Kurtchi

A militia is so called in Persia. It consists of one body of cavalry, which is composed of the first nobility of the kingdom, and of the lineal descendants of the Turkish conquerors, who placed Ismael Sophi on the throne. They wear a red turban of twelve folds, which is made of particular stuff. This turban was originally given them by Ismael, in consideration of their attachment to the religion and family of Ali. In consequence of their wearing this turban, the Persians are always called by the Turks kitilbaschi , or red-heads. The Kurtchi form a body of nearly 18,000 men.