraged and addressed the army saying, ‘Be not afraid and be at ease, because he is safe. Arsla¯nkha¯n is not courageous enough to look the King in the eye!’ She uttered these words to pacify them but in fact, she was very perplexed. Being sure that Alexander was alive, she called every fairy and asked Aristotle to order that the treasury, the spare goods and the women be taken to the fort, and that the tunnel connecting the fort and the sea be sealed. Ara¯qı¯t armed herself and 400,000 horsemen armed themselves to accompany her. She stood before the troops, with a helmet and a lance in her hand. They took the royal tent and transferred it to the fort. About 1,000 soldiers were at the fort and another 1,000 stayed in the Haft Anbar Garden. They heard the drums of war and went to their houses. Ara¯qı¯t was a wise and strong woman who was aware of rulership. She summoned Aristotle and said, ‘It our fault for this turmoil because we do not have information about Alexander and Arsla¯nkha¯n cannot recognise him. I hope they contrive a plan and that this chaos brings something good in the end!’ Aristotle said, ‘You are right!’ Then she sent the fairies to find information and to look for Alexander. When the fairies arrived at the camp, they did not find Alexander among the captives, for they did not know that he was in Qaymu ¯ n’s house. In the end, they came across one of the captured commanders and they asked him about Alexander’s situation. He said, ‘Alexander was with us but today he is nowhere to be found. Hence,

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we presumed that you must have taken him! But now you are also searching for him. This is strange!’ Those commanders were depressed and eventually they said to each other, ‘Things are not good but there is always hope for a solution.’ Ara¯qı¯t asked Aristotle, ‘What are we going to do?’ He replied, ‘We must be patient until we find out the truth!’ *** Early next morning, they were in that house and Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered them to summon Qaymu ¯ n, asking him, ‘What is to be done?’ Qaymu ¯ n replied, ‘Given that you obtained this victory and you have captured 400 vicious commanders, wait and see how things unfold with Alexander!’ The cupbearer’s wife was standing there ready. She said, ‘O King! Beware that Alexander was with them but now he has escaped. But now I will go to his camp to obtain more information!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Carry out this task!’ And she left. Qaymu ¯ n said to Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘You must stand resolute, put a night patrol on and guards to be on alert.’ He said this and returned. He prostrated himself before Alexander and told him everything that had happened. He said, ‘That villainous woman has gone to your camp!’ Alexander replied, ‘If she has gone to my camp, then she will not return. She is dead! I have caused you much trouble here!’ Qaymu ¯ n replied, ‘O King! It is easy to release you but I cannot trust the guards and the night patrol!’ When Alexander saw Qaymu ¯ n’s affection and kindness, he said to himself, ‘I must convert him to Islam because he is a good man.’ He had spent two nights at Qaymu ¯ n’s palace. At moonlight, Qaymu ¯ n had a girl as beautiful as the sun and the moon! He took her that night and brought her to Alexander, saying, ‘O King! You may feel alone! Take her as a gift from me!’ Alexander agreed and he knew that she was his girl. And that night came to pass. On the fourth day, Alexander said to himself, ‘I do not have any news from his army and I do not know what to do!’ And except for the Turks, there was no one else there and no one dared to come and bring news. Alexander kept being patient. Then the fairies paid the princes a visit a second time. They returned and said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Be courageous, because the King is not in hostile hands. You and Aristotle must contrive a plan to rescue him.’ Ara¯qı¯t said to Aristotle, ‘I think it is wise to take the army and wage war. I will claim that you are Alexander and you will dress yourself in the King’s clothes. We will dispatch messengers and free the commanders. Thus, we will defeat every enemy immediately.’ Aristotle said, ‘It is your role to give orders.’ Then he commanded the whole army to mount their horses, arm themselves and set out. They asked Ara¯qı¯t to ride with them and she did so. On their way, they saw a horseman riding fast. Ara¯qı¯t commanded the soldiers to capture the horseman and bring him before her. They did so and when they looked closer, they found that it was the cupbearer’s wife, that foul woman who had made so much trouble. Ara¯qı¯t was gladdened but said nothing. Instead, she treated the woman gently. She asked her where she had been and how she was

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involved in the capture of Alexander’s men. The woman said, ‘O Lady! It was the King’s fault, because he abandoned his soldiers and the rest were captured.’ Ara¯qı¯t found out that she did not know anything about Alexander. She commanded the soldiers to arrest her and chain her. She said, ‘You evil, accursed woman! I am not Ara¯qı¯t, if I do not kill you in a way that shall be a lesson to humans!’ The woman was young and beautiful. Ara¯qı¯t ordered the men to chain the woman and place her on the back of the elephant. Then they moved on. The woman was not aware of the fact that Alexander was not among the soldiers. She said to the Indian elephant driver, ‘Is there anyone who could convey a message from me to the King?’ The elephant driver replied, ‘The King is in the rear with the troops. When he dismounts, I will take you to him.’ It was night and the army was moving ahead. When the elephant driver saw the woman, he desired her. She said to him, ‘If you let me go, I will be your friend and give you gold, and expensive clothes and abundant jewels.’ She gave him her bracelet, earrings and everything she had. The Indian received them from her and lay with her twice or three times before sunrise. In the morning, he assisted her to dismount the elephant and she left. The next morning, Ara¯qı¯t set her camp two parasangs away from Arsla¯nkha¯n’s territory. She chose a well-expressed messenger, telling him to go to Arsla¯nkha¯n and say, ‘Alexander orders thus: “There was no quarrel or fight between us, but you captured 400 of my soldiers by deceit. You’d better not displease me, so that there might be no enmity between us. Return the commanders, and let my army cross your land without doing any harm. Otherwise, get ready for war tomorrow.”’ The messenger left with fifty horsemen. When Arsla¯nkha¯n was informed of the arrival of Alexander’s messenger, he ordered his aides to decorate the court. Then he sent someone to call Amı¯r Qaymu ¯ n. When the messenger entered, he prostrated himself before Arsla¯nkha¯n. He was given a seat and delivered his message. Arsla¯nkha¯n looked at Qaymu ¯ n sceptically. Qaymu ¯ n said, ‘The King knows best!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Blood has been shed between us: he has slain two nephews of mine, whilst my brother and his daughter are his captives. How can I allow him to pass? Our swords will speak for us. Moreover, he has slain many Zangı¯s, whose relatives have come to me, seeking justice and to avenge the blood that he has shed. Fifty thousand Zangı¯s are at sea. In two or three days, they will arrive and cut you, your army and your elephants to pieces. I would be mad if I allowed you to cross my land. You are wrong!’ Then he gave the messenger leave and returned to his quarters. Qaymu ¯ n came to Alexander and said, ‘O King! Know that your army has arrived. If it were not for the toll collector at the gate of the city, I would send you to your own camp today. Now we cannot do anything but wait. Be at ease, because nothing beyond these two possibilities can occur. If you defeat the Turks, everything will be as you wish. If they emerge victorious, we will come up with a plan.’ Alexander said, ‘Be it so!’ In the meantime, the messenger returned to Ara¯qı¯t and told her what Arsla¯nkha¯n had said and the threats that he had made. Ara¯qı¯t ordered her troops to array the centre from their lines, blow the longhorn and beat the drums.

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From the top of Qaymu ¯ n’s palace, Alexander looked at the camp and saw the turmoil. He looked to the sky and said, ‘Oh righteous God! I was wrong. Be merciful and generous and forgive my contravention.’ Then he descended, because he was afraid to stay there. When the army arrived within one parasang’s distance from Arsla¯nkha¯n’s camping ground, Alexander sent forth his troops. The two armies stood facing each other. Ara¯qı¯t asked forty fairies to rescue four of the Iranian prisoners. The fairies said, ‘Lady! You know well that this is difficult to do and cannot happen except at night. We cannot go to them in daylight.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘Alas! I should have done this [last] night. Then I would have shown them the star in the daylight.’ The armies started the fighting and the battle spread from there. The fairies shot arrows from the air and they battled as they had never done before, killing a considerable number of the Turks. Arsla¯nkha¯n admired their fighting. He charged to the battlefield himself, shouting, ‘O Alexander! Come forward!’ Aristotle was standing in Alexander’s place and he was wearing a helmet. Ara¯qı¯t entered the battlefield with poise and removed her helmet in a clever manner. She was a clever woman and knew what to do. Her dazzling beauty overshadowed the sun. She said to Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘I am Queen Ara¯qı¯t, Alexander’s slave, the King of the Earth. You wicked, foul infidel! Come, if you can withstand me in battle!’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n saw her face, he fell in love with her with 1,000 hearts and the strength abandoned his limbs. However, he was wise: he realised that if he fought with her, he would be captured or killed. He thought, ‘This evil woman will spoil the joys of sovereignty for me.’ Then he said to her, ‘You reckless whore! I am ashamed of fighting with you. Go back because I will only fight against King Alexander.’ Ara¯qı¯t was angered by what he said. She attacked and hit him with a spear, piercing his shoulder. Arsla¯nkha¯n fell from his horse and thought, ‘My beloved will take my life. Another blow will bring my life to an end.’ He attempted to flee, but Ara¯qı¯t went after him and hit Arsla¯nkha¯n with the spear and wounded him again. Arsla¯nkha¯n took refuge among his own men. Aristotle attacked and defeated Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army. Ara¯qı¯t’s soldiers followed them to the gates and killed many of them. According to various storytellers, 30,000 men of Arsla¯nkha¯n were killed and not a single one of Alexander’s men was harmed. When Arsla¯nkha¯n returned to his city, he looked miserable. They brought him down off his horse, treated his wounds and he ordered them to close the gates firmly. They put the standards on the gates of the city and they surrounded it, guarding it closely. Ara¯qı¯t returned and came to the camp. The distance from there to the city was two parasangs. All the noblemen came to her and prostrated themselves before her. Ara¯qı¯t was lamenting for Alexander and had had no news about him. She sent the fairies around the Garden and the fort to search for Alexander. They did not find him. Then Ara¯qı¯t looked for the cupbearer’s wife. The elephant driver said, ‘She escaped!’ Ara¯qı¯t asked him, ‘Why did you not guard her well?’ Other elephant drivers stepped in and said, ‘He is a liar, for he was well acquainted with her and they spent all the night together until the morning. At dawn, he released her!’ Ara¯qı¯t ordered to have that

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elephant driver decapitated. She said to that Indian and the woman, ‘Alexander is not in the camp and those fairy women are looking for him.’ Around noon, the cupbearer’s wife came to the city and she found the gates closed. Yet she was given a way to enter the city. She came to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s palace and asked him, ‘O King! What happened to you?’ He replied, ‘O woman! Do not ask!’ She said, ‘The news for you is the following: Alexander is not at his camp and his men do not know anything about him and all this has been accomplished by Ara¯qı¯t!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n’s love for Ara¯qı¯t grew stronger and this made him take her side. He said to the woman, ‘I have a task for you to carry out.’ She prostrated herself before him and said, ‘I am your slave and at your disposal, whatever you decree.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n asked, ‘Do you really know that Alexander is not in his camp?’ She replied, ‘I know it!’ He asked, ‘Were you there?’ She replied, ‘Look! They arrested me and imprisoned me, saying to me, “You did this!” Then they sent me to an Indian elephant driver. I bribed him and he set me free! I knew really that Alexander was not at his camp! He said this to me and returned.’ The commanders and nobility of the army went to Arsla¯nkha¯n, asked him and were thankful that the wound was not more severe. Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘I knew for good that Alexander was not at his camp and he was not found and that no one knows whether he is dead or alive and that Ara¯qı¯t accomplished all these deeds.’ His men said, ‘O King! Beware that Alexander was with his 400 men! We must torture them and reveal where he went.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘This is it! Now you leave so that I get better!’ He wanted to tell someone about his love and what could be done. He was ashamed to tell someone about this. That day came to an end and his suffering grew greater, until he became unable to speak at all! Qaymu ¯ n got up and went to Arsla¯nkha¯n. He saw him in that state and asked him, ‘O King! Who wounded you thus?’ He replied, ‘I gave a single combat!’ And he said no more. He said, ‘O commander! Know that I am concerned, for Alexander has hidden himself in this city because he was covered by his trustworthy men. He was not to be found there and they said that he was not there and that there was tumult and lament in his camp and that everything has been accomplished by Ara¯qı¯t. That villainous fairy! What can we do now?’ He replied, ‘We must search for him!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Let the day pass so that I can get better and search for Alexander tomorrow!’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n said this, Qaymu ¯ n rose and prostrated himself before him and came out, perplexed and astonished. He came to Alexander and said, ‘O King! This is what happened today. Arsla¯nkha¯n is in a dreadful condition. Let’s see what is going to happen!’ Alexander replied, ‘The Almighty is my supporter!’ Qaymu ¯ n thought, ‘It was my fault for I should not have invited Alexander to my house. Now my property and life are at stake. Alexander is just passing by, whilst I must live with Arsla¯nkha¯n here. And Arsla¯nkha¯n treats me dearly! What am I going to do?’ That night he said nothing. The next day, the cupbearer’s wife came to Arsla¯nkha¯n, whose condition had been improved. She paid tribute to him. He said, ‘O woman! Know that I have fallen in love with this fairy woman! Now the power has left my limbs and these wounds are due to my love for her. If things continue like this, whenever I come across her, then my kingship is

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in danger!’ The woman said, ‘Let me immediately leave and bring news about her, so that I make her fall into her trap! And if things go well for your rule, then I will return and let you know.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n inquired, ‘What are you planning to do?’ She replied, ‘I have a plan that I just came up with and I am going to put it in practice! Either I will sacrifice my life for your sake or you will be able to fulfil your desire!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered them to give her gold and a robe of honour. Although she was very beautiful, she was 1,000 times worse in the craft of deceit. She got up and crossed the camp quickly and she reached Ara¯qı¯t’s camp rapidly. She went to her tent and entered, veiled with a cha¯dur and other clothes. Ara¯qı¯t did not recognise her. She came and prostrated herself before Ara¯qı¯t, who asked her, ‘Who are you?’ ‘If you spare my life, I will tell you!’ She said, ‘I do!’ When she unveiled herself, Ara¯qı¯t recognised her. The woman fell to the ground before Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘O Queen! Know that twice before I acted to the King’s interest: I surrendered Tafqa¯j and Sha¯hmalik to him. This time, it was the King’s mistake, because kingship and love cannot be combined.’ Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘What is your point?’ The woman said, ‘O Queen! Alexander has fallen in love with a Turkish woman residing in this region. She has built a cloister in which she has a pious life. Her name is Zubayda. I acted as a messenger between them.’ Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘Where did she and the King meet?’ She replied, ‘They saw each other for the first time in their dreams. Zubayda saw the King in her dream first and then I conveyed messages between them. Thus the King would not put me to death and would prevent you from harming me.’ The evidence was convincing. When Ara¯qı¯t heard what the woman had said, she believed her. Female jealousy had a tremendous impact on her. The woman, who lived in the cloister, was a maiden. She was as fair as the moon and the sun. She was the daughter of the King of Turkestan. Many years ago, she had had a dream. She was warned that heathens are punished by hell. Zubayda embraced Islam. Fleeing from her mother and father, she sought refuge in a cloister, which had been built of stone by fairies and demons in the days of Solomon. Her parents came to ask her to return, but she did not agree. She had been in the cloister for almost ten years. Ara¯qı¯t had gone to her as a pilgrim and had seen her face. There was no other a woman or a fairy like her; Ara¯qı¯t used to say that she wished she had Zabayda’s face. Ara¯qı¯t asked to the cupbearer’s wife, ‘Is the King there now?’ She replied, ‘Yes, and will never return to the camp. I concealed this from Arsla¯nkha¯n in order to save Alexander’s honour. Arsla¯nkha¯n is under the impression that the King is in the camp. In any other case, he would capture him instantly.’ Ara¯qı¯t heard these words and treated the woman gently, promising to hold her in high regard. She thought, ‘The army must not learn about this. If the King has gone to the maiden, seen her face and lain with her, he would never so much as look at me or any other woman. In the meantime, every soldier trusts me and I know what to do.’ The maiden’s cloister was on a mountain and its gate was always open to pilgrims, for it was the refuge of everyone in need. Anyone who fled from a king would go there and the maiden would give him refuge. Ara¯qı¯t was aware of all these details. After she had

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heard and believed that woman, Ara¯qı¯t hid her. She dispatched two fairies to the maiden’s cloister to explore the circumstances and bring her real news. By God’s decree, that night Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army suffered defeat. Three of his men, who had escaped death, sought refuge at the cloister and Zubayda had sheltered them. She sent them the next morning and they had moved to the city. Horse dung and footprints were visible at the cloister’s gate. When the fairies arrived at the cloister, they found the gate locked. They knocked, but no one opened the door. Returning, at the foot of the mountain, they met a few villagers. They asked them why the gate of the cloister was not open. The villagers said, ‘Perhaps a prince from the defeated army has taken refuge there.’ Everything verified that the cupbearer’s wife testimony was true. The fairies came back and told Ara¯qı¯t what they had heard and seen. She trembled at hearing the news. Yet she did not say anything to the army and asked the woman what was to be done. The woman replied, ‘O Queen! I know another secret, which I will reveal to you, if you promise not to spill my blood.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I promise!’ She said, ‘Know that when you uncovered your face yesterday on the battlefield, Arsla¯nkha¯n saw you and fell so much in love with you, that he cannot move a limb. That is how you defeated him in the combat. Otherwise, you would have witnessed his manliness, his horsemanship and his strength. Now you have made him powerless. He called me and told me this. Now I came here to let you know of these issues.’ Ara¯qı¯t was puzzled. She thought, ‘If Alexander has deserted me and given up his kingdom for a woman, I must seek my comfort too. But undoubtedly the King will return to his army, because the words of the Angel can only be true. The Angel had said to him, “Victory will be yours eventually.” Then she said to the woman, ‘Go to the cloister and bring me accurate intelligence.’ The woman said, ‘Your wish is to be obeyed!’ The woman’s narration was entirely untrue. Alexander had never seen the cloister and the maiden did not know anything about this. The despicable woman aimed to lure Ara¯qı¯t with all these lies. After she left Ara¯qı¯t, she went to Arsla¯nkha¯n and gave him the good tidings, saying, ‘Your desire is fulfilled. If Alexander does not return to his camp today or tomorrow, you will be successful. However, if he does not return in the next two days, our mission will be hard.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘I will spot Alexander and capture him immediately. Although he might not be in the camp, he cannot have gone out of this world.’ The woman could not rest before she had carried out her foul plan. Once the woman had left, Queen Ara¯qı¯t thought, ‘She lies, because would a king of Alexander’s calibre desert all his subjects and leave his kingship to stay in a cloister at the gate of the enemy? This is beyond imagination!’ After she had thought thus, she called the fairies to her presence. Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t’s camp was at three parasangs’ distance from the cloister and two parasangs from the city. She said to the fairies, ‘Carry me secretly to the cloister of the pious maiden. The King may be restored to us through her prayer.’ The fairies carried her and reached the cloister after an hour’s flight. The gate was open and they entered. The pious maiden recognised Ara¯qı¯t, for she had seen many times before. She said, ‘I hope that it is due to a happy cause that the Queen has honoured this place at this

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time.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I have come for a visit. I intended to come yesterday, but I was informed that the gates were closed.’ The maiden said, ‘Yes, two horsemen from the host of the infidel Turks had sought shelter here last night. This is a place for refuge. They both left in the morning. I said my prayers and did ablution, and, as you may know, one must shut the gates on ablution days. If there has been any misfortune, please let me know, that I may ask God to turn any discomfort into ease.’ When the maiden spoke these words, Ara¯qı¯t was pleased and realised that the cupbearer’s wife was not honest about Alexander and the maiden. She told the maiden how Alexander had disappeared and that the commanders had been captured. The maiden said, ‘Be at ease. I will pray to God tonight and, by God’s will, you shall hear from the King tomorrow.’ Ara¯qı¯t bade her farewell and left. She returned to the camp immediately and no one had noticed her absence. When she returned, she asked Alexander’s wife, the maiden who had been dispatched for Qa¯til, whether the cupbearer’s wife had returned or not. She asked Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Where did the Queen go?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘I had gone to search for the King but I did not find him. We must wait tonight. Tomorrow, by God’s will, we will hear the news of his safety.’ Then she lay down to rest for a while. When she fell asleep, she dreamed Alexander was in a castle. Alexander said to her, ‘Where are you?’ Ara¯qı¯t woke up frightened, wondering where the castle was and to whom it belonged. She tried to sleep again, hoping to see Alexander again, but it did not happen. When she woke up, she thought, ‘I am glad that I did not bring myself to shame by trusting that evil and foul woman. I know that the King is on a high place, and, may it please God, there will be good news from him today or tomorrow; thus, the prayers of the pious maiden will not be in vain. If I had listened to that woman, now I would be shamed before the King and all my efforts would have been wasted.’ After an hour, the cunning woman entered boldly and sat before Queen Ara¯qı¯t and near to her. Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘What did you do?’ She replied, ‘I went to the cloister. The gate was shut and hence I knocked. They opened, but I did not see the maiden. They led me upstairs where I saw Alexander sleeping next to her. Yet she had not yet granted him permission to lie with her, because they needed someone to marry them. However, both were sleeping in one place. Alexander said to me, “Tell me what you know about the army.” I told him everything I knew.’ Then Ara¯qı¯t grabbed her with her own hands, bound the woman with her long hair and tied her to the tent ropes, because she did not dare to deliver her to anyone before night came. She called the fairies, saying, ‘Do me this service tonight. Go to those 400 commanders and you may be able to rescue two or three of them.’ Then forty fairies left and tried hard but they did not manage to bring more than a single man, who was Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s and had a gold belt. They found him asleep and they took him with them. They said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘O Queen of Queens! We did our best but we did not manage to bring more than a man because all of them were chained in iron chains.’ Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s asked, ‘How is Alexander?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘I brought you here in all this trouble to ask you how Alexander is!’ Pı¯ru ¯ z said, ‘That villainous

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woman tricked us and captured us! Then they forced us to walk, put bridles around our necks and we ran like horses to the city. They chained us and kept us at the great palace. We helped our King Alexander and we behaved to him as an inferior to us so that the enemy would not recognise him. He was with us from early in the morning until night. Then they transferred us to a house. When we came out in the morning, we did not see him! We assumed that you had taken him and we were thankful!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘The fairies cannot take him back because he holds the Divine Charisma! They managed to take you after they tried 1,000 times. I wish I knew where he is! I would go on my own and bring him here, I swear to the Almighty!’ Pı¯ru ¯ z went on, ‘The next day they took us to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s throne. He asked us about his whereabouts and what the King looked like. We replied that King Alexander was not with us. Arsla¯nkha¯n had doubts about me for I wore the gold belt. Suddenly we saw that foul woman who opened the door and burst in. She said that Alexander was not amongst us. Arsla¯nkha¯n believed her and thought that King Alexander was at his camp. For this reason, he did not dare to send an army. That woman came and said, “King Alexander is not at his camp.” Also Arsla¯nkha¯n was wounded by you in the battle and he has not recovered yet. That woman came two or three times every day to his palace and contrived plans.’ Ara¯qı¯t smiled and ordered them to take him out. When Pı¯ru ¯ z saw the cupbearer’s wife, he cursed her, saying, ‘You did well to arrested this villainous woman! Be careful and guard her!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I captured her on the spot. She slept with the Indian, then fled and went to Arsla¯nkha¯n!’ Pı¯ru ¯ z paid his tribute to her and left for his home. That day Ara¯qı¯t was on alert to hear news of Alexander. On the other side, Arsla¯nkha¯n was waiting for the crafty woman but she had been captured. In the morning, there was an uproar and rumour that one of the captives had escaped. They said, ‘Do you know his identity?’ The others said, ‘The man who wore the gold belt.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Alas! This was Alexander. I had ordered my men and I missed the opportunity to kill him when I had him! Now the fairies came and took him with them! After all, I do not know what is going to happen! Look for the cupbearer’s wife because she is hiding!’ Immediately he sent someone to summon Qaymu ¯ n and said to him, ‘O great commander! Know that what you did to me was not right! One thing is that you did not show respect to me and the other is that you set him free against my orders. You betrayed us to Alexander! I knew that it was he who wore a gold belt. You spared his life and you kept this secret from me. The fairies came tonight and took him away!’ The commander Qaymu ¯ n was greatly astonished. He said, ‘I swear to your life and crown and to our faith and religion that the youth who left was not Alexander! It was Pı¯ru ¯ z from Tu ¯ s! If it was Alexander, the fairies could not have lifted him away! For there is a concept that a King has power over a slave and if the King wants the slave not to be in this region, then he must change his place. I was afraid to tell that to you! This was not my act. He swore to deviate from his faith. The man whom they took away was Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s, not Alexander!’

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After he said this, he paid tribute and came to Alexander, saying to him, ‘These words were uttered and I swore. Then I left the place, fearing that my life and property may be lost over this issue!’ Then he left Alexander and the night passed. Alexander did not know that Turks were not trustworthy. And that Turk had changed his mind! When Qaymu ¯n left, Alexander said to himself, ‘O Alexander! Things do not go well and a real man must be found somewhere. May the God of the Seven Spheres and Earths be my supporter!’ That night he performed ablutions and spent the rest of the time, until the next day, praying to the Almighty! Qaymu ¯ n’s slave girl said to Alexander, ‘What is that you are saying and doing?’ Alexander replied, ‘I am praying to God!’ She asked, ‘Which God?’ Alexander replied, ‘The One who created everything and he is Omnipotent on Earth and the Heavens.’ The girl said, ‘I did not know this God!’ Alexander said, ‘If you embrace this faith, then you will be virtuous in this world and the afterlife!’ She said, ‘It would be better to ask my father!’ Alexander said, ‘Ask him!’ Then the girl went to her parents and told them about her discussion with Alexander. Her father thought about what Arsla¯nkha¯n would do if he knew of these developments! He said, ‘Let’s set Alexander free immediately! We do not know what is going to happen eventually, because this fairy woman like a lion along with her 400,000 men have set siege upon this city! Our lives and properties are at stake!’ They were having these thoughts when their daughter came in. She said to her father, ‘Know and consider that the man to whose service you have assigned me remains asleep during the day. He stands all the time, weeping and lamenting. Today I asked him, “What is it that you are doing?” He replied, “I am prostrating myself to God! You must embrace this faith too!”’ When Qaymu ¯ n heard this from the slave girl, he hit himself with his hand and said, ‘Alas! This religion is over!’ He said to her, ‘If you embrace his faith, then I will burn you alive!’ The slave girl said, ‘I cannot do these prostrations and I will not embrace the new faith!’ She left and went to Alexander and said, ‘I spoke to my father and he said that he will burn me alive, if I embrace your faith! I cannot accept your faith!’ Alexander remained silent and he knew that her father was not Muslim. The next day, Qaymu ¯ n, as he accustomed, went to Alexander and said, ‘I did my best for your interests! But contrary to the public belief here, you want to change the faith of our slave girl!’ Alexander became very angry but he did not show his anger. He said nothing. Qaymu ¯ n asked, ‘O King! What kind of religion is the one that you adhere to?’ Alexander replied, ‘Our religion originates from Abraham, peace be upon Him, and other prophets.’ Qaymu ¯ n replied, ‘It is good!’ Alexander said, ‘If you accept this faith, then you will be saved from the fire on the Day of Judgement!’ Qaymu ¯ n said, ‘O King! Know that I do not like my own religion!’ Alexander said, ‘Well done if you embrace our faith!’ Qaymu ¯ n said, ‘Since my life and property will be sacrificed for your sake, let us keep our faith!’ When they were discussing these matters, someone came on behalf of Arsla¯nkha¯n to summon Qaymu ¯ n, and thus he went. Then Alexander said to the slave girl, ‘Rise and go to your mother. Come to me every second night because I want to put you onto the right

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path and your parents will be relieved!’ Alexander’s intention was to do something with the girl . . . ! When Alexander looked at that gate carefully, he said to himself, ‘O God! Send a fairy to me!’ Then there was a Greek concubine there who was in Alexander’s service, bringing water to Alexander. One day Alexander spoke to her in Greek and asked her, ‘Where are you from and how did you end up here?’ The slave girl said, ‘A merchant owned me. I departed from Greece the day that Philip bequeathed his throne to his daughter’s son. On that day, ten years ago, everybody in Greece was joyful.’ Alexander said to her about Greece, ‘I am Alexander, Philip’s grandson!’ When the slave girl heard what had happened to him, she prostrated herself and cried. Alexander said to her, ‘If you do me a service, I will take you with me to Greece!’ She replied, ‘I am your slave and will do whatever you order. Alexander said, ‘It is two parasangs’ distance from here to my camping ground. I need somebody to take a letter there and come back.’ The girl agreed. She got an inkpot and a piece of paper, and brought them to Alexander. He wrote to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Let the fairies come to such and such a place and fort. At night, I will wait on top of the fort until you arrive. You yourself will see me from the air.’ Then he said to the Greek slave girl, ‘You must go in such a manner that everybody will be ignorant. Take this letter, go to the camp and ask for Ara¯qı¯t’s quarters and do not give that letter before you see her and are certain that she is Ara¯qı¯t.’ The slave girl replied, ‘O King, I have repeatedly seen Ara¯qı¯t, the Queen of the Fairies, and I know her by sight.’ She placed the letter under her heelpiece and left the castle, pretending that she was going to wash some clothes. The gate guards did not stop her, because she always went to do the washing. After she left through the gate, she took the road and reached the camp in one hour. She went on her way until she came to Ara¯qı¯t’s quarters. She entered and prostrated herself before Ara¯qı¯t, handing the letter to her. When Ara¯qı¯t saw Alexander’s handwriting, she wept and fell unconscious. The whole army was called and heard the contents of the letter. The chiefs became joyful but they did not show their feelings. At night, Ara¯qı¯t sent the vanguard and told Aristotle and Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s to be on alert. She and the fairies set out for the area where the castle was located. When they arrived, it was dark. Alexander was standing on top of the castle. A light shining in the castle guided the fairies and they landed at once. Some of the fairies had flown over that castle before. Then when Ara¯qı¯t landed and saw Alexander, she threw herself to the ground before him. All the fairies acted similarly, saying to Alexander, ‘We must find a way to help you escape.’ He replied, ‘I have still many things to do here.’ Ara¯qı¯t gave him his sword and a set of armour. He said to her, ‘Let two fairies stay here to convey messages to you if necessary. Tomorrow beat the battle drums, because Arsla¯nkha¯n will not come to fight. You should start the war and appoint Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s in charge of protecting the rear of the army. In two or three days, the Zangı¯ horsemen, who are 50,000 in number, will come from the sea. Protect the army and be on alert. Place the fairies on watch at the seashore, so that when the Zangı¯s come ashore, the fairies will notify you.’

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Ara¯qı¯t told Alexander the story with the cupbearer’s wife and the tricks that she came up with and everything about the story with the princess and the cloister. Alexander asked, ‘Where is this villain?’ She replied, ‘I have imprisoned her!’ Alexander ordered her, ‘Guard her!’ And she told Alexander the story with the elephant driver and her escape. Alexander said, ‘You have a sword! For whatever you think she acted improperly, kill her!’ They bid him farewell. Ara¯qı¯t and the fairies left, while Alexander acquired his selfconfidence and hid his set of armour. When Qaymu ¯ n came to Arsla¯nkha¯n, he told him these stories and Arsla¯nkha¯n asked, ‘What can we do to capture Alexander?’ Then they made an announcement according to which someone, in whose place Alexander had sought shelter, should reveal it, without telling Alexander anything and betray him. The property of the man who had sheltered him would be confiscated. When he made this announcement, they tortured one of the captives for some time and then took him to another place. Immediately, the commander Qaymu ¯ n came out of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s palace and came to Alexander. He had returned to his home earlier and said to his wife and slave girl, ‘I will hand Alexander to Arsla¯nkha¯n, for if I do not do this, then I will lose my life and property.’ There was an area where the owner of the house was not in. Qaymu ¯ n came to Alexander and said, ‘Did you hear the announcement?’ Alexander replied, ‘Yes, I did.’ Qaymu ¯ n said, ‘You must leave my place and I will hide you somewhere and you will stay there in confidence.’ Alexander said, ‘I will come tonight!’ When Qaymu ¯ n left him, Alexander called the fairies and said, ‘Be watchful and when I leave, come after me.’ Alexander wore his set of armour and left the place secretly. Qaymu ¯ n did not know when Alexander had left his place. He said to his slave girl, ‘After this, do not go to him again!’ The girl did not like this, because she had fallen in love with Alexander. She replied, ‘Your order is to be obeyed!’ Qaymu ¯ n left and closed the villa firmly. He came to Arsla¯nkha¯n and when he saw an empty place, he prostrated himself before him. Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘There must be a good reason that you returned!’ He replied, ‘Yes, indeed! I have captured Alexander!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n asked, ‘Where is he?’ Qaymu ¯ n replied, ‘I have chained him. Send some men and I will hand him to them!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n jumped up from his sickbed out of happiness and said, ‘Now we are equals! You have half of my government and kingship!’ Qaymu ¯ n said, ‘O King! I called for him because you know that I was right when I said that the man who was wearing the gold belt was not Alexander and that he was not amongst his men and I keep him captured.’ And this dishonest man did not know that Alexander was not at his place any more! After he said this to Arsla¯nkha¯n, Qaymu ¯ n rose and returned to his place. He was planning to sit with Alexander and discuss matters until Arsla¯nkha¯n would suddenly appear and capture Alexander. When he returned to his villa, he did not see Alexander there! The world became darkened before Qaymu ¯ n’s eyes! He called the slave girl and asked, ‘Where is Alexander?’ She replied, ‘I do not know!’ Then 200 horsemen appeared and stood there. Qaymu ¯ n hit his hands! They asked him, ‘What happened?’ He said, ‘King Alexander has escaped!’ Those Turks said, ‘You are lying and you are making the King look like a fool!’ They sent someone to Arsla¯nkha¯n and informed him about these

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developments. Arsla¯nkha¯n became angry and lost his respect for Qaymu ¯ n. He ordered the capture of Qaymu ¯ n until Alexander was found. ALEXANDER’S RETURN TO HIS CAMP AND THE END OF HIS HISTORY WITH

ARSLANKHAN It is divinely narrated that when Alexander came out of that villa, he wore a set of Turkish armour but he had his own sword. He had told Ara¯qı¯t to beat the war drums and she did so, bringing the army to the city. Alexander stood in the middle of the city, wearing his set of armour, and he said to them in Turkish, ‘Go against the main gate!’ The local people thought that Alexander was from their own army. Alexander full of passion attacked the Turks, uttering the Great Names of God! When the uproar from the war drums was heard, Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered his men, ‘Do not leave the gates open! Fight him, for I cannot sit on the saddle! I will capture Alexander at that very moment, behead him and put his skull over the gate. His men will see his blood and they will flee! All his men went hastily to the main gate.’ At that moment, Alexander returned with two fairies and insulted the Turks who were enraged. When Alexander understood that they had come against him, he said to a fairy, ‘This is the time for manliness! Do you have a set of armour?’ They said, ‘We do!’ He ordered them, ‘Attack these men and whomever I fight, you do the same!’ They came to the middle of the city and they found it empty. Alexander went to the gate and he insulted them, saying, ‘Open the gate, for I have a message about Ara¯qı¯t!’ They replied, ‘We need the commander’s permission!’ Alexander said, ‘Am I not a commander since I have been sent on this important mission? You stupid villains! Do not allow any outsider to enter your city!’ He drew his sword and killed all those men who stood behind the gate. The fairies opened the gate and Alexander came out. The city dwellers thought that Arsla¯nkha¯n would also go out. Alexander ordered the fairies, ‘Guard the gate until I return!’ After an hour, Alexander had not returned and the fairies left too. When Alexander reached his camp, he dismounted his horse. When his men saw him, they dismounted their horses and prostrated themselves before him. Ara¯qı¯t also went to see Alexander, paying tribute to him. Then they brought him his horse; he mounted it and headed towards his camping ground. They beat the war drums and returned. Alexander had missed those 400 commanders! He thought, ‘By God’s will, I hope that they will all be released also!’ Then he returned to the place of tumult. Those 200 horsemen who had gone to capture Alexander were at Qaymu ¯ n’s house until the evening prayer. Again they sent a horseman to Arsla¯nkha¯n, asking him, ‘What is your order? There is nobody here! Do you order us to return?’ Arsla¯nkha¯n became angry over Qaymu ¯ n, saying, ‘Capture him and chain him to tell us why he has told these lies. This was a trick he came up with against us!’ They arrested him, sealed all of his houses and returned. When Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army came to the gate, their commanders were divided in two groups: some of them were in favour of Arsla¯nkha¯n and some others favoured

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Sha¯hmalik. They drew their swords against each other and many soldiers were killed. Those soldiers who favoured Sha¯hmalik sent someone to Ara¯qı¯t with the following message: ‘Come and save Sha¯hmalik and we will make peace with you, we will release the 400 commanders of your army and we will unblock the road for King Alexander to depart!’ When Ara¯qı¯t heard this, she said, ‘Alexander himself is safe at his camp. We do not know what to decide!’ He sent them to Alexander who replied, ‘Keep fighting while I will be thinking tonight, and go to the fort and ask about Sha¯hmalik. Tomorrow come to the Haft Anbar Garden and you will do whatever is to be done!’ He immediately sent the fairies and said, ‘In the city the enemy’s army has been divided into two groups. Tonight you must stay together and you must unchain them.’ Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s said, ‘O King! If they unchain them, they will commit suicide because they suffer too much.’ The fairies said, ‘O King! We were distressed due to your absence and we could not do anything. Now you can see how things can evolve, by God’s will!’ When night came, of those people who were divided into two groups, Sha¯hmalik’s supporters were imprisoned and said to the 400 commanders, who were also imprisoned, ‘If we release you, will you help us?’ The commanders replied, ‘Why not! We will assist whomever unchains us.’ They said, ‘You must be happy that Alexander has returned to his camp and re-ascended the throne.’ They became happy and prostrated themselves out of happiness. Then Sha¯hmalik’s supporters unchained Alexander’s commanders and armoured them in order to ensure their assistance. They fought all day long and there were casualties on both sides. Our hundred commanders went to the gate amidst chaos. The guard at the gate did not know who they were. They said, ‘May Sha¯hmalik be victorious! Open the city gate because we are going to bring Sha¯hmalik!’ When they came out of the gate, all the fairies came from the air and they unchained them. The Almighty bestowed victory upon them and Alexander broke up his camp to go to the Haft Anbar Garden. When he came to the Garden, people became happy and the 400 commanders came to his presence as if nothing had happened to them. Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘By God’s will, if I live long enough, I will make it up to you!’ At midnight, he went to the mosque where he spent the whole night praying. The next day, he ordered them to bring the gold throne on which he sat. He asked his soldiers about their needs and everything. He ordered them to bring that foul woman. When they brought her before Alexander, he said, ‘O you villainous and foul woman! Are you not ashamed of what you have done so far and that you are not satisfied yet?’ She replied, ‘O King! Do not hear Ara¯qı¯t’s bad words! If you spare my life, then I will hand Arsla¯nkha¯n to you!’ Alexander replied, ‘I swear that if I am merciful to you, then God should punish me!’ Then he ordered them to take her to the upper part of the fort and to throw her down from there. Then they cut her to pieces. When Alexander was finished with her, he ordered them to bring Sha¯hmalik to see what his condition was. When Alexander looked at him, Sha¯hmalik looked much weakened due to his chains, the trouble and wounds of the prison. When Alexander saw him, he said, ‘O old man! Do something that will make your name last as long as this world exists and you will achieve eternal life!’ Sha¯hmalik asked, ‘What should I do?’

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Alexander replied, ‘Accept your mistake and embrace the right faith so that I can give your reign back to you!’ Sha¯hmalik replied, ‘What reign? I am an old man and in this old age, I will not abandon the faith of my forefathers.’ Alexander knew that he would not renounce his faith but he said to himself, ‘I must not kill him immediately because his army is in discord. I must first see how this case will unfold.’ He ordered them to chain him again but they did not send him to prison this time. They put him somewhere else and gave him food of good quality. They did not torture him so that he would get his strength back. As for the horsemen of Sha¯hmalik’s army who were involved in a civil war, they fought day and night. Many were killed and this led to a river of blood in the city. Many of Sha¯hmalik’s supporters were killed. There was an old man in the city who favoured kingship and the royal lineage of his kingdom. The next day, the old man went to Arsla¯nkha¯n who was in the bath. His wounds had been healed. He rose and sat on his throne. The old man said, ‘Beware that not even your enemy can do what you have brought upon yourself! Your enemy is in your city and you did not respect yourself, so you started a civil war, making your enemies happy! Now even a stupid man can do such a thing!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n replied, ‘I was in trouble, otherwise I would not have done this!’ Then they put the throne in the field and he sat on it. Soldiers from every tribe came to him. They put a gold seat and they had the old man sit on it. He spoke and admonished them, saying, ‘Make peace and accept your king to his throne. Know that a king who has been captured by the enemy cannot reign again. A stupid man cannot do what you have done!’ All of them felt regret and made peace. They inaugurated Arsla¯nkha¯n’s reign and they took an oath that they would fight against Alexander and spill his blood! Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘I have something to tell you!’ They said, ‘Tell us!’ He said, ‘Know that no one could do what commander Qaymu ¯ n has done to me! For Alexander was in my hands and Qaymu ¯ n released him; and all the troubles I have are due to Qaymu ¯ n!’ The noblemen said, ‘He did not act properly!’ And Arsla¯nkha¯n thought that Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s was Alexander. They also kept Qaymu ¯ n in prison. There was one of Qaymu ¯ n’s neighbours who knew that Alexander had been in Qaymu ¯ n’s place. He spoke truthfully to Arsla¯nkha¯n who listened to him. He said, ‘If you want to hear the truth, ask the people at Qaymu ¯ n’s house!’ Immediately Arsla¯nkha¯n sent someone and they arrested the wife, the daughter and the concubines of Qaymu ¯ n. They detained them and they ravaged Qaymu ¯ n’s house, for Arsla¯nkha¯n was always jealous of Qaymu ¯ n! Qaymu ¯ n said to himself, ‘My property was sacrificed for Alexander’s sake. What can I do now to save my life?’ Arsla¯nkha¯n did not say anything until the next day. He called Qaymu ¯ n’s wife to his presence and asked, ‘Tell me the truth! What happened between you and Alexander?’ She said, ‘O King! I know nothing! If there is something going on out of our house, how can we know that?’ Arsla¯nkha¯n released her. Then he sent someone to Qaymu ¯ n’s daughter. He asked her, ‘You must be keeping Alexander somewhere separately!’ Then he called the girl to come to the palace and be kept there, sending her food and wine. He also appointed many people to be around her but he did not ask anything that day. He thought that she was still virgin.

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Then he summoned Qaymu ¯ n’s concubines and ordered them, ‘Speak out!’ And they said nothing. He ordered them to tie them on a tree and to beat them with a wooden stick. Again they said nothing because they did not know what the situation was. Only the Greek concubine knew. They wanted to beat her also with a wooden stick. She said to them, ‘Alas! Please do not hit me with the stick because I will tell you everything that I know.’ They said, ‘Speak out!’ She said, ‘O King! Beware that King Alexander was in our villa for ten days.’ Qaymu ¯ n gave his daughter to Alexander. After ten days, he spoke with me in a Greek sneaky way, asking me about my Greek origin. He gave me a letter and I conveyed it to the Queen of the Fairies. Then she came and took Alexander.’ The concubine thought that Ara¯qı¯t took Alexander! When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he became mad and was astonished. His love for Queen Ara¯qı¯t grew even greater because of her accomplishments on the battleground replacing Alexander. He said to himself, ‘I wish Ara¯qı¯t would fall into my hands!’ Then he praised the Greek concubine and sent her to his special quarters. Arsla¯nkha¯n had not desired a woman until that moment! He was young and very handsome. Then he summoned Qaymu ¯ n’s daughter and said to her, ‘I will not punish you; instead I will speak to you in a friendly way. Tell me what has really happened so that I can place you to my palace.’ She replied, ‘O King! Know that when that night they had brought those 400 men my father said, ‘Let me stand up and go to see whether Alexander is amongst them or not!’ He went and checked. He then turned home and said, ‘Alexander is amongst them and he has benefited me the most! I will release him!’ He rose and approached one of the commanders, gave him something and during the evening prayers, he brought Alexander out!’ A young man who noticed the Divine Charisma over Alexander’s head and tranquillity was shining out of his face, brought Alexander to a villa and he stayed there with him as his servant, as slaves serve their local rulers. Two or three days passed. One night he adorned us and took us to him. He said to me, “I have allocated these two concubines to you and I know that he cares only for you. I spent seven nights with him.” After ten days, my father was notified of this and he felt regret. He wanted to hand him to you. Suddenly Alexander found out about it and disappeared. People said, “The fairy woman came and took him away!”’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he realised that she had spoken truthfully and was in agreement with the concubine’s testimony. He sent her unchained somewhere and said to the concubines, ‘Treat her well until I call her again!’ And that girl was in Alexander’s service day and night, lamenting and weeping without sleep. Arsla¯nkha¯n sent someone and summoned his army. He prepared his commanders and Qaymu ¯ n was brought before him in chains. When he saw him, he reproached him, ‘I had seized Alexander and his rule very easily. You submitted yourself to him and once you did this, you took him to your house and gave him your daughter. Then this affair came to an end. Why did you take him out of your house? Then you wanted to hand him to me. Are you out of your mind?’ Qaymu ¯ n replied, ‘I did all this and this is what happened. Now neither you nor he is amicable to me!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered the confiscation of his property. Wherever there was a precious piece of land, it belonged to Qaymu ¯ n. He confiscated everything. Except for his daughter,

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he did not have anyone else. He was still a local ruler. Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered him to be tortured so as to reveal [the location of] his jewels, carpets and other treasures. That night due to his torture, he was forced to give thousands of gold coins. The noblemen intervened and they relieved him from further torture. Then Arsla¯nkha¯n thought, ‘I am in love with Ara¯qı¯t! I hope that I will be able to cope with her tricks. Now I have confiscated Qaymu ¯ n’s wealth. Killing him is not a prudent act, for he is a prince and the army will expel me! This is what I am going to do: I will unchain him and send him to Alexander. His wealth will remain in my hands and nobody will discuss anything henceforth!’ Yet he did not know that Alexander was a Muslim and the girl was an infidel. Hence, he was forbidden to be with her, so was the booty of infidels. He could only marry her and take her dowry.’ After he thought of these, he summoned the army commanders and said, ‘I have thought two things about Qaymu ¯ n, for he is an important man and he has served my brother and me. He will probably not be a king. I also thought that I confiscated his property and I cannot give it back to him because I am afraid that he will contrive a plan to trick me! Now if things are all right, I intend to send him to Alexander.’ His army men replied, ‘It is better to send him away from here!’ Afterwards they summoned Qaymu ¯ n, his wife and concubines and said, ‘I can kill you but I do not want to do this because you are right in a way! I will send both of you with the concubines or this servant to King Alexander! Whether he kills you or not, it is up to him. And whether he praises you or not, it is again up to him. After all these events, I will not allow you to stay in this region.’ Then he summoned a commander from the group of commanders and he chained Qaymu ¯ n tightly. He said, ‘Take him to Alexander and tell him also, “Do again whatever he did in your place because he has released me from captivity and he wanted to hand me back to you in the end! Now you know. Do whatever you prefer for his sake.”’ He said to the messenger, ‘Tell Alexander that I have given him a week time to prepare and equip your army for war! My Zangı¯s are expected to come. After this war, we will see that will happen!’ The commander, escorted by ten horsemen, arrived and when the messenger went out of the gate, Arsla¯nkha¯n was relaxed. He ordered, ‘Bring me Qaymu ¯ n’s daughter!’ She came lamenting for the fate of Alexander and her parents. Arsla¯nkha¯n, standing next to his army, asked her, ‘Who was the commander who handed Alexander to your father?’ She replied, ‘The man who just left as your messenger!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n clapped his hands and said, ‘Alas! I did not know that it was him! I wanted to talk to him. Plunder his house and arrest his children!’ When they went to his house, there was nobody there. The messenger knew what was going on and he had thought that Arsla¯nkha¯n would be informed about his words and that he would attempt to kill him! When Arsla¯nkha¯n assigned him to deliver the message, he had sent his wife and children to Alexander in advance. He had great respect and faith in Alexander, although this Turk was unlucky and an unbeliever. When Arsla¯nkha¯n realised that he had missed the messenger, he could not catch him on his way to Alexander. When the messenger left the city gate, he galloped like the wind, saying to himself, ‘God forbid that he sends someone after me!’

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Afterwards Alexander was informed that a group of men was approaching, having women and children with them. Alexander was surprised and ordered his men, ‘Go immediately and come back with news about the identity of these people!’ After an hour they returned and said, ‘There is a messenger who has come on behalf of Arsla¯nkha¯n.’ When the commander came, he went directly to Alexander, the King of the World. When he saw Alexander, he was sitting on the throne with all his splendour and supremacy. Given that he had seen Alexander previously as prisoner, he was astonished by the splendour of the court, the elephants and the army. As soon as Alexander saw him, he recognised him and ordered to have him sit on the official gold chair of messengers. Then they presented him to Alexander. He saw Qaymu ¯n sitting there with his hands chained. They took him out of the court and brought him to his place. They handed Arsla¯nkha¯n’s letter to Alexander and the messenger narrated to Alexander whatever had happened with Qaymu ¯ n. When Alexander heard these words, he moved his head and said, ‘Whatever he has done, he has befallen upon himself!’ The messenger said to Alexander, ‘Arsla¯nkha¯n said, “When Qaymu ¯ n takes King Alexander to your house, and away from me, you must guard him and do not return him to me, for this name has been attributed to you.”’ Alexander was surprised by what he heard and thought, ‘He is right!’ After an hour he thought, ‘He thinks thus, for he has sent him to me. If I do not treat his well, then it would be inappropriate. But he is infidel and he does not want to become a Muslim!’ Then he asked, ‘Is his wife with him?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Where is his daughter?’ They said, ‘He did not send her!’ Alexander became angry and said, ‘Damn him! Why did he send me back the concubine?’ Then he ordered to have Qaymu ¯ n unchained and take him to Aristotle with this message, ‘Treat him dearly for he treated us dearly, although in the end, he betrayed us! We have dispatched him to you until we decide what we are going to do with him.’ Then he said to the messenger, ‘What is your message?’ He replied, ‘Arsla¯nkha¯n says, “Prepare for war!”’ Alexander said, ‘Stay here tonight and tomorrow we will give you an answer.’ The messenger said, ‘O King! I have brought my wife and children with me because I could not leave them there. Qaymu ¯ n’s daughter has been captured. She said, “This is what the King has given to my father.”’ And he told him what had happened. And he continued, saying, ‘Arsla¯nkha¯n forgot my name and he dispatched me here as slave.’ Alexander asked, ‘Who are you?’ He replied, ‘I am the one who wore a hat and I took you by your hand out of captivity.’ In that moment, Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s came to Alexander and saw the messenger. He became happy and said, ‘You do not know how brave this man has been for our sake!’ Alexander gave his hat and robe immediately to him. He also gave him a very beautiful horse. The commanders agreed with Alexander and gave him a private tent, slaves and beasts of burden. Overall, they treated him dearly. On the next day, Alexander ordered them to place Qaymu ¯ n next to his throne and he invited him to embrace Islam. Qaymu ¯ n asked Alexander to give him three days to think about it. In these three days, Qaymu ¯ n consulted Aristotle about the religion of Islam. Aristotle addressed all of his questions, hoping that the Almighty would be appealing to

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the infidel’s heart. The Almighty’s grace removed infidelity from his heart and he embraced Islam. Aristotle took him before Alexander’s throne and Qaymu ¯ n became a Muslim, accepting the right faith. Alexander praised him and treated him dearly and generously. Alexander said, ‘Be happy for when everything is over, I will return your property and riches to you.’ Qaymu ¯ n prostrated himself before him and said, ‘O King! Sha¯hmalik’s slave girl has been left there!’ Alexander replied, ‘Be patient and optimistic, for I will order them to bring her here today!’ Immediately he informed Ara¯qı¯t about this case and said, ‘This man is the owner of the villa I stayed in!’ and he told Ara¯qı¯t about all the good deeds that Qaymu ¯ n had done. He did not say anything negative about him. Then he said, ‘This man has a slave girl whom he sent to me. Now this infidel [Arsla¯nkha¯n] has captured her. Tonight you must send your fairies to bring her here!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I will hold it as a favour.’ When night came, Ara¯qı¯t sent ten fairies who left and when they reached their destination, they found the slave girl sleeping. They lifted her and brought her before Queen Ara¯qı¯t, who said, ‘Show her to Alexander as she is now, sleeping!’ Alexander was praying and when he was finished, he saw her. He called her parents and gave her to them. They rejoiced, prostrated themselves before him and embraced Islam. Then Alexander ordered his men to bring her to his place and they sent her to Alexander’s harem. The next day, Arsla¯nkha¯n looked for the slave girl but he could not find her. The previous night Arsla¯nkha¯n desired her but the slave girl did not give in. She said, ‘Even if you kill me or burn me alive, still only Alexander, the King of the World, can see me unveiled!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n reprimanded her; he was unhappy with the fact that the fairies had taken her away. Arsla¯nkha¯n was surprised by the fact that although he looked for her, he could not find her. He was patient to receive news from the messenger he had sent to Alexander. No one came. He dispatched another messenger to Alexander with this message: ‘if you want to fight, I am ready too, by God’s will! If you want us to close the city gate and allow you to pass, the do so and leave! Give me the Haft Anbar Garden. Whether you fight or not, we will come after you! If you want to stay in these two houses, there is a vast field and we can fight there and see what the end of this will be!’ He went on to say, ‘It is very bad for a King to imprison a messenger and to harm him! Why do you not allow him to return to me? I dispatched to you a man who was fond of you and in the end acted perfidiously towards you. I sent this man to you. Either you have spared his life or you have tortured him. I usually behave politely. Now you do not send him back to me!’ After he wrote the letter, he sealed it and gave it to the messenger. The messenger came and when he approached further, Alexander was informed that he had come. Alexander permitted him to enter. The messenger came, prostrated himself before him and gave him the letter. Alexander read the letter, moved his head and treated the messenger kindly. When the messenger looked around, he saw the messenger whom Arsla¯nkha¯n had sent before, standing next to Alexander’s throne wearing a royal robe and a gold belt. He also saw Qaymu ¯ n sitting on a gold seat. The messenger looked at them

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in a positive manner. That night Alexander sent the messenger to Qaymu ¯ n’s place and said to Qaymu ¯ n, ‘Treat him kindly until I give him an answer tomorrow!’ Alexander’s intention was to let the messenger know about the whole situation and inform Arsla¯nkha¯n face to face in every detail! When the messenger went to Qaymu ¯ n’s place, he saw a curtain and much wealth and adornment in his house. After an hour, the Turk who had brought Qaymu ¯ n came to him. His name was Tarzak. Both sat facing each other. The messenger said to Tarzak, ‘You are very lucky to live here!’ He replied, ‘The Almighty has appointed me in King Alexander’s service.’ The messenger said to him, ‘When you left, and given that Arsla¯nkha¯n had forgotten your name, he asked me about you and he wanted to see you immediately. He sent someone to plunder your house and arrest your wife and children. When they arrived, they found no one!’ The messenger asked him again, ‘What happened to you and how has Alexander treated you?’ He told him about all the benevolent acts that they had done for him and showed him his office and grandeur. The messenger heard and attested to all of this. The next day, when Alexander was sitting on his throne, he summoned the messenger and said, ‘Say to Arsla¯nkha¯n, “Beware that you wanted a week’s time and said that the Zangı¯s are coming. Now our place for fighting is wherever you prefer! If you prefer in the open field, I will develop my army there. Do the same and we will see what the Almighty has decreed! As for the other point you mentioned, I sent your messenger back to you! You were correct, but you sent him for your own safety and you confiscated his property. You were afraid of him and you did not dare to kill him. And you found this pretext to send him to me! When he arrived here, I treated him dearly, in reciprocation for his support towards me earlier. I did not treat him badly and unfaithfully! I treated him kindly and I forgave his evil deeds. I intend to cut off your head and to give this region to him.”’ In another part of the messenger’s message it was mentioned, ‘This man supported me and accomplished good acts and he took worthy decision in terms of state administration. When that man came with his wife and children, I sent him to you. And you would like to harm the girl who was mine. Can a king commit adultery with the wife of another king? What religion does she adhere to? Then I order you to bring her, without delay. Now, if you want to rule, rise and come to my service along with your nobility. Renounce idolatry and worship the God of Heavens and the Earth. Do whatever I say and want. And give me whatever I want, so that I can equip my army. And return every piece of property to Qaymu ¯ n that you have confiscated! Then I will make him support your rule. I will come to your city and sit on your throne. I will stay for a month here and then I will depart. When I return, I will pass through your land without doing you any harm, by God’s will!’ When Alexander gave him this answer, he treated the messenger kindly and held him dearly. Alexander wanted the messenger to stay in his service. He embraced Islam. He was a major commander and his name was Yaz. He said to Alexander, ‘Tell me to accept the right faith like Qaymu ¯ n and Tarzak! I will convey your message and I will take my wife and children and come to be in your service.’ Alexander asked him to embrace Islam and he did so, renouncing idolatry. Alexander praised him and treated him dearly. Alexander

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said to him, ‘When you return, I will give you a big estate and land. When I liberate this land, I will send you back to your home and I will appoint you as a ruler in your city, by God’s will!’ Alexander was saying this, when Ara¯qı¯t took off her burqa‘ and put on a set of armour. Then she came to Alexander and said, ‘What happened?’ Ara¯qı¯t saw the messenger and said, ‘It is good!’ Alexander said, ‘This messenger is one of our own and has embraced Islam. In two days, he will come here with his wife and children. Speak and rejoice!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! The fairies came and said that fifty ships full with Zangı¯s are coming from the sea. They will be here tomorrow. I will go to the seaside with our army and I will kill them all, if they come against your rule!’ Alexander wept and praised her, saying, ‘Send the fairies to me!’ When the fairies came, Alexander said, ‘Where did you spot the Zangı¯s?’ They replied, ‘O King! They will be here by tomorrow night, if the wind is favourable.’ Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Do not go by yourself! Let Tarzak, who is a newcomer to Islam, go in your place!’ They gave him 10,000 warlike horsemen and sent him to the seashore. He ordered them to disperse their forces at the seashore and that when the fairies informed them that the Zangı¯s have arrived from the sea, either he or Ara¯qı¯t would join them. He said to Tarzak, ‘You must be victorious!’ Then Tarzak left and with the 10,000 horsemen came to the seashore and stayed there day and night. The next night, the fairies came and said, ‘The Zangı¯s are coming and Ara¯qı¯t informed Alexander.’ Alexander rose and he set out with his army to the seashore. The Zangı¯s had not arrived yet. When they looked around, they saw the army. The ships were anchored but they had not gotten off the ships. Some of them left and Alexander returned. Ara¯qı¯t was astonished and said to herself, ‘If the King learns this, he will say that it was a great mistake.’ She said to the fairies, ‘Keep an eye on them!’ She returned and said to Alexander, ‘The fairies came and said that the Zangı¯s have arrived at the seashore. What is to be done?’ Alexander asked, ‘How many are they?’ She replied, ‘There are fifty ships!’ Alexander said, ‘Tonight I saw in my dreams that my fellow Angel came and said, “Tomorrow you will have a naval battle! Fear not for the Almighty will make the water as dry as the earth is! Be strong! You must have many fairies on your side!”’ Ara¯qı¯t was astonished by that Angel and the tasks that the Almighty brought upon Alexander. There were 1,400 armoured fairies. Alexander came along with his army commanders to the seashore. The fairies stayed in the air next to Alexander. When the Zangı¯s saw this, they cried out aloud ready to fight. Alexander dismounted his horse, came to the seashore and prostrated himself, saying, ‘O God! The ship in the sea is ridiculous before you and you can make the sea dry out. Everything obeys to you! Please, manifest your power and make the water as solid as the earth under our feet! You promised to bestow victory upon us and your promises cannot be annulled.’ Immediately that Angel came and spotted Alexander. He took the horse by the head and along with 400 horsemen they went to the sea full of enthusiasm. Ara¯qı¯t mounted her horse like the wind and stood in the air above Alexander. Then war erupted from both sides. The Zangı¯s had arranged their ships the one next to the other. On that day,

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they fought in a way that no one on earth had ever seen before. Alexander’s army took the 400 ships of the Zangı¯s and threw all the Zangı¯s into the sea. The others withdrew and left the ships in the water. They returned and found themselves ending up on various islands. Alexander returned to his camp victorious and full of booty. He could not recall any incident in the past where he and his men had fought a battle on the sea without ships. God’s omnipotence is not surprising!








THE BEHAVIOUR OF TARZAK, QAYMUN THE COMMANDER, QAYMAZ AND AYAZ AFTER THEY EMBRACED THE FAITH OF ALEXANDER It is divinely narrated that after Aya¯z the messenger accepted Islam, he went to Arsla¯nkha¯n and handed Alexander’s answering message. He also informed him about Qaymu ¯ n and Tarzak. When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he regretted having dispatched them. The messenger said to him, ‘O King! Know that when he dismissed us, I saw Ara¯qı¯t who wore armour and a veil and saluted Alexander. The court was illuminated by her bright face! She said to Alexander, “The fairies came and said that fifty ships full of 50,000 Zangı¯s are coming. I am going to kill them all.”’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he was very upset and lost his mind. He was very much in love with Ara¯qı¯t. He said to himself, ‘Alas! The Zangı¯s are gone! The army and the people do not know that she will be defeated by means of love!’ Then he ordered a spy who was at the seashore to come and inform him so that he would know what was going on. The spy went and returned and said, ‘O King! I saw something that no one else has ever seen on earth!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n asked him, ‘What did you see?’ He replied, ‘I saw Alexander with his army marching on the sea water and fighting in the water. Ara¯qı¯t stood on her horse above his head in the air and she was fighting. In the end, they caught four ships and threw the Zangı¯s into the sea. As for the rest, they fled and they were nowhere to be found.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this and said, ‘They did well for not a single one of them would have remained alive. And this is all due to this villainous prostitute! And how is it possible that a man can stand on the water? This is strange!’ The Zangı¯s fled and took refuge on the islands nearby. Arsla¯nkha¯n summoned his army and said, ‘Go to Zubayda’s cloister and observe from there. When you see them coming, let us know!’ They acted accordingly. The messenger said to Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘Send me again to him so that I convey your message to him!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘You are right!’ Then he said, ‘It is not appropriate to send you now. Tomorrow morning we will take the army and when we arrive at that house, I will send you to him.’ The messenger took his wife and children out of the city and he transferred whatever he could move on his own and hid them. The next day Arsla¯nkha¯n set out with his army and left the city. Thousands of armoured horsemen joined him. Due to his love for Ara¯qı¯t, Arsla¯nkha¯n looked very weak. When he brought his army to that house, he summoned Aya¯z and said, ‘Go to Alexander and tell him, “Fight and let the sorcery of the fairies aside, for this is not manliness!”’ The messenger came, took his wife and children with him and conveyed the message to Alexander. He stayed there and he was treated favourably.

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Alexander ordered his soldiers to come out. Ara¯qı¯t asked Alexander, ‘What is your decree?’ Alexander said, ‘It is up to you! You can either stay here or come and fight! But I will go for they have inflicted mischief on me!’ Alexander wanted her to stay in the Garden. Ara¯qı¯t understood Alexander’s thought and she stayed in the Garden. Alexander divided the fairies into three contingents. He ordered the first to stay with Ara¯qı¯t, the second to come with him and the third to stay at the seashore. Four hundred thousand horsemen wore their sets of armour, the elephants were prepared and they struck the war drums. Then, they came out of the camp. On the first day, the two armies faced each other but they did not fight. On the second day, Arsla¯nkha¯n waited in vain for the messenger to return with Alexander’s message. Arsla¯nkha¯n had a commander named Qayma¯z. He was an important commander and on the day of the battle, he commanded 10,000 horsemen. He had no wife or children and he was based in Arsla¯nkha¯n’s palace. He was very trustworthy and Arsla¯nkha¯n had confessed to him his love for Ara¯qı¯t. Arsla¯nkha¯n summoned him and said, ‘You must go as a messenger to Alexander and let me know about what is going on because the messenger I dispatched before has not returned. And ask him, “How much sorcery and tricks will you come up with and how many messengers of mine will you detain yet? Send them back to me!” And look to see whether Ara¯qı¯t is on the battleground or in the Garden! And learn every detail!’ Qayma¯z replied, ‘I am ready to depart.’ He rose and along with 100 of his aides left the place. Alexander was informed that Arsla¯nkha¯n’s messenger had arrived. He ordered to have Qaymu ¯ n, Tarzak and Aya¯z dressed in honourary gowns and to have them sit on golden seats. When Qayma¯z and his retinue came, they witnessed the splendour and glory of Alexander’s court and army. Hence, they came to want to be in Alexander’s service and abandon their faith. When Qayma¯z came before Alexander and saw Alexander’s supremacy and the superiority of Alexander’s court, he became voiceless. Alexander knew well that he had won the infidel’s admiration and said to him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘Qayma¯z’. Alexander asked, ‘Will you accept Islam?’ ‘I will!’ he replied.69 Alexander made him a Muslim and he renounced idolatry. Alexander praised him and gave him a robe of honour and treated him dearly. He also gave him a set of armour. Qayma¯z said, ‘O King! I swear to your life that last night I saw in my dream that a young man dressed in green clothes came to this field. He asked me, “Where are you going?” I replied, “I am going as a messenger to King Alexander of Greece!” He said to me, “Go and know that you are going to Paradise and you will escape the fire on the Day of Judgement!” O King! Now I swear to your life that I have 1,000 men under my command. I can send one of them right now to summon them here. I do not have any wives or children! If you give me the command of the army today, then you will see what I can do with them!’ Alexander became happy, when he heard this, and said, ‘I will do thus!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n kept waiting but the messenger was not coming and there was no news. The next day in the morning, Alexander ordered Tarzak to go to the seashore. Tarzak paid tribute and said, ‘O King! Today I will break the enemy ranks along with Qaymu ¯ n, Aya¯z and Qayma¯z!’

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Alexander ordered an Iranian to go with Tarzak to the seashore and to guard the Garden of the fort from the Zangı¯s. When the two armies took their positions, their soldiers were ranked and prepared for battle. The first warrior who came forth to fight was the commander Qayma¯z. He positioned himself between the two armies and raising his dagger in the air, he cried out aloud, ‘May King Alexander emerge victorious!’ and he was looking for an opponent. Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Do you know who this man on the battleground is?’ He said, ‘No!’ They said, ‘He is Qayma¯z, your truthful single friend!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘You are lying!’ They said, ‘By means of tricks, he joined the enemy! You do not know that, by God’s will, he has contrived a plan with Ara¯qı¯t! I instructed him in every detail and he will act soon.’ The soldiers looked and remained silent. They said to themselves, ‘The King probably knows something that we do not!’ A Turkish horseman came forth and looked at Qayma¯z. He cried aloud and insulted the other warrior, who said, ‘May King Alexander be victorious!’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he realised the truth and looked at his soldier being killed. Another Turkish horseman came to the battleground and he was also killed. Many came together against him but he also killed them. A thousand horsemen were ordered to fight him. He killed seventeen of them at once. As for the rest, they knew his manliness very well and nobody dared to face him. Arsla¯nkha¯n was astonished and gave an order to one of his trustworthy men, ‘Go to Qayma¯z and ask him what is going on with him! Why does he behave thus and he has turned himself against his master?’ Qayma¯z replied, ‘I have not turned myself against you. I have simply embraced Islam and renounced idolatry. Now what more do I want, other than a master like King Alexander? Leave the battle and return. If you have any message for King Alexander, I will gladly convey it!’ That horseman listened to his answer. He said, ‘I have brought a message on behalf of Arsla¯nkha¯n.’ Then he returned and informed Arsla¯nkha¯n. He clapped his hands and said, ‘Alas! I have made a grave mistake! I should not have sent Qaymu ¯ n there! Now who is brave enough to come to the battleground and bring me his head and give Sha¯hmalik’s daughter to be his wife?’ There was one of Sha¯hmalik’s daughters, who was younger and had become Alexander’s wife and had been poisoned to death. With this hope, a commander of the nobility came to the battleground, where Qayma¯z was standing. He looked at Qayma¯z and said, ‘O you, unwise villain! You renounced your old faith and fled!’ Qayma¯z said, ‘Do not be foolish! Look around. This is where we fight for the right faith and we will draw our swords!’ They looked at each other and Qayma¯z said, ‘O God! If my faith is right, let me emerge victorious and if his faith is right, then let him have me!’ He attacked the Turkish horseman but he could do nothing to him. The Turkish horseman was skilful. He said, ‘You have three chances to attack me and I also have three chances to attack you!’ Qayma¯z said, ‘All right!’ When the Turk attacked him first, Qaymu ¯ n dismounted his horse and let the Turk pass. The Turk asked, ‘Are you using tricks?’ Qayma¯z replied, ‘I do not use tricks, I rely only on manliness! Come and attack me for a second time!’ The Turk attacked Qayma¯z with his dagger and Qayma¯z hit him with his sword. He avoided his dagger and counter-attacked. His third attack took place with his sword. When the Turk approached Qayma¯z, the latter had a shield and showed a Chinese mirror to him,

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wounding the Turk’s eyes and thus he was not able to wound Qayma¯z. Qayma¯z said to himself, ‘Now it is my turn to attack first.’ He cried out aloud, ‘I will defeat you in the name of Alexander the King of the World!’ He wanted to attack the Turk’s shield. He hit the shield with the edge of his dagger, passed through his shield and hit his shoulder killing him. Fear was spread in Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army and no one dared to face Qayma¯z. Alexander and his men became happy and watched the events. No one moved in both armies. In the end, Qayma¯z cried out aloud and summoned Qaymu ¯ n, Tarzak and Aya¯z. He said to them, ‘King Alexander has entrusted us with the task of fighting today. So far I have done my best and now you must also try to defeat the enemy!’ The three of them attacked Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army, forcing them to flee. Arsla¯nkha¯n said to them, ‘Fear not and do not go! For I will fight on my own and I will not force you to fight!’ Alexander looked at what was going on and ordered his men that they should fight. They went after the fleeing enemy and killed everyone until every enemy had abandoned the battlefield. Alexander said to himself, ‘I must not let them trouble themselves and miss the sense of happiness [for their victory].’ He ordered them to beat the war drums and his men returned. He praised his commanders and said, ‘I will give you whatever you desire from this city and region. For the promise of the Almighty cannot be annulled!’ There was a huge windmill in that city with four wheels and only the Almighty knows how much profit was made out of it every day. Qayma¯z prostrated himself before Alexander and said, ‘O King! Please give us the windmill!’ Alexander said, ‘It is done!’ Tarzak similarly wanted a garden. The King granted this to him. Thus, everyone wanted something and Alexander granted it to them. When the two armies came to the cemetery, Arsla¯nkha¯n was at a loss and he could say nothing. He said to the nobility of his army, ‘You see what my army did to me and how happy they are in Alexander’s camp?’ They were having that discussion when they were informed that the Zangı¯s who were coming by way of the sea had been killed! Arsla¯nkha¯n had sent someone, who brought the news and said, ‘There is some news that the 40,000 Zangı¯s arrived from the sea. And when you were on the battleground, Ara¯qı¯t attacked them and a fight erupted between the fairies and the Zangı¯s, half of which had gotten off their ships. Now that your desire has passed, everything has been lost!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Ara¯qı¯t is on the side of our army while Alexander’s army on the other will never be able to reach us because all of his men are tired and exhausted.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n was perplexed and departed. Ara¯qı¯t with 1,400 fairies and 4,000 men from Alexander’s army fought against the Zangı¯s. Chaos and tumult arose from the battleground. Arsla¯nkha¯n saw a group of Zangı¯s had been killed and witnesses the severity of that battle. Zubayda the hermit implored the Almighty with her hands extended to Him to bestow victory upon Ara¯qı¯t. Ara¯qı¯t strove with all her powers on the battleground, without making any mistakes. Suddenly they said to Ara¯qı¯t that Arsla¯nkha¯n had come with his army. She was afraid but said, ‘The Omnipotent God is on our side!’ And she kept fighting. Suddenly Arsla¯nkha¯n appeared before Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘O beautiful warlike woman! Now I have captured you and my desire to give you my kingship has been fulfilled!’ Ara¯qı¯t laughed.

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Then Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘What are you going to do now that you are surrounded by my soldiers on your right and left sides and at your rear is the sea and in front of you the city is mine? I have captured your standards and worthy pieces. Now if you listen to me, come on foot, do not step out of your army until I come to take your horse and have you sitting on the royal throne and I will unfasten the girding on my waist to the royal quarters and I will stand by you. If you do not listen to me, then you will be captured and things will not go as you plan.’ Ara¯qı¯t laughed and said, ‘O you villainous infidel! This is not the time to get married, fall in love and die! It is the time to draw our swords!’ On both sides of Ara¯qı¯t, there were enemies. On the one side, the infidel Turks and on the other side, the Zangı¯s. And the Zangı¯s in the sea did not dare to come out onto the seashore because they were afraid. Ara¯qı¯t came to the battleground and said to herself, ‘I am Queen Ara¯qı¯t and wife of Alexander, the King of the World, the world conqueror and the Double-Horned One!’ She attacked the enemy and the fairies kept an eye on her while Alexander’s men also fought bravely the Zangı¯s who were killed. The number of those Zangı¯s who were killed was limitless and they said, ‘Zangı¯s! Go for Alexander the King of the World is coming!’ The Zangı¯s were scared of their first wound, they returned and went to the sea. Arsla¯nkha¯n and Ara¯qı¯t were fighting and Ara¯qı¯t noticed that Arsla¯nkha¯n was close to her, ready to touch her, because there were many soldiers of his around. When she saw that he was becoming triumphant, she unveiled her face. When Arsla¯nkha¯n saw her face, he was astonished and stopped fighting. Ara¯qı¯t hit him at his waist with a dagger and threw him off his horse. She drew another dagger and she wanted to behead him but 1,000 horsemen came to his aid and took him away. He was bleeding and they took him to the city. When Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men saw that their leader was half-dead, they lost their courage and they fled the battleground. Ara¯qı¯t went after them and she killed many, while she captured others. It is thus divinely narrated that Alexander came to his camping ground and looked for Ara¯qı¯t. He was informed of what happened. Alexander said, ‘Alas! I wish this did not happen! What did she do? She became hostile to that part of the city. I am afraid that she might have been captured and she is helpless.’ The newly converted Muslim commanders said to him, ‘O King! Rise and let’s go for we will take you with ease to the city. There is no passage for the enemy to enter the city!’ Alexander rose and along with 1,000 horsemen and the newly converted Muslim commanders, he headed against the enemy and reached them soon. Arsla¯nkha¯n was in the city but his soldiers had abandoned him. When they saw Alexander’s army, they thought that they were their army. They returned and tried to take Ara¯qı¯t. Ara¯qı¯t attacked them. When she looked around, she saw someone like Alexander coming. She knew that Alexander had arrived. She became happy and shouted, ‘I am Queen Ara¯qı¯t, the wife of Alexander, the Double-Horned One and the King of the East and West.’ When Alexander heard her, he uttered the Takbı¯r aloud. They captured the fleeing enemies and slaughtered them with their swords. Then they returned and came over a mountain, where the cloister of Zubayda was. When Alexander saw her, he praised her and she prayed for him, saying, ‘May you be always be victorious!’

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Then Alexander came to the seashore. The Zangı¯s had fled. Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘It is wrong to stay here!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! Do you not know what Arsla¯nkha¯n said to me?’ Alexander said, ‘No!’ Ara¯qı¯t told him the story of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s love for her. She said, ‘I started talking to him from the beginning.’ Alexander was disgusted by her acceptance but he did not say anything to her. Then they returned. Alexander did not know of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s injury until Ara¯qı¯t told him about it. They came to the camping ground with much booty and they were happy and full of desire! Alexander praised Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘The Almighty has given you so much strength and he exterminated all of these men by using your hands.’ Then they wanted to have news whether Arsla¯nkha¯n had been brought from that house or not. Two or three days had passed but there was no news. Alexander said, ‘We have delayed and stayed here for long. Our mission has not ended yet!’ His men said, ‘O King! We must send a messenger to be informed and bring us news.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! I know that the wound I inflicted on him has not healed yet, if he is alive. Of course, I hope that he is dead by now.’ Alexander said, ‘I will send someone today to let us know.’ He said, ‘Let a man who is brave and eloquent go there and speak in a firm and manlike manner!’ There was an Iranian whose name was Qa¯bu ¯ s. He was old and very eloquent. He came from the time of King Darius and he had experienced many victories and happiness in his lifetime. He sent him to Arsla¯nkha¯n and said, ‘Go and tell him: “For how long are you going to cause us troubles and have yourself punished? You fled to your house because of a woman. Searching for kingship and praying to become a ruler is not compatible to a woman. You want to be a king but you cannot sleep with a woman and stay with her at home! If you want to fight, then come forth and let’s see each other and have both of our armies focused on our efforts. Fight in a single combat and victory will be bestowed upon whomever has the ability and the fate to win! Kingship depends on one’s morale and valour. In spite of the fact that Sha¯hmalik is your captive, he is stronger and more important than you! Tomorrow let us each come out of our ranks and fight on the battleground between our two armies. Thus, we will deliver our men from fighting, trouble and death. If you prevail, then you can do whatever you like with my men. If I am victorious, then I will be benevolent to your men. I will praise those who accept the right faith and I will order to have beheaded those who do not accept my faith. Then I will leave this region to a pious man and I will return to my dominions. But if you do not wish to fight me, then you can come to my service and accept my faith. Thus I will leave this place without doing you any harm, I will leave power to you and your lifetime will last longer!”’ The messenger came and when Arsla¯nkha¯n was informed that Alexander’s messenger had come, he was still in bed suffering from his wounds, which the physicians were treating. Nevertheless, he got up and sat on his throne. He gave way to the messenger, treated him well and said to him, ‘Speak! What message do you have for me?’ The messenger conveyed Alexander’s message. When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard the message, he twisted himself out of anger for Alexander’s ignominy and his face lost its colour. Then he said, ‘I am in trouble and you think that this is an easy task and you think that you have conquered this land and I should allow you to head to Jabalsa. That

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region is better than all of Mesopotamia and Greece. There are some cities from each of which 1,000 sets of clothing for elephants are coming. And there are 30,000 guards at the city gates. This task is not going to be easy. I am in trouble. Give me fifteen days so that I can recover and be able to fight you! Then you and I will find out to whom the fate is going to be favourable and who is going to emerge victorious!’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n had said this, he fell on his throne due to his weakness and poor health. Then he was taken to his quarters. The messenger left and when he came to Alexander, he told him about the condition of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s health. Alexander said, ‘Things show that we are in authority but I am afraid that Arsla¯nkha¯n may be up to a trick!’ His men asked, ‘O King! Can he go too far with his tricks?’ Alexander replied, ‘The Almighty will give me an answer on this.’ Then Alexander ordered the fairies to come and go together and inform him about any developments until the period of fifteen days has passed. Alexander moved his quarters to the Garden as the summer was coming to an end. Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘We are about to prevail.’ And he spent the night praying to the Almighty. The Angel, who was Alexander’s companion, appeared to him that night. And the name of that Angel is mentioned in various stories. Some people say that his name was Muma‘il and some others say that his name was Qa¯bil. According to Abdulla¯h ‘Abba¯s and ‘Alı¯, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon Him, the name of the Angel was Malaka‘il. Yet according to Abdullah Mas‘u ¯ d and Qatada, the name of the Angel was Qa¯bil. The Angel came, saluted Alexander and said, ‘Be patient and remain steadfast for in the end you will be victorious. Be on alert for a sudden attack of the enemy.’ Once the Angel had said this, he left. Alexander ordered them to bring his tent to the Haft Anbar Garden. The size of the Garden was four by four parasangs. There was a villa in the middle of the Garden and Alexander inhabited it. He sat at leisure and ordered them to bring Sha¯hmalik. Again he asked him to embrace Islam but Sha¯hmalik refused. He ordered, ‘Take him to a certain place. I feel that he will accept Islam. But I do not know what his fate will be for three times I attempted to kill him and three times the Angel intervened and spared his life.’ The Almighty knows a secret that we do not know His will because He is the Omniscient and Omnipotent One! He assigned the commanders who were newcomers to Islam with the task that each one of them every night supervised the army until the fifteen days had passed.








THE ARRIVAL OF JUNDUL THE ZANG I WITH THE ZANG I S, THE STORY BETWEEN

HIM AND ALEXANDER, AND SHAHMALIK’S ESCAPE TO THE ZANG I S According to Wahb ibn Munabbih, it is thus divinely narrated that when the Zangı¯s returned from there, their leader who remained at the rear, said to them, ‘Why have you returned?’ They told him what happened. He became angry, reprimanded them and said, ‘O you foul stupid ones! Due to your impotence, you have broken the Zangı¯ lineage in the world. I do not know what is to happen.’ Then he ordered them to

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return and they did so along with him. When they arrived at the seashore, it was dark and the fairies were not on that side. The Zangı¯s came out of the sea and were dispersed on the seashore. When they looked around, they spotted the fort; they had never seen such a well-fortified stronghold before. Their leader put his finger in his mouth and said, ‘Alas! It was out of ignorance and stupidity that the Zangı¯s abandoned this fort! I will restore control of it.’ After they had said this, they set out and sent someone to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s region to search and see whether any Zangı¯s had survived. Indeed, those who had survived death came from their place and were waiting for the leader of the Zangı¯s to come. Thirty thousand of them were alive and so was Manku ¯ s’ son. When they heard that Jundu ¯ l, the commander of the Zangı¯s, had arrived, they rose and went to the road he was coming from. Jundu ¯ l had come down behind the sand hill and when he arrived, they went paid tribute to him. He did not show his anger to anyone. He said, ‘You have brought all the water of the world upon the Zangı¯s and you have killed everyone. Why have you gone to the Turks? Why did you not go against the fort and wage war? What relation do you have with the Turks and their warfare? The power of the Turks is negligible!’ They replied, ‘You speak correctly and it is as God decrees.’ And more Zangı¯s came there and their number reached 17,000 men. Alexander was not aware of these developments. Suddenly, an Angel came and said, ‘O King! At the left of the Haft Anbar Garden at a distance of four parasangs, a group of Zangı¯s have gathered with 17,000 Zangı¯s and the Zangı¯s who were with Arsla¯nkha¯n have also joined him. Stay away from them!’ When Alexander heard this, he said, ‘It is obvious that the army of the enemy has been divided in two groups: the first with the Zangı¯s and the second with the Turks. By God’s will, I will defeat both of them.’ He kept listening waiting for the enemy to reveal themselves but they did not. Two days passed but nothing was heard! The Zangı¯s said, ‘King Alexander does not know that we are here! We must send him a messenger to let us know of what he intends to do with us!’ Then he summoned a terrifying and evil messenger and said to him, ‘You must go as a messenger to King Alexander! You must tell him, “You have so much hatred against the Zangı¯s. What have the Zangı¯s done to you that you want to kill them? Now you will pay for this! Get ready for war because I am not the type of man who would be afraid of your elephants. I have enough of everything and I will attack you unexpectedly. But I thought that I would not like to be in your place! Now I have warned you. Get ready for war either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow!”’ The messenger went to Alexander and conveyed him the message. When Alexander heard the message, he said, ‘Today the day has come to its end. It is difficult to fight against two enemies simultaneously. But tomorrow I hope that we will fight.’ Alexander said to the messenger, ‘Tell Jundu ¯ l that you do not know that the Almighty has appointed me King of Almut so that I can destroy the Zangı¯s and kill them all! Tomorrow when you will come to fight, you will test yourself!’ Alexander cautioned his men and said, ‘I wanted one day to rest. God has so many secrets! Tomorrow is the day of war against the Zangı¯s! Be on alert!’ That night they beat

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the war drums. That night they sent a night watchman outside and when it was midnight, they prepared provisions. Alexander was preoccupied with prayers and when he had completed his prostrations, he ordered them to bring Sha¯hmalik from the fort before him. Alexander said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘Hey, old man! We care about you and every time I want to kill you, the Almighty does not allow me! Today the time has come that I will resolve your case once and for all: either you agree to embrace Islam or I will hang you from the upper part of the fort!’ Sha¯hmalik replied, ‘O King! I myself have become a Muslim and the Almighty knows this! But I wanted to see whether you would be able to figure this out or not!’ Alexander said, ‘Swear before the army!’ Sha¯hmalik did so and Alexander became happy and praised him. Then he sent him to Aristotle. On that day, they fought the Zangı¯s and a great battle erupted with many casualties on both sides. When night came, both armies retreated to their camping grounds. The Zangı¯s planned to attack Alexander suddenly and they did so. Alexander was not aware of their plan and his men were tired and exhausted. They had fallen asleep and Alexander had done the same! After some time, the Zangı¯s approached the Garden and the night guard. The guards were walking around the Garden. There were 200 Muslims! They killed everyone. Tarzak was on the night guard and he died. When the Zangı¯s saw that the Garden was guarded heavily, they returned having done nothing. In the morning, Alexander was informed about these developments. He became unhappy and said, ‘By God’s will, they will be punished for this!’ In the morning, Aristotle came looking unhappy. His face had a yellow colour and he said to Alexander, ‘O King! Sha¯hmalik escaped last night!’ Alexander laughed and said, ‘In that very moment that he claimed that he had become Muslim, I knew very well that he was tricking us! But I said nothing and thus I did not give him the robe of honour or any reward! Now let me see where this story is going to end! Now he must have reached his region. His army is divided into two groups: strife is about to erupt!’ Alexander planned to take the Zangı¯s by surprise. When night came, he sent 50,000 horsemen in one direction and 50,000 horsemen in the other direction. He himself with 100,000 horsemen summoned his army and said, ‘Attack from both sides!’ Early in the morning, the army was mobilised and they cried out aloud on their way. Alexander said to the fairies, ‘Go first and let me know what the infidels are doing now!’ The fairies left and returned, saying, ‘Where are you going? Not even a child has remained there!’ When Alexander heard this, he was astonished. He summoned the fairies and sent them, saying, ‘Go and find out whether Sha¯hmalik has returned to his city or not!’ They left and checked. Sha¯hmalik had not returned and Arsla¯nkha¯n was asleep and wounded. When the fairies brought this news to Alexander, he became happy because Sha¯hmalik had not returned to his city. Ara¯qı¯t asked, ‘O King! Is it possible that he may have joined the Zangı¯s?’ Then they sent the fairies to the Zangı¯s. They found him there with the crown on his head and he was sitting on Jundu ¯ l’s throne and they were contriving a plan. The fairies returned and informed Alexander. When he heard this, Alexander said, ‘This villainous infidel has escaped by means of his tricks! I do not know what is about to happen!’ Once more, he said to the fairies, ‘Go and check if they have gone in that direction!’

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The fairies left and they returned in the morning and said, ‘They went to fight Arsla¯nkha¯n on the mountain where Zubayda’s cloister is. We do not know what they are up to!’ Alexander said, ‘His trick is that he left the city and stood between two armies, the one was ours and the other was that of Arsla¯nkha¯n. They left from there so they can make us believe so. This was Sha¯hmalik’s trick. And I was saying that the Almighty has a role in this process. We are also on alert until we see what is to happen with the two brothers.’ Early in the next morning, when the day had advanced, Alexander went to Zubayda’s cloister. He spent every noon with her. He did this every day and in the afternoon, he returned to his camping ground. Thus, three days elapsed. On the fourth day, a messenger came from Arsla¯nkha¯n to Alexander. He said, ‘Arsla¯nkha¯n says, “You did not do well that you freed the enemy that you had captured. No King does this thing! If you want to catch him, I will help you so that we capture him. We must have peace.”’ Alexander knew that he was bluffing. He answered, ‘The infidels cannot offer help! You must fight against each other until we see where you will end up! I am also trying on my own. My supporter is the only one God of the Seven Spheres of Earth and the Heavens. I cannot accept that help is falsely attributed to someone else!’ The messenger returned and gave the answer to Arsla¯nkha¯n, who knew that he could do nothing against Alexander. On the next day, the armies of Sha¯hmalik and Alexander came to face each other. They brought Arsla¯nkha¯n in a travelling litter in the middle of the army’s ranks. Those men who were with Sha¯hmalik placed themselves beside Sha¯hmalik while those who were with Arsla¯nkha¯n stood idle, refusing to fight because Arsla¯nkha¯n was injured and was in the city. Alexander was at the mountain in Zubayda’s cloister. Two hundred thousand men were gathered around Sha¯hmalik and destroyed his camp. They did not find any booty there and one can preserve an army only with booty! His men said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘You must pay us!’ They did not fight for three days and the fairies were preoccupied with gathering information. Then they informed Alexander. Sha¯hmalik sent a message to Alexander, saying, ‘O King! Know that you have suffered a lot in this region. You emerged victorious and conquered the fort but I freed myself and the Gods freed me also from you. Now if you promise and agree to make peace with me, I can find you a way and let you go to the land where the sun rises. Give this fort back to me and let me and my brother to be somewhere and have our wives and eat.’ Alexander heard this message, smiled and said to himself, ‘Both of my enemies have revealed their misery.’ He said to the messenger, ‘Tell Sha¯hmalik that you deceived me and you killed me. I swear to the God of the Sky and the Earth that as long as I am alive, I will not spare your life. Whenever I catch you, I will behead you and I will hung you from the parapet.’ The messenger left and gave the message to Sha¯hmalik. The later thought and said, ‘Gods protect me as they did with him.’ Alexander said, ‘There is no other way than that of patience until we see what will happen.’ Then Alexander sat peacefully and assigned the fairies with the task of bringing him good and bad news about Sha¯hmalik.

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Arsla¯nkha¯n’s wounds were healed and apart from lamenting day and night, he could do nothing about his love for Ara¯qı¯t. Sha¯hmalik sent a message to his brother, saying, ‘Hey, you cowardly bastard! Has anyone ever done to his brother what you did to me? Whoever harms his big brother, he can do the same to his father. I have fostered you and I am your big brother! You came out against me and you took over my throne. Rise, come out and ask me to pardon you. Show regret and give my throne back to me! Given that none of my children has remained alive, I will appoint you to be my successor and your bad fame will disappear. After me, you will ascend the throne!’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he replied, ‘This kingship belonged to me and I was the successor to my father. When my mother ordered thus, you grew strong and took kingship from me! Leave and return to your place for I can give you nothing! Those soldiers who supported you came to your aid. And you know that I have suffered enough due to Alexander! How can I help you? If you want to fight, reign and have this region, first go and take revenge for Alexander’s evil. Then you can come and rule!’ The messenger returned and conveyed the message to Sha¯hmalik who was displeased and answered rationally, ‘If you want to be a king, give Alexander an answer!’ And that day passed! The next morning he took his army and came close to Arsla¯nkha¯n. He went to the city and Arsla¯nkha¯n similarly rose and came out of the city. They took the right positions, oriented their armies properly and they fought bravely. In the end, Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army was defeated and his men fled to the city. Sha¯hmalik was enthusiastic and said, ‘I killed many and after this I will kill everyone.’ Then he returned victorious to his camping ground. That day 20,000 horsemen came from the city and joined his army. They took with them much booty and the camping ground was strengthened. Alexander was informed that Sha¯hmalik had received reinforcements and that 50,000 Turkish horsemen joined him. He said, ‘Our enemy has doubled his troops!’ Alexander was worried and his heart was full of hatred for Sha¯hmalik. Ara¯qı¯t was beside Alexander and she knew that he was unhappy due to those events. She was perplexed and said to herself, ‘What should I do to relieve Alexander?’ And that night, it was Ara¯qı¯t’s turn to spend the night with Alexander. Ara¯qı¯t summoned the fairies and said, ‘I want you to do something for me tonight!’ The fairies asked, ‘What is it?’ She said, ‘You must go tonight to Zubayda’s cloister and you must help me to lighten Alexander’s burden.’ In a moment, the fairies moved to Zubayda’s mountain. When Ara¯qı¯t rose and along with those 1,400 fairies arrived at Zubayda’s mountain, Sha¯hmalik’s camping ground was also there! He had appointed a night guard but they did not see the fairies! Ara¯qı¯t rose and went to Zubayda’s cloister. That pious girl was in prayers. When she had completed them, she saw Ara¯qı¯t, ran towards her and paid tribute to her. She said, ‘It is a good omen that the Queen has arrived here with her army.’ She said, ‘It is good! From this place, you foresaw victory and so did it happen! This time I have come with the same hope!’ That night Ara¯qı¯t rested and did not do anything. That day Alexander went for hunting and did not search for Ara¯qı¯t. In addition, that day, Ara¯qı¯t with her fairies went around Sha¯hmalik’s camp and checked it. At night, the fairies became stronger.

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THE STORY OF ARAQI T AND THE FAIRIES’ ASSAULT AGAINST SHAHMALIK’S ARMY
AND SHAHMALIK’S ARREST It is divinely narrated that the devout maiden rose and prayed to God at night. She lamented and pleaded, ‘O God! Bestow victory upon Ara¯qı¯t over these pagan Turks!’ In the meantime, Ara¯qı¯t and 1,400 armed fairies invaded Sha¯hmalik’s camp. Crying out ‘Victory to King Alexander!’ they killed the enemy. The Zangı¯s and the pagan Turks saw heads being slashed off bodies, but they saw no one striking at them with a weapon. Ara¯qı¯t went directly to the tent of Sha¯hmalik, seized him, tied his hands and neck, and put him in a rein. She said to him, ‘You villainous infidel! Your trouble was settled, but you brought yourself to misfortune again. The King of the Earth knows what to do with you!’ Some of the Zangı¯s were killed and some escaped. The chief, Jundu ¯ l, fled to the sea, followed by 40,000 Zangı¯s, and thus they made their escape. Ara¯qı¯t killed as many Turks as possible and she seized no one else except for Sha¯hmalik. The second night was Ara¯qı¯t’s turn with Alexander. However, when he sent for her, she could not be found anywhere. The fairies had disappeared too, but Ara¯qı¯t had not taken any man with her. Alexander was very worried and thought, ‘There is no war or ambush. I wonder where she is . . .’ Fear overcame him and there was a danger that he would slay himself. Alexander and the army commanders were saddened. The commanders said to Alexander, ‘Perhaps the King had displeased her and for that reason she went away.’ But Alexander said this was not the case. Then the men mounted, each group choosing a different direction. Alexander was distracted by anxiety and he was unaware of his whereabouts. At night, Alexander galloped to the city of the enemy. Half a parasang away from the Garden, he came across Ara¯qı¯t, who after that evening’s battle had gone to the cloister to bid the maiden farewell. She had crossed twenty parasangs in an hour. When Alexander saw her, he almost fell unconscious out of joy. He asked her, ‘Where have you been?’ She replied, ‘I have brought Sha¯hmalik!’ Alexander assessed the situation. Ara¯qı¯t told him everything that had occurred. She dismounted, bringing Sha¯hmalik before Alexander, who said, ‘O, you wretched villain! Are you not satisfied with so much deceit and treachery? Do you wish to trick God Himself? You will certainly pay for the foul results of your treachery.’ He took Sha¯hmalik from Ara¯qı¯t and brought him to his camp from where the clamour of drums and cheers rose. Alexander’s men were joyful over Sha¯hmalik’s arrest and the defeat of his army. Sha¯hmalik was brought before Alexander’s throne who said to Sha¯hmalik, ‘O, you villainous apostate! You had turned to God who had saved you from hell! Why did you throw yourself in hell again?’ Sha¯hmalik replied, ‘I never embraced the faith and I never will. An old faith is better than a new one. I will never renounce my old faith. It is true that I escaped from you through deceit, but you did not capture me manfully either; actually this fairy woman caught me.’ Alexander was infuriated and commanded his men to take Sha¯hmalik to the top of the castle and hang him. Thus, this annoyance came to an end.

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Back to Alexander’s chambers, he called Ara¯qı¯t to his presence and said to her, ‘You have accomplished great deeds and propitious victories! Yet none of your victories and battles was equal to the capturing of this infidel, because he was a strong opponent and he had mocked God and lied to Him.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n was informed that single-handedly Ara¯qı¯t had defeated Sha¯hmalik’s army, seized Sha¯ hmalik himself and dispersed his troops. Arsla¯ nkha¯ n was indescribably happier. His love for Ara¯qı¯t was intensified, but he could do nothing. He ordered his troops to mount and said to them, ‘Slay those of Sha¯hmalik’s men whom you find guilty of treachery and take as captives those whom you cannot kill. Call the Zangı¯s, but let them go if they do not appear. None of them will escape Alexander’s wrath.’ Then he dispatched a messenger to Alexander, saying, ‘Again you called the fairies and arrested my brother in a treacherous manner. Now he is defeated but we are not. Let us meet tomorrow. Our armies will stand face to face, while I and you shall fight in combat. Let’s see whom fortune favours. In this manner let’s end this confusion.’ Alexander’s soldiers heard this, shouted, saying, ‘Since there are 400,000 soldiers, why should the King fight personally and test the field with such an undeserving enemy?’ However, Alexander sent a messenger to Arsla¯nkha¯n, saying, ‘Make sure you come to the field yourself, because I will be there.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n was not yet very well and had challenged Alexander just for the sake of honour. He wanted to have news about his brother and learn what had happened to him. Alexander ordered his soldiers to send the messenger back by the road that led to the castle. Thus, the messenger saw Sha¯hmalik hanging from a tree by his feet at the top of the castle and he became afraid. On his return, he informed Arsla¯nkha¯n about these developments and conveyed the answer to his message. Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘He sends Ara¯qı¯t and when I see her, I cannot move a limb. How can I deal with this fairy woman? She has made me powerless. I find it prudent to dispatch someone to the place where the sun rises and summon the Elephant Ears to fight them, to tear them limb from limb and rescue us.’ The soldiers replied, ‘Be it as you command!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said to the messenger, ‘Go the King of the Elephant Ears and let him know of the situation. Say to him, “Alexander plans to fight you. Aid us and help us root him away.”’ He then said, ‘Any news from my brother?’ The messenger replied, ‘He was hung by his feet on top of the fort.’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he threw his hat to the ground and his soldiers acted similarly, mourning for seven days. When the messenger left, Alexander sent the fairies and said, ‘Go and check whether they are getting prepared for war or not?’ When the fairies came and checked, there was mourning and everyone was sitting and mourning. In the city, the shops were closed. She knew that he would not fight that week. Everyone knew this but nobody knew that he had sent a messenger to the Elephant Ears. Alexander came to the Garden. Two days elapsed but there was no news. After the two days, Alexander summoned the fairies and said, ‘You must go to Zubayda’s mountain and be informed about the Zangı¯s.’ The fairies left and inquired about the Zangı¯s. Nobody had seen them. They returned and cautioned Alexander. He said, ‘They must not be

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allowed to come up with a trick at a certain place! We may be defeated for they have many troops. Now that Sha¯hmalik is out of the way, they are not against Arsla¯nkha¯n; they are against us. I do not know what is going to happen in this case. I hope that this issue will have a happy outcome for me.’ And he spent that night and the following day praying to the Almighty. The next day in the morning, he sat on his throne, held a council and said to his army, ‘Know that we have been in this Garden for four months and that the kings of this region want to defeat us and take the fort. All the Zangı¯s have come here to take this fort. I will order to have the fort destroyed so that the Zangı¯s leave empty-handed.’ And it was for this reason that they were demolishing the fort that day. Then that Angel came and said, ‘O Double-Horned One! Know that it is not prudent to destroy the fort before seven more days elapse! This is what the Almighty has decreed!’ Thus, Alexander was patient and waited for the decree of the Almighty. When Ara¯qı¯t forced the Zangı¯s and the infidel Turks to flee and Sha¯hmalik was captured, the fleeing troops went to the sea. They took refuge on an island called ‘Diyanus’.70 They went around the island and they found other Zangı¯s who had sought refuge there from Qa¯til’s time, due to their fear of Alexander. They were not aware of Qa¯til’s death but they had been informed about his arrest. The commander Jundu ¯ l said to them, ‘Alas! You gave up your fort!’ They said, ‘He has stored there much gold and valuables and nobody went to find these. There is a road that we know and we will take you there to take the valuables and ascend the throne!’ Jundu ¯ l said, ‘It is fine. Yet I cannot go out at night because Alexander has ordered the fairies to patrol the road and do espionage. And the fairies hardly fall asleep!’ From there, they set out and came to the seashore. Alexander and the fairies did not know this. They came to the fort by way of the sea. When they arrived there, they saw the gate of the fort. They broke the gate and they entered the fort. The other gate was firmly fastened. They tried to break it day and night but they achieved nothing. They were perplexed and said, ‘They knew the significance of this gate and they shut it firmly!’ The next day they were still in their ships and Alexander did not know of this. In the end, when six days had elapsed, the Angel appeared to Alexander and said, ‘O Double-Horned One! The Almighty has decreed that you must destroy this fort today! Destroy also the inner fort at the top!’ Alexander said to the Angel, ‘Is there any decree for me to be victorious?’ The Angel replied, ‘Yes, there is! But tonight, before you destroy the fort, you must first remove the gate which leads to the sea!’ Alexander ordered them to remove the gate and they found the valuables, which were hidden there. They transferred it to the Haft Anbar Garden and they acquired all the property of the dwellers there. Nothing else was left in the city. Then he ordered them to remove all the metal gates of the fort and they brought them to the Garden. When the Zangı¯s looked from the sea, they saw that the gate, which led to the sea, had been removed. They came and informed the commander Jundu ¯ l about this. Jundu ¯l ordered, ‘Rise to go there! Let’s deal with them eventually!’ Immediately the fairies brought the news to Alexander, saying, ‘The Zangı¯s are coming against the fort by way of the sea!’

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Alexander immediately prostrated himself and said, ‘God’s promise cannot be annulled. He ordered me to wait for seven days and tomorrow is the seventh day.’ Then Alexander with 10,000 Iranian horsemen went to the fort. This was not the type of fort, which was in a city. If 100,000 horsemen went there on foot, they would not be obvious. They entered the courtyard and fell into the trap! The Zangı¯s came upwards one by one and Alexander allowed 1,000 men to come to the top of the fort. Those who had come did not know the way. They were astonished and perplexed. They said, ‘We do not know where to go! Those who have been here before should speak and come forth.’ Those who knew remained silent and kept a low profile. They said, ‘There must not be any trouble.’ After they spoke thus, they said to Jundu ¯ l, ‘You must help us and be with us so that we can take you to Qa¯til’s palace.’ They left and Jundu ¯ l left too. When Alexander knew that he was Jundu ¯ l, he drew his sword and cut off his head, which was like a mountain! The rest of his men drew their swords and uttered ‘God is great!’ and they attacked the Zangı¯s. Ara¯qı¯t with her fairies came from the road of the sea, destroyed their ships and killed all the Zangı¯s who were in the fort. Of those 70,000 Zangı¯s, almost no one survived. Some, who fled, went to Arsla¯nkha¯n. The spies came to Arsla¯nkha¯n and said, ‘The tasks of the Zangı¯s and Sha¯hmalik went wrong!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Now it is our turn and we must not fight until the elephant drivers arrive. Now they are at the gate and it is possible that Alexander will come to us.’ His men said, ‘What you suggest is correct.’ The messenger whom he had dispatched had not returned yet. Arsla¯nkha¯n was patient until the messenger arrived. The messenger indeed returned and said, ‘Thousands of thousands of Elephant Ears promised to come here in three days. And they do not have four legs and they cannot come quietly.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n kept being patient for another three days. On the fourth day, they arrived: the world was darkened before them and as they were coming, they ate whatever they saw.





ALEXANDER’S WAR AGAINST THE ELEPHANT EARS AND ARSLANKHAN, HIS

DISPLEASURE WITH ARAQI T AND HOW HE CAST HER AWAY It is divinely narrated that Alexander decided to destroy the castle but an Angel appeared, telling him to wait three more days. Alexander acted accordingly. On the fourth day, every Zangı¯ was slain and Jundu ¯ l’s head was placed beside the castle. One day, Alexander said to the fairies, ‘We have no news from Arsla¯nkha¯n and we do not know his intentions. Let us send the troops to besiege the city, and end this trouble too.’ The soldiers said, ‘The King is to be obeyed! But it would be better to send a messenger and know what he thinks.’ Alexander said, ‘I have sent too many messengers. He is not so important to send him so many messengers. Let us take the army, encamp outside the city and battle. Whatever God has decreed will come to pass!’ The soldiers could only obey Alexander. He chose 200,000 capable horsemen from the Iranians and the Greeks. He appointed Aristotle as the chief of the Greeks and Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s as the chief of the Iranians. He ordered them, ‘Camp two parasangs away from the city. Fight back, in case

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the enemy comes from the city to fight you. If they do not come forward, besiege the city and let nobody enter it. I will follow you.’ Then he dispatched the men. Ara¯qı¯t went to the top of the castle to assess the situation. Alexander remembered the words of the Angel, who had said to him, ‘Do not destroy the castle!’ In the past, the Angel’s instruction had led to the defeat of the Zangı¯s. This time Alexander did not know why the Angel had spoken thus. He said, ‘God knows best, for he is Omniscient.’ He spent the next three days and three nights with Ara¯qı¯t, talking to her of various issues. He said, ‘I am afraid that death will take me by surprise.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! Do not speak thus, because you are still young and will live for many years.’ On the fourth day, Alexander said, ‘We must follow the troops. It is unwise to leave them there.’ Alexander prepared to depart with 100,000 horsemen, letting 100,000 soldiers stay with Ara¯qı¯t. He appointed Ara¯qı¯t to be in charge of the Garden, the castle, the treasury and the women. However, when he left the fort, he saw his army withdrawing in defeat. Among them were Aristotle and Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s, driving the elephants fast. Alexander asked, ‘What is it?’ They replied, ‘O King! Do not ask! Fifteen hundred of our men were killed. The enemy is after us. Thousands of our camels and mules are dead, remaining behind. Tomorrow the enemy will be here. Arsla¯nkha¯n is with them with thousands of horsemen.’ Alexander inquired, ‘Whom is he following?’ They replied, ‘The Elephant Ears.’ He asked, ‘What are they?’ They replied, ‘They are as tall as the tamarisk tree and have two ears like the ears of an elephant. They do not use mattress or covers. Instead, while they sleep, they spread one ear under and one ear over their bodies. We had encamped when Arsla¯nkha¯n’s messenger came and said, “Tomorrow is the day of the battle.” The next morning each one of us was in the camp when suddenly the Elephant Ears swarmed in like many serpents and worms, fighting with their teeth and claws. Their teeth were like a boar’s tusks and their claws were like the lion’s paws. Our elephants were terrified and jumped among the beasts. The Iranians shot at them with arrows, killing many of them. Yet the beasts did not stop from running. We retreated and Arsla¯nkha¯n pursued us.’ Alexander heard this and ordered that the women, the treasury, the sheep and beasts be carried to the castle. With army equally divided between the Garden and the castle, they put the elephants and the troops in the Garden. Alexander asked Ara¯qı¯t what was to be done. Ara¯qı¯t laughed, saying, ‘O King! These have come to fight me many times. They are the most harmful creatures in the world. Only God knows their number. If you kill 1,000 times 1,000 of them now, in an hour there will be ten times more.’ Aristotle said, ‘That is who they are. They are so many that the face of the earth darkened with them.’ Ara¯qı¯t knew how to deal with them, but she wanted to see what Alexander would do. The Elephant Ears arrived and Alexander was on the top of the castle. Some of the soldiers were on the castle and some in the Garden. Suddenly the Elephant Ears appeared, tearing the ground with their claws. They tried to climb the wall of the Garden but after going halfway up they fell down again. The Iranians shot them with arrows and killed many of them from the Garden and the top of the castle. After sunset, they covered themselves between their ears. The arrows were useless on their ears. Ara¯qı¯t watched

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Alexander, laughing. He said to her, ‘These are your neighbours and you know better how to deal with them.’ Ara¯qı¯t asked for 1,000 bottles full of naphtha.71 They set the bottles on fire and threw them on the Elephant Ears. The flames rose high. The Elephant Ears can be destroyed only by fire. When the fire reached them, some were burned and some others fled. Ara¯qı¯t instructed the fairies to throw flaming bottles at them from the air. Alexander and the army watched and were astonished. Alexander pursued with the elephants those who were fleeing. On their way, the Elephant Ears saw Arsla¯nkha¯n, who found them half-burned and fleeing. He realised that this was done by the fairies. He heard the clamour of Alexander’s army at their back. When Arsla¯nkha¯n saw the Elephant Ears in that condition, he became afraid of them. Everyone turned to him, saying, ‘You deceived us! You surrendered us to the fairies to take our land.’ Thus, they moved against his army, destroying many of his men and beasts. Arsla¯nkha¯n saw Alexander approaching with his troops and he was obliged to fight him. The Elephant Ears went away after killing a great number from Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men. But some 100,000 Elephant Ears had been killed. The armies of Alexander and Arsla¯nkha¯n engaged in battle. Many were killed on both sides until more reinforcements came to Alexander’s aid. They defeated Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army and forced them to flee. Yet given the fear of Alexander’s soldiers for the Elephant Ears, they did not pursue the withdrawal of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army. Instead, everyone returned to the castle. During the confrontation between the two armies earlier, Arsla¯nkha¯n was moved by his desire for Ara¯qı¯t and decided to go to the gate of the Garden, hoping to capture her. Hence, as Alexander was fighting his army, Arsla¯nkha¯n left and came to the Garden with 50,000 horsemen. Ara¯qı¯t being with the soldiers thought that the horsemen belonged to Alexander’s army. But looking closely, they saw Arsla¯nkha¯n. At once Ara¯qı¯t armed herself and descended from the castle with 100,000 horsemen along with the fairies. A dreadful fight erupted but Arsla¯nkha¯n did not dare to go before Ara¯qı¯t. Instead, he stood at a distance. Alexander did not know anything of this, and, being under the impression that Arsla¯nkha¯n had fled, he camped four parasangs from the Garden to rest. At the Garden gate, the battle between Arsla¯nkha¯n and Ara¯qı¯t lasted until the evening prayers. Eventually Arsla¯nkha¯n said to her, ‘O Queen of the Earth! Listen to me. Then we will fight if you wish, or return if you will.’ When he said this, Ara¯qı¯t went before him. On that day, she was unveiled and her face was like the moon and the sun. When Arsla¯nkha¯n saw her, he trembled all over. He wept and said, ‘O Lady, beware! I cannot stand your love any longer. Come to rescue me. Why do you love this foreign king? Tomorrow he will return and if you do not go with him, he will leave you alone. But if you listen to my suggestion, you will go on ruling this land. I will be your slave, attending your will before your throne. Leave the castle and the Garden immediately. Come with me and today you will ascend the throne as the ruler of this land. Everything shall be under your rule from here to your own land. I will make everyone obey you and I will be your slave. I will recall all the dispersed fairies. You will run the entire world as you wish.’ Ara¯qı¯t heard these words and was puzzled. Fairies are very sensitive and women can be

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easily overtaken. She thought, ‘He is right!’ However, she did not answer him; she turned her horse and rode off. Aristotle, who was in the central line of the troops, heard that Arsla¯nkha¯n attempted to win Ara¯qı¯t, resulting in the fact that she was softened and she did not fight him. Instead, she turned her horse and left. Aristotle asked, ‘Where did Arsla¯nkha¯n go?’ They answered, ‘He returned.’ He ordered, ‘Follow him, and do it quickly, because I have already sent a horseman to King Alexander and the King is nearby.’ The men left Ara¯qı¯t and pursued Arsla¯nkha¯n. Ara¯qı¯t was agitated and said, ‘How do they dare pursue him when I did not give a battle today?’ She sent the fairies to order the troops to return, but the men did not obey her. Arsla¯nkha¯n was happy, because Ara¯qı¯t had listened to his words and happiness gave him courage. However, he did not dare to stay, out of fear for Alexander. Thus, he galloped away with his army. When Alexander’s men reached Arsla¯nkha¯n, the fairies told them to return. The soldiers replied, ‘We will return if we bring the head of this pagan.’ Aristotle said to the fairies, ‘It was not us but Ara¯qı¯t, who felt pity for Arsla¯nkha¯n for his love. For a long time King Alexander ruled without Ara¯qı¯t and everything was fine.’ When the fairies heard this from Aristotle, they left the army. Aristotle and the men attacked. Arsla¯nkha¯n returned, realising what had occurred. A great battle erupted and Arsla¯nkha¯n defeated Aristotle in the end. Alexander’s troops withdrew defeated. Arsla¯nkha¯n returned the same way he had come and went to his camp. When the host and Aristotle returned, Ara¯qı¯t stood at the Garden gate and said to Aristotle, ‘You have grown presumptuous and you say what you will.’ Aristotle gave a harsh response: ‘You are deceitful and treacherous again. Every day you have a new desire and a new passion. I do not blame you but the King who loves you and trusts you. I will give an end to this today.’ This enraged Ara¯qı¯t, both due to her sense of honour and Alexander. Aristotle rode and passed her by. Ara¯qı¯t went after him and with her own hands took him down from the saddle. She gave Aristotle to the fairies to take him to the castle and chain him. The men tried to rescue Aristotle and began to fight the fairies. The fairy that held Aristotle wanted to enter the castle, but Alexander’s men rescued Aristotle and killed the fairy. How could fairies face all those men? Ara¯qı¯t set out towards the castle very angrily! The fairies had not returned to the castle. She wanted to go to the Garden but the gates of the Garden had been shut firmly. Meanwhile Alexander was informed that the fairies and his men fought each other; and that the fairies had arrested Aristotle and his men had freed him. Alexander was four parasangs away and he also heard that Arsla¯nkha¯n was at the Garden and that a great fight had erupted with many casualties on both sides. Due to these developments, Alexander was very worried and said to himself, ‘I was not in the camp just for a day and this tumult has erupted! If the Almighty decrees so, I will not take even one of them to Iran or Greece!’ He rose and came, aiming to reprimand Aristotle and the army. Immediately, the Angel came and said to him, ‘Why are you angry with your army? What your men said was right and correct! That wretched fairy woman has come up with deceit, treachery and immoral desire for men!’ When

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Alexander heard this, he was silent and then asked the Angel, ‘What is God’s decree?’ The Angel replied, ‘I do not know God’s decree. But He has stopped supporting you and he does not want you any more.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n desires kingship and the rule of the whole region. He caused much trouble to the old man Sage and he could do nothing about it. The Almighty supported your army and thus they did not allow Arsla¯nkha¯n to enter the Garden and the castle. In addition, the Almighty deprived this wretched [fairy woman] of her ability to fly. Now she cannot move and take a single step! Alexander became happy and said, ‘I must be righteous like you from now on!’ And he asked, ‘What is your decree?’ The Angel replied, ‘Abstain from her and do not look at her! Do not let her allow her to the Garden and the castle and do not go after her! When you return to the camping ground, do not speak to her. And ask your army loudly why they have left even one fairy alive! And do all of this, until you see a sign of regret on her part. In the end, this task and this region will end successfully for you. The Almighty will support you regarding the punishment of these crimes!’ The Angel said this and disappeared. From there, Alexander moved to his camping ground. When he arrived there, Aristotle and the nobility came to his presence. Ara¯qı¯t sent the fairies to inquire about what Alexander was saying. The fairies could not fly and so they went on foot. When Alexander came to the camping ground, he said to Aristotle, ‘Why did you not kill all the fairies?’ He mounted his horse and went to the garden. He entered his tent and said nothing. He said to the guard of the castle, ‘Do not allow any fairy to enter the castle!’ He said similarly to the guard of the garden, ‘Do not allow any fairy to enter the Haft Anbar Garden!’ He also ordered the newly converted Muslim commanders to guard around the camping ground and the Haft Anbar Garden at night. Alexander came to the mountain where the old hermit was. When the latter saw Alexander, he asked him what had happened. Alexander told him all. The hermit said, ‘O King! Know that if you have a wife who is not a human like you, then she will desire someone else every time! Especially the woman who is a convert and she has been used to reign, she will change her mind every day!’ When Alexander heard this, he said to the hermit, ‘Would it be prudent to kill her?’ The hermit replied, ‘I do not know. The Almighty does!’ Then Alexander returned and Ara¯qı¯t was standing in the corner of the garden. She pitched a tent and then said to the fairies who came to her, ‘Tonight it is my turn to sleep with Alexander. He must expectedly come and look for me!’ When night came, Alexander did not look for her. Instead, he spent the night with Qa¯til’s bride. She said, ‘O King! How wonderful! Tonight it is Queen Ara¯qı¯t’s turn to be with you but you came to me!’ Alexander said, ‘I am displeased with the Queen for she has been deceitful and improper towards me.’ And Alexander stayed with her that night and the next day, he did not look for Ara¯qı¯t! The next day, Ara¯qı¯t said to the fairies, ‘I will send one of you to Arsla¯nkha¯n! Can you go?’ The fairies replied, ‘O Queen! The Almighty has taken our powers and we can only walk now. But we will take our power back!’ Queen Ara¯qı¯t thought of something else and then she came to the Garden to be in King’s presence. She was not allowed to see him and Ara¯qı¯t agitated the guard and killed him. Alexander was informed of this and sent one of

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his ministers and ordered them, ‘Do not allow her to come and do not kill anyone else. Tell her that if she has something to say, she should say it to you and you will convey her message to me!’ Ara¯qı¯t became very unhappy. She said to them, ‘Why do you not allow me to see him?’ The chamberlains said to Alexander that Ara¯qı¯t asked for permission to come because she has something to say to Alexander. He said, ‘Tell her that the Almighty has decreed that I should not see you and I cannot see you without the Almighty’s permission. Now go wherever you like the most!’ Ara¯qı¯t was very worried and she knew that the Angel had come and decreed thus. She returned, took her fairies and went to the seashore. She stayed there to see how things would unfold. Alexander took his army and headed to the city of Arsla¯nkha¯n. He settled there and beat the war drums. Arsla¯nkha¯n also came out of the city. When Aristotle and Ara¯qı¯t disagreed, Arsla¯nkha¯n’s spies watched them and they conveyed the news to Arsla¯nkha¯n was blossomed like a flower because of his joy! However, he was not aware of King Alexander’s moves. When he realised that Alexander had come, he also came out of the city. His spies came and said, ‘Ara¯qı¯t has gone to the seashore along with her fairies. The gates of the castle and the Garden are closed. Alexander has foresworn her company.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n became happy but it was time for war! Both armies faced each other and a battle erupted with many casualties from both sides. When night came, they returned and Alexander, due to his fear for God, did not look for her. There was no one strong enough to utter Ara¯qı¯t’s name. The next day, Alexander was not eager to fight until he saw what Arsla¯nkha¯n would do. The latter did not appear either. When the spy came and said that Alexander had foresworn Ara¯qı¯t’s company, Arsla¯nkha¯n said to himself, ‘My desire is to be fulfilled now. Someone must be brave enough to convey a message to her.’ They prepared and dispatched an old man with a happy and promising message: ‘O Queen of Queens! Whatever I said to you has been fulfilled! Alexander has not gone yet and he has let you go. I know very well that you did not do anything wrong. Now you must be strong, rise and come to my side. I will give you a belt of honour. Alexander will now find out that you are in my camp before he is defeated! Once you come, Alexander will be defeated because everything he has accomplished is thanks to you!’ They dispatched that man. It so happened that the messenger approached Alexander’s camping ground as a villager. Alexander had given the order that no one should be allowed to enter the place. Then they arrested that old man and asked him, ‘Where are you going?’ He replied, ‘I am a dervish and I am going to get some food!’ The soldiers said, ‘Let him go, for he is dervish!’ They let him go. When he came before Ara¯qı¯t, he gave her Arsla¯nkha¯n’s message. When Ara¯qı¯t read the message, she said to herself, ‘Arsla¯nkha¯n desires me so much whilst Alexander has foresworn my company. I will pay more attention to Arsla¯nkha¯n!’ She sent a message in reply to him, saying, ‘As a commander of my soldiers, I gave you that response to your improper words at the core of my army. Now how can I come to you? You must take revenge from Alexander and once you take hold of this region, I will come to you. Where should I go? I will come to the side of the city that you control and I will go to Zubayda’s cloister to ask her what is going on with Alexander. Then I will inform you about this. Even if Alexander decides, I will go to Zubayda’s

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cloister, what can he do to me? Although he has foresworn me, he has not taken a divorce and I am still his wife! If you prevail, then how can I be with you when I am his wife? Today I will send someone to say to Alexander, “You took my property and then you captured me! I have accomplished so many deeds in your place and in the end, my fate is that you have foresworn my company. Now divorce me and be at ease!”’ When she had finished writing the letter, she gave it to that man who returned and conveyed the message. He returned by the same road on which he had come. He took a seed of barley on his back in order to ensure his provisions on his long trip. By chance, as he returned, Alexander was on the road. When he saw him, thanks to his Divine Charisma, he knew that he was the messenger. He ordered, ‘Arrest this man because he is a spy!’ Then Alexander asked him, ‘Where are you from?’ His men said, ‘O King! This is the man who two days ago crossed this place looking for his daily food.’ Alexander said, ‘Now it is clear that he is a spy!’ Alexander said to him, ‘Now tell me the truth: where are you coming from and whom you are working for! Or else I will behead you!’ He replied, ‘O King! I am coming on behalf of Arsla¯nkha¯n and I was with Queen Ara¯qı¯t! I took her letter with her response and I am going somewhere!’ Alexander laughed and said to his men, ‘I am never wrong in my opinion!’ Then he asked him, ‘Where are the fairies?’ He replied, ‘O King! They are out of the castle at the seashore.’ Alexander said, ‘Show me the letter!’ He did so and Alexander read the message. He said, ‘He spoke truthfully! It was Arsla¯nkha¯n’s message and Ara¯qı¯t gave an answer.’ Then Alexander summoned Aristotle and the nobility of his army and said, ‘What is to be done?’ They replied, ‘These are the issues but you can be successful with God’s help!’ Alexander read the letter, gave it back to the messenger and said, ‘Let him go!’ He turned to the messenger and said, ‘Do not tell them that we saw you!’ The messenger replied, ‘I will not!’ Alexander, due to his fear of the Angel and the divine decree, did not dare to confiscate the letter. He spent that day weeping and lamenting to the Almighty. He said, ‘O Lord! Reveal to me the secret of this task!’ The Almighty revealed the Angel to Alexander. He said, ‘O Alexander! Know that this woman did not do anything wrong but she intended to! We ordered you to keep her at a distance! However, you are not obliged to divorce her. Whatever comes after this will serve your victory! Do not set her free and do not make her believe that she is able to do something!’ Alexander said, ‘O brother! Given that the Almighty decrees that I must not set her in liberty, how can I be sure that she will come after me and if she comes, my heart will be pure?’ The Angel smiled and said, ‘Be at ease and have faith from this point of view. Things are not to going to take this turn for the Almighty’s decree cannot be annulled! She is going to cause you much trouble and be deceitful! The Almighty has her under His protection and He is going to send her back to you pure and safe! Be at ease, for I am His representative for bringing you happiness!’ Alexander narrated this to the nobility. The aristocrats and his commanders were alarmed by these developments. Meanwhile a fairy came, rose and went to Alexander. She prostrated herself before him and said, ‘I have brought you a message from Ara¯qı¯t!’ Alexander said, ‘I have already seen this message in Arsla¯nkha¯n’s message.’ Then he

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ordered her to read the message. She did so. Alexander said, ‘I will never divorce her unless the Almighty orders me so! Whatever we do is in accordance with His decrees! If you want, stay here or go to Zubayda’s cloister or to Arsla¯nkha¯n! Stay wherever you like and do whatever you can!’ The messenger returned to Ara¯qı¯t and brought the message. He said to her, ‘King Alexander arrested that man and read the message! When the King saw me, he told me everything.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘This King is a killer! Arsla¯nkha¯n does not keep quiet! I will rise and go to Zubayda’s and stay with her until I see how things will unfold.’





HOW ARAQI T WENT TO ZUBAYDA’S CLOISTER AND THE STORY BETWEEN HER,

ALEXANDER AND ARSLANKHAN It is divinely narrated that when the night came, Ara¯qı¯t went to Zubayda’s cloister. She and the rest of the fairies could not fly. They were astonished that they could not fly. They went on foot for there were no beasts of burden around. Ara¯qı¯t was a very sensitive woman. They arrived there in four days. They travelled at night until the morning. In the morning, they were standing in Alexander’s camping ground. Alexander’s men saw them and reported this to him, especially the fairies misery and the fact that they had come on foot. Alexander said, ‘They are heading to Zubayda’s cloister. Let them pass do not look at them.’ Ara¯qı¯t looked to the camping ground but no one looked at her. She wept and cried and then she went to Zubayda’s place. She informed Arsla¯nkha¯n who sent her horses, a retinue and servants who helped her rest. Then she rose and went to Zubayda. When she saw Ara¯qı¯t, she performed ablutions and asked what had happened. Ara¯qı¯t told her everything. Zubayda moved her head and said, ‘This woman is stupid! She has abandoned her fame and kingship!’ Then she said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘It was not prudent to receive these horses and provisions from this infidel. You have created a bad reputation for yourself. Immediately return the horses and the provisions to him and tell him, “Do not cause me trouble. I am at Zubayda’s cloister until I see how things will unfold. Go and fight!”’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he became happy and ordered his men to beat the war drums. They came out of the city and Ara¯qı¯t observed the developments from the cloister above. She wanted Alexander to be defeated and flee. Zubayda prayed in favour of Alexander, saying, ‘O Lord! Make Alexander emerge victorious and restore his relationship with Queen Ara¯qı¯t. For You are Merciful to Your slaves! O Lord! Make Alexander fall in love with this woman.’ That day the two armies fought bravely and in the end, Arsla¯nkha¯n was defeated. He retreated to his city and was fortified there. And that night, as every night, he desired Ara¯qı¯t. When she returned from the cloister, he could not find a way to sleep with her. Ara¯qı¯t did not consent and said, ‘Until you teach Alexander a lesson and he gives me back my strength, you cannot see my face!’ The next morning Arsla¯nkha¯n sent a message out of ignorance to Alexander. He said, ‘Your case has been time consuming for me and there is no other precondition for this. Two things remain: if you want to make peace with me, give me the castle, so that I can

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go there with my retinue. Moreover, I will allow you to come to have control over my city for a month so that you can prepare provisions for your trip. I will give you hundreds of thousands of gold coins and you will leave unharmed! Then I will return to my city. And bear in mind that I put this condition to you: you must give Ara¯qı¯t’s strength back to her and divorce her! When you do this, then I will do whatever you like! You deprived a weak woman from her kingship and you took everything she had. She is afraid that tomorrow you will enslave her. It will not be good.’ After he had finished writing the message, the messenger came to Alexander who ordered his men to have the messenger sit on a golden chair. When the messenger gave the letter and conveyed the message, Alexander was angry but he showed restraint. He said, ‘I have conquered this land and I control its riches. These are under my pillow! If the Almighty wants it so, I would be finished with this trouble in five days and you give my answer to what has already been sent. Beware that this answer must befit a man and it is called the “sword”! Come tomorrow and fight!’ When the messenger left, Alexander said, ‘If the Angel had not come to me, I would have immediately brought Ara¯qı¯t here and sent her to the top of the castle!’ When Alexander said this, the Angel came and said, ‘Wait for a while tonight until tomorrow and in two days she will come to you in chains! And there is a plan in this! Do not forget that she is a proud and boasting woman. She said, “I will defeat all those troops.” She lied because only the Almighty gives victory. He gave it through you and your rule. In two days, the first person, who will come out of that army, will be the one who tonight conveyed the message to you. But do not give him way before you see a miracle!’ Alexander became happy because of this news. When night came, he appointed a night guard. Then he was informed that a fairy had come, carrying a message. He told them to bring her to him. When the fairy came and gave him the letter, it was written: ‘From your weak slave Ara¯qı¯t to Alexander of the World, the Double-Horned One. Know that I have run out of patience. I do not have any more strength either to escape death or to see you. Either forgive me and call me back, or else tomorrow I will join Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army and I will destroy your army in the same fashion that I did to his army.’ Alexander replied to her message, ‘Go wherever you like!’ Then the fairy returned and conveyed his message to her. Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘In the religion of the fairies, when a husband says to his wife to go, it means he gives her divorce! And I cannot stand this any more. I cannot answer when somebody from the ranks speaks to me. I returned to my horse and I did not fight so that he would not do all this to me. And I accomplished all those deeds in his name: I defeated Qa¯til, I was victorious in the battle for the castle, in the Garden and at the seashore I fought while he was asleep! I fought the enemy on his behalf. One day the Elephant Ears came and if I did not come to his aid, he would be dead. He recognised all of my services to him and the deeds which I accomplished with my fairies. And I arrested Sha¯hmalik! Know that an infidel dog tempted me and fell in love with me. What a sin that was! I am tired of this King, his nature and acts!’ Zubayda said to her, ‘O Queen! Know that Kings are of this nature.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘He divorced me. Now what is to be done?’ She replied, ‘It is prudent for you to stay here with me until Alexander and Arsla¯nkha¯n fight each other. If Alexander wins, then there will be

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another development for you. If Arsla¯nkha¯n prevails then there will be another fate for you!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘If I am not with Alexander, then he will be unable to gain any victory. And what I am telling you is not a lie! Know that I conquered this castle and I arrested Sha¯hmalik. And if I go to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s camping ground, Alexander will be defeated on the very same day!’ Zubayda said to her, ‘O woman! Know that I think that the source of your trouble is your egoism. What you say is not in accordance with Islamic ethics! Victory, prevalence and daily food are obtained through divine help! Men are weak and they cannot achieve anything without God’s intervention. It is not Alexander’s mistake that he has foresworn your company because this has happened by God’s will!’ And that day Zubayda admonished Ara¯qı¯t all day long. Then it was time for the evening prayers for the army. Ara¯qı¯t was terrified and said, ‘Now which army is the one that is coming on the mountain.’ When she looked carefully, she saw the Turks and Arsla¯nkha¯n among them. Zubayda knew this. She came and opened the door. Arsla¯nkha¯n burst into the cloister and Ara¯qı¯t stood on the top of it. She hid herself and did not show her face to him. Yet they spoke to each other and Arsla¯nkha¯n encouraged her much, saying, ‘All of the army, treasury and property are yours! If Alexander replied to you, “If you want, go to Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army,” why are you sitting here?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘I will stay here until I see what the outcome of your efforts is going to be! I will not intervene at all!’ Addressing Arsla¯nkha¯n’s words, she said, ‘I will not come to your city and I will not allow you to see my face. However, tomorrow, when you rank your men for battle, I will come to your aid in the same fashion I used to come to Alexander’s aid! I will try to capture Alexander. If not, then I will attack his men and force them to retreat. Then I will return to the cloister. I will do this so that he knows that whatever he has achieved is thanks to me!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘Come down to shake hands! For if you do this, then you will come to the city and ascend the throne.’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘I am forbidden to shake hands with you. But when it is time to support you, I will come to the city.’ Then they arranged everything and Arsla¯nkha¯n returned to his place. Zubayda said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘O sister! Do not do this and show mercy upon yourself! Think of your life, for you do not know what you are doing! Now you have not done anything but later on, you will fall into the trap of sin!’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘I disagree with you when you say that I have achieved nothing and everything has been achieved by God and that the fairies find their strength from the fact that they are Muslims.’ Zubayda became angry and said, ‘Know that when you are captured, I will not pray for you!’ Ara¯qı¯t asked her, ‘If I am victorious, will you take me to your cloister?’ Zubayda replied, ‘My cloister is open to everyone.’ The next day Arsla¯nkha¯n brought his army, ranked his men and prepared for battle. They fought bravely until just before noon. Both sides suffered many casualties. Alexander was afraid that his men might flee the battleground. And there were many of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men. King Alexander came to the battleground and cried out aloud, ‘O Arsla¯nkha¯n! Come forth so that we may fight each other in a single combat and relieve our men from fighting further!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered his men to bring his armour. Ara¯qı¯t

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arrived with twenty horsemen. His men did not see her. She said to him, ‘Give me your armour and I will go to fight Alexander in order to show him my force! The Almighty has decreed that if someone is not covered by dust, then life is meaningless.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n was happy, dismounted his horse and gave his set of armour to Ara¯qı¯t. Ara¯qı¯t wore the set of armour covering entirely her body so that no one would recognise her. Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men did not know her identity, with the exception of those who were at the core of the army. Ara¯qı¯t came onto the battleground and searched for an adversary. Alexander’s men thought that it was Arsla¯nkha¯n! When Ara¯qı¯t appeared before Alexander, she did not feel any shame. The Almighty wanted Ara¯qı¯t to appear in a contemptible way so that everyone would know that she was weak. Alexander knew that she was a woman for he had fought many times against women in the past. They fought for an hour. Suddenly Alexander attacked and grasped her belt and he unmounted her. He lifted her on his neck and held her there. The Turks thought for sometime that it was Arsla¯nkha¯n. They were terrified and fled the battleground. Alexander’s men thought similarly and they attacked Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army. Breaking the core of their formation and unleashing the elephants against them. Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘They fled and abandoned their positions.’ Then he walked among his men so that they would see him and have their morale restored. Yet the ranks of his army were shattered whilst Alexander held Ara¯qı¯t in the air, knowing that she was Ara¯qı¯t. When Alexander saw the enemy fleeing, he wanted to throw her to the ground. She was terrified and shouted, ‘O King of the World! Please spare my life. It is me, Ara¯qı¯t!’ He took her to his camping ground and put her there. The fairies gathered around her and Alexander ordered to have them all arrested. Meanwhile, the Almighty had made fairies incapable of flying. He arrested all of them except two fairies, who were appointed at his service. He ordered them to tighten Ara¯qı¯t firmly onto the rear of an elephant and to take her to the castle. After she was taken there, he went to the city gate where he killed and captured many enemies. Arsla¯nkha¯n came to the city and closed the city gate. For him, the capture of Ara¯qı¯t was worse than death. He said to himself, ‘Alas! Ara¯qı¯t has been captured and my hopes have been shattered. I do not know what is to happen now.’ He lamented greatly for many men of his army had been killed. He said to himself, ‘I cannot fight for a month because I am not in the mood and I do not have the necessary manpower.’ Then he ordered them to close the gates firmly and appointed a commander to guard each gate. When Alexander saw Arsla¯nkha¯n fortifying his city, he headed to the Haft Anbar Garden and he was happy for his victory that day. Ara¯qı¯t sent the two fairies as messengers to Alexander. She said, ‘Now death awaits me! For the sin I committed, order your men to kill me. Thus, I will be relieved of my misery. For whatever I am doing is due to my stupidity and whatever I did was not right. Now either kill me or else I will commit suicide!’ The fairies came and handed the message to Alexander. He replied, ‘You killed all those men without shame and with impudence. You sided with a man whom you are forbidden to see. You wore a set of armour and you fought me on the battleground. However, I was aware of your moves! I might kill you and

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take the skin of your head off as long as you are alive! Instead, I obey to Omnipotent God’s decrees!’ The fairies returned and informed Ara¯qı¯t of Alexander’s response. She said, ‘Whatever Alexander said was right. It is the way he says. But I am not pleased with my actions. I almost committed suicide before! I wish he had killed me today. I would have been relieved.’ After two days, Ara¯qı¯t regretted her deeds. She implored God looking to the sky, saying, ‘O Omnipotent God! I was wrong!’ And she lamented and cried. She sent one of the two fairies to Zubayda with the message: ‘Everything went according to what you said! Alas! Alas! Listen to my cry! May God be merciful to me, save my soul and relieve me!’ The fairy reached Zubayda after two or three days because she could not fly. She told Zubayda what had happened. When Zubayda heard this, she wept and said, ‘Tell her that I know everything and I am looking for someone to send to Alexander to inform him that this happened by divine decree. He must now feel happy. Ara¯qı¯t! What you said was dictated by God and you could not understand that you behaved in a foolish manner. You can do nothing for good and evil depends on God! I pray to the Almighty day and night! You also turn to God and pray to Him, saying: “O God! I have repented and I did not know that I am a fool and You are Omnipotent!” Thus God may be able to save you!’ The fairy departed and came to Ara¯qı¯t, informing her about Zubayda’s reply. Ara¯qı¯t looked to the Almighty and repented. She asked to be pardoned and said, ‘O God! You know the earth and the sky whilst I am a fool. Whatever I did was a result of my stupidity and I owe everything to Your Power! Today You revealed to me that I am a fool and that my power comes from You, the Almighty! Please forgive my sin, the sin of a miserable one!’ And she wept day and night during her prayers. Zubayda also implored God to forgive Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander had encamped in a triumphal way in the Haft Anbar Garden, spending one night with Qa¯til’s bride, one night with Qaymu ¯ n’s daughter and the rest of the week with his concubines. One evening he thought, ‘I wish the pious Zubayda were my wife. However, the Angel has said to me, “Henceforth you will not take the daughters of kings for a wife.” Zubayda is not of royal origin and she is a devout woman. If I marry her, I will have the kingdom of heaven and this world.’ Then he called Aristotle and said to him, ‘You must go to Zubayda as my messenger and ask her for her hand in marriage for me. There are many ways to the cloister. Follow the one leading you there far from the city. The face of this maiden cannot be found in this world and can be sought in heaven.’ Aristotle said, ‘The King is to be obeyed!’ He rose and set out to seek the maiden’s leave. That night, Zubayda had a dream in which someone said to her, ‘You must marry someone, because a young chaste woman with no husband is tempted by the devil.’ That night she thought, ‘I wish King Alexander would ask for my hand in marriage!’ In the morning, Aristotle went to her and spoke of Alexander’s intentions to marry her. Zubayda grew joyful and bowed with her forehead to the ground. She consented to marry Alexander, however, she said, ‘I have conditions that the King is obliged to accept. I wish

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to spend the night in prayer. Two nights a week, I will be at his service and I will have five nights for praying to God. The King must esteem no woman above me, favour me above all and do as I say, because I say nothing except that which would please God.’ Aristotle returned and conveyed her message to Alexander. He accepted these conditions. The next day Alexander dispatched Aristotle with some men to bring Arsla¯nkha¯n. He was informed that Alexander’s messages were delivered to Zubayda. They said, ‘We do not know what the reason for this is!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘This happened due to Ara¯qı¯t for Zubayda has supported Ara¯qı¯t.’ When Aristotle came and brought Zubayda, she wanted to agree with Alexander on their engagement and marriage. He offered 40,000 red gold coins for her matrimony but she said, ‘Instead, I would like 400 silver coins!’ Alexander said, ‘We agreed that we will do whatever you want.’ Thus, they agreed on 400 silver coins and Zubayda spent that night with Alexander, who was astonished by her beautiful fragrance and noble character! And when he saw her, he forgot Ara¯qı¯t and everything else relating to her! He was so happy that he was to rule the world through her eyes, company and words. The next day, Ara¯qı¯t was informed that Alexander had asked Zubayda for marriage. She said to herself, ‘Alas! She did this out of enmity for me! But what can I do now?’ Alexander stayed at his place for a week whilst Ara¯qı¯t wept and lamented to the Almighty day and night, asking for pardon. In the end, the Almighty forgave her. The Angel came to Alexander and said, ‘The Almighty has decreed that you must make peace with Ara¯qı¯t, who is now pure and devout because she was away from you. You must make peace with her in every way you may find appropriate.’ Alexander said nothing. And that night, it was Zubayda’s turn to be in the prayer room. Alexander went also there and until morning, he was asking God to bring Ara¯qı¯t to him because he wanted to make peace with her sooner. Whoever adheres firmly to praying to the Almighty will have his wishes fulfilled. Ara¯qı¯t thought, ‘Given that Alexander saw Zubayda and that she is also human, he has forgotten me once and for all! Now I must rely on Aristotle. First, I will please him and then he will advise him to suggest peace between us.’ She sent someone and summoned Aristotle, who said, ‘I receive orders only from Alexander!’ Then she summoned Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s, who was a major commander. When he came and saw her arms, feet and neck in chains, he wept. As he was crying, he said, ‘O Queen! Be strong for I will immediately go to Alexander and I will talk favourably for you!’ While they were discussing this, Aristotle went to Alexander who gave him an order. When Aristotle came to the castle, he saw Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s, who was sitting next to Ara¯qı¯t. Although he did not have good relations with her, when he saw her in that state, he felt pity for her. He said to her, ‘I rejoiced and please rejoice too and forgive me, the old man!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘In the beginning, I did not commit any sin. That coward uttered something at the core of our army’s ranks. I did not answer to him and I returned with my horse.’ Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s said, ‘It was easy and it is better that you came in the middle of the army’s ranks with Alexander!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I did not see Arsla¯nkha¯n and I did not take his side! Yet he kept annoying me. First, I sent a message to Alexander and said, “If you want to kill me, go ahead! If not, then call me back. Or else I will side myself

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with the enemy and I will draw my sword against you!” He answered, “Go wherever you like!” And the fairies view this expression as a confirmation of divorce. The Almighty wanted us to be captured by Alexander. Now I have changed my mind and regret it. I asked you to go to Alexander for what I have done and tell him that what I did has befallen upon me! I asked God to forgive me and I know that He did because He is Merciful! Now what is to happen? You say that whatever you do is based on God’s decree and that is why you divorced me. Now that I am in chains, what are you going to do? Please allow me to go to my uncle. If you divorced me, then release me and send me to my land! If you want to kill me, then do so and I will be relieved!’ They said, ‘These words were right and you have spoken well! We will also support you to release you. Be certain that you will not find a husband like Alexander in the whole world!’ When they went and conveyed the message to Alexander, he told them the news. They said, ‘O King! In the end, there is no worse punishment than this for what she did! Since the Almighty pardoned her, then you do the same!’ Alexander ordered them to bring a chair immediately and a canopied elephant litter and to bring Ara¯qı¯t to the Haft Anbar Garden. Alexander’s commanders and wives came to her service. They congratulated her. Alexander summoned Ara¯qı¯t who came and saw Zubayda of whom she was jealous. After Ara¯qı¯t saw her and discussed this, Zubayda returned to Alexander’s private quarters, which was like paradise! Ara¯qı¯t was again happy and the Almighty enabled the fairies to fly again so that Ara¯qı¯t and the whole world may know that power and vision comes from God. When Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t boasted and became presumptuous, the Almighty showed them that power comes from Him Who also bestows victory. They repented and their tasks were put in order. The Almighty is Omnipotent and Powerful in everything He wants. That night Alexander did not go to Ara¯qı¯t because it was Zubayda’s turn. The next night, he went to Ara¯qı¯t and they both fell ashamed.72 Alexander said, ‘The Angel said to me, “You will stay here for five months.” And now four months have passed. I do not know what I am going to do with this infidel.’ Aristotle said, ‘O King! You took care of the Zangı¯s, Qa¯til, Manku ¯ s, Ra¯fi‘, Jundu ¯ l and Sha¯hmalik. You will also take care of Arsla¯nkha¯n in the remaining month!’ Alexander’s wives were never in animosity against each other, except Ara¯qı¯t and Zubayda, who became enemies! Alexander was aware of this. Ara¯qı¯t’s turn was twice per week. Alexander increased it to three nights, whilst he would spend two nights with Zubayda. He would spend the other two days with the rest of his wives. He was also sexually active during the day! There was a rumour that if Alexander did not have sexual intercourse twelve times per night, he would be impotent the following day and he would be thinking of it during the whole day! There was animosity between Zubayda and Ara¯qı¯t and Alexander was aware of it and he kept an eye on them. When Alexander was about to wage war, the son he had from Ara¯qı¯t had died. He was very sad because he did not have any other son. He said to himself, ‘I wish I had a son to succeed me!’ Alexander lamented for a week but Ara¯qı¯t did not participate in this because fairies love their husbands more than their children.

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After seven days, Alexander took his army, Zubayda and Ara¯qı¯t together so that the two women were not at discord. He left Aristotle and Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s with 50,000 horsemen to guard the treasury and his quarters. Alexander with his army moved against Arsla¯nkha¯n’s city in such a fashion that you would have thought that the whole world had come against the castle, beating the war drums of hatred. The defenders had shut the city gates firmly. That day they fought bravely and so did the Iranian and Greek bowmen. They could not defeat the enemy and many of the army commanders were wounded. That day Alexander halted his operations. The city defenders said, ‘Tonight do not fall asleep and guard the city.’ Alexander’s men beat the drums saying, ‘Be on alert to avert a sudden assault of the enemy!’ That night Arsla¯nkha¯n sent a spy to find out whether Ara¯qı¯t was in the camping ground or not. They came and made inquiries. Arsla¯nkha¯n did not know that Alexander had desired Zubayda and he had reconciled with Ara¯qı¯t. He said to himself, ‘I will kidnap her and bring her before Arsla¯nkha¯n!’ The spy returned and informed Arsla¯nkha¯n, who was an ignorant Turk and did not know the basics about kingship. He rose and came. In that city, there were many sorcerers whom Arsla¯nkha¯n had gathered. There was an old Turk named Qalun, a knowledgeable man who worked during the day and was a thief at night! He said to Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘If this woman wants to be with you, I will bring her to you very easily!’ Another Turk said, ‘O King! I will bring her to you whether she wants it or not!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n gave them 2,000 gold coins. Both of them collaborated and set out to kidnap Ara¯qı¯t. At night when they both came to Alexander’s camping ground, they entered Ara¯qı¯t’s tent and fell asleep. No one saw them and if someone did, they would have thought that they were men from Alexander’s army. And that night it was Zubayda’s turn to spend the night with Alexander. The sorcerer saw the fairies and taking the form of a fairy, he went to Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘O Queen! Do not sleep for Arsla¯nkha¯n has come and went to Alexander’s tent to kill him. Come and let’s leave the camp!’ Ara¯qı¯t thought that she was indeed a fairy. She came out with her. The spies took Ara¯qı¯t out of the camping ground and Ara¯qı¯t [had] a sword . . . 73 He did not say anything to anyone except Zubayda. When she heard this, she rose and went to the pray and lament to God. In the morning, Alexander knew that he would not fight that day and left with 5,000 horsemen to hunt. That day, Arsla¯nkha¯n had left his city with 50,000 men to fight Alexander. But he could not find a way to Alexander’s camping ground. A spy left and said, ‘I heard everything in Alexander’s tent. Alexander said, “Tomorrow is a very demanding day. I must not fight today. I would rather go hunting!”’ When the spy said this, Arsla¯nkha¯n knew where the hunting ground was and he headed there.





ALEXANDER’S CAPTURE BY ARSLANKHAN AT HIS HUNTING PLACE AND HIS

RESCUE BY ARAQI T AND THE ARMY It is thus divinely narrated that when Alexander went hunting, Arsla¯nkha¯n with his 50,000 infidel Turkish horsemen prepared themselves to ambush Alexander at the

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hunting ground. When the army got prepared and they were dispersed for hunting, Alexander’s horse went after a gazelle, which ran away and in the end Alexander was detached from his men. When he looked around, Arsla¯nkha¯n with his men came out of a thick bush and arrested Alexander. They chained his hands and feet firmly but they did not know that he was Alexander. They said to him, ‘Since we arrested you first, if you tell us who Alexander is, we will set you free!’ Suddenly Tarzak, Aya¯z, Qayma¯z and Qaymu ¯n arrived. They saw Alexander in chains. Alexander bit his lips with his teeth. They knew about it and asked him, ‘Do you know where Alexander went?’ He said, ‘I do not know!’ When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard this, he came out of the ambush, had Tarzak arrested and chained, and they put him beside Alexander. The others died. Arsla¯nkha¯n could not recognise Alexander who was wearing a hunting outfit. Arsla¯nkha¯n was in doubt whether he was Alexander or not given the fact that the Divine Charisma was shining around him, he wore no armour and 10,000 men came to his aid. This news came to Alexander’s camping ground. Aristotle, Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s and the army commanders rose and went there. When they arrived there, they ranked themselves for battle. Both armies fought against each other and it was midday. Some of the soldiers were not adequately informed about these developments. The newly converted Muslim, Tarzak, said to Alexander, ‘Have faith in God!’ When all of Alexander’s soldiers arrived, Arsla¯nkha¯n was terrified and said, ‘These are my men but who are these?’ Then the sound of war drums was heard! ‘This is what I had foreseen: some men of his army have arrived.’ The messenger who had brought Alexander the message to divorce Ara¯qı¯t was standing among them. When he looked amongst the captives, he recognised Alexander. He asked Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘O King! What do you have? You have whatever you wished, for the man you have captured is Alexander!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n laughed out of happiness and said, ‘Take him but I must be with him.’ And their armies were at war on ten fronts. They put Alexander on a camel and 50,000 horsemen escorted him. Ara¯qı¯t was informed that Alexander had been captured. She was terrified and ordered the fairies to go and bring news. They returned and said, ‘They captured Alexander, have him sitting on a camel and they have taken him.’ Ara¯qı¯t inquired, ‘What did the army commanders say?’ They replied, ‘Some of them are informed but from the hunting ground up to here there are ten fronts intervening and they are all preoccupied with fighting. Arsla¯nkha¯n captured Alexander and Tarzak and he is taking them somewhere else.’ Ara¯qı¯t rose and came. Soon she placed herself at the entrance of a bridge, which was the passage out of the hunting ground. When Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army arrived at the entrance of the bridge, they saw Ara¯qı¯t standing steadfast at the entrance of the bridge with all her soldiers. This was the bridge of the city. She had blocked the way having the city at her rear. Arsla¯nkha¯n was following, without stopping to guard Alexander. And the man who guarded Tarzak was his neighbour. He released Tarzak who was wearing the dress of a Turk. He came in and looked at Alexander. When they arrived at the entrance of the bridge, the way was blocked. The soldiers said, ‘What are we going to do?’ Tarzak shouted and said, ‘Ara¯qı¯t has blocked the city, flew over it and blocked the entrance of the bridge. It is impossible for someone to pass through!’ The army stopped there and they could go

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nowhere else. There was no other way for them other than to pass over the bridge to go to the city and the river was very aggressive. When Arsla¯nkha¯n heard that Ara¯qı¯t had blocked the city, he said to himself, ‘What is to be done now?’ His men said, ‘Although Ara¯qı¯t has blocked the city, the people whom they have conquered and who are behind the walls are on our side! Ara¯qı¯t controls only the entrance of the bridge.’ Then their army fought against Ara¯qı¯t and many of his soldiers were slaughtered. Then Alexander’s army attacked from the rear and Arsla¯nkha¯n found himself fighting against two armies. Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘We must throw Alexander into the river so that when his men see him dead, they will be discouraged and they will abandon the fight!’ His men said, ‘O King! Do not be foolish! He crossed the sea without a ship! Do you think he is unable to escape from water? We must kill him and throw him to that side of the bridge, so that when his men see his skull, they will retreat.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘This is what we are going to do!’ While they were thinking of this, Ara¯qı¯t attacked them from the air on their side of the bridge and slaughtered many. Alexander’s men came from the other side of the bridge and tumult erupted. There was no brave Turk to stand up so they stood motionless watching. You would have thought that the Day of Judgement had come! Alexander’s men defeated Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army and they cried out aloud whilst Arsla¯nkha¯n guarded the camel on which Alexander was sitting so that the latter did not escape. Suddenly Ara¯qı¯t looked to Alexander whilst Arsla¯nkha¯n was holding the reins of the camel. Ara¯qı¯t came against him out of wrath and rage. She uttered the name of God and drew her sword and hit Arsla¯nkha¯n, cutting off one of his hands. He fled and she said to the man, who sat behind Alexander, ‘Untie his hands!’ He did not comply. Tarzak who had been released came and beheaded the guard and released Alexander. Ara¯qı¯t dismounted her horse which belonged to Alexander. She had him sit on his horse and she mounted the camel. Then she opened the way to the bridge. The wretched Arsla¯nkha¯n set out for the city with his hand cut off. Ara¯qı¯t sent his fairies to ask about his condition and whether he was still alive or not. He was in a difficult situation. His veins were hot and he had fallen unconscious. Arsla¯nkha¯n has a brother from his maternal side and his name was Takı¯sh. He was a brave man. Arsla¯nkha¯n knew that he could not fight with one hand. He sent his men to bring Takı¯sh. He appointed him as his successor and had him sit on his throne. All of his men paid tribute to him. Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered him, ‘Do not fight this week until my men and I become better for they are tired and exhausted.’ And they waited for a week. Alexander stayed there while the fairies left and returned to tell him the news. He dissolved his camp and returned to the Haft Anbar Garden. He thanked the Almighty for protecting him from the enemy in those difficult times. He rested and gave alms extensively. After three days, a messenger from Takı¯sh came and said, ‘O King! Know that I do not want to fight you because I cannot fight a king of your calibre. The others who tried to do so failed.’ And he conveyed this message secretly from Arsla¯nkha¯n and his army. He also said to Alexander, ‘If you make peace with me, I will send Arsla¯nkha¯n’s brother to you.

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I will open the way for you and in return you can give me the castle and Garden!’ When Alexander heard this message, he said to himself, ‘If I accept this, then it will be a sign of weakness. And God has led things to this end. I must give a brief answer.’ He said to him, ‘Carry out this task first! I will trust you once you have done this task and you have not waged war against me!’ The messenger returned and conveyed this message. Takı¯sh thought, ‘If my brother recovers then I will be unable to ascend the throne! I will chain him tonight and send him to Alexander.’ Some of his men supported him and they were thinking of these developments. Arsla¯nkha¯n, with all his problems, had fallen asleep! One night suddenly Takı¯sh went and chained Arsla¯nkha¯n, who was asleep. He took him and brought him to the city gate, intending to hand him to Alexander. Yet some of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men, who remained loyal to their master, were informed of Takı¯sh’s move. They decided to support Arsla¯nkha¯n. They drew their swords and fought bravely. In the end, they took Arsla¯nkha¯n from Takı¯sh’s hands and killed Takı¯sh, cutting off his head. That messenger came and said, ‘He had sent me to Alexander but he did not consent to his offer, giving a complicated response.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n sent Takı¯sh to Alexander who became angry and said, ‘O stupid man! I do not have anything to do with this!’ He held him in contempt and sent that soldier somewhere and said to himself, ‘May it always be like this that infidels suffer from inner strife!’ And he was preoccupied with his tasks. Physicians and sorcerers tried to heal Arsla¯nkha¯n. They created a hand of gold and thus they replaced Arsla¯nkha¯n’s lost hand. Alexander sent the fairies to collect information. They returned and said, ‘A large army has come out of the city and they went towards the hunting ground. We do not know where exactly they went.’ Alexander inquired, ‘How many of them were there?’ They replied, ‘30,000 men!’ Alexander was perplexed and thought a great deal but he could not make a decision. Then he said, ‘Arsla¯nkha¯n is a wretched man and is the most difficult to deal with of all those men we have come across so far. We cannot deal with him. What is to be done now?’ Then he ordered his whole army to rise and return to the adjacent places of the fort and the Haft Anbar Garden to see whether there was a proper place for ambush or not. They left and returned, saying, ‘We did not see anyone!’ Alexander said to himself, ‘The fairies are not liars.’ He himself rose, along with his army, and they went to the hunting ground. When he looked around, he saw that the army was positioned in a corner and fighting. When they saw Alexander’s parasol, the noblemen got off their horses, fell to the ground and prostrated themselves before Alexander. They said, ‘O King! Know and have in mind that we are strong! Arsla¯nkha¯n does not know how to rule. We were Sha¯hmalik’s followers and he knew how to rule.’ Alexander said, ‘I wanted to give Sha¯hmalik’s reign back to him but he decided to be executed.’ They said, ‘O King! We have revolted and we have come out of the city. Now we are in this desert and we do not want him to be our king. If you accept us, we will be in your service!’ When Alexander heard their words, he thought a great deal and said to himself, ‘I hope that they are not up to a trick!’ He said to them, ‘Stay here until I decide what I am going to do with you.’

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Immediately, the Angel came and said, ‘Know Alexander that they speak truthfully and they are 35,000 men! The Almighty has decreed that they become Muslims except for a few of them! Accept them into your army!’ After Alexander heard this from the Angel, he praised them. They were 35,000 men under the command of thirty-five commanders. He gave them all gold and young horses. He also gave special robes to their commanders. That day he converted them all to Islam and sent them to Qaymu ¯ n. And during Sha¯hmalik’s era, they had served under Qaymu ¯ n’s command. Qaymu ¯n taught them the right way of faith and praying to God. A hundred of these men did not accept Islam and left. As for the rest who embraced Islam, they joined Alexander’s army and they consisted of various races. However, there were no Turks amongst them. There were also Turks who joined Alexander’s army afterwards and they were excellent soldiers. When Arsla¯nkha¯n was informed that thirty-five commanders had returned along with 35,000 horsemen and he heard their names one by one. He was very unhappy and said, ‘I have lost my power and my life comes to an end! I do not know what to do eventually!’ Then he said, ‘Now one thing remains and I have one hand left. And I cannot fight with one hand. We must take the citizens to the fort and stay there. We can hold the fort for a year! The winter is over and we are at the fort. Let him have the plain and the valley! He cannot do anything to this city and fort! He will leave soon.’ After he had these thoughts and Alexander was in the Garden, Arsla¯nkha¯n ordered them to evacuate the villages and there were 4,000 villages around the city. They all acted accordingly, transferring their provisions and fortunes to the city. Alexander was informed that Arsla¯nkha¯n was evacuating his region. He said, ‘I do not know what he is up to. He thinks that he is equipping the fort but once he is fortified there, he will be trapped. However, the Angel said to me, ‘You will stay here for five months.’ Now five months have almost elapsed! I hope that, by God’s will, the Angel will appear to me and tell me whether I should stay here or leave, for much time has elapsed and it will be difficult to depart without the Almighty’s decree! And if he stays in the city, it will be difficult to conquer it soon because it is a big city. I conquered the fort of the Zangı¯s with all its might in three months! If he does not stay in the fort, I will return and leave. Today I will be praying to the Almighty all day long. I hope that the Angel who is my friend will come to me!’ The next day, the Angel came to Alexander. Before the latter asked him anything, the Angel said, ‘O Alexander! You went from one corner of the world to the other, killing justly and unjustly, and doing many good deeds. Yet none of your wars against the pagans and none of your victories were better than the destruction of the Elephant Ears and the Zangı¯s. You must now complete the war against the pagan Turks and then you will have accomplished everything.’ Alexander said, ‘You had said to me that I would remain here less than five months. Four months have elapsed, and, if Arsla¯nkha¯n invades the castle, our task will become difficult and longer.’ The Angel answered, ‘The castle of the Zangı¯s, the Garden and the victory over Sha¯hmalik happened in four months. The war against Arsla¯nkha¯n will be completed in two or three days, because this is the time remaining for you to conquer the city. Then a woman will emerge and she will provoke

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the city to revolt against you and you will lose it again. There are many miracles ahead for you. It is unsuitable to leave this land before handing its rule to believers. You will not stay long in the place where the sun rises. Instead, you will cross that land in two days. No one is to block your way. In Arsla¯nkha¯n’s territory, you will suffer. However, victory will eventually be yours and order will be restored. Then you will head to Jabalsa and witness those wonders. Then you will go to Bayn al-Saddayn and do much good there.’ Upon hearing this, Alexander’s hope for life increased and he grew joyful. Then he asked the Angel, ‘Will we allow him to enter the fort?’ The Angel said, ‘Yes. Little of his life remains and his annoyance will end before long. Again testing is ahead of you and many more miracles. But the reward for these tests will be rich and with those miracles ahead, there will be good tidings in future.’ Alexander asked nothing more. The Angel disappeared and Alexander allowed Arsla¯nkha¯n to enter the castle. There were twentyfour gates around the city.











ARSLANKHAN’S CAPTURE AND EXECUTION BY ARAQI T, AND THE CONQUEST OF THE CITY It is thus divinely narrated that when Arsla¯nkha¯n went to the castle, he closed the gates firmly and appointed a commander for each gate. Similarly, Alexander appointed a commander to attack each gate. There were forty Turkish commanders in Alexander’s camp. Alexander assigned them with the task of assaulting the city gates. They had 40,000 horsemen and Alexander gave them an extra 60,000 horsemen and scattered them around the city. That night Arsla¯nkha¯n was thinking of what he would do and said to himself, ‘I could have not done anything better than what I did. Let me remain calm and self-confident in the city to see how things unfold!’ The next morning Arsla¯nkha¯n wanted to go up to the parapet and observe the city and Alexander’s army. When he came and observed, he thought, ‘It is easy to attack them suddenly!’ When night came and it had advanced much, Arsla¯nkha¯n came out of one of the gates with 50,000 horsemen. Now it happened that Alexander’s men were not guarding that gate. Suddenly Arsla¯nkha¯n attacked Alexander’s camp. Alexander was in prayers and when he listened to his heart beating, he knew that it was a sudden attack. That night Alexander was with Ara¯qı¯t and until Alexander had completed his prayers, Ara¯qı¯t mounted her horse and came to the core of her army. When Alexander had finished his prayers, he put on his set of armour and he was given Ara¯qı¯t’s horse. They brought another horse for him; he mounted it and went to the centre of his camping ground. An unprecedented great fight had erupted. Arsla¯nkha¯n’s army consisted of 50,000 horsemen. The Muslim Turks who were in Alexander’s camp guarded the gates and they allowed no one to pass through the gates. The fairies had said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘They have come out of one of the city gates!’ Ara¯qı¯t said to the fairies, ‘Take me to that gate then!’ The fairies took her to the gate. She set out and it was dark. Fairies see better in the darkness! When they took the road which led to the city gate, the newly converted Muslim commanders were guarding the other gates.

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Alexander and his army killed many of the enemies. As for the rest of the enemies, they were put to flight and they headed to one of the city gates. Arsla¯nkha¯n was with them. When they arrived at the gate, they saw an army standing and asked them, ‘Who are you?’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘It is me, Ara¯qı¯t!’ Arsla¯nkha¯n became happy and said, ‘O Queen! You did well to come! Come to the city and you can sit on the throne! Now I have one hand. I will give you my throne and all of these will become your servants!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I must wait and see how things unfold.’ Arsla¯nkha¯n said, ‘There are two options: either I will prevail or Alexander. In any case, Alexander will depart. This region will suit you better!’ Ara¯qı¯t said these words in order to pacify him. And she was also afraid there because she was close to the city. She said, ‘God forbid that your army comes out of the city!’ When she knew that it was the right time for her to act, she grabbed Arsla¯nkha¯n from the rear of his saddle. She did not have his power and she could not pull his saddle to the ground. She had sat on the saddle at the back. She put both of her hands firmly on his waist and let the horse leave. When the army saw that Arsla¯nkha¯n was captured, they fled to the city, shut the city gate and cried aloud that Ara¯qı¯t had arrested Arsla¯nkha¯n. The soldiers who were in the city rose but no one dared to come out of the city. They were perplexed. Then they said, ‘Let us wait until day comes and we are informed with real news.’ After Ara¯qı¯t captured Arsla¯nkha¯n, all the fairies were with them. Ara¯qı¯t said to Arsla¯nkha¯n, ‘Fear not for I will not lead you into a trap! I will take you somewhere where you will be relieved from this trouble.’ She fastened her hands firmly on his waist. Arsla¯nkha¯n had only one hand. And that day, in spite of the fact that she had two hands, she could not defeat him. Moreover given the fact that he had one hand and his joy that he was next Ara¯qı¯t, he fell unconscious. And he liked it. She spoke politely in order to mislead him and lead him to her camping ground. And Alexander and his army were after them because he was nowhere to be found. His army had searched everywhere but they could not find Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander had put on his armour and was standing at the edge of his camping ground. When Ara¯qı¯t came close to the camping ground, she said to herself, ‘I must take him down from his saddle otherwise my enemies will notice that and they will inform Alexander. She did so and told to the fairies to take him.’ The lasso on his saddle-straps was tied. She untied it and put it around his neck. The horse ran away and he followed the horse. Arsla¯nkha¯n was in despair and Alexander was waiting for Ara¯qı¯t on the road. Suddenly the sky was enlightened. Alexander knew that the fairies were coming. He asked them, ‘Where is Ara¯qı¯t?’ They replied, ‘O King! She is coming in a while!’ Alexander looked to the road. All the commanders were standing around Alexander. Aristotle was also ready there. Ara¯qı¯t still remembered what Aristotle and the commanders had said in her favour and she was suspicious of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s love. She wanted to give them an answer and she was looking for the right occasion. When she saw Alexander, she dismounted and all the soldiers following her dismounted too. They all prostrated themselves before him. Alexander asked Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Who is he?’ She replied, ‘O King! He is my beloved and your army must know that we are not making love!’ Alexander did not like this and became

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angry. Yet he tolerated it waiting for the right moment. His commanders were terrified by his anger and Aristotle went behind Alexander so that he did not see Alexander’s face. And that night Alexander said nothing. That night Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘What is it that you said?’ When Alexander saw Arsla¯nkha¯n, he came down off his horse, put his forehead on the ground, prostrated himself and said, ‘O Omniscient and Omnipotent God! Your word and protection are undoubted. Your protection is sincere. Whatever You wanted to happen, occurred! Whatever You wanted to do, you did! And whatever You want to do, You do! No one can disagree with You!’ When Alexander rose, he took Arsla¯nkha¯n from Ara¯qı¯t’s hand. Arsla¯nkha¯n’s love for Ara¯qı¯t was so strong that as long as he was with Ara¯qı¯t he felt happy, when he looked at her and listened to her voice. When she gave her hand to Alexander, he was terrified. Ara¯qı¯t did not wear burqa‘ and that night it was one of those nights that her face shined like the moon and the sun! Alexander said to her, ‘Go to your tent!’ Ara¯qı¯t acted accordingly and Alexander handed Arsla¯nkha¯n to Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s, saying, ‘Guard him until tomorrow when his last moment has not come yet.’ Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s took him, chained him and held him in indignity. Alexander came to Ara¯qı¯t and fell asleep. In the morning, Alexander came to his courtroom and sat on his throne. Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men knew well what their master’s fate was. Then they brought him before Alexander. He asked Arsla¯nkha¯n to embrace Islam and to renounce idolatry. In this case, he would give him the castle of the Zangı¯s and 100 Muslim Turkish horsemen to help Muslims and merchants and to open a road for the markets. Thus, he would escape death. Ara¯qı¯t had worn her burqa‘ and was standing there. When Alexander said this, Arsla¯nkha¯n’s mind and logic were shattered by his love for Ara¯qı¯t. He said, ‘I will accept Islam, if you concede Ara¯qı¯t to be my wife.’ Alexander became very angry and moved his head against Arsla¯nkha¯n. When Ara¯qı¯t saw his anger, she was very terrified. She went to his back and hit him with her sword cutting his head in two pieces. Then she turned to him again and hit him cutting him at his waist in two pieces. Alexander said, ‘Take him, go to the city and throw him there.’ They did so and when Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men saw him in that dreadful state dead, they lamented. Alexander was very perplexed by that situation and was afraid of the Almighty’s wrath because Arsla¯nkha¯n had said, ‘I will become a Muslim, if you give me Ara¯qı¯t!’ Alexander disagreed with this for one cannot become a Muslim on condition. That night, like every night, Alexander was in meditation. He went to the mosque and lamented there until one day in a dream, he saw some men telling him, ‘Fear not for that infidel will never become a Muslim.’ When Alexander had finished this, Arsla¯nkha¯n’s men were astonished and said, ‘What will happen now? If we do not have a king, then we cannot hold this region.’ And they spent that day and night thinking about this. They said, ‘Let us open the city gate so that Alexander enters, ascends the throne and we will ask him to spare our lives!’ During the evening prayer, they came from the top of the castle to the city and uttered Alexander’s name and conveyed the following message. ‘Tomorrow morning Alexander must come victorious to the city and tonight we must ask Alexander to spare our lives.’ Alexander did so with everyone. The next day in the morning, they opened the city gate and

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thousands of non-armoured horsemen came out of the city and they were standing. Alexander rose and everyone came before him. The commanders and the noblemen bowed to him and Alexander praised them. He entered the city and ascended the throne. They found and counted more gold and riches than they had ever seen before. When Alexander ascended the throne, the people and the army rejoiced because they had lived in trouble for five months. The dwellers came to pray. Alexander ordered them to bring Ara¯qı¯t and the rest of his wives into the city. They stayed there for two weeks. Then Alexander said, ‘We have had a good time here but we need to go!’ He invited the citizens and soldiers to embrace Islam. Some of the people became Muslims and some others asked for more time to decide. Alexander gave them time. That night the Angel came and congratulated Alexander for the conquest and kingship of that city. He said, ‘I had told you that you will emerge victorious within five months! Now wait, for if you make them Muslims then this is a good reason for you to stay a bit longer here.’ Alexander asked, ‘Here there will be more trouble and war! Or should I sit quietly and pray to the Almighty?’ The Angel said, ‘Sit back in comfort and pray to the Almighty for there are many wonders yet for you to see. Moreover, do not be in a hurry for it is only one day’s distance from here to the place where the sun rises. Think that you are already there! You must gain more victories here but I will not enter into more details until I have an order to do so. But I know for sure that there are more wonders for you to see. And regarding the army which stands by you, the Almighty has decreed that you should take them to the open field, talk to them and ask them whether they will follow you or stay here?’ The next day, Alexander ordered them to take the throne to the camping ground and the soldiers were gathered around him. Then he ordered to have the soldiers counted. There were 500,000 and more horsemen. Alexander asked the Turkish horsemen, ‘Will you all be with me?’ All of the soldiers replied, ‘We will be in your service and there cannot be a single day for us without serving you!’ Alexander became happy! There was much gold and silver in the treasury. There were thousands of golden plates, which the Almighty had created. There were also some other types of gold, jewels and pearls. And the carpets and other utensils were abundant. There were 700,000 camels carrying Alexander’s household and another 700,000 camels carrying the kitchen utensils of Alexander! It is impossible that another king, before or after Alexander, had ever seen a similar splendour and majesty. And if someone asks me, ‘What would you say about Solomon’s reign, peace be upon Him?’ I would reply that Solomon was a great king prophet, a great conqueror who knew the language of the birds; ‘. . . grant me a kingdom which may not suit another [king] after me . . .’74 That day Alexander organised a big feast. He divided that region and the adjacent places and allocated them to his commanders. He said, ‘One day, by God’s will, we will conquer the whole world.’ Then injustice disappeared from the city and the soldiers recounted the days of Arsla¯nkha¯n’s oppression. Alexander ordered them to bring 500 feetless people. As for those people, who had taken advantage of others during the time of tyranny, he ordered to have their hands and fingers cut off. He removed injustice from that land and he focused on that place. That city was nice and the treasury was located on

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top of the castle. Alexander was in the garden for two or three days and spent another two or three days in the castle. A few days had elapsed and the Angel had not appeared. Alexander did not know what to do until the Angel’s prophecy was confirmed. Alexander was about to leave that place but the Angel was nowhere to be found. One day Alexander rode to Zubayda’s cloister. He said his prayers, crying and imploring God. Then a mysterious voice said, ‘O Alexander! Are you not satisfied with this world? You have subjugated the entire world to you and you are in a paradise of blessings: the city, the garden and the castle are full of silver and gold. What more do you want? Greed has made you restless. Stay and do not be in a hurry, because you will sleep in the grave for many years.’ When Alexander heard this, he remained in the region while kings and princes came to his presence from every part, giving him riches and rare, precious presents. Alexander stayed there, waiting. One night Alexander and Ara¯qı¯t were in the garden and they were both asleep. All of a sudden the fairies came and said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘O Lady! There is no time for sleep, because Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, your uncle’s daughter, has come with 100,000 fairies to fight Alexander. She says that she seeks to take vengeance for the blood of her father, Ruvı¯d. She has entered the city and seized the throne. Her troops have slain whomever they came across. The majority of the citizens have sworn allegiance to them. Our troops have fled from the city.’ Alexander was astonished. He looked at Ara¯qı¯t, who had turned pale and was trembling out of fear. Alexander inquired, ‘What is the matter with you?’ She replied, ‘O King! I knew of this before. Death is more pleasing to me than these tidings. I wish it were thousands of pagan Turks and not these fairies.’ There were various things she was afraid of. One thing was that Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was by far more beautiful than her – her father was a fairy but her mother was human and she liked human beings. Moreover, she was so strong in battle that ten like Ara¯qı¯t were not as strong as she. Above all, Ara¯qı¯t was afraid of her, for she knew that Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik desired Alexander. She was also concerned with the fact that Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik would blame her for having sacrificed her kingship for love. Also she wondered who would come to her aid, if there were a battle between Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik and Alexander. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was delicately beautiful and graceful. She had given hope to 100,000 princes, but had given her consent to none, thus remaining a sealed virgin. She was younger than Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander was puzzled. By God’s will, we will live justly and flourish.











THE STORY OF ALEXANDER WITH YAQUTMALIK, THE DAUGHTER OF AR AQ I T’S

UNCLE, THE FAIRIES AND ARAQI T It is divinely narrated by Wahb ibn Munabbih, peace be upon Him, that when Alexander heard this, he said, ‘The Angel informed me about these developments but not about this fairy.’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘She likes humans more and her army consists more of men!’ Alexander asked the fairies, ‘What is their strength?’ They replied, ‘O King! There are many of them and they look like an army of humans. They resemble the Turks. They can all fly.’ Alexander inquired, ‘What is to be done now?’ They replied, ‘The King knows

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better!’ Alexander asked, ‘Where is our army?’ They replied, ‘O King! They were not in the city. Some of them went to the garden, some to the plain and some others to the castle. They killed whomever they came across. Some others came afterwards. They are about to arrive any minute.’ At that very moment, the Turkish soldiers were coming one by one or in twos and they paid their tribute to Alexander, narrating to him what happened. Alexander said to himself, ‘Many soldiers came without any notice and took the city. It is surprising that there has been no hatred like this before.’ The old hermit who had lived on the mountain said, ‘O King! Know that this region was at war with Queen Ara¯qı¯t every year! Sha¯hmalik was afraid of this region. For a year, Sha¯hmalik sent Ruvı¯d, Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik desired Buqra¯quz, Sha¯hmalik’s son and she came with the fairies to this region to be assured by Ara¯qı¯t. Ruvı¯d said, “I will concede!” So they signed contracts and put conditions. Then they brought the bride.’ Alexander arrived at the land of the fairies and he was preoccupied with another task. Now she came and said, ‘I want to avenge the death of my father and husband! This city and regions are mine and I am the Queen! The situation is the way I just described it!’ Alexander said, ‘I knew that she has come for this task!’ Then Alexander asked Ara¯qı¯t, ‘What is to be done now?’ She replied, ‘You know better!’ He said, ‘Let’s implore God for in the end, by His will, victory will be ours. The Almighty has thus decreed.’ When he said this, he rose and all the soldiers came around him and he spoke to them. Five hundred thousand horsemen and more came. Then Ara¯qı¯t asked Alexander, ‘What is your order?’ He replied, ‘Put armour on all the fairies and you do the same. Let’s go to the city to see what will come out of it!’ Ara¯qı¯t and the fairies put on their armour and approached the city. Some of Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s men were on the plain. When they heard the war drums, they ran to the city but they did not shut the gates. Alexander attacked the gates and invaded the city. When Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was informed about this, she laughed and said, ‘Is Ara¯qı¯t with him?’ They replied, ‘We do not know!’ They asked the people of the city and they said, ‘Ara¯qı¯t cannot live without him for an hour!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik did not know them at all and said, ‘I conquered the city and sat on the throne. He will either fight or send a messenger.’ On this day Alexander heard that someone would come out of the city. No one came. Three days elapsed and still no one appeared. On the fourth day, Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Today I will send someone to her or else I will go on my own, disguised as messenger, to throw her from her throne!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘O King! It is not wise to go on your own!’ Then Alexander summoned Aristotle and said to him, ‘Go to that woman and ask her, “Why are you here? What is your intention? Speak out so that everything is revealed.”’ Aristotle went to that woman and conveyed Alexander’s message to her. She was sitting on her throne, wearing a burqa‘ and she had 100,000 slaves around her. But the fairies did not find out anything. Aristotle saw this and said, ‘My God! What royal splendour and majesty, 100 times greater than that of Ara¯qı¯t!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik said, ‘Tell Alexander that my task with you will take time and I do not want to take more time. I want to take revenge from you for the deaths of my father, Ruvı¯d, my husband, Buqra¯quz and Sha¯hmalik! I will inherit this city! If you are eager to fight, come tomorrow

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to the battleground and fight with me, for there is nothing else but the sword between you and me!’ She spoke thus and she gave Aristotle a fine robe of honour and a decree. Aristotle found her face and hair very beautiful like that of Ara¯qı¯t. But Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was silent and cleverer. Thinking of this, Aristotle returned and narrated the whole story to Alexander, of her beauty and speech. Then he gave him her response. Alexander said, ‘I did not kill Ruvı¯d but I killed her husband and Sha¯hmalik! And I will kill her too, if the Almighty grants me permission! Or I will capture her!’ When he heard her message, he said, ‘What a headache and trouble women are! Dealing with women is a difficult task! I do not know what to do.’ Alexander took the initiative and said to Aristotle, ‘Go back to her and tell her that Alexander says, “It is bad news that my time here is over and I do not have time to stay more and I do not want to fight! If you want, then come to the battleground tomorrow to fight each other in a single combat to see who will be victorious!”’ Aristotle left and conveyed the message. She replied, ‘I am a woman and I am not allowed to walk with men in public places! Men know both the good and negative aspects of my character. I command thousands of men and fairies and my mother always follows me wherever I go with my armies. Why should I fight you in a single combat?’ Aristotle came and conveyed her message to Alexander who said, ‘This issue will not take long to be resolved.’ He ordered them to beat the war drums. He himself rose and his men mounted their horses. Alexander’s wives, Qaymu ¯ n’s daughter, Qa¯til’s bride and Zubayda were in the city. Alexander was preoccupied with them. They had arrested them but they did not reveal their trouble. He praised them and asked them about Ara¯qı¯t. Alexander asked Aristotle, ‘What news do you have from my wives?’ He said, ‘Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik holds the three of them!’ Alexander asked, ‘Did she mention Ara¯qı¯t’s name?’ Aristotle replied, ‘No!’ When Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was certain that Alexander would wage war, she summoned her soldiers and said, ‘Be careful and know that he is a king who has conquered the whole world! He is at the end of the world and now we have come against him! If you show weakness, our cause will be damaged. Ten of our army will fight ten of his and let’s see what will come out of it!’ They replied to her, ‘You will see what we are going to do! We will do to him what he did to the rest of the world!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik said, ‘You who are fairies do not fight!’ Alexander took his army and beat the war drums, the sound of which reached Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, who ordered her troops to come to the battleground. Alexander drew the Magic Circle and took with him the Great Names of God. When the two of them faced each other, Alexander said, ‘Since she holds Ara¯qı¯t of the fairies, the fairies will fight for her!’ There were many fairies in Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s army. She did not order them to fight. And if so, then where were the fairies of Ara¯qı¯t? Once the two armies had ranked their forces, they engaged in battle. Alexander said, ‘Shout that I am Alexander and I have come forth to fight. And you Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik come forth too to fight each other!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik replied, ‘Men cannot fight against women!’ Her intention was to force Alexander to bring Ara¯qı¯t out and fight in his place. Alexander replied, ‘If you want to spill my blood, then you must fight me! Otherwise, I do not

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accept to have my men killed for my sake!’ The time passed and Alexander said to his men, ‘Stay in your positions by all means and pray for me!’ Alexander came to the battleground and walked around. He said, ‘Men and fairies, come and get me!’ There was a major commander in Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s army. He was a man and his name was Fakhravar Daylam. He came forth and when he looked Alexander in his face, he trembled with great fear and turned to go back to his position. Alexander went after him and Fakhravar looked at him and said, ‘O King! Show mercy!’ And Fakhravar had fought against 1,000 horsemen that day. He asked for Alexander’s mercy and said, ‘Leave me alone!’ Alexander left. Fakhravar returned to Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik and said, ‘O Queen! Know that it is impossible to cope with this King: he is either a Prophet or a sorcerer!’ She asked, ‘Why?’ He replied, ‘Because when I went close to him and he looked at me, power left from my limbs and I trembled, thinking that I had no power left in me!’ She asked, ‘Did you look at him?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I did!’ She asked, ‘How was it?’ He said, ‘I have never seen a king of this majesty and divine splendour!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik said, ‘Bring me my set of armour. I will go to encounter him!’ She did not really want to go but she did this in order to strengthen the morale of her army. Her soldiers said, ‘We cannot let you go!’ Then one of her major commanders came forth instead. His name was Vardanshah and he went to encounter Alexander, who hit him with his dagger and wounded him mortally on his back. Then someone else came forth and Alexander killed him too. Many others followed and Alexander killed them all. In all, Alexander killed seventy men and then nobody from Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s army dared to encounter him. Alexander mounted his horse and galloped towards the enemy. He came close to Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik and she fled to her city. Alexander wanted to follow her. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s army fled to the city and Alexander returned to his camp and told Ara¯qı¯t what had happened. She said, ‘I saw that on my own! But, O King, know that not a single one of them can withstand you!’ The next day Alexander ordered his army to get prepared, rank themselves and beat the drums of war. He did not want to spill the blood of that graceful woman. But she desired Alexander for he was famous and he had conquered the whole world. There is nothing more pleasing than kingship. The nobles and wise men have said that there are two things in the world that are most pleasing: one is to rule and the second is to have sex with women! There is a story according to which when a teenage girl was asked about the most pleasing thing in the world; she said, ‘Sexual intercourse between men and women!’ They said, ‘O you fool! How did you come to know men?’ She replied, ‘I do not know men but when my mother was pregnant she vilified men. During her pregnancy she swore to God that if she gave good birth and was relieved from her pains she would never sleep with a man! After her delivery, she did not have the patience to abstain from sex with my father! Thus, I came to know that if there were something more pleasing than sexual intercourse, my mother would never seek it with my father with all her pains and trouble during her pregnancy.’ ***

350

The Persian Alexander

In his lifetime Alexander came to conquer the whole world; he defeated every king who yielded to his power. He received taxes from everyone in the world and he married all the daughters of kings. Ara¯qı¯t abandoned her kingship for his sake! Then Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik said to herself, ‘I am a thousand times better and nobler than him! And I know that when he sees me, he will come to desire me!’ This was the major thought in her mind and this was for what she had come. But publicly, in order to avoid the people’s vilification, she would say that she had come to avenge her father and her husband’s deaths. Once Alexander had ordered the formation of his army and had put himself at the centre of it, then he kept moving from one side to the other, saying, ‘I do not have enough provisions and I cannot stay longer here!’ Then a horseman came out of the enemy’s lines and stood before Alexander. No one from the enemy recognised the horseman. The horseman looked at Alexander and all the animosity between them disappeared. Alexander knew that the horseman was actually a woman. He was gracious towards her because from a whole army a woman dared to come forth to fight him! He was gentle to her. The woman thought that 1,000 young men could not withstand Alexander. In the end, Alexander grabbed her belt and brought her down from her saddle. He said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Look at her for she is a woman! We are not accustomed to send women to men!’ And this woman was Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s mother! When Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik saw this, she trembled and returned to her camp. She said to her army, ‘Today do not fight until tomorrow for they have taken my mother.’ Her men reprimanded her, saying, ‘What king of rule is this? We are not supposed to fight because her mother was captured?! It is better to fight today!’ And everyone expressed their opinion. Alexander asked Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Why have you unchained her?’ She said, ‘O King! Leave her to me and I will guard her. She is the wife of my uncle, Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s mother! She is like a mother to me for I grew up next to her.’ Alexander remained silent. Ara¯qı¯t treated her kindly like her mother. The woman was deceitful and she wanted to know what the relation between Ara¯qı¯t and Alexander was. Then she would inform her daughter about this. At night, the fairies came to transfer her but they did not find the opportunity. She was guarded well. Alexander knew that the woman had come in deceit! Alexander said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Watch her well because her arrest has delayed us. If you do not watch her, then she will escape and I will divorce you! For I have all these troubles in this region because of you! And you are still the cause for my trouble because the case of this noble lady is more difficult than any other case.’ When Alexander said this, Ara¯qı¯t and the woman were very frightened. Ara¯qı¯t was at a loss and waited to see what finally would happen! At night, another fairy came on behalf of Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik and asked her mother, ‘What is going on?’ Her mother said, ‘You think he is Solomon! I do not know who he is. Ara¯qı¯t is very happy next to him. Send him a message tonight and tell him, “Send my mother back! In this case, I will send your women in return. I will come there to clear this task out; I knew the positive and negative aspects of this task. I could

Translation

351

not write them down in a message. I could only transmit them orally. Ara¯qı¯t has said to you that if you touch that woman then she will divorce you! I cannot say anything more than this.”’ The fairy returned and informed her about this news. The next day she sent a messenger to Alexander with this message, ‘Send me back my mother and in return I will send you your two women and the concubines. You are the King of the World! What will happen to you if you pardon your wife?’ And she gave numerous ornaments and jewels to the Alexander’s wives. She loaded them on a litter and the maids transferred them. At seeing this, Alexander was astonished. He dismissed her mother without giving her anything! When her mother returned to Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, she told her everything about the customs in Alexander’s palace. She also told the long story of Ara¯qı¯t and how much she loves Alexander. She also talked about Alexander’s majesty and Divine Charisma. When Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik heard about his military prowess, she fell silent and asked, ‘Is it better for us to make peace with him or war?’ Her mother replied, ‘Let’s make peace with him. For he is a very important King and you must befriend him so that you can keep kingship.’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik waited for two days and Alexander did not have much time. It was winter and he said to himself, ‘Times passes and I have stayed for two years in Turkestan. Time passed and the world has been ruined without justice. I do not know what is going on around the world and I will not be able to answer in case God asks me.’ He sent a message to Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, saying, ‘Bring your army and you come to the battleground and let’s fight together in a single combat so that our armies will be exempt from fighting! If you do not want to face me, face Queen Ara¯qı¯t because Ara¯qı¯t and myself are the same and whatever I have belongs to her!’ When Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik heard this, she replied, ‘Now you speak well as befits to the King of Seven Countries! Although I am a queen, I remain a woman who is ashamed to fight a man! Ara¯qı¯t is a queen, my cousin and your wife! If she fights me, there will be no problem for either of us. If she defeats me, then I will succumb to your demands but if I defeat her, you will accept my conditions!’ After she sent the answer to Alexander, he ordered his army to get prepared with their provisions for battle. He summoned Ara¯qı¯t and said, ‘O Queen! Know that I have nothing to hide from you! My treasury, palace and rule are yours! There is no difference between you and me! I am sure you will succeed in this mission. Tomorrow, when you enter into combat with Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, take her down from her saddle!’ She said, ‘If you wish to be with me, I will undertake this task in your name and by God’s aid!’ That night Ara¯qı¯t could not sleep because of these thoughts. She was thinking of how things would unfold. She said to herself, ‘If I fight her, she will fault me saying that I do this out of human love to Alexander. I do not know what to do! There would be nothing better than killing her, if God grants me permission to do so. Thus, I will be relieved from this trouble. Otherwise, if she prevails, then she should similarly kill me; for it would not be worth living with such trouble that I have caused on my own in my life.’ And she implored to God for help.

352

The Persian Alexander

The next morning the sound of war drums was heard. Both armies came to the battleground and Alexander stood in the centre. He gave Ara¯qı¯t a set of armour covering her from her head to her feet so that no one would recognise her. She mounted Alexander’s horse, took with her the Great Names of God and drew the Magic Circle. Well equipped she entered the battleground, going up and down and uttering the name of her relative. When Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik saw Ara¯qı¯t’s might, she also entered the battleground with greater might. She was taller than Ara¯qı¯t by one gaz. There was no old or young man to see them. They had not come there in a friendly way but they were ready to fight with much vigour, speed and beauty! Alexander was praying and watching them! Ara¯qı¯t said to Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, ‘Welcome! I am asking myself what I have done to you and you have left your region and come to win my territory and my husband. What are your intentions?’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was offended and said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘O, you shameless woman! This region belonged to me and my husband. What happened that you have abolished a seventy-year-old sovereignty for the sake of your sweetheart? You gave your name and kingship to your sweetheart, and today you have come to the battlefield to fight with me to satisfy him. I wonder what this man does that you have become so enthralled and obsessed with him.’ Ara¯qı¯t replied, ‘I am not obsessed with him. He won my kingdom and my kingship by the sword. My life also was endangered. I could not give up my life because I had lost my kingdom. A woman is destined to take a husband, and there is no better husband than Alexander in the entire world. Praised be God, today he is the King of the East and West. What trouble has happened to you, that you have abandoned your home and come here? Do you doubt that you and 10,000 like you cannot fight him?’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik replied, ‘I seek to take revenge for the blood of my father and my husband.’ Then they attacked each other and had a long battle, which lasted until the evening prayer. Neither emerged victorious. The drums signalled that it was time for rest and the two women withdrew from the battleground, admiring each other. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik sent a fairy to Ara¯qı¯t as messenger, saying, ‘O shameless woman! Look what you have done. You dared to raise your face to me and fight with me! Now wait for your reward!’ Alexander was informed of their dialogue. Queen Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik called the fairies that were so strong that they could move from one place to another in a single night. She said to them, ‘Tomorrow you must fight!’ All those fairies were infidels and they had not become Muslims. In contrast, Ara¯qı¯t and her 14,000 fairies had become Muslims. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik said, ‘Ten thousand of you must wear your sets of armour and do not bring any human with you! Tomorrow is your turn to fight and when you enter the battleground and see humans coming, do not fight with them! We will only fight against the fairies.’ The next morning 10,000 fairies came to the battleground, crying out aloud and saying, ‘O Queen Ara¯qı¯t! Come because today the fairies decided to fight!’ Ara¯qı¯t was terrified because she saw the great number of the enemies. She came to Alexander and said, ‘Come to my aid!’ Alexander said, ‘Fear not for you hold the Great Names of God! Go to the battleground and if you want me to surprise these fairies today, tell me and

Translation

353

I will do so!’ Ara¯qı¯t said, ‘I will obey your orders!’ Alexander said to her, ‘Go to the battleground and see how things unfold tomorrow!’ Carrying the Great Names of God, Ara¯qı¯t went to the battleground along with her 1,400 fairies and fought against 10,000 horsemen. With the help of the Great Names of God, she emerged victorious. The enemy could not wound her. When she looked around, a light came from the sky! Ara¯qı¯t saw that light and interpreted it to be an omen. She became happy and said, ‘May King Alexander be victorious!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s fairies fled and Ara¯qı¯t persecuted them, killing many of them. The rest fled to the city. Ara¯qı¯t returned to Alexander, kissed the Great Names of God and returned to him. He asked her, ‘What did you see?’ She replied, ‘O King! Everything is in your favour!’ Alexander ordered a night guard to come out of the camping ground. His army was at ease and Alexander spent that night praying to the Almighty. It was late and the Angel had not come. He did not see him in his dreams and he was listening carefully in case he came. Late at night, the Angel eventually came when Alexander was awake. He saluted Alexander who saluted him back and asked, ‘O my friend! Can you tell me what is to happen?’ The Angel replied, ‘This was only the beginning. In the end, victory will be yours! There is no treasure without trouble and only the Almighty knows all the secrets! You will face difficulties with this woman but in the end, you will be victorious and conquer her. You will see many wonders. Be strong and if you want to take your men to the place where the sun rises, the distance is five parasangs and twenty parasangs to your camp.’ Alexander asked, ‘Should I destroy the castle or not?’ The Angel replied, ‘Go and leave the castle to a Muslim ruler to comfort the travellers!’ Then Alexander thought to whom he could give the castle. He found some candidates but he chose no one and he dropped the case. He appointed a commander with 2,000 horsemen to guard the treasury. Then he left the garden and asked those of his women who were captured by Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik what kind of woman she was. They replied, ‘O King! We have never seen such a beautiful woman in terms of face, hair and body. She does not have the hair that the fairies usually have. She is also accustomed to eat humans! She has such a beautiful voice that whoever listened to her wished that she would never stop talking! She does not hate anyone except Ara¯qı¯t about whom she kept asking us all the time!’ Two or three days passed and there was no news. Alexander was growing impatient because it was winter. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik thought, ‘Today I must display power and prowess to lower Alexander’s morale! My army does not have power. I must contrive a plan!’ She ordered the army of men to enter the battleground. They shouted and there were 700,000 of them! She ordered them, ‘Armour yourselves and go, men on earth and fairies in the air! I will defeat and capture Alexander. I will kill Ara¯qı¯t and take Alexander with me. I will relieve the world from this calamity!’ Her soldiers mounted their horses and came to the battleground. The horsemen stood separately and so did the infantry. Their army did not have war drums to boost the morale of the soldiers. That day they brought a gold litter and Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik sat on it. She came out of the city gate and went to the battleground.

354

The Persian Alexander

She stood at the centre of her army formation and all of her 100,000 soldiers were gathered around her! When Alexander saw that, he was terrified and said to himself, ‘The Turks in my army must not lose their strength and be terrified because in this case our army will be defeated and defamed.’ He said to Ara¯qı¯t, ‘Put your set of armour on and along with your fairies go to the seat of Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik. Then I will order you to do something so that today with this eminence and killing I will manifest the Divine Punishment upon them!’ When Ara¯qı¯t had put on her armour, along with her fairies, she came before Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik and was standing there. Alexander ordered a fairy who was as fast as the wind to rush and give her the Magic Circle. She drew the Magic Circle around the fairies and Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik. Their army was trapped there. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik ordered her fairies, ‘Fight against Ara¯qı¯t’s fairies!’ When they tried to move towards their enemy, they could not move out of their place! They were astonished and asked Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, ‘What should we do now?’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik came out of her litter and stood behind her horse. She tried to come out of the circle to fight Ara¯qı¯t. She could not take more than a step! Ara¯qı¯t knew that this was due to the Magic Circle that Alexander had given her. She came to the battleground and said, ‘O cousin! Come to fight for you hate me so much! But I do not hate you!’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik tried to do so but she could not come out of the Magic Circle! Ara¯qı¯t made an assault in the name of God against Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s army with 1,400 fairies. Almost 10,000 of the enemy soldiers were killed in the Magic Circle. Ara¯qı¯t’s fairies gave a battle, uttering the name of God. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik found that the fairies acted by virtue of that name. She uttered the name, escaped from the Magic Circle and fled to the city. Ara¯qı¯t attacked the right wing of the enemy, breaking their lines. Storytellers claim that on that day 80,000 men and fairies were killed.75 The remaining fairies fled to the city, closing the gates. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik came to the city, calling the nobles and the army leaders. She said, ‘It is pointless to fight them, for we cannot cope with that army. People call us fairies because we alter our appearance 1,000 times in an hour, travel the waters without a boat or fly in the air. Let us conceive a plan to capture this man. Then we will do to him what is necessary.’ She summoned the chief of the fairies, asking, ‘How can we arrest Alexander?’ The chief replied, ‘I will take Ara¯qı¯t’s appearance and lead the King out of his camp. You must be prepared there and then I will give him to you.’ A fairy said to the chief, ‘I will go with you.’ Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik said to him, ‘If you carry out this task, I will make you the chief of the army!’ At night, Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik dispatched 1,000 fairies with him, telling them to wait for him in a certain place until he came back. Then he assumed Ara¯qı¯t’s appearance and went to Alexander’s chambers where he found him, sleeping with Ara¯qı¯t. Thus he changed his plan, assuming Zubayda’s look and clothing. He returned and found Alexander awake, getting ready for his prayers. Ara¯qı¯t was with Alexander. The fairy entered as Zubayda. When Alexander saw the fairy, he said, ‘O Zubayda! What is it?’ The fairy said, ‘O King! It is a secret issue. Rise and come alone with me. Lady Ara¯qı¯t will be offended, because I am taking you when it is her turn. Yet a serious matter has happened.’ Alexander rose and he held her by her hand, walking for a while.

Translation

355

Ara¯qı¯t grabbed the sword and followed her to see where she was taking Alexander. By coincidence, she uttered the name of God and the fairy resumed his real appearance. She cried, ‘You foul one! Where are you taking the King?’ With one blow, she beheaded the fairy. Ara¯qı¯t said to Alexander, ‘These fairies are sneaky and crafty. They can do great things, particularly my uncle’s daughter, who can have any appearance she wishes. They are not like me, who gave up craftiness and sneakiness, territory, reign and home, everything for the King. And all these are to be accused by fairies and men alike. However, I gave up everything to serve the King. Demons, fairies and men are created by God. All my deeds were done in the name of God and as long as God protects us, the fairies cannot harm us.’ Alexander said, ‘Now Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik is in the city and we are in the battlefield. She is comfortable and relaxed, whilst we are forced to leave quickly. I wonder what is to be done.’ Again he dispatched a messenger to Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, saying, ‘We have waited too long. Bring your army and let us fight. You have lingered in the city too long. How dare you plot to deceive me? I destroyed the demons, the fairies, those creatures with the hairy feet and the Elephant Ears. Now it is your turn. I intended to let you pass because I thought you would return if treated with clemency and would let this territory alone. However, you refuse to obey me. I will give you three days; if you leave the city, it is fine; if not, I will destroy you and your army.’ The messenger conveyed the message. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik heard the message and said, ‘He does not think anything of me.’ She replied, ‘You are wrong to put me and my army in the same category with them, because I cannot become obsessed with you and abandon my kingdom and kingship. I have no bitterness against you. I want to take vengeance on Ara¯qı¯t. Give her to me and leave peacefully.’ When Alexander heard her answer, he said, ‘This is an evil woman. We will not send her any more messengers. The citizens must be blamed because they swore their support for her. If there were two factions and they were in disagreement, they would not have sworn allegiance.’ The citizens included some Muslims and some infidels, pretending to have embraced the Muslim faith out of fear for Alexander’s sword. The infidels, who were stronger, had vowed their support for Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik. An angry Alexander commanded his men to mount their horses, saying, ‘I will do to this fairy woman today something that will be remembered as long as this world lasts.’ He was upset, hoping that Ara¯qı¯t’s prediction would not be confirmed. Alexander and the army mounted and they went to the city to find the gates open. Each group went to a different gate, slaying those who were at the city gates. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik was asleep in the palace. Alexander entered the palace and sat on the throne. His men were dispersed in the city while some other remained outside the gates. The city was huge, having twenty-four gates. The distance from one gate to the next was one parasang. Upon hearing what had happened, Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik hid under the ground. Ten thousand of her fairies had been killed. Alexander ascended the throne. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik attempted to join the fairies. When she realised that Alexander was at ease and secure, she flew and returned to the city with her army. Alexander drew the Magic Circle around himself.

356

The Persian Alexander

The fairies wanted to attack him, but the circle prevented them from doing so. They went on coming forward and returning until they were exhausted. They said, ‘Is this man Solomon, who put a spell on the demons and the fairies?’ Alexander instructed his men to shoot arrows at the fairies until they retreated. Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik’s army left the city and headed to Zubayda’s cloister. The survivors gathered there and were joined by Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik. She found the cloister pleasant, saying, ‘It was our fault not to have come here from the first moment.’ Alexander learned that she had left and he dealt with the affairs of the city. Alexander’s supporters and the believers were in prison, because they had opposed Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik. Alexander set everyone free. He had 1,000 of his opponents beheaded. Their bodies were suspended from the gates and their houses were looted. Alexander established justice in the region and he dispatched the commanders to the gates. And Alexander . . .76

Glossary of Terms, Characters and Proper Names TERMS ‘ayya¯r: cha¯dur: demon (dı¯v): dı¯nar (maghrib): durust (Khusrava¯nı¯): Elephant Ears: fairy ( parı¯): Faqfu¯r: gaz: java¯nmard:

jin:

see java¯nmard The piece of cloth covering women; the camping tent. A supernatural creature of various colours able to assume various forms of appearance. The gold dı¯nar dating back to the early Islamic times. Its standard varied with the earliest being 4.25 gm. Silver coin of unknown standard. Supernatural creatures of messianic character identified with Gog and Magog in the narrative. A powerful supernatural creature, masculine or feminine, able to assume various forms of appearance. Iranian title for the ruler of Central Asia and China, probably of Sogdian origin. A measure of length, equal to one metre. literally ‘young man’, that is, brave, chivalrous. It signifies the social and cultural concept of chivalry in Iranian and Islamic societies. A spiritual creature mentioned in the Qur’a¯n and other Islamic texts who inhabits an unseen world in dimensions beyond the

Khaqa¯n: kharva¯r: Magic Circle:

visible universe of humans. Title for a medieval ruler of a Mongol, Tartar, or Turkish tribe. A measure of weight, equal to 300 kg. A circle or sphere of space marked out by practitioners of many

methqa¯l: naphtha:

branches of ritual magic. A measure of weight equal to 5 gm. A number of flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons.

358

The Persian Alexander

parasang (fa¯rsang): Dava¯lpa¯ya¯n (creature with the

A measure of distance equal to 6 km. Descendants of Adam. They are called those with the hairy feet, because they have no bones in their shanks. Fair-skinned, clean

hairy feet): Zangı¯:

and beautiful creatures, residing in a fertile region. A supernatural creature-tribe identified historically with the inhabitants of Zanjibar and the East Horn of Africa.

CHARACTERS Alexander (Iskandar):

Protagonist of the romance and the King of Greece, half-brother

‘Anbar: Ara¯qı¯t: Arasta¯ta¯lı¯s (Aristotle):

of the Iranian king Darius Son of Ra¯fi‘ the Zangı¯ Queen of the Fairies and one of Alexander’s wives Philosopher and Alexander’s minister, a name of Greek origin

Arsla¯nkha¯n: Aya¯z: ¯ za¯dbakht: A Barqatı¯sah:

A Turkish King of the East, brother of Sha¯hmalik1 Arsla¯nkha¯n’s messenger to Alexander King of Kashmir Daughter of the King of Egypt and Alexander’s wife

Buqra¯quz: Candace (Qayda¯fah): cupbearer’s wife: Darius (Da¯ra¯b): Farrukhbakht:

Sha¯hmalik’s son Queen of Andalusia Sha¯hmalik’s messenger and Alexander’s informant King of Iran, Alexander’s half-brother ¯ za¯dbakht’s brother and ruler of Kashmir A

Fı¯lı¯nu¯s: Ghı¯la¯n: Ja¯nu¯siba¯r: Jundu¯l:

Aristotle’s son, a name of Greek origin A fairy captured by Alexander One of Darius’ assassins King of the Zangı¯s

Kasandar: Kayd: Khidr: Land:

King of ‘Uman A King of India An enigmatic Qur’a¯nic figure (Qur’a¯n:18 – 65). Qa¯til’s messenger and Alexander’s informant ¯ za¯dbakht’s daughter and one of Alexander’s wives A

Ma¯ha¯farı¯n: Ma¯hya¯r: Manku¯s: Munzar:

One of Darius’ assassins King of the Zinj King of Yemen

Muzar, Ilya¯s bin: Na¯hı¯d: Philip (Fı¯lqu¯s): Pı¯ru ¯ z of Tu ¯ s: Porus (Fu¯r):

Chief of Mecca Porus’ daughter and one of Alexander’s wives Alexander’s grandfather Iranian commander in Alexander’s service King of India

Qa¯ra¯kha¯n: Qayma¯z:

King of Transoxania Arsla¯nkha¯n’s messenger

Glossary

359

Qaymu¯n: Ra¯fi‘: Rushanak:

Arsla¯nkha¯n’s commander, who became Alexander’s father-in-law Qa¯til’s brother Darius’ wife

Ruvı¯d: Sha¯hmalik: Sı¯ndah: Sita ¯ rah: Suhayl:

Ara¯qı¯t’s uncle King of Taghma¯j A demon Daughter of the King of Egypt and one of Alexander’s wives Daughter of the King of Yemen

Tafqa¯j: Tamgha¯j: Tarzak: Tı¯nu ¯ sh:

Sha¯hmalik’s relative King of Divas Arsla¯nkha¯n’s commander Candace’s son and the son-in-law of the King of Egypt. His name

Tura¯nmalik: Ya¯qu¯tmalik: Zubayda:

is probably of Greek origin. Sha¯hmalik’s brother Ara¯qı¯t’s cousin A devout maiden

PROPER NAMES ‘Abba¯s:

Abraham:

The son of ‘Alı¯ ibn Abı¯ Ta¯lib and Fa¯timah bint Hizam al-Kilabiyyah (Ummu’l Banı¯n – Mother of the Sons). He was the half-brother of Husayn ibn ‘Alı¯ ibn Abı¯ Ta¯lib. The Prophet Abraham played a major role in three world religions: in Judaism, he is the founder of the special covenant relationship between the Jewish people and God; in Christianity, his faith made him the prototype of all believers; and in Islam, Abraham’s belief separated Islam, submission to God, from the

Adam: Afrasiyab: Afrı¯du¯n (Fereydu¯n): ‘Alı¯:

Andalusia/Andalu ¯ s: Ansa¯rı¯, Hakı¯m:

‘Arafat Mountain:

Jewish Torah. The first human. The king and hero of Tura¯n and the arch-enemy of Iran. The Iranian mythical king and hero, an emblem of victory, justice and generosity. The first Apostle of Shi’a Muslims. He was the cousin and son-inlaw of the Prophet Muhammad, ruling over the Islamic Caliphate from AD 656 to 661. He was also the first male who accepted Islam. Region in Spain. Khwa¯ja Abdalla¯h Ansa¯rı¯ was commentator of the Qur’a¯n, traditionist, polemicist and spiritual master, known for his oratory and poetic talents in Arabic and Persian. The hill where the Prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon to the Muslims who had accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life.

360 ¯ rash: A Ardashir: Arjasb: Ayub: Bahman: Bahra¯m Gu ¯ r: Balkh: Barkhiya¯, Asif bin: Bilqı¯s:

The Persian Alexander A legendary heroic archer-figure of Iranian oral tradition and folklore. The name of various Achaemenid and Sasanian kings. A King of Tura¯n. The Arabic version of the name which is attested in the Qur’a¯n for the Biblical Prophet Job. The son of the Iranian King Isfandiyar. The fifteenth Sasanian King of Persia (AD 420–438). An ancient city and centre of Zoroastrianism in modern-day northern Afghanistan. The man who, according to Islamic scriptural tradition, brought Queen of Sheba’s throne to King Solomon.

Bukhara: Bukht al-Nasr:

The Queen of Sheba in south-west Arabia and the eastern African Horn. A major city and region of Central Asia in modern-day Uzbekistan. Lit. ‘The Son of Nasr’ (name of an idol). He was one of the greatest

Daniel:

kings of ancient Babel and ruled from 562–604 BC . His name is Hebrew, meaning the son of the idol Nasr (Nebuchadnezzar in English). The religious figure in the Hebrew Bible.

Darius: Darya¯-ye akhzar: David: Eram Garden: Fa¯rs: Ferghana valley:

The Iranian Achaemenid King Darius III Codomanus (336 – 330 BC ). The Green Sea. Perhaps the Caspian Sea. The second king of the United Kingdom of Isra¯‘ı¯l, and an ancestor of Jesus. The heaven in the Qur’a¯n. A region in south Iran and cradle of the ancient Iranian dynasties of the Achaemenids and Sasanians. Located in southern Central Asia, modern-day Uzbekistan.

Ganges: Gurga¯n: Gushtasb:

A trans-boundary 2.525 km-long river of India and Bangladesh. A region and city in north-eastern Iran A legendary king of the Kayanian dynasty and patron of Zoroaster.

Habash:

An ancient region in the Horn of Africa, situated in modern-day Ethiopia. The garden with the seven springs. A prophet of Ancient Arabia, who is mentioned in the Qur’a¯n

Haft Anbar Garden: Hud: Ilya¯s: Isfandiyar: Isma‘ı¯l:

(Chapter 11 is named after him). A prophet and a wonder-worker in the northern kingdom of Isra¯‘ı¯l during the reign of Ahab (ninth century BC ). A legendary Iranian crown prince and son of Gushtasb. Abraham’s first son according to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Glossary

361

Isra¯fı¯l:

The Angel of the Trumpet, awaiting the signal from God to sound it at the Last Judgement. One of the four Archangels in Islam and the Islamic equivalent of Judaeo-Christian Raphael.

Isra¯‘ı¯l: Istakhr: Jabalsa and Jabalqa:

The Angel of Death. One of the four Archangels in Islam. A city and district in southern Persia (Fa¯rs). Legendary cities, each one, although is unclear which, located in the extreme east and west. The Grand Vizier of Gushtashb.

Jamasp: Jamshı¯d: Kaaba: (Kay-)Ka¯vu¯s: Kay-Khusraw:

The fourth and greatest king of the legendary Pishdadian Dynasty. The cuboid building in Mecca. Al-Masjid al-Haram, the most sacred mosque in Islam, is built around the Kaaba. The legendary king of the Kayanian dynasty. He is the son of Kay Qoba¯d and the father of prince Seya¯vash. The legendary king of the Kayanian dynasty. He was the son of the Iranian prince Siavash and princess Farangis of Tura¯n.

Khargu¯shı¯, Shaykh Abu¯ Sa‘d:

Abu ¯ Sa’d ‘Abd al-Malik b. Muhammad b. Ibra¯hı¯m al-Wa¯’iz al-Khargu ¯ shı¯ (d. AH 407 or 408/ AD 1015 or 1016). A leading Sufi authority who wrote the manual of Sufism titled Tahdhı¯b al-asra¯r.

Khurasan:

A region of Iran Proper in Central Asia, divided today between Iran, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. City in Turkestan. A legendary land reputedly enshrouded in everlasting darkness. It is associated with Alexander’s efforts to find the Water

Kuran: Land of Darkness:

Luhrasb:

Maghrib: Mahmu ¯ d b. Sibu¨ktigı¯n, ˙ Sulta¯n (AD 971–1030): Manuchihr:

Maqam-i Ibrahim: Mas‘u¯d, Abdullah:

Ma¯zandara¯n: Mecca:

of Life. ¯ j/O ¯ z, son of Manusˇ, son of A legendary Iranian king, son of O Pası¯n, son of Abı¯weh, son of Kawa¯d and the father of Wishta¯sp and Zarı¯r. Morocco, north-west Africa. The most prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty based in Ghazni, Afghanistan. The first of the legendary kings who ruled Iran after the breakup of the world empire of Manu ¯ chehr’s great-grandfather Fereydoun. The large stone block on which Prophet Abraham stood while building the upper walls of the Holy Ka‘ba. One of the first converts to Islam after Muhammad started preaching in Mecca. He remained one of the closest Companions of Muhammad during his lifetime. An Iranian province in northern Iran. The most important city in Islam.

362

The Persian Alexander

Mesopotamia: Mina:

The Fertile Crescent lying between the Tiger and Euphrates rivers. The place where the stoning (ramy) of Jamarat ul Kubra takes place during the pilgrimage of Muslims in Mecca.

Moses:

The prophet, religious leader and lawgiver. He is attributed the authorship of the Torah. Wahb ibn Munabbih ibn Kamil ibn Sirajud-Din Dhee Kibaar AbuAbdullah al-Yamani al-San’ani was a Persian-Himyarite scholar from Yemen of the seventh century AD who wrote the Stories of the

Munabbih, Wahb ibn:

Muzdalifa: Noah: Pharaoh: Qa¯bil: Qa¯f mountains:

Qa¯fchaq (Qipchaq): Qatada: Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯‘: Ray: Riba¯t:

Prophets and the Book of Isra¯’ı¯liyya¯t. The valley between Mina and Mount Arafat in which pilgrims on Hajj spend the night in the open. The tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The legendary King of Egypt. Cain in Arabic. A chain of mountains that surrounded earth. It was created by God from a single green emerald. It is a 500-year journey high and 2,000-year journey round. A Turkic tribal confederation who conquered large parts of the Eurasian steppe in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. One of the Companions of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad and a member of the Ansar. The Stories of Prophets, that is, collections of stories of Prophets from the Judaic monotheistic tradition adapted to Islam. A city in the Greater Tehran metropolis. Small fortification built along a frontier during the first years of

Salm:

the Muslim expansion. An Arab prophet of ancient Arabia mentioned in the Qur’a¯n; he prophesied to the tribe of Thamud. The son of Iranian King Fereydu ¯ n.

Sarandı¯b: Simurgh: Siyavu ¯ sh: Torah:

Ceylon. The benevolent legendary flying creature. The legendary Iranian prince, son of the Iranian king Kay Kavus. The first five books of the Tanakh plus the rabbinic

Turkestan: Tu ¯ s:

commentaries on it and the continued narrative from Genesis to the end of the Tanakh. The land of Turkish people located in Central Asia. A city in Khurasan.

Salih:

Water of Life (ab-e khayyat, ‘ayn al-khayyat): Yaju ¯ j and Ma’ju ¯j (Gog and Magog):

A legendary spring, supposedly restoring the youth of anyone who drinks of its water. Attested in the Books of Genesis, Ezekiel, Revelation and the Qur’a¯n (18:93 – 98). They are supernatural peoples, occurring widely in mythology and folklore.

Glossary Yusif: Zahha¯k:

Zam Zam Well:

Zanjibar:

363

Prophet Joseph (lit. ‘God increases in piety, power and influence’). Daha¯g (of uncertain etymology) is said to have ruled for 1,000 years, starting from 100 years after Jamshı¯d lost his Divine Charisma. He is described as a sorcerer who ruled with the aid of demons. The miraculously generated source of water from God, which began thousands of years ago when Abraham’s infant son Ishmael was thirsty and kept crying for water. It is located in the shrine of Mecca. (lit. ‘The land of black people’) A region of Tanzania.

Notes INTRODUCTION 1. J. Becˇka, ‘Alexander the Great in Persian-Tajik and Czeck Literature’, Archive Orientalni 53 (1985), 314–38; Pseudo-Callisthenes, A Hebrew Alexander Romance According to MS London Jews’ College, trans. W. Jac. van Bekkum, no. 145, vol. 1 (Louvain, 1992); M. Bridges, ‘Empowering the Hero: Alexander as Author in the Epistola Alexandri ad Aristotelem and its Medieval English Versions’, ¨ rgel (eds), The Problematics of Power: Eastern and Western Representations in M. Bridges and J.Ch. Bu of Alexander the Great (Bern, 1996), 45 –59. 2. Anon., Iskandarna¯ma (henceforth IN), ed. ¯I. Afsha¯r (Tehran, 1343/1964). 3. Ibid., 10–43. 4. Anon., Iskandarna¯ma, ed. ¯I. Afsha¯r (Tehran, 1367/2008). 5. W.L. Hanaway, Persian Popular Romances Before the Safavid Period, PhD diss., Columbia University Press (New York, 1970). 6. J. Rubanovich, ‘The Reconstruction of a Story Telling Event in Medieval Persian Prose Romance: The Case of Iskandarna¯mah’, Edebiyat 9 (1999), 215–247. 7. M.S. Southgate, ‘Portrait of Alexander the Great in Persian Alexander Romances of the Islamic Era’, Journal of the American Oriental Society 97 (1977), 278–284. 8. W.L. Hanaway, ‘Eskandar-na¯ma’, Encyclopaedia Iranica VIII, 611. 9. Qur’a¯n, 10:105; U. Rubin, ‘Hanı¯f, Encyclopaedia of the Qur’a¯n (Leiden, 2001), II, 402– 404. 10. Qur’a¯n, 18:83 –98. 11. Alexander is mentioned many times with this name in the IN, 3:2, 5:8, 90:20, 96:7, 192:19, 211:8. 12. Qur’a¯n, 18:94, 97, 99; IN, 507; Anon., Iskandarnama, translated by M. Southgate (New York, 1978), 116. 13. W.L. Hanaway, Persian Popular Romances before the Safavid Period, PhD Diss. (Columbia University, 1970), 66 –128; Hanaway, ‘Eskandar-na¯ma’, 611; Southgate, ‘Portrait of Alexander the Great’, 278–284. 14. IN, 16; Hanaway, Persian Popular Romances before the Safavid Period, 9, 68. 15. C.A. Ciancaglini, ‘The Syriac Version of the Alexander Romance’, Le Muse´on, Revue d’e´tudes orientales, 114/1–2 (2001), 131–135. 16. IN, intro., 16, 18–21; Hanaway, Persian Popular Romances before the Safavid Period, 61. ¨ ldeke, ‘Beitra¨ge zur Geschichte des Alexanderromans’, Denkschriften der Kaiserlichen 17. Th. No Akademien der Wissenschaften. Phil-Hist. Klasse 38 (1890), 11–13. 18. R.N. Frye, ‘Two Iranian Notes’, in A.D.H. Bivar and J.R. Hinnells (eds), Papers in Honour of Professor Mary Boyce (Leiden, 1985), 185–188; see also J. Russel, ‘Iskandarnameh: A Persian Medieval Alexander-Romance by Minoo Southgate’, in Journal of the American Oriental Society, 103/3 (July–September 1983), 635.

366

Notes to Pages 3 – 7

19. Frye, ‘Two Iranian Notes’, 186. 20. D. Gutas, Greek Thought, Arabic Culture: The Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement in Baghdad and Early ‘Abba¯sid Society (London and New York, 1998), 53 –60. 21. F. Doufikar-Aerts, ‘“Les derniers jours d’Alexandre” dans un roman populaire arabe: Un mirroir du roman syriaque du Pseudo-Callisthe`ne’, in L. Harf-Lancer, C. Kappler and F. Suard (eds), Alexandre le grand dans les litte´ratures occidentales et proche-orientales (Paris, 1999), 61–73; F. Doufikar-Aerts, ‘“The Last Days of Alexander” in an Arabic Popular Romance of al-Iskandar’, in S. Panayotakis, M. Zimmerman and W. Keulen (eds), The Ancient Novel and Beyond (Leiden, 2003), 23–35. ¨ cken, 22. E. Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma: An Analysis of an Anonymous Persian Prose Romance (Saarbru 2013), 49; J. Scott Meisami, Persian Historiography: To the End of the Twelfth Century (Edinburgh, 1999), 16–18. 23. Qur’a¯n, 18:83 –98. 24. Macuch, ‘PseudoCallisthenes Orientalis and the Problem of Dhu ’l-Qarnayn’, Graeco-Arabica 4 (1991), 224–225; about his figure in the Islamic literary tradition, particularly in the Maghrib, ¨ rgel see Ch. Genequand, ‘Sagesse et pouvoir: Alexandre en Islam’, in M. Bridges and J.Ch. Bu (eds), The Problematics of Power: Eastern and Western Representations of Alexander the Great (Bern, 1996), 125–133; A.M. Piemontese, ‘La figura di Alessandro nelle letterature d’area islamica’, in L. Arte (ed.), Alessandro Magno, Storia e mitto (Rome, 1995), 177–178. 25. Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 88. 26. IN, 3–4. 27. Ibid. 28. Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 113. 29. IN, 243:9–11. 30. IN, 8:20. 31. Ibid., 10:15– 16. 32. R.C. Zaehner, The Dawn and Twilight of Zoroastrianism (London, 1961), 299. 33. IN, 58. 34. The role of the Iranian cycle of kings in the narrative results from the Sha¯hna¯ma tradition. The name of the Sha¯hna¯ma is mentioned several times in the Iskandarna¯ma as being the author’s source for the compilation of the romance (IN, 129:17; 162:16; 191:13; 207:16; 240:20; 249:12). 35. J. Rypka, History of Iranian Literature (Dordrecht, 1968), 151. 36. Dh. Safa¯, ‘Andarz ii. Andarz Literature in New Persian’, EIr, I, 16 –17; C.-H. de Fouche´cour, Moralia: Les Notions Morales dans la litte´rature persane du 3 e/9 e au7 e/13 e sie`cle (Paris, 1986), 357– 359; Anon, Bahr al-Fava¯’id, trans. into English as The Sea of Precious Virtues by J. Scott Meisami (Salt Lake City, UT, 1991), xii–xvii. 37. Anon., Bahr al-Fava¯’id, 149–150. 38. For the andarz literature in its pre-Islamic context, see Sh. Shaked, ‘Andarz in Pre-Islamic Persia’, EIr II, 11 –16. 39. J. Derek Latham, ‘Ebn al-Moqaffa‘’, Encyclopaedia Iranica VIII, 39 –43. 40. The first samples of Mirrors for Princes are attested in verse in the ninth century AD ; Lazard, Les premiers poe`tes persans (IXe-Xe sie`cles): fragments rassemble´s, e´dite´s et traduits (Tehran, 1964), tom. I, 12. ¨ rgel, ‘L’attitude d’Alexandre face a` la philosophie grecque dans trois poe`mes e´piques 41. J.C. Bu persans: le Roman d’Alexandre de Niza¯mı¯, l’A’ina-i Iskandarı¯ de Amı¯r Khusraw Dehlavı¯ et le Khiradna¯ma-I Iskandarı¯ de Dja¯mı¯’, in L. Harf-Lancner, C. Kappler and F. Suard (eds), Alexandre le grand dans les litte´ratures occidentales et proche-orientales (Paris, 1999), 55–59. 42. A.A. Dihkhuda¯, ‘Dhu ’l-qarnayn’, in M. Mu‘ı¯n (ed.), Lugha¯tna¯ma (Tehran, 1339/1960); S.H. Safavı¯, Iskandar va adabı¯ya¯t-i ¯Ira¯n (Tehran, 1364/1985), 273–279; R. Stoneman, ‘Alexander the Great in the Arabic Tradition’, in S. Panayotakis, M. Zimmerman and W. Keulen (eds), The Ancient Novel and Beyond (Leiden, 2003), 7–9. 43. ‘They will ask you of dhu’l-qarnayn. Say: I shall recite unto you a (true) account of him’, Qur’a¯n, 18:82–110; E.E. Bertels, Roman ob Aleksandre i ego glavnye versii na vostoke (The Alexander

Notes to Pages 7 – 110

44. 45. 46. 47. 48.

367

Romance and its main versions in the east) (Moscow, 1948), 14 –16; Safavı¯, Iskandar, 269–272; F. Doufikar-Aerts, ‘The Marginal Voice of a Popular Romance: Sı¯rat al-Iskandar wa-ma¯ fı¯ha¯ min al‘aja¯yib wa-’l-ghara¯yib’, in R. Ostle (ed.), Marginal Voices in Literature and Society (Strasbourg, 2000), 18. Safavı¯, Iskandar, 279– 282. Southgate, ‘Portrait of Alexander the Great’, 283. IN, 352:14. J. Knappert, Islamic Legends, Histories of the Heroes, Saints and Prophets of Islam, 2 vols (Leiden, 1985), 129. Anon., Iskandarna¯ma, trans. M.S. Southgate (New York, 1978).

TRANSLATION 1. Wrongly written ‘iskandar’ in the MS and edition, instead of the correct ‘Darab’, IN, 3:7. 2. A contradiction since previously it was stated that there were Arab soldiers in his army. 3. This sentence reflects the high skills and technique of the narrator who has arranged the stories in such a sequence so that the overall images of the diverse stories give a coherent ensemble. 4. An interesting piece of information by the author about the legendary Greek-Iranian origin of Alexander among the Persian-speaking people at the time of the compilation of the narrative. This aspect of Alexander’s Greek-Persian origin is drawn from the Sha¯hna¯ma¯, ShN, 6, Da¯ra¯b, v. 94 –105. 5. In the Persian text, the same sentence is repeated twice at this point, IN, 132:5. 6. See n. 4 in this section. 7. See n. 4 in this section. 8. Literally, ‘Escape From Hardship or Relief after Distress.’ This was a genre of Arabic literature involving sequences of anecdotes in which people may find the solution to difficult situations. Antonella Ghersetti, ‘Human Initiative in Faraj Ba‘D Al-Shidda by Al-Tanu ¯ khı¯’, in W. Heinrichs et al. (eds), Occasional Papers of the School of Abbasid Studies (St. Andrews, 1992), 1–9. 9. This story is entirely omitted in Southgate’s translation and Table of Stories. 10. Previously the author mentions the name Juna, not Juhu ¯ d. 11. This story is not cited in full and is defective in the narrative, IN, 177:13–14. 12. In philosophic terms, farr is a kind of ba¯gubaxt, exclusively destined for kings. R.N. Frye, ‘The Charisma of Kingship in Ancient Iran’, Iranica Antiqua 4 (1964), 36 –55; M. Alinia, ‘Divine Charisma: Meaning and Representation’ (in Greek), Dodone 32 (2003), 243–246. 13. This passage reflects the significance that the sponsor and the scribe paid to Alexander’s romance as a classical work of edification. See Evos Venetis, Iskandarna¯mah: An Analysis of an ¨ cken, 2013), 117. Anonymous Persian Prose Romance (Saarbru 14. IN, 191:10. This story is attested in the Bahmanna¯ma¯ and the Sha¯hna¯ma¯, W.L. Jr. Hanaway, ‘Bahman-Na¯ma’, Encyclopaedia Iranica. 15. The reference to the Book of Alexander clearly suggests that there was at least one compilation of Alexander’s stories at the disposal of the scribe. It is also an indication of the compiler’s methodology regarding the sequence and type of stories in the account. 16. According to the linguistic and historical evidence of the narrative it is suggested that the Iskandarna¯ma was probably compiled in at least three stages: for the first time in Mahmu ¯ d’s reign ˙ in the Ghaznavid court or in an eastern Iranian provincial centre of the Ghaznavid empire, perhaps Khura¯sa¯n (Nı¯sha¯pu ¯ r, Merv or elsewhere) or even Afghanistan (Ghazna), areas where the genre of romantic epic was developed due to the role of dihqa¯ns. This theory is based primarily on two elements: first, the model of the ruler (gha¯zı¯ king) in association with the citation of Mahmu ¯ d’s name and his comparison with Alexander; second, the repertoire of the narrative and ˙ the development of the stories, mainly in Central Asia, Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 83 –117. 17. Southgate translates this as ‘600 years old’, 65.

368

Notes to Pages 114 – 198

18. IN, 237:18; here the scribe displays a high degree of judgement in regard to the material he has compiled and its sources. 19. An error on the person (from third plural it turns to a plural), 245: 5–6. 20. Qur’a¯n, 18:90. 21. An indication of the existence of a written account of Alexander’s book prior to this one. 22. Qur’a¯n, 31:34; IN, 288:11–13. 23. T. Ha¨gg, T. and B. Utas, The Virgin and Her Lover: Fragments of an Ancient Greek Novel and a Persian Epic Poem (Leiden, 2003), 62. 24. Another example of the scribe’s sophisticated narrative technique. 25. Alexander is associated with the legendary Iranian kings, and as a result indirectly legitimises him as a righteous Iranian ruler who, like his predecessors, holds the farr. Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 141. 26. Six lines from the MS are missing. 27. This refers to Solomon’s model of the Prophet King. The inclusion of Solomon’s name in the narrative results from the influence of the Isra¯’ı¯liyya¯t tradition and the so-called Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯‘ (Stories of the Prophets). In technical terms, Solomon’s name is used in two functions; first, Alexander fully replaces Solomon in a story classically associated with the latter (leading to the equation of the two figures); and second, Alexander’s actions and behaviour appear as similar or comparable to those of Solomon (leading to a comparison of the two figures, or even Alexander’s identification with Solomon). Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 185–186. 28. IN, 311:19. 29. A black material which comes from a certain species of fish and it is produced in a compound way. 30. The narration is disrupted at this point, MS112a. 31. At this point there is a gap in the manuscript. 32. The presence of this account in the Book of Alexander clearly suggests the connection between the Jewish and Islamic traditions and lore. 33. This is an important testimony about the richness of written sources and how stories were circulated from one account to another for the needs of storytelling process at the time, IN, 352:17. 34. This part of the manuscript has been damaged, IN, 354, n. 1. 35. A hyperbole on the part of the scribe to highlight the rich repertoire of Alexander’s stories. 36. The verbal intervention of the scribe in first plural reflects the practical dimension of the account as an actual means of oral narration. 37. The didactic aspect of the Book of Alexander is expressed here in the form of a hyperbole of vanity. 38. The comparison, if not identification, between Solomon and Alexander is clearly demonstrated at this point. 39. A leaf is missing from the MS. See Southgate, 102. 40. Alexander’s legendary Greek-Persian origin in the Persian tradition. See Translation, n. 4. 41. There is text missing from the manuscript, IN, 397:1. 42. An inconsistency in the narration; above one fairy is mentioned, IN, 399:6. 43. A legendary parallel of the historical mutiny in Alexander’s army at Hyphasis River. Diodorus Siculus, 17.94.3ff.; Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander 5.25.2ff.; Curtius Rufus, 9.3.3–5. 44. There is text missing from the manuscript. 45. A leaf is missing from the manuscript. See Southgate, 102. 46. A Turkic dimension of Alexander’s origin. See Translation, n. 4. 47. This is mentioned suddenly and there is a gap in the plot. 48. This is clear evidence of the role of written tradition in the formation of the plot of a popular account and the fact that oral and written traditions overlap. Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 246. 49. This phrase is mentioned quite unexpectedly in the sequence of the plot. 50. There is text missing from the manuscript.

Notes to Pages 201 – 358

369

51. An interesting point made by the author regarding the division and arrangement of his themes. 52. The lack of consistency on behalf of the author regarding the sequence of stories in his narrations implies an influence of storytelling process regarding the way he narrates and the intervals he uses. 53. There is text missing from the manuscript. 54. Afsha¯r mentions ‘khurram’, IN, 450:13. 55. See Translation, n. 4. 56. The scribe has cross-checked the information he cites, a sign of his high-level writing skills. 57. There is text missing from the manuscript. 58. To date the text to the middle or the end of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Baha¯r lists the names of several key personalities and accounts mentioned in the narrative, such as the Sha¯hna¯ma-yi Firdawsı¯ Tu¯sı¯ (The Book of Kings by Firdawsı¯ from Tu ¯ s), ‘Unsurı¯, Sulta¯n Mahmu ¯ d and especially the name of the scribe ‘Abd ’l-Ka¯fı¯ b. Abi ’l-Baraka¯t. Baha¯r, Sabkshina¯sı¯, 2:128 –129; IN, 497:1–2 59. ‘Abd ’l-Ka¯fı¯ b. Abı¯ al-Baraka¯t (IN, 497:1) is correctly mentioned in Southgate’s translation (115) but in the index of the translation, the same surname is falsely cited as ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi al-Barakat, Southgate, 229. 60. This is another piece of evidence in the narrative for storytelling performance. 61. The answer is not attested because of the manuscript’s corrupted condition; IN, 506:18. 62. It is the first time that the scribe uses the first person singular in the narrative. Perhaps it reflects the voice of storyteller or narrator in the oral tradition. 63. Previously in the narrative the author cites ‘20,000’, 549:1. 64. There is text missing from the manuscript. 65. A region in Africa. 66. A sentence which seems to be irrelevant to the narration. 67. Literally, ‘The place between the two mountains’ taken from the Qur’a¯n, 18:93. It refers to the mountain pass which the Double-Horned One built to hold Gog and Magog. 68. At this point, there is a gap in the line. 69. In the Iskandarna¯ma, the infidels are presented with two choices: either to convert to Islam or face death. Alexander is a righteous Muslim king and conqueror who makes use of the basic principles of Islam, Venetis, Iskandarna¯ma, 156. 70. An unidentified name of possible Greek origin, IN: 697:20. 71. Naphtha refers to a number of flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons. In pre-modern times it was used as a means of Greek warfare. John H. Pryor and Elizabeth M. Jeffreys, The Age of the DPOMVN: The Byzantine Navy ca. 500– 1204 (Leiden, 2006), 32. 72. A sudden transmission to another story, IN, 729:4. 73. There is a gap in the manuscript and most probably there is a page missing. IN, 731:7. 74. Qur’a¯n, 38:35. 75. A piece of evidence of storytelling in the pre-modern Islamic Iranian world. 76. The MS breaks off here.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS, CHARACTERS AND PROPER NAMES 1. Compare Southgate’s spelling of ‘Arsala¯nkha¯n’, 82, 98, 115, 134, 165 etc.

Bibliography PRIMARY SOURCES Anon., Bahr al-Fava¯’id, trans. into English as The Sea of Precious Virtues by J. Scott Meisami (Salt Lake City, UT, 1991). Anon., Iskandarna¯ma, ¯I. Afsha¯r (ed.) (Tehran, 1343/1964); (Tehran, 1367/2008). Anon., Iskandarna¯ma, trans. M.S. Southgate (New York, 1978). Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander, vols I– II [Loeb Classical Library] (Cambridge, MA 1976). Sheikh Bı¯ghamı¯, Love and War: Adventures from the Fı¯ru ¯ z Sha¯h Na¯ma, trans. W.L. Hanaway Jr. (New York, 1974). Curtius Rufus, Quintus, De Rebus Gestis Alexandri Magni, Libri Superstites, N.E. Lemaire (ed.) (Paris, 1822). Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca Historica, vol. III, rec. E. Bekker (Leipzig, 1853). Firdawsı¯, Abu ¯ ’l-Qa¯sim, Sha¯hna¯mah, Kriticheskii tekst, I – VII, E. Bertels (ed.) (Moscow, 1966 – 1968). Justin, Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus, Books 11 –12: Alexander the Great, trans. and appendices by J.C. Yardley, commentary by W. Heckel (Oxford, 1997). Niza¯mı¯ Ganjavı¯, Niza¯m al-Dı¯n Abu ¯ Muhammad, The Sikandar Nama-e Bara or Book of Alexander the Great, trans. H. Wilberforce Clarke (London, 1881). Niza¯mı¯ Ganjavı¯, Niza¯m al-Dı¯n Ilya¯s, Sharafna¯ma, V. Dastgirdı¯ (ed.) (Tehran, 1316/1937). Plutarch, Bίoi, trans. R. Flacelie`re and E´. Chambry Vies, IX (Paris, 1975). Pryor, John H. and Jeffreys, Elizabeth M., The Age of the DPOMVN: The Byzantine Navy ca. 500–1204 (Leiden, 2006). Pseudo-Callisthenes, A Hebrew Alexander Romance according to MS He´b. 671.5 Paris, Bibliothe`que nationale, trans. V. van Bekkum (Groningen, 1994). —— A Hebrew Alexander Romance according to MS London Jews’ College, trans. W. Jac. van Bekkum, no. 145, vol. 1 (Louvain, 1992). —— Der Griechischen Alexanderroman, Rezension G, U. Von Lauenstein and H. Engelman (eds) (Meisenheim am Glan, 1962 –1963). —— Historia Alexandri Magni (Pseudo-Callisthenes), W. Kroll (ed.), vol. I (Berlin, 1926). —— Historia de Preliis, in O. Zingerle (ed.), Die Quellen zum Alexander des Rudolf von Ems (Breslau, 1885). ¨ ller (ed.) (Paris, 1846). —— primum, C. Mu —— The Life and Exploits of Alexander the Great: Translations of the Ethiopic Histories of Alexander, trans. by E.A. Wallis Budge (ed.) (London, 1896). Qur’a¯n, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran: An Explanatory Translation, M.M. Pickthall (Annapolis, MD, [1930] 2002).

372

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Tarsu ¯ sı¯, Abu ¯ Ta¯hir, Da¯ra¯bnama, or the Book of Da¯ra¯b, trans. and annotated by N.B. Kondyreva (Moscow, 2000). Tarsu ¯ sı¯, Abu ¯ Ta¯hir Muhammad b. Hasan b. ‘Alı¯ b. Mu ¯ sa¯, Alexandre le Grand en Iran, Le Da¯ra¯b Na¯meh d’Abu ¯ Ta¯her Tarsusi, trans. and annotated by Marina Gaillard (Paris, 2005). Valerius, Julius, Res Gestae Alexandri Macedonis, B. Kuebler (ed.) (Leipzig, 1888).

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Index Aaron, 69, 106 ‘Abba¯sids, 3 ‘Abd al-Ka¯fı¯ b. Abi ’l-Barakat, 227 Abdullah Mas‘u ¯ d, 315, 361, 362 Abraham, 34, 54, 55, 63, 147, 161, 227, 297, 359, 360, 361, 363 Achaemenids, Empire, 360 ‘Ad, 55, 176, 193 Adam, 39, 51, 176, 180, 357, 359 tomb of, 6, 37, 47, 48, 53 Adnan, 55 Afrasiyab, 53, 100, 102, 108, 117, 119, 181, 191, 359 Afshar, Iraj, 1 Ahrav Sotudan, 88 Akhzar Sea, 108, 360 ‘Anbar, 215– 26, 358 Andalusia (Andalus), 95 –101, 358, 359. See also Spain Andarz tradition, 4, 6 Arabic, 3, 4, 6, 57, 61, 65, 359, 360, 362 Arafat mountain, 54, 359, 362 Ara¯qı¯t, 200, 206, 209, 211, 215 – 19, 222– 355, 358, 359 Alexander, 164– 93, 198, 210 Ardashir, 82, 359 Aristotle, 77, 108– 12, 115, 323, 334 – 8, 343– 4, 347 – 8, 358 Alexander, 22 – 3, 28 – 34, 35 – 8, 85 – 7, 95 – 6, 114, 201, 240, 247, 251, 266, 269, 280 Ara¯qı¯t, 255, 265, 270, 288–9, 291, 326–9 battle, 53, 56, 57, 61 –8, 70, 73 – 4, 98 – 102, 105, 118 –66, 170, 177, 186 – 95, 203– 21, 228– 37, 324 Qaymu ¯ n, 305, 306

Arjasb, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 359 Arslankhan, 342 – 4 Asif bin Barkhiyah, 162, 180, 360 ‘Ayn al-Hayya¯t, 196, 198 – 201, 215 ¯ za¯dbakht, 20 – 34, 36 – 7, 38, 39, 45, A 56– 7, 358 ¯ za¯dı¯ Mashkanı¯, 88 A Babylon, 48, 57 Baghdad, 3, 57 Bahman, 11, 12, 14, 35 – 6, 67, 95 –6, 110, 119, 120, 360 Bahrain, 14 Bahram, 36, 37, 39 – 45, 109 –12, 161, 180, 181, 218, 221, 360 Balkh, 118, 137, 138, 360 Baraqatisah, 73 barrel, story of, 109 – 12 Bazargan, 221 Book of Alexander (Iskandarna¯ma), 1 – 9, 32, 82, 92, 134, 176 Book of Kings, 5, 116 Brahmans, 21 Budge, E.A.W., 3 Bukhara, 219, 223, 225, 234 –5, 237– 8, 360 Bukht al-Nasr, 190, 360 Buqraquz, 228 – 34 Byzantine, 2 Caesar of Greece, 11 Cairo, 68 – 77, 78, 84, 86, 92, 95 Candace, 95 – 8, 149, 358, 359 Cataclysm, 67 Ceylon, 5, 14, 16, 18, 19, 35 – 48, 362 China, 2, 30, 39, 106, 111

378

The Persian Alexander

Khaqan, 107– 9, 117– 23, 125 –8, 131, 136 – 43, 357 land of, 120 – 22 Christianity, 2, 3, 88, 359, 360 Ciancaglini, C.A., 3 cupbearer’s wife, 258 – 60, 277– 9, 281 – 6, 287, 289, 291 – 6, 299, 358 Dadianeh, 67 Dajjal, 48 Daniel, 107, 190, 360 Da¯ra¯bna¯ma, 2, 8 da¯r al-harb, 7 ˙ da¯r al-Islam, 7 Darius, 2, 11 – 15, 16, 17, 20, 37, 39, 57, 96, 314, 358, 360 Darius III (son of Darius), 11 – 14, 39, 57, 360 Darkness, Land of, 6, 35, 50, 70, 100, 101, 250, 361 Alexander’s journey to, 70 – 72, 95, 96, 102 – 8 Alexander’s return from, 108, 119, 122, 127, 147, 192, 260 Alexander’s visit to, 156, 160, 175, 230 Aristotle, 74, 99 Water of Life, 51 Dava¯lpa¯ya¯n, 52, 357 David, 106, 120, 123, 135, 360 Demons, Land of, 149 dhu ‘l-qarnayn. See Double-Horned One Divas, 227, 359 Divine Charisma (farr), 69, 151, 158, 296, 303, 363 Alexander, 5, 27, 84, 125, 226, 277, 329, 338, 351 Diyanus, 322 Double-Horned One, 2, 4, 6 – 8, 50, 56, 57, 83, 322 Alexander, 37, 52, 96, 122, 144, 313, 331 Darius, 11, 12 Qur‘an, 104 Sha¯hmalik, 147, 148 Zang¯ı, 151, 157, 160 Eastern Sea, 212 Egypt, 57, 63, 64, 66 Alexander, 62, 67, 68 – 77, 77 – 96, 99 chief of, 99, 100 king of, 97, 98, 100, 101, 358, 359, 362 Egyptians, 71, 72, 73, 76, 78

Elephant Ears, 321 –5, 331, 341, 355, 357 era¯nshahr, 5 Fadl, 89 Fairies, Land of, 154, 158, 164, 215, 347 Farghana, 115 Farrukhzad, 36 – 46 Fereydun, 67, 100, 176, 359, 361, 362 Firdawsi, 2, 5, 67, 82, 102 Fı¯ru ¯ zsha¯hna¯ma, 2, 8 Gabriel, 120, 121, 132, 145 Garden of Eden, 51 Garsiuz, 119 Gog and Magog, 2, 144, 232, 357, 362 Gold, Land of, 48 – 52, 53, 54 Greece, 21, 33 – 4, 39, 63, 173, 216, 245, 298, 315 Alexander, 12, 36, 56 – 7, 62, 87, 97, 180, 215 as king, 67, 70, 75, 125, 128, 153 – 7, 310, 358 Ara¯qı¯t, 174, 265 Aristotle, 22, 24, 45, 74, 77, 95, 130 Arsla¯nkha¯n, daughter of, 171 Darius, 11, 13 Gushtasb, 120 Iran, 14, 53, 326 Malikay Nasut, 68 mother of Alexander, 73 Porus, 16 women, 85, 188, 253 Gudarz, 14, 190 Gurgan, 260, 360 Gushtasb, 119, 120, 360 Haft Anbar Garden, 196 – 201, 206, 275, 327, 360 Alexander, 209, 215, 223, 233, 236, 241, 306, 315, 333, 334, 339, 340 Ara¯qı¯t, 268, 274, 301 battle, 243, 246, 248, 249, 252, 258, 259, 262, 288, 316, 322 hairy feet, creatures with the, 51 – 3, 107, 167, 355, 357 Hakim Ansari, 136, 198 Hanaway, William, 2, 8 hanı¯f, 2 ˙Harut, 162 Herat, 140– 2 hermits, story of, 112– 15 House of Wisdom (bayt al-hikma), 3

Index Hud, 360 Humay, 14, 95 Hurmuz, 70, 71 Ilyas, 54, 55, 63, 101, 102, 250, 358, 360 India, 2, 4, 19, 32, 55, 58, 106, 269 Alexander, 20, 24, 53, 54, 57, 67 Egypt, 68 Ganges river, 360 Greece, 18, 188 Kayd, King, 30, 35 – 48, 358 king of, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21 Porus, 148 Iraj, 67 Iran, 6, 13, 38, 58, 181, 209, 216, 359, 360, 361 Alexander, 2, 5, 15, 24, 37, 42, 160, 260 Aristotle, 95 Bahman, 110 Darius, 11, 12, 39, 358 Greece, 14, 34, 53, 57, 245, 326 Islamic Iran, 1, 6 Kayd, 44 Persian literature, 3, 4, 9 Turkestan, 74 Iranians, 36, 63, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362 Alexander, 1, 4, 14, 50, 154, 189, 311 andarz tradition, 6 Bahra¯m, 43 battle, 61, 186, 210, 218, 220 – 44, 262, 323 – 4, 337 Gargin, 158 Greeks, 11, 32, 33, 108, 185 Islamic times, 5, 9 ¯ ıru P ¯ z of Tu ¯ s, 260 pre-Islam, 5, 9 prisoners, 291 Qa¯bu ¯ s, 314 Isfahan, 14, 15, 48, 221 Isfandiyar, 14, 120, 266, 273, 360 son of, 35, 36, 67, 96, 110, 119, 180, 181 Iskandar, fig. 1, fig. 2, 12, 140, 241, 358 Islam, 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 144, 214, 332, 357, 359 tradition, 3 –7, 187, 360, 361 Isma’il, 54 – 6, 62, 360 Israfil, 103– 4, 145 Isra’il, 360 Istakhr, 13, 181, 187, 361 Izdihaq, 67

379

Jabalqa, 102, 361 Jamasp, 134, 361 Jami‘, 227 Jamshı¯d, 19, 176, 231, 361, 363 Jarjı¯sh, 67 – 8 Jerusalem, 123 Jesus Christ, 88, 144, 164, 360 Juhu ¯ d, 88, 90 – 92 Juna, 88 Jundu ¯ l, 244, 315 – 17, 320, 322 –3, 336, 358 Ka’aba, 361 Kafur, 204 Kashmir, 14, 16, 19, 20 – 35, 37, 38, 46, 53, 358 Katayu ¯ n, 119 – 20 Ka¯veh the Blacksmith, 67 Ka¯vu ¯ s, 100, 362 Kayd, 16, 18 –19, 21, 30 – 32, 35 – 48, 53, 57, 358 Kay-Ka¯vu ¯ s, 100, 362 Kay-Khusraw, 100, 102, 104, 110– 11, 115, 176, 181, 361 Kay-Quba¯d, 100 Kerman, 13, 15, 24, 51, 209 Khang, 136 Khara, 54 Khidr, 100– 3, 250, 251, 358 Khuda¯da¯d, 99 Khwada¯yna¯mag (Book of Lords), 5 Land, 204 – 19, 224– 48, 358 Late Antiquity, 1, 2, 3 Lives of Kings (Siyyar al-mulu¯k), 4, 83, 116 Lot, 63 – 4 Luhrasb, 102, 116, 117, 118, 361 Machin, Land of, 30, 39, 107, 108, 119, 243 Magic Circle, 156, 169, 200, 352, 354, 357 Alexander, 151 – 2, 155, 164– 5, 175, 177, 180 – 83, 348, 355 Mahafarin, 20 – 5, 358 Makran, 37, 61 Malah, 213 Malaka‘il, 315 Malikay Nasut, 68 – 73, 85, 95 Manku ¯ s, fig. 4, 23, 244, 246– 9, 260, 336, 358 Sha¯hmalik, 281, 283 son of, 286, 316 Manuchihr, 67, 176, 260, 361

380

The Persian Alexander

Maqam-i Ibrahim, 54, 361 Marut, 162 Mas‘u ¯ dı¯, 4, 8 Mazdaean, 1 Mecca, 54 – 6, 62, 358, 36, 362, 363 Mesopotamia, 315, 361 Middle East, 3 Moad, 55 Moors, 99 Morocco, 70, 361 Moses, 34, 69, 73, 88, 106, 162, 362 Motarsaf, 43, 45, 46 Muma‘il, 315 Munzar, 54, 57 – 66, 358 Muslims, 21, 101, 166, 224, 240, 284, 362 Alexander, 1– 7, 52, 181, 222, 304, 342 – 5, 352, 353 Ara¯qı¯t, 332 conversion, 218, 305, 313, 327, 338, 341 Dadianeh, 67 Double-Horned One, 147 Ismaı¯l, 360 Malikay Nasut, 73 Qa¯til, 214, 243 Qayma¯z, 310 Qaymu ¯ n, 297, 306 Sha¯hmalik, 227, 242 Shi’a Muslims, 359 Yaqu ¯ tmalik, 355 Yemen, King of, 80 Zangı¯s, 246, 317 Mut, 135 Mutahar, 93, 94 Nafisi, Sa’id, 1, fig. 4 Na¯hı¯d, 24, 29 – 30, 190, 258 Alexander, 20, 25, 32 – 5 Nasr, 54, 55, 56 Nazar, 55 Nestorian, 3 Nile river, 76 Niza¯mı¯, fig. 1, fig. 2, 7 ˙ Noah, 67, 176, 362 Nushabah, fig. 1 Pahlavi language, 3, 5, 6 Pa¯rs Province, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 24, 48, 50, 187, 209 Persepolis, 13 Pharaoh, 106, 162, 362 Philip II, 5, 11, 12, 298, 358 Alexander, 12, 14, 117, 119, 180

Darius, 14, 57, 70, 83, 218 Pishdadian Dynasty, 361 Porus, 16 –20, 22 – 9, 32, 36 – 8, 148, 358 pre-Islamic concept, 4– 6, 9 Prophet, House of, 54 Psalms, 112, 114 Pseudo-Callisthenes, 1 – 3, 8 Qa¯bil, 315, 362 Qa¯bit, 54, 55, 56 Qa¯f mountains, 102 –4, 120, 156, 362 Qalut, 110, 111 Qatada, 315, 362 Qa¯til, 222, 225, 331, 336, 358 Alexander, 193– 215, 216– 19, 221, 223 – 45, 246– 52, 295, 322 – 3 bride of, 270 –73, 288, 327, 334, 348 Qayma¯z, 309 –12, 338, 358 Qaymun, 287, 288– 92, 296, 297, 299– 300, 302 – 7, 341, 358 Alexander, 309– 12, 338 daughter of, 334, 348 Qipchaq, 116, 362 Qissa-yi Hamza, 2 Qum, 48 Qur‘an, Holy, 120, 135, 144, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362 Double-Horned One, 2, 4, 6, 7, 104 Ra¯fi‘, 210 – 11, 219 Ray, 260, 362 Roman Empire, 2 Rubanovich, Julia, 2 Ruham Gudarz, 190 Ruindez, 119, 120 Rushanak, 14, 358 Russia, 189 –93 Rustam, 110, 120 Ruvı¯d, 180– 2, 186, 187, 346, 347, 348, 358 Sabı¯h, 33, 35, 112, 113 Salih, 176, 362 Salim, 55 Salm, 67, 362 Samak-i ‘ayya¯r, 2 Sandal, 201, 204 Sarv, 56, 57, 79, 81 Sasanians, 360 scorpion, story of, 105 – 8 Sha¯hmalik, 253– 8, 282, 287, 293, 306, 341, 358, 359

Index Alexander, fig. 4, 146– 9, 168, 192, 283 – 6, 317 Ara¯qı¯t, 253 – 6, 347 arrest, 320 – 3, 331, 332 battle, 226– 49, 252, 301– 2 captivity of, 314 – 15, 317 daughter of, 271, 273 – 81, 311 execution of, 336, 340, 348 fairies, 319, 320– 23 Shattad, 176 Shemr, 48 Simurgh, 120, 121, 362 Sindah, 175, 186, 187, 359 Sitarah, 73, 74, 77, 95, 359 Siyavu ¯ sh, 100, 102, 110, 117, 362 Siyavu ¯ shgard, 116, 119 Siyyar al-mulu¯k, 4, 83, 116 snake, story of, 105 – 8 Solomon, 123, 132 –5, 161– 4, 174, 180, 181, 185 Alexander and, 7 – 8, 106– 7, 120– 21 demons, 120, 175, 177, 185, 293, 356 prophet king, 165, 176, 177, 345, 360, 368n27 Sorkh, 136 South Asian cultural studies, 4 Southgate, Minoo, 2, 8 Spain, 2, 359. See also Andalusia (Andalus) Stories of the Prophets (Qisas al-anbı¯ya¯’), 7, 67, 101, 362, 368n27 Suhayl, 58, 59, 60, 359 Suhrab, 120 Sulta¯n Mahmu ¯ d b. Sibuktigı¯n, 107, 361 ˙ ¯ d, 4, 8, 315, 361 Sulta¯n Mas‘u Sulta¯n Muhammad, 4, 83, 359, 361, 362 Syria, 55, 80, 88, 95, 99, 104, 190 Syriac, 3 Tabarı¯, 8 ˙ Tabriz, 75 Tafqa¯j, 253, 266, 271 Tahta¯j, 88 – 92 Taief, 66, 67 Taiyer, king, 82 Tarzak, 307, 308, 309– 12, 317, 338 – 9, 359 Tehran, 1, 3, 362 Torah, 55, 88, 120, 359, 362 Tree of Happiness, 217

381

Tur, 67 Tura¯nmalik, 261 – 6, 271 –2, 359 Turkestan, 53, 74, 100, 351, 361, 362 Alexander, 30, 108, 109, 116 Chinese Turkestan, 121, 125, 127, 128, 130, 135– 7, 140 – 43 king of, 119, 120, 191, 192, 293 Zangı¯s, 199, 202, 216 Turks, 20, 117, 123, 210, 229, 300, 346, 332 Alexander, 119, 141, 230, 247, 251, 297, 300 Alexander’s army, 341, 354 Ara¯qı¯t, 320, 322 Arsla¯nkha¯n, 332, 333 Greece, 53, 108 infidels, 189, 234, 237, 245, 247– 8, 251, 259 – 61, 279, 295 Iran, 53, 108 King of, 109, 188, 231, 249, 275, 299 Muslims, 236, 342 pagans, 250, 262, 284, 346 Zangı¯s, 313, 316, 320, 322 ‘Uman, 15 – 16, 17 – 19, 37, 38, 53, 54, 68, 358 Wahb ibn Munabbih, 107, 315, 346, 362 Water of Life, 101, 102, 103, 147, 361, 362 Alexander, 51, 53, 71 – 2, 108 Ya¯qu ¯ tmalik, 346 – 56, 359 Yemen, 56 – 77, 79 –82, 84, 90 – 91, 95, 358, 359, 362 Yisa’, 101 youth, story of, 105 – 8 Zahha¯k, 50, 53, 56, 60 – 61, 64, 66 – 7, 101, 176, 231, 363 Zam Zam, 54, 363 Zangı¯, fig. 4, 158 – 61 Zanjibar, 216, 227, 244, 248, 358, 363 Zubayda, 293 – 4, 309, 319, 321, 354, 359 Alexander, 319, 328 – 9, 335, 336, 348 Ara¯qı¯t, 312, 330 –7 Aristotle, 335, 337, 346 cloister, 293– 4, 309, 313, 318, 319, 328 – 9, 330 –7, 356