EMIR, an Arabic word, equivalent to "ruler," is a title given in the east, and in the n. of Africa, to all independent chieftains, and also to all the actual or supposed descendants of Mohammed through his daughter Fatima. The latter are very numer ous throughout the Turkish dominions, but although entitled by birth to be classed among the first four orders of society, they enjoy no particular privileges or considera tion; on the contrary, they are found engaged in all sorts of occupations, and are to he met with among beggars, and the lowest of the populace, as frequently as among the moilabs. Their privileges are confined to a few unimportant matters, chiefly to the exclusive right to wear turbans of a green color, that having been the favorite color of the prophet. They arc placed under the supervision of the emir-beshir. In former times, the title of emi; was borne by the leaders in the religious wars of the _Moham medans, as well as by several ruling families, such as the Thaherides and Samanides in Persia, the Tulunides in Egypt, the first seven Ommaiades in Spain. The title emir,
in connection with other words, likewise designates different offices. Emir-al-Mumenin, "prince of the faithful," is the title assumed by the caliphs themselves; emir-al-mus lemin, signifying the same thing, was the title of the Almoravides. Emir-al-Om-rah, "prince of princes," was the title of the first minister, -under the caliphs and the East Indian Moguls, who united in his own person the highest civil and military dignities. It is now the title of the governors of different provinces. The Turkish master of the horse is styled emir-achor; the standard-bearer, emir-alem; and the leader of the caravans of pilgrims to Mecca, emir-hadji. Ameer or amen is another spelling of the same word.