The trunk-line passes by Angora, Kaisarieh, Diarbekr, Mardin, and Mosul; and a loop-line leaves it at Eski Shehr, which, going by Konia, Marasch, and Orfa, rejoins it at Diarbekr.
There was an idea that, as Konia is a most promising field for the production of exports, the Smyrna lines competed so eagerly for the concession to extend there that the Porte was enabled to make terms with the Anatolian Railway Company (to which I have alluded) for the extension to Baghdad, which strategically is of great importance.

It was said that the strong competition placed the Government in the position of the man in the Eastern story who went to the bazaar to sell an old camel, and a young cat of rare beauty.

The cat was shown off sitting on the camel, and was desired by many purchasers; but there was no bid for the camel.

The competition for the cat ran high, and then the owner announced that the one could not be sold without the other, on which the camel was bought with the cat.

But as a matter of fact there was no opening for competition for the Konia branch.