File 5655/1918 Pt 2 'Mesopotamia: Refugee Camp at Baqubah (1920 – papers)' [‎454v] (919/946)

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When a case occurred between two Ashirats, and it was not able to be. settled at either
Tkhuma or Ashitha, it was taken before the Patriarch at Qudshanis, this being the highest court
of appeal for all Assyrians, both Raiyat and Ashirat. Whichever party won the case received the
verdict in a letter from the Patriarch.
Many times hostilities arose between the Ashirats, or between Kurdish and Assyrian Ashirats
over the boundaries of district. When this happened, chiefs of the neutral districts, by orders
from Mar Shim’un, used to make peace between the parties but if it was an important matter the
affair had to be approved by a letter signed by Mar Shim’un. Sometimes the chiefs of both the
hostile Ashirats had to be called to Qudshanis, and there, an agreement come to, after which
they returned peacefully to their homes. Often Mar Shim’un himself settled these differences
between Kurdish and Assyrian Ashirats.
{ii) Theft .—Mules and horses used to be lead far away on the mountains, but they were never
stolen. There was a set rule, between the Assyrians and their Kurdish neighbours, and this was
never broken. For example—the mules of .Tkhuma, Pinianish and Artush used to graze between
the districts up on the mountains four hours journey from their homes, and yet they were never
stolen. If a mule took fright and ran away, it would be caught, kept until its owner made enquiries,
and then handed back.
In Tiari household utensils were left on the river bank, far from the house, yet they were
never stolen. If a man was convicted of theft his relations, either killed him or punished him very
severely. He was also fined and excommunicated from the community. A thief was always
caused to be very much ashamed of himself, and his face was said to be “ Black”.
If a man from a certain family fought with another, the two were backed by their kinsmen.
Should one kill the another, the victor was not given up for murder, but a great fight (really—“feud”)
would arise between the families.
If the sheep of a certain person were raided, they would be gathered together and returned to
the ownet again. But should they be raided for revenge, they would be distributed among the
young men (who carried out the raid).
5. THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE ASSYRIANS.
(i) Marriages. Marriages were performed in two ways as regards celebrations. Some were
celebrated by dances, and a drum and fife band, finishing after either three days or one week
Others were celebrated only by much singing, but these were very small ones and finished after two
days.
After the “ Tlabta ” (literally “ engagement ”. But it differs considerably from what we know
7 an en S a gement . Representatives of both the woman and the man meet together and pledge
the two parties. This is considered binding. The man and woman are then blessed by a priest
and a ring is handed.over to the woman by the man. To all intents and purposes they are now
married although the actual marriage festival may not take place until many days or even weeks
laterj, had been performed and approved the marriage generally took place in the evening. All
the guests came armed with rifles to the bridegroom’s house, and as they entered the “house of
mam age (Beita D khalula—this is the name given to the house of the bridegroom or his father’s
th i ey fired ^ their rili< t s in front of the door - At which the dancers cried “ Khaiyi
on are „ fir / ln £ llve )- The guests then entered, and having saluted, cried—“ Brikha
Aha Simla D Vidlaukhun ^ (May this work that you have done be blessed). The host and the
o lowers then replied— Niqsha Li Kuli De Lena Gavira ” (May it be a sign to all that is not
marnea;. After which all sat down and began to sing, dance, eat and drink until midnight. At
r of 1 ”? 6 .time another celebration took place in the house of the bride’s father, but only the relatives
ot the bride attended. During these celebrations a party of clergymen were sent quietly from the
bridegroom s house to that of the bride to pay the “ Niqda ” (an amount of money which was given
0 ie unde s father, and afterwards to the bride herself—corresponds to our “ Dowry ”). At this
tune an examination was held about the bride and bridegroom, as to whether everything was in
order. If they were not of near relationship, then the Niqda was handed over with voluntary
witnesses from both parties. After this, eating, drinking and singing took blace. They then left
tne house, singing and carrying candles, and returned to the house of marriage.
I he marriage service was held in the early morning generally in the Church, but should this
oe far away, it was held in the house of the bride’s father. The bride and bridegroom on leaving
the church were taken in a great procession to the house of marriage. On the way they would
receive many invitations to visit their friends and relations. “ ^
MARRIAGE ENTERTAINMENTS.
(Celebrations).—T hese celebrations took place generally besides the supper on the engage-
ment night. They were given by the bridegroom, the Qariva (“ Godfather " according to the book
with a The C hridS 0nd M T W „!° OUr , Best „ ma , n ”• Th f re was also a Qarouta—Godmother—who went
with the bnde), and by the guests. Each gave their celebrations in turn, each endeavouring to
Gairukh ’ ,e (Wendonf t R and S ° that he m ! gh \ reCeive the word of P raise “ Besma
uanukh (Well done. Bravo—only used on rare occasions). On the third day after the service
the bridegroom, bride, the priest and deacon had to go to the house of the bride’s father. There
miothei celebration was held, and the' Nigda” (dowry) was given to the bride from her father
mamage^At the 0 ^ fl i° m ^ f 1 ath ^ s ] hoi ; se - After thi s they returned to the house of
mainage At the same time a chimney should be broken down. But often this was disnensed
wit i by the owner of the house, or the bride’s mother giving wine and meat instead.
(the feasfs o^M^ and other entertaimnents.- Yhe Assyrians also held “ Shahri ”
(me leasts of Martyrs). When these feasts occurred, a kind of theatre was arranged in the Church
fn ttnnt T nf m nng m f playm g games and dan cing all took place while two young men danced
too!" the ° ther danCerS Wlth sword and shield - 0f ' c°“se eating and drinking of the best