Hanna Yaqub Abdulki (1877-1955): The Life of a Man Who Shaped History

Introduction

In the corners of Syriac history, there are names of heroes who have been overlooked by official documentation, despite their immense sacrifices. One of these figures is Hanna Yaqub Abdulki, a man who was not just a successful silk merchant, but also a social and political leader who contributed to saving hundreds during times of crisis and spearheaded relief and educational efforts within the Syriac community.

Early Life: From a Small Village to a Major Trade

Hanna Yaqub Abdulki was born in 1877 in the village of Qalaat Mara, located between Mardin and the Monastery of Deyr al-Zafaran. Raised in a modest agricultural environment, he received his early education at local schools before deciding, at the age of sixteen, to move to the city of Diyarbakir in search of work.

In 1893, he began his professional life as a worker in the textile industry, a sector that was thriving in Diyarbakir at the time. Thanks to his diligence and honesty, he built a strong reputation among traders, which enabled him to open his own small shop. Over time, his business expanded, and his shop became one of the prominent centers for selling fabrics and silk, dealing with merchants from Mardin, Bitlis, Sirte, and Van.

However, success did not come without its challenges. In 1914, a massive fire broke out in the markets of Diyarbakir, destroying many shops, including Hanna’s. Despite this devastating loss, he did not give up and was able to rebuild his store with the help of traders who trusted him, reflecting his strong reputation in the business world.

Amidst the Crises: A Humanitarian Role During World War I

With the outbreak of World War I, the genocide of Armenians, Syriacs, and Christians in the Ottoman Empire began. Hanna realized that staying in Diyarbakir had become perilous, so he decided to temporarily return to his village to protect his family. However, he did not remain there for long; he returned to the city and continued his trade amidst the turbulent atmosphere of war.

Hanna Abdulki was not just a merchant seeking safety; he was a man with a great sense of humanitarian responsibility. During the Greek-Turkish War, the Ottomans began forcibly conscripting Christian youth. Hanna played a pivotal role, using his influence to save hundreds of young men by registering them for civilian jobs within the army instead of sending them to the front lines. However, some of these young men fled after a while, which put him in a difficult position with the Ottoman authorities, who began monitoring him.

Saving Refugees and Forming a Secret Committee

As violence escalated, the Turkish authorities began deporting Greeks from their regions to Diyarbakir. These refugees were in dire circumstances, and Hanna decided to form a secret committee to assist them, which included prominent figures such as Malik Qaiser, Sirk Lolo, and Mansour Al-Ghamri.

The committee secretly collected donations from Diyarbakir, Mardin, and other cities, and rented houses to shelter the refugees. Hanna visited them weekly, sometimes accompanied by his son Antonius, providing them with food and clothing, and even secretly bringing doctors to treat them, despite the risks.

Soon, the Turkish authorities began investigating who was supporting the refugees. As the pressure mounted, Hanna realized his life was in danger and decided to flee to Syria in 1923, leaving behind his shop and significant wealth.

A New Beginning in Syria: Challenges and Successes

Hanna arrived in the village of Amuda in Syria with only a small amount of money—several Mejidiehs and a single gold lira. He began his new life Selling vegetables and fruits through a small shop but quickly returned to the textile trade. Later, he moved to Alhasaka and then returned to Amuda, where he became one of the most prominent traders in the region.

In 1931, the country faced a significant commercial crisis in which many traders lost their businesses. However, Hanna refused to declare bankruptcy and sold all his properties in Hasaka, Qamishli, and Amuda to pay off his debts in full, maintaining his good reputation.

His Political and Social Role: Mayor of Amuda

Thanks to the trust people had in him, Hanna was appointed mayor of Amuda in 1939. During his tenure, he insisted on reforming corruption and achieving justice among all communities. However, the French attempted to use him to implement their plans, such as demolishing the Grand Mosque in Amuda to stir conflict between Muslims and Christians. Hanna vehemently rejected this, which led to a direct confrontation with the French authorities, who removed him from office after just two years.

His Cultural and Educational Contributions

Hanna Abdalki was not just a businessman or politician; he was also a prominent pioneer in education and culture. He founded the first Syriac school in the Syrian Jazira region (1928-1945) in Amuda and personally managed it. In addition, he contributed to the editing of the “Syriac University” magazine, which was published in Argentina, and served as its official representative in Syria and Lebanon. He also published his renowned book The Syriac Voice. One of his famous quotes is: “The nation calls you, O youth, respond to the call, and the voices of your fathers rise from the graves, urging you to unite, love, and elevate your nation.

In 1953, despite his advanced age, he earned a journalism degree from an Egyptian university and continued his efforts to raise cultural awareness among the Syriac people. Before his death, he founded the Syriac Language Lovers’ Association to preserve the Syriac language and culture.

Death and Legacy

Hanna Yaqub Abdulki passed away in 1955, after a life full of struggle and service to his community. He had 11 children, but only four survived: Antonius, Abd Al-Ahad, Nasron, and Warda. He remained in the memory of the people of Amuda and northern Syria as an honorable man who did not seek power or wealth but dedicated his life to serving others.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Legacy

Although he has been marginalized in history books, Hanna Yaqub Abdulki’s legacy remains alive among the Syriac people. He was a successful merchant, an honest politician, and a man who never hesitated to sacrifice for others. Perhaps shedding light on his life story is a step toward giving recognition to other unsung heroes who have not received their due in the historical memory.