a town of Irak Arabi, in the province of Mosul, on the western bank of the Tigris. It is thought to be the Birtha or Vitra of the ancients, described as a very strong fortress, and said to be founded by Alexander the Great. It was a considerable town in 1393, when it was taken by Timur, and now contains 500 or 600 houses, with two coffee-houses. The ruins are extensive. Long. 42. 37. E. Lat. 34. 37. N.