The form of government in Bokhara has retained very few of the primitive Persian or Arabian characteristics, the Turco-Mongolian element predominating, and giving its tone to the whole. Although powerfully influenced by its hierarchy, the constitution is a military despotism. At its head stands the Emir, as generalissimo, prince, and chief of religion.
The military and civil dignitaries are divided into (_a_) Kette Sipahi (higher functionaries), (_b_) Orta Sipahi (middle functionaries), and (_c_) Ashaghi Sipahi. To the first two classes it is the rule to admit only Urukdar (personages of good family), for they are nominated on account of Yerlik (handwriting), or Billig (insignia). [Footnote 131] A practice, however, of appointing emancipated Persian slaves is of old date.
[Footnote 131: Yerlik and Billig are old Turkish words, the former signifying 'writing'--the root is yer, Hungarian ir, Turkish yaz; the latter meaning 'mark,' in Hungarian bélyeg.]
The following list or sketch furnishes a view of the different functionaries, from the Emir downwards:--
a. Kette Sipahi 1. Atalik. 2. Divanbeghi (Secretary of State). 3. Pervanedji, the 'butterfly man,' as he is termed at Court, because he is sent about by the Emir in different directions, on important errands.
b. Orta Sipahi 4. Tokhsabay, properly Tughsahibi (one who has as a banner a Tugh or horse's tail). 5. Inag. 6. Miakhor (Constable).
c. Ashaghi Sipahi 7. Choragasi, properly Chehre agasi (the 'face-man'), so called because at the audience he stands facing the Emir. 8. Mirzabasbi (Principal Writer). 9. Yasaulbeghi and Kargaulbeghi. 10. Yüzbashi. 11. Pendjabashi. 12. Onbashi.
Besides these, we have still to mention the officers about the Emir's person and court. At their head stands the Kushbeghi, or Vizir, the Mehter, Desturkhandji (steward), and Zekiatchi (receiver of the customs). The latter, in his quality of finance minister, is also chief master of the Emir's household. Next come the Mehrem (chamberlains), whose number varies with circumstances. These are sent, upon extraordinary occasions, as commissioners into the provinces. Every subject, if not content with the decision of the Governor as to his right, can appeal to the Emir, whereupon a Mehrem is assigned to him, as attorney, who travels back with him to his province, examines the affair, and lays it before the Emir for his final decision. There are, besides, Odadji (door-keepers), Bakaul (provision-masters), and Selamagasi, { 375} who on public processions return, instead of the Emir, the salutation 'Ve Aleïkum es selam.' These functions and offices exist only nominally under the present Emir, whose aversion to all display or pomp has made him leave many vacant.