N. V. Kyuner. Chinese News about the Peoples of Southern Siberia, Central Asia, and the Far East. Moscow, 1961
N. V. Kyuner supplemented the translation of N. Bichurin's book "Collection of Information..." from Chinese sources. In doing so, he made appropriate corrections or clarifications to the translations of his predecessor and provided a parallel translation of texts from other works not used by N. Bichurin himself. The excerpt about the Hagas is translated from the histories "Taipinghuanyuji" ("Description of the World during the Reign of Taiping 976—983 AD under the Song Dynasty).
Text: Hakyansi — Hagas (Kyrgyz).
The Xiajiaysi is a state in the northwestern steppe. Its original name is Jiyegu, another is Jiuyou, and they are also called Jiang-gun.
The "Historical Notes" refer to them as Jiang-gun, while the Han history calls them Gegun. They are located to the northwest of Huihe (Uighurs — O. K), 40 days' journey away. One edition mentions 3000 li.
Their inhabitants are all tall and large in stature, with red hair and green eyes. Those with black hair are called unfortunate.
For in the "Xiyu Ji" ("Notes on the Western Region"), a work by Jia Hui, it is stated: "Those with black hair and black eyes are descendants of Li Lin." Therefore, their self-designation is: "descendants of Duwei" (the chief administrator, i.e., Li Lin). The Syeiantuo constantly ordered the Syeili (Hyeili) to send one person there for overall administration. In their state, the great commander is called Hexi-bei, the next (in rank) is called Ajiuishé-bibei, and the next is called Amibei. (These) three people govern together. In their state, government officials hold positions of Zai-xian, Du-du, then ranks of Jiang-jun, Dacian (probably Dagan).
In the 6th year of the Zhenguan reign (632 AD), the Tang Dynasty's Taizong(1) sent the envoy Wang Yihun to their state.
In the 17th year (643 AD), the Jiang-gun people sent an envoy to bring sable furs and pelts as tribute (to the Chinese court).
In the 22nd year (648 AD), the elder Si-mo-fa Siboquy Ach-jan personally came to the court and stated: "Since I am wholeheartedly devoted to the empire, I hope to receive a government position and hold an official tablet (a symbol of vassalage) and nothing more." Then he was granted the title of Left Tunywei-da-jiang-jun, the chief ruler of Jiang-gun. They continued to grant rank to their lands, establishing (for administration) the position of Jiang-gun-dudu-fu under the jurisdiction of the Yanran spirit.
In the 4th year of the Yonghui reign (654—655 AD), they sent an envoy once again to present tribute to the court. Still, (Si-mo-fa) said: "In China itself, there are many of our people. Now I wish for them to be sent back to their homeland. I request that a showlin be sent immediately."
Gaozong(2) sent Fan Qiang and greatly rewarded him with brocade, while the (Xiajiaysi) went to pronounce a verdict (on the ransom) as soon as there were people to be ransomed.
Up until the years of the Tianbao reign (742—756 AD), the presentation of tribute did not cease.
In the 3rd year of the Huicheng reign (843 AD), their state sent an envoy Zhu-u-Hesu, a total of seven people, to arrive at the court and present two famous horses. Since they had not sent tribute for a long time, and moreover, not everything was clear in the changed names, they were ordered to consult the book "Siyishu" ("Narrative about 4 Foreigners"), compiled by Jia Dan; it turned out that the name Xiagesi was recorded there. After this, it was learned that the work "Tongsihuangjun" (literally: "to learn to understand wild countries" — O. K) by Jia Dan was reliable and without errors.
Previously, the Hui-gus (Uighurs), disregarding the kindness (of the ruler), attacked and plundered all the tribes, invading (the area) of Linzhou. The ruler considered this (area) a refuge in case of the empire's destruction and could not condone (the Uighurs). He immediately ordered separate troops from Hedong (east of the Yellow River) and other districts to punish (the Hui-gus), and afterwards took control of their state.
In the 2nd month, they sent an envoy Zhu-u-Hesu and six others to arrive at the court and present renowned horses as tribute, and, relying on the military valor of the great Tang Dynasty, requested in the meantime for a grant of a document.
In the 4th year of the Huichan reign (844 AD), the ruler commanded the Taipucin and together with him the Yushi-zhongzhu Zhao Fan to announce pacification.
In the 5th year (845 AD), a document was issued making Zuijingxunuchengming the khan. Just then, Emperor Wuzong passed away, and only in the first year of the Dachzhong reign (847 AD) was the ceremony of granting the document fulfilled.
In the year of the Huichan reign (841—846 AD), the mi-shu-shao-jiang Liu Shu painted a picture of the Hagas bringing tribute to the court. At the same time, the minister composed a preface (to this painting), where their (Hagas') affairs are explained in detail.
Situation (of the country).
This state in the south has the Tianman mountains. The land is moist in summer and covered with snow in winter. It has a river that flows from Hui Gu (from the land of the Uighurs) to the north and crosses the mountains. It is also said: this country borders the western side of the Dark Mountains (Qininnan, Black Mountains), has a golden sea, which, dividing, forms two rivers. One is called Yanghe (river of the ram), the other — Jianpingzizexi.
From the Tian'de corps to the west (through) 200 li arrives at the western Shoujiangcheng. Further north, 300 li (arrives) at Pengtiquanyuan — Pelican Spring (in earlier texts, Piticyuan — Haggard Spring — O. K.); to the northwest from Huizhang, 1500 li, from Hui Gu to the northwest, 40 days' journey, only then do they arrive at that state. To the east, it is (if counted) 7000 li from the court of Shanyu, to the south, it is (if counted) 5000 li from Cheshi.
Local customs and products. In this kingdom, all inhabitants uncover their heads and braid their hair. Their clothing is similar to that of the Tujue. In winter, they make hats from sable, in summer, they adorn hats with gold, taper the crown, and curl its end. They, familiar with the Hui-gus, still wear such headgear.
Subordinates make hats from white felt, and otherwise, the cut is generally the same. For clothing, they take brocade or woolen fabric of mixed (various) colors, hanging knives and a block from their belts. The lower classes (commoners) dress in furs and uncover their heads, as shown in the painting. Women dress in woolen fabrics, while the wealthy also wear silk and brocade. For (in this country), it is easy to obtain Anyisi, Beishisi, and Dashisi goods.
In the camp of Azhe, having planted trees, they made a fence, set up a large felt tent, calling it Zaodizhi(3). From their chiefs and below, everyone has small felt tents and simultaneously makes houses from wood and leather. The inhabitants, speaking of the beginning of the year, call it "mao-shi," speaking of the month, they call it "ai." Every three "ai" make one season, so (people can) distinguish spring, summer, autumn, and winter. With the help of twelve animals, they count the years; for example, if the year is under the cyclic sign "zi," it is called the year of the mouse, if under the sign "xiu," it is called the year of the dog(4). This (for them) is the same as for the Hui-hus (Uighurs).
The climate is very cold, constantly icy; even the large river freezes halfway.
There are no five grains(5), only barley, wheat, dark millet, and hemp seeds. In the 3rd month, they constantly plow and sow, in the 8th and 9th months, they harvest (the crop), boil porridge to make a drink, also to ferment (for) vodka. For wheat, there is a foot-operated (i.e., powered by people) millstone, (which) makes flour. To their food, Azhe adds bread. As for the subordinate tribes, they eat only meat, horse meat, camel meat, and nothing else.
Among musical instruments, they have drums, flutes, reed pipes, and flat bells. At large gatherings, there are also games: camel racing, lions, horse exercises, etc.
Their horses are extremely strong and large; those that can fight are called head horses. Their livestock is diverse: camels, bulls, rams, especially many bulls. Wealthy families have two to three thousand heads.
Among wild animals, there are wild horses, gudu, yellow rams "yuan," rams "di," deer, and black-tailed ones. The black-tailed ones are similar to chamois, but their tails are long and black. The natives call them "simo."
Among fish, there are mye, seven to eight chi long; the fish mohen, (which) has a mouth located at the bottom of the jaw and is boneless.
Among birds, there are geese, storks, crows, magpies, and hawks. They are caught in large numbers, just like in China.
Their grasses are of very numerous species and kinds, generally the same as those of the Hui-hus.
Among trees, there are pines and reed pines. They are tall, so that if you shoot, the arrow does not reach the top. There are also elms and willows, and birches are especially numerous.
Their land produces gold, iron, and tin. "Wang-huitu" states: their state has iron from heavenly rain, which is collected to make knives and swords, (it) differs from (the ordinary). Once they asked an envoy sent from there, (how iron is obtained, he) concealed and did not answer. He only said: the iron is very strong and sharp, the work is also excellent and skillful. For their land produces iron. From heavy rain, the trees freeze, and iron appears. As soon as time passes (i.e., if iron is not sought immediately), the earth absorbs (it). Therefore, (it is) selective and sharp. At the same time, every time, as after heavenly rain, people collect (this iron), there are inevitably injuries (bruises) and deaths. The reason is not precisely understood.
Jia Dan6 says: "Usually good iron is produced, called jiasha." It is constantly exported to Tujue. This is the same (iron). As for their weapons, (it should be said that they) make much use of shields, bows, and arrows. Their horses are equipped with shields from belly to legs. They also make shields and tie them to both shoulders, which can be used effectively.
Shields, to deflect arrows, are made as follows: splitting wood, they connect with a crossbar(7); arrows cannot penetrate (such a shield). (They) also have banners and flags. Their Ajo established one standard, its bottom is all red. As for the Tujin, each generation has (its) name.
As for the number of troops, they speak of 30,000. If you ask about the actual number, they say: when they recruit and send (troops), the entire population and all vassal generations fully participate. As for their taxes, they pay (them) with sable skins and silver foxes (white foxes).
The bravest of adult men all blacken their faces as a distinction. Women, upon marriage, also blacken (their faces) from ear to neck.
As for the clothing and adornments of their inhabitants, they value (furs) of sables and seals.
They eat with their hands.
At weddings, they do not (make) gifts of property.
A family (or clan) can consist of a thousand or a hundred people, having a common house, one bed, one cover.
If (someone) dies, they only weep three times aloud. They do not cut the face, they burn the deceased and take their bones; when a year passes, then they make a burial mound.
In winter, they make houses, covering (them) with tree bark. (These) people love to hunt animals.
Everyone uses wooden horses (skis). When going up and down the northern slope of the mountains, (they) rush down swiftly, as if flying.
Comments and Notes
1 Taizong (626—649 AD) — Emperor of China.
2 Gaozong (649—683 AD) — Emperor of China.
3 In N. Bichurin's translation "Midichzhi."
4 Referring to the Turkic twelve-year cycle.
5 The traditional formula of the main crops of Chinese agriculture: rice, millet, barley, wheat, beans.
6 A well-known Chinese geographer of the Tang period (730—805 AD).
7 i.e., a crossbar is attached to the hollow half of the trunk as a handle.