Saeed Ishaq: The Silent Statesman Who Left His Mark on History

In 1902, Saeed Ishaq was born in Qalaat al-Umara, in the province of Mardin, into a deeply rooted Syriac Orthodox family in the Levant. From an early age, he displayed a passion for learning, beginning his education at the village school of Dayro d-Mor Hananyo (Dair al-Zafaran Monastery). There, he mastered Arabic and Kurdish, became familiar with Turkish, and remained deeply connected to his native Syriac. His interests extended beyond languages—he delved into the study of Abrahamic religions, gaining knowledge of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, which shaped his broad-minded worldview and deep respect for religious and cultural diversity. 

Displacement and a New Beginning

Ishaq’s early life was shaped by major political shifts. Following the Treaty of Lausanne (1923), Mardin was incorporated into Turkey, prompting him to relocate to Amuda, Syria. Like many Syrians struggling with political and economic uncertainty, he took on various jobs, including working on the Iraq–Syria railway. Later, he turned to commerce, selling fabrics. 

Despite the modest nature of his work, Ishaq became known for his generosity, earning the title “The Father of the Poor.” He secretly distributed part of his agricultural harvest to those in need and contributed to mosques and churches alike. 

However, his nationalist views brought him into conflict with the French mandate authorities in Syria. In response to his opposition to colonial rule, the authorities confiscated his crops, but he remained steadfast in his support for his countrymen. 

Entering Politics

In 1928, Ishaq officially entered politics, founding Amuda’s municipal council and becoming its first elected president. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished political career. 

By 1932, he had successfully won a seat in parliament, representing Al-Hasakah, Qamishli, and Deir ez-Zor. In the Syrian Parliament, he served as secretary of the council, earning a reputation as a committed public servant. He continued his political journey, securing another term in 1936 as a representative of the Jazira region. 

In the 1943 elections, he was elected General Supervisor of Parliament, winning 83 out of 120 votes. He remained an active legislator, securing re-election in 1949 for Qamishli, continuing his service until 1954.

A Brief Presidency

By the early 1950s, Syria was experiencing growing political unrest and military intervention. On October 1, 1951, Ishaq was elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament, placing him in a pivotal role within the government. 

A defining moment came on December 2, 1951, when President Hashim al-Atassi resigned in protest against increasing military influence. At the time, Speaker of Parliament Nazim al-Qudsi was under house arrest, making Ishaq the highest-ranking civilian leader. As a result, under the Syrian Constitution, Saeed Ishaq assumed the role of acting President of Syria for 24 hours, from December 2 to December 3, 1951. This brief tenure made him the first Christian Syriac to hold Syria’s highest office, even if only for a single day. 

However, his presidency was short-lived. The following day, General Adib al-Shishakli, the de facto ruler of Syria, dissolved Parliament, bringing Ishaq’s brief time in power to an end. 

Final Years 

After leaving politics in 1954, Ishaq chose a quiet life, continuing to serve his community in the background. In 1989, after a prolonged illness, he passed away in the United States. In a final tribute, the Syrian embassy sent a national flag to be draped over his coffin, a mark of respect for a man who had left an enduring legacy in Syria’s history.

In this series

The Saga of Bahdi Keryo: A Leader Forged in Fire

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