KURDISH REBELS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1925, Page 1

KURDISH REBELS.

A KURDISH COURT. CONSTANTINOPLE, May 13. The questioning by the Government authorities of the captured Kurdish rebel sheiks who took part in the recent revolt is giving rise to some picturesque and unusual scenes and dialogues. When the sheik, Cheniseddin, one of the last to he caught, was brought under a strong cavalry escort to the Audi’s residence at Diarhekir, the Vali began by courteously inquiring if the august prisoner liad had a good journey. “Thanks to God and tho Republic,” answered the tactful sheik, “I have not suffered oil tho way. May tile Almighty never deprive us of the republic.” Though the members of the counter revolutionary court which is trying and hanging the sheiks were present, the conversation continued in the same strain of superlative politeness. “Without wishing in any way to reproach you,” went on the \ r ali, “will you graciously explain how you undertook the revolt.” When the .sheik had wound himself up in tortuous explanations, the Vali assured him lie would he tried with perfect equity. Then the president of the counter-revolutionary court turned the interrogatory on to religion, which was one of the main motives of the revolt, as the sheiks accused the republic of being anti-religious. “Have sheiks and ulemas the right to proclaim other Moslems to lie heretics?” lie asked. “No,” replied the docile Sheik Clieinseildin. “all these sheiks are grossly

ignorant.” “Does tin.! religious law admit an intermediary between God and men ? Why do von veil your races? Is the republic; incompatible witli the principles of Islam?” The sheik, pressed by those theological questions, became suddenly a modernist. “No doubt there ought to he no intermediary between God and man,' 1 lie replied. ‘‘As for veiling my face, it is to .shield myself from the sun." •‘Did not the Prophet say to his ten disciples before his death; ‘Meet together and choose a, chief among you’? Did lie ever speak of a khalif *‘l rue, indeed,” replied the submissive prisoner, “there is no need of a khalif. Before his death, too. the Prophet counselled the republic, and the present regime is in accord with his dictates." At this point coffee was served to the sheik, and a photographer prepared to lake a. picture of him. “We are going to photograph you. Is not. that, a sin?” asked one of the judges. “No,” answered the prisoner, now becoming quite up-to-date. “Why. the other sheiks told me I was committing a sin when I dyed my heard red withDonna. That is all nonsense.” “Go and rest, slieik offendi, your room is prepared,” said the Aali, closing the interrogatory, and the sheik. splendid old man of sixty, with crimson heard, green turban, and long khaki soutane, was conducted to his cell in the military prison. Probably he will he hanged with just as much ceremony and courtesy.