Hi, John.
"account" is indeed an accurate translation of ٌذِكْر. Another good translation would be "reference". To me, when I hear "reference", I think of a quick, unemphasized or maybe subtle mentioning of a person, a place or an event, whereas "account" suggests talking or writing somewhat at length about something. Is my "gut feeling" on spot?
In both cases, though, ذِكْرٌ would be the equivalent word.
<em>"... but "The mentioning of the Sultan of Yemen" sounds strange in English."</em>
Yes, that's because "mentioning" is a transliteration of the word and that's why it sounds strange to you.