The Nāṣirī Generations 299.1

299.1

This same Sayyid, Ashraf-ud-Din, related, that, when Batu Khan departed from this world, a son survived him, Surtak [by name]. He determined to proceed to the presence of Mangu Khan, from the country of Khifchak and Saksin, that, through the means of Mangu Khan, he might succeed to his father, Batu's, position. On reaching the presence of Mangu Khan in the country of Tamghaj, he [after receiving him] sent him back with honour. As Surtak shunned coming to the presence of his uncle, Barka Khan, and altered his route, and did not come near his uncle, Barka Khan despatched persons unto him, saying : “I am unto thee in the place of a father : why dost thou pass by like a stranger, and not come near me ?” When the persons despatched delivered the message of Barka Khan, Surtak, the accursed, gave answer, saying : Thou art a Musalman, and I follow the Christian faith ; to look upon the face of a Musalman is unlucky — The Almighty’s curse be upon the whole of them [the Christians] !