Marco Polo in Central Asia: 22: The Castle of Taikan

When a man has rode these two days, he finds a castle called Taikan where there is great corn market, and the country round is fine. The mountains towards the south are very high and formed entirely of salt, which is the best in the world, and people come for it from a distance of thirty days journey round.  It is so hard that it can be broken only by great iron hammers; and there is enough to supply the whole human race till the end of time.  Departing from that city, you go three days northeast, through a fine country, well planted with grain and fruits.  The people who are followers of Mohammed, are wicked and murderous.  They spent much time in the tavern, for they have an abundance of good wine, well prepared.  They wear nothing on their head, but a cord ten palms long wrapt round it.  They are good hunters, and thus supply themselves with venison, but have no clothing except the skin of animals.

Notes:-
1. From Shortepa he returned southward upto Balkh and then travels to East beyond Kunduz and arrived at Taleqan, a city of rock salt.

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