Rare strains in North Eastern Syria

Many readers know of my passion for rare strains. They represent both genetic and cultural diversity. I am encouraged by the many rare lineages still extant in Syria, particularly in the Upper Jazirah area. It is the area where the formerly nomadic Shammar Bedouins chose to settle — at least those who did not go back to Saudi Arabia. It’s also the area where semi-settled tribes like the Tai and the Jubur are to be found.

In addition to those registered, I have been able to verify the continued existence of the following stains, some not currently registered:

1/ Wadhnan, not registered, with the Tai.

2/ Mlayhan. One mare registered in Volume 1 of the Syrian Studbook, under K. al-‘Ajuz, and another in the second wave of Volume 7, with her offpsring. A dozen more unregistered, with the Tai.

3/ Kuhaylan Shukayli, which is Kuhaylan al-‘Ushayyir (not “al-‘Asheer” as wrongly spelled in the Abbas Pasha Manuscript). One mare was registered in Volume 1 of the Syrian studbook and another in Volume 1 of the Lebanese studbook, but no offspring from these. With the Tai.

4/ Kuhaylan al-Sa’eedan, which is different from Sa’dan. Not registered. Likely the same strain as the one in Bahrain. With the Tai.

5/ Kuhaylan Abu ‘Arqub, not registered, with the Tai.

6/ Kuhalyan Thakhayran, not registered. I saw a mare from that strain with the Tai in 2005.

7/ Kuhaylan al-Sharif. One mare registered in Volume 1 as a Kuhaylat al-‘Ajuz. Another registered in Volume 7, with her offspring. With the Shammar.

The following existed up to 10 years ago:

8/ Ghazalan, or Kuhaylan al-Ghazal, with the Tai

9/ ‘Anazan, of Kuhaylan al-‘Anz, with the Shammar and the Baqqarah

10/ Kuhaylan Junaydi, with the Tai. One mare registered as Kuhaylat al-‘Ajuz in Volume 1.

Of course, their authenticity needs to be verified. There can be many reasons for the lack of registration.