The Rashīdī History 160.1

160.1

In the beginning of Rajab of the year 920, the Khán disposed his troops round the citadel of Yángi-Hisár, and pitched his camp so close to it, that if gaz-long arrows had been aimed at his tent from the top of the citadel, they might have reached the edge of the cliff under which he had camped. The intrenchments [murchal] were arranged on the following plan. On the north side there was no need for intrenchments, because the fort was situated on the top of a cliff, which ended in a sheer precipice. Mines would there take no effect, while to ascend the cliff was impossible. For these reasons trenches were useless on the north side. The first tower on the west, was taken in hand by the Khan himself and the warriors of the centre, who were always in attendance upon him; these belonged to no particular regiment, but their names have been mentioned above. Another tower on the same side — west of the Khan's — was entrusted to me, and to my right were Mirza Ali Taghai, Kutluk Mirak Mirza, and Babrika Mirza, who, together, were laying a mine. Beyond them, Baba Sarik Mirza and Shahbaz Mirza, and a body of Bahrin, had charge of another. Farther on again, were Mirza Muhammad Beg and Beg Muhammad Beg, who had chosen [a site for] a third. Beyond them was a tower, the gate of which looked due south. To this tower were appointed Janka Mirza and Bishka Mirza; while on the south side Munka Beg had charge of another mine.