Farid Elias Nazha: Pioneer of Syriac Journalism and Champion of Syriac Nationalism

Farid Elias Nazha stands as a towering figure among the Syriacs, a visionary whose work illuminated the path of national and literary consciousness for the Syriac people. Born in 1894 in the Syrian city of Hemto (Hama), he began his education in the schools of the Syriac Church. However, a dispute between his father and the school administration led him to leave formal education, prompting him to pursue self-directed learning at home, which laid a robust intellectual foundation for his future endeavors.

Migration to Argentina and Literary Beginnings

In 1911, Farid embarked on a journey to Argentina in search of new horizons. There, he studied mathematics, demonstrating a passion for knowledge and growth. By 1922, he joined the Syriac charitable association “Zahrat al-Ihsan” (“Flower of Benevolence”) and launched his illustrious career in journalism. That same year, he founded Al-Jami’a al-Suryaniyya (“The Syriac Union”), a magazine that became a vital platform for Syriac intellectuals and writers. This publication played a pivotal role in awakening national consciousness among Syriacs, both in the diaspora and their homeland. Lasting over three decades, Al-Jami’a al-Suryaniyya was the second-longest-running Syriac national magazine, its influence growing into a global intellectual forum thanks to contributions from Syriac journalists worldwide.

A Visionary National Perspective

Farid Nazha was a trailblazer in separating national identity from religion, asserting that Syriac identity is a national and cultural one, distinct from religious beliefs. He boldly declared, “We seek a steadfast Syriac national union, free from division or discrimination, for nationality is one thing and religion another.” This progressive vision made him a focal point of attention, not only as a journalist but as a revolutionary advocate for unifying the Syriac language, establishing literary and cultural associations, and founding schools for girls as essential pillars of national unity. Among his most inspiring words: “The national spirit is the foundation upon which the renaissance of nations is built, and a nation without a national spirit cannot live a free life.”

Bold Stances and Tensions with the Church

During the political union between Egypt and Syria (1958–1961), Al-Jami’a al-Suryaniyya was banned from entering Syria for seven years due to Nazha’s progressive national stances, which called for ecclesiastical unity between the two branches of the Eastern Church and favored relocating the patriarchal seat to Deir al-Za’faran (Saffron Monastery) in Merde (Mardin) instead of Hmoth (Homs). These positions sparked controversy with the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ephrem I Barsoum. Farid steadfastly refused, unwavering in his commitment to his Syriac national identity. In response, the Patriarch issued an excommunication decree against him, but this was later lifted by Patriarch Mor Ignatius Ya’qub III after Barsoum’s passing, reflecting the Church’s move toward reconciliation.

Farid was not a fanatic but a fair critic. In the September and October 1947 issue of his magazine, he addressed a dispute between the Syriac Orthodox Church and the (then) Church of the East under the title “The Christian Church Between Jacobite and Nestorian,” offering a balanced and insightful critique. Influenced by the writings of Naum Faiq, a pioneer of Syriac nationalism, Farid adopted a similar approach in defending Syriac identity.

Cultural and Social Legacy

In 1934, Nazha established a Syriac cultural club in Argentina named “The Ephremic Society,” which brought together Syriac immigrants and fostered cultural ties among them. Through his regular column in Al-Jami’a al-Suryaniyya, he challenged ecclesiastical divisions, emphasizing that nationality must rise above religious schisms. He also opposed the Church’s adoption of Arabic in its rituals, viewing it as a threat to Syriac identity. One of his most poignant sayings reflects his deep pride in his heritage: “I am Syriac, and if I could return to before my creation and choose whom to be born to and which nation to belong to, I would choose no father but my own and no nation but my own.”

Personal Life and Passing

Farid Nazha married Amelia Soledad, a woman of Italian descent, and was blessed with nine daughters and one son, Elias. His life was marked by tireless dedication to the national and literary struggle. On October 19, 1969, Farid Elias Nazha passed away from a heart attack at the age of 75, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Syriac journalism and nationalism.

Conclusion

Farid Elias Nazha was more than a journalist; he was an inspiring voice for a nation striving to preserve its identity and unity. Through Al-Jami’a al-Suryaniyya and his courageous stances, he lit the way for a national renaissance, affirming that the national spirit is the bedrock of free nations. His legacy lives on in the hearts of the Syriac people, a beacon reminding us of the power of unity and pride in identity.

In this series

Shabo Bahé: A Beacon of Syriac Literature and Nationalism

Abrohom Nuro: A Journey of Devotion to the Syriac Language and Heritage

Gabriel Asaad: Pioneer of Syriac Music and Voice of Identity

A Voice Unsilenced: The Journey of Saeed Malki 

The Light of the Gozarto: The Epic of Joseph Bahdi Keryo 

Mayada Bselis: The Authentic Syriac Voice and Pioneer of Syrian Art 

Selim Hanna: The Journey of a Syrian Syriac Artist in the World of Theater and Drama 

Iskander Aziz: An Icon of Syrian and Syriac Art 

Nouri Iskandar: Ambassador of Syriac Eastern Music and Chronicler of Its Heritage 

The Syriac Asfar-Najjar Family: pioneers of Syrian agriculture in a journey through time 

Youssef Abdelké: A Visionary Syriac Artist Blending Creativity and Commitment 

Yaqub Keryo: The Syriac Journalist and Thinker Who Carried the Torch of Nationalism and Culture 

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

The Saga of Bahdi Keryo: A Leader Forged in Fire 

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