a duty which the Turks raised on the Christians who carry or send merchandises from Aleppo to Jerusalem and other places in Syria.

This duty of caphar was first imposed by the Christians themselves, when they were in possession of the Holy Land, for the maintenance of the troops which were planted in difficult passes to observe the Arabs and prevent their incursions. It is still continued, and much increased by the Turks, under pretence of defending the Christians against the Arabs; with whom, nevertheless, they keep a secret intelligence, favouring their excursions and plunders.