Vol III, Issue 46
Shvatd 9, 6747 February 9, 1998
T H I S W E E K I N Z E N D A
THE LIGHTHOUSE
"THE FIRST LOVE SONG
While working in the Istanbul Museum of the Ancient Orient as
Fulbright Research Professor- it was toward the end of 1951 when
I came across a tablet numbered 2461. For weeks I had been studying,
more or less cursorily, drawerful after drawerful of still uncopied
and unpublished Sumerian literary tablets, in order to identity
each piece and , if possible, assign it to the composition to
which it belonged. All this was spadework preparatory to the
selection, for copying, of those pieces which were most significant-
since it was clear that there would be no time that year to copy
all of them.. The little tablet numbered 2461 was lying in one
of the drawer, surrounded by a number of other pieces.
When I first laid eyes on it, its most attractive feature was
its sate of preservation. I soon realized that I was reading
a poem, divided into a number of stanzas, which celebrated beauty
and love, a joyous bride and a king named Shu-Sin (who ruled over
the land of Sumer close to four thousand years ago.) As I read
it again and yet again, there was no mistaking its content. What
I held in my hand was one of the oldest love songs written down
by the hand of man.
It soon became clear that this was not a secular poem, not a song
of love between just "a man and a maid." It involved a king and
his selected bride, and was no doubt intended to be recited in
the course of the most hallowed of ancient rites, the rite of
the "sacred marriage." Once a year, according to Sumerian belief,
it was the sacred duty of the ruler to marry a priestess and votary
of Inanna, the goddess of love and procreation, in order to ensure
fertility to the soil and fecundity to the womb. The time-honored
ceremony was celebrated on New Year's day and was preceded by
feasts and banquets accompanied by music, song, and dance. The
poem inscribed on the little Istanbul clay tablet was in all
probability recited by the chosen bride of King Shu-Sin in the
course of one of these New Year celebrations. Here's a translation:
Bridegroom, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet,
Lion, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet.
You have captivated me, let me stand trembling before you,
Bridegroom, I would be taken by you to the bedchamber,
You have captivated me, let me stand trembling before you,
Lion, I would be taken by you to the bedchamber.
Bridegroom, let me caress you,
My precious caress is more savory than honey,
In the bedchamber, honey filled,
Let us enjoy your goodly beauty,
Lion, let me caress you,
My precious caress is more savory than honey.
Bridegroom, you have taken your pleasure of me,
Tell my mother, she will give your delicacies,
My father, he will give your gifts.
Your spirit, I know where to cheer your spirit,
Bridegroom, sleep in our house until down,
You heart, I know where to gladden your heart,
Lion, sleep in our house until dawn.
You, because you love me,
Give me pray of your caress,
My lord god, my lord protector,
My Shu-Sin who gladdens Enlil's heart,
Give me pray of your caresses.
Your place goodly as honey, pray lay your hand on it,
Bring your hand over it like a gishban-garment,
Cup your hand over it like a gishban-sikin-garment,
It is a balbale-song of Inanna.
Samuel Noah Kramer
"History Begins at Sumer"
GOOD MORNING BET-NAHRAIN
TURKISH TROOPS ENTER IRAQ
(ZNAF: Ankara) A Turkish television station reported yesterday
that some 5,000 Turkish troops have entered Iraq from the provinces
of Sirnak and Cukurca in Hakkari in northern Bet-Nahain to set
up a buffer zone in case Iraqi Kurdish refugees flood the border
amid a possible conflict between Iraq and the US. There was no
immediate confirmation of the report from Ankara or Diyarbakir.
Journalists have been barred from traveling to this area since
late Saturday. The zone, stretching about 10 miles, would be
designed to stop Assyrian and Kurdish refugees streaming into
Turkey, as happened at the end of the Gulf war in April 1991.
TURKEY ACCUSES U.S. OF WANTING TO CREATE A "KURDISTAN"
(ANAF: Ankara) Turkey's Deputy Premier, Bulent Ecevit, commented
yesterday that the US showdown with Iraq is designed to control
world petrol prices and set up a Kurdish state in northern Iraq.
"The United States wants to divide Iraq to create a Kurdistan
satellite state under its control," he said, adding that Washington
has had such an objective since the 1991 Gulf war. "My impression
is that the United States has the goal of creating a Kurdistan,
divide Iraq and in such a way control the price of petrol," he
said. An estimated eight to 12 million Kurds live in Turkey,
principally in the south-east. A further three million live in
Iran, four million in northern Iraq under UN protection, and one
million in Syria. There are also small Kurdish populations in
the former Soviet Union. Turkey's main separatist Kurdish group,
the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), hopes eventually to make a
Kurdistan state
incorporating Kurds from Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq. There
are over half a million Assyrians in northern Iraq, southeast
Turkey, and the Khabur region in Syria. As many as one million
Assyro-Chaldeans live in Iraq, mainly in the area under the protection
of the Iraqi government.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE US-IRAQ SHOWDOWN
(ZNRU)
- Feb 3: The Kremlin insists that UN resolutions do not give the United
States the right to use force against Iraq.
- Feb 4: Saddam meets French envoy agreeing with him on the "key elements"
of French proposals. Iraq consents to allow access to eight presidential
sights.
- The United States announces its preference for a diplomatic solution
but repeats its determination to prevent Iraq from constructing
weapons of mass destruction.
- Feb 5: China announces opposition to military intervention.
- France, which opposes a military solution, along with Britain
and the United States judge that new Iraqi proposals are insufficient.
- Yeltsin announces that he will not accept, "under any circumstances,
an American strike".
- Clinton states that a military attack is not inevitable if Saddam
offers reasonable assurance that UNSCOM can begin unconditional
weapons inspections.
- British premier Tony Blair announces in Washington that Britain
will take part in any military strike against Iraq should diplomacy
fail.
- Feb 6: Iraq rejects UN proposals for an increase in the oil-for-food
program.
- The United States sends a four-ship naval amphibious group to
the Gulf with some 2,000 combat-ready Marines.
- Feb 7: President Saddam Hussein ordered the immediate release of all
Arab prisoners held in Iraq in a move which appeared aimed at
winning Arab sympathy in Baghdad's row with the United Nations
over weapons inspections.
- Iran called for continued diplomatic efforts to settle a stand-off
between Iraq and the United Nations and said military action would
"plunge the region into chaos."
- Turkey sends 60,000 gas masks to northern Bet-Nahrain in southeast
Turkey.
- Baghdad urged Kurds living in northern Iraq on Saturday to join
the volunteer force being assembled to repel any attack against
the country.
SURF'S UP!
"Congratulations on creating a wonderful resource for Assyrian
people world-wide...!"
Christine Yalda
Arizona
"Zenda's encomium to Agha Petros de Baz on the 66th anniversary
of his death in France is yet another dramatic example of our
lack of a written history. Zenda states that "no Assyrian in
the 20th Century has been revered and eulogized as has Agha Petros,",
yet I challenge anyone to name a single scholarly study of this
historical figure.
Zenda's devotion to the memory of this person echoes the sentiment
of a majority of Assyrians. But there is also a vocal minority
who represents another school of thought. According to this view,
Mr. Elloff (his actual
name) was anything but heroic. If you are like me, for a long
time you have accepted at face value all the kudos your parents
heaped on this man. At some point, curiosity got the better part
of me, and I looked in vain for
something other than hearsay about this icon. If you conduct a
search, you will find precious little has been written about him.
Precious little, that is, of an objective nature.
My own view is that unbiased research would show Agha Petros to
possess a variety of traits, some good and some not so honorable.
To my knowledge, no responsible study has ever found a historical
figure to be perfect, whether
it is Churchill, Napoleon, Theodore or Franklin Roosevelt, Albert
Schweitzer, or Mother Teresa. I believe it would better serve
us to stop idealizing our "heroes", and to accept the balance
which human nature dictates. This could be a first step towards
the reality check long overdue for Assyrians, not only in reference
to their heroes, but generally in reference to their modern history.
There will always be paeans to our memorable personalities; this
is a legitimate way to validate our identity. But the need for
truth, as supported by verifiable facts, should not be sacrificed
at the altar of hero worship. The legacy of Agha Petros can only
be judged by his actions, as recounted by responsible historians,
and not by the one-dimensional accounts we have come to see.
One continues to hope that his life and his deeds will one day
attract the interest of scholars who do not have a personal agenda.
Agha Petros is survived by one son and four daughters. The son
continues to live in the family property near Toulouse. It is
said that Agha Petros' personal library would yield valuable information
to flesh out his life and his deeds. His son is the keeper of
these written materials but, for reasons unclear to me, he has
consistently refused their access to interested researchers.
With or without the cooperation of the Elloff family, a researched
biography of this figure would make a valuable doctoral dissertation,
and it would enrich our history."
Francis Sarguis
Santa Barbara, California
SURFERS CORNER
ASSYRIAN ACADEMIC SOCIETY BECOMES AN AFFILIATE OF MESA
The Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA), a
prestigious and scholarly organization, has accepted the Assyrian
Academic Society (AAS) as an affiliated organization.
In her letter to the AAS, dated 12 December 1997, Ms. Anne H.
Betteridge, the Executive Director said, "I am delighted to inform
you that, at its fall board meeting, the Middle East Studies Association's
Board of Directors unanimously approved the Assyrian Academic
Society's application for status as an affiliated organization
of MESA."
Ms. Betteridge went on to say that, "As an officially recognized
affiliated organization, AAS is allowed to sponsor up to three
panels at MESA's annual meeting." The AAS is committed to being
active at MESA's next annual meeting and is in the final stages
of planning.
MESA's 32nd annual meeting will be held at the Chicago Hilton
& Towers on December 3-6, 1998.
Raman Mikhail
Public Programs Committee
Assyrian Academic Society
NEWS DIGEST
ASSYRIAN EMPLOYEE ALLEGES RETALIATION AGAINST HIS DISCRIMINATION
COMPLAINT
(ZNDA- The Chicago Tribune) An Assyrian man who tipped government
officials to asbestos contamination in a Hostess snack food plant
in Schiller Park, Illinois, says he was the victim of retaliation
by plant managers. Ninos Anael, 25, of Chicago, said that he
was ordered by management at the plant last month to remove what
he believed was asbestos from a boiler room without being given
proper protective clothing and gear. Asbestos, a mineral used
in fireproofing, has been found to cause cancer, and is particularly
harmful to the lung. State authorities who tested conditions
in the Schiller Park plant said they found a high level of asbestos
in the air. In December, Anael had filed a discrimination complaint
with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the federal Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission contending he was subject to
ridicule stemming from his Assyrian heritage. In the complaint,
Anael alleged that supervisors at the plant called him names such
as "camel jockey."
When Anael removed the insulation from the boiler room as ordered
he kept some and had it analyzed by an independent Chicago laboratory
that later informed him it was asbestos. He called state and
federal authorities to inform them of the situation, and that
led to the recall of Hostess Twinkies, Dolly Madison cakes and
other snack foods produced at the plant. A plan to clean up
the plant was approved and Anael, employed at the snack plant
as a mechanic, was ordered to leave his regular work and go to
a boiler room to help with the cleanup.
Since the incident, which resulted in recall of several million
food items baked in the plant, one of the largest recalls in state
history, Anael said that his health has suffered and that he will
undergo medical tests later this week. He also said that he has
received death threats from people at the plant. "Hostess is
trying to blame me for this occurrence unfairly," said Anael.
"I am scared."
TURLOCK ELECTS A NEW ASSYRIAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(ZNDA: Turlock) On 7 January 1998, members of the Assyrian American
Civic Club of Turlock elected a new Executive Committee, headed
by Ramin Odisho [See BRAVO] and his vice-president, Bluebird Abbasi.
The new officers are:
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President Ramin Odisho
Vice President Bluebird Abbasi
Recording Secretary Simon Mirza
Correspondence Secretary Teresa Lazar
Treasurer William Julian
Financial Secretary John Odisho
Assyrian Secretary Sargon Michael
BOARD MEMBERS
Sam Andrews
Matthew Bedroya
James Benjamin
Emmanuel Isaac
Nick Kandy
Sargon Tomeh
OTHER OFFICES
Youav Yonan Bingo Director
Peggy Hernandez Ladies Auxiliary
To Be Announced Youth Group
ASSYRIAN SURFING POSTS
Assyrian Entertainer: Walter Aziz
PUMP UP THE VOLUME
|
ENGLISH
|
MODERN ASSYRIAN
|
GENDER
|
EXAMPLE
|
|
Deed
|
aa/voo/doo/ta
|
Fem.
|
Good deeds: aavoodoowateh tdaawa |
|
Duty
|
wa/lee/ta
|
Fem.
|
Our national duty: waleetan oomtaneta |
BACK TO THE FUTURE
BC (2520)
Soon after the death of Naram-Sin, a people called Gutians who
lived on the east bank of the Tigris river, began to invade Bet-Nahrain.
By 2457 BC Bet-Nahrain was completely in the hands of the Gutians
who ruled over the land once conquered by Naram-Sin's grandfather,
Sargon of Akkad. Gutians remained in Mesopotamia for 125 years
until they were finally thrown out by the Sumerians who themselves
were conquered by Sargon of Akkad some three centuries earlier.
Babylonian Life & History, Budge
AD (930)
At this time many Greeks lived in the city of Baghdad. They asked
Elias, Patriarch of Antioch, to appoint a Metropolitan for them
in Baghdad. Soon a certain person named John was sent to Baghdad.
The Assyrian Patriarch, Abraham III, called John to judgment before
the Arab vizier and asked, "We are friends of the Arabs, and pray
for victory for them. Why then is this foreigner, an enemy of
the Arabs, made equal to us?" to which the vizier replies, "You
Christians all hate us equally, and only love us in appearance."
Later, the Assyrian Patriarch was able to convince the Arabs in
professing it to be unlawful for a Greek Catholicus or Metropolitan
to remain in Baghdad or fix his see there.
The Eclipse of Christianity in Asia, Browne
LITERATUS
INSPIRATION
In the farthest corner of a modest eating place,
A couple sought an unelaborate seat.
They needed privacy, a moment of solace,
Where unobserved their hands could meet.
They shared their secrets, their sorrows and joys,
Plans that had failed and those that would be.
Their hands and all their skin became living toys,
Oh if they were in a place where on one could see.
"Your skin" he said, "is as soft as velvet,
Your hair reminds me of rarest silk;
If would lend itself to fairest braids, I bet,
Creeping on your bosom that's white as milk."
"The sweet smelling perfume that you radiate,
Overpowers me. Then floating I feel;
As in a dream I wander in a garden so ornate,
In that wondrous shrine all my senses reel."
"Would we then be to blame that in such a trance,
We crept to each other like two love birds;
With lips that whisper and our roaming hands,
Communicating that what could do no words."
"You are so dainty like a porcelain doll,
That a mishandling irreparably could harm";
"I feel so concerned, " he said, "lest my doll should fall,
So that's why I like to hold you in my arm."
This frank confession of unselfish motive,
Vibrated with passion all the strings of her soul.
Leaning on her chest, she said, "as long as I live,
Your plans shall be mine, your goal my goal."
William Daniel
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
February 12, 1952: A Lamassu, the human-headed winged-bull statue, discovered by Sir Austin Layard and the Assyrian archeologist,
Hormozd Rassam, is exhibited for the first time in London, England.
.
BRAVO
Ramin Odisho
Last month, Ramin Odisho of Turlock, California, 28, became the
youngest elected president of the 50-year-old Assyrian American
Civic Club of Turlock (AACCOT), the most prosperous Assyrian organization
in the United States. On January 7, 320 members voiced their
approval of his 2-year term against his challenger, John Isaac,
an elder member of the club, who received less than one-third
of the votes cast. Odisho is currently the president of the
Assyrian United Organizations of California, a position he must
relinquish to remain president of the AACCOT (an AUOC affiliate),
and the Western Regional Director of the Assyrian American National
Federation.
Odisho, in an interview with a ZENDA reporter in Turlock, said
that he has a great deal of respect for the AACCOT's commitment
in providing financial assistance to Assyrians and non-Assyrians
alike. Every year tens of thousands of dollars go to the needy
Assyrians through the efforts of the Assyrian Welfare Committee
of Stanislaus County and the Assyrian Aid Society of America.
The AACCOT has the largest membership of any Assyrian organization
in the State of California and handles a multi-million dollar
annual budget . As a representative of the vibrant Assyrian population
in the Central Valley, the AACCOT allocates a small budget to
assist the City's Fire Department, Turlock High School, Emanuel
Hospital, and the Turlock Police.
When asked about his goals and objectives in the near future,
Odisho replied that "greater communication among the state's Assyrian
organizations and political parties and a more direct role for
the youth in the affairs of these organizations hold top priorities
on my agenda for the next two years." He scolded the organizations,
including his own in the past seven years, for their reluctance
to involve the youth in activities other than sports and entertainment.
During his presidency, Ramin Odisho promises to organize a new
and energetic youth group in Turlock, reminiscent of that formed
in the 80's where he was first introduced to the spirit of Assyrian
nationalism and organizational leadership.
In the past few weeks residents of Turlock have also been audience
to lively discussions between Odisho and his once-mentor, now-
rival, Cyrus Amirfar. Odisho spoke to ZENDA about the "egotistical
troublemakers" who in the past two years have shown disrespect
to the members and Board officers of his organization, in some
cases forcing them to leave. Odisho commented that he "would
not tolerate any divisions and back-stabbings any more and with
the use of the organization's bylaws will enforce the law to
mitigate any wrongdoings during [his] term." Odisho pointed out
that "the club is now accepting new members. Our doors were at
one point closed to our Assyrian community. We want to inform
our people that once again our doors are open for anyone interested
to join our organization, ruled based on discipline and run by
law-abiding members." Mr. Amirfar, an active member of the AACCOT
and a former president of this organization, supported Mr. Isaac
against Odisho. He is believed to have ambitious plans for the
presidency of the Assyrian American Natinonal Federation. The
elections will be held during this year's National Convention
in August. The AACCOT is one of over 30 Assyrian organizations
affiliated with the AANF.
In a recent social function organized by the Assyrian Aid Society
of America and held at Modesto's Double Tree Hotel Ramin Odisho
surprised the over 700 guests by stating that "he hopes in the
future all AAS festivities and functions will be held instead
at the Assyrian Center in Turlock." In the past the AACCOT, the
largest financial supporter of the Assyrian Universal Alliance,
was reluctant to offer any direct support for the local activities
of the Assyrian Aid Society of America. Odisho, supported by
two current officers of the AUA, Simon Mirza and Sam Andrews,
may help unify the efforts of the AAS and his organization and
increase the public support for the AAS in the Central Valley-
a political move likely to upset the leadership of the Bet-Nahrain
organization in Modesto-Ceres, bringing together the supporters
of Zowaa (Assyrian Democratic Movement) and the AUA closer than
ever. With the new developments in Iraq it remains to be seen
if this "local alliance" may in fact be a portent of a greater
political coalition between the two political groups.
Ramin Odisho ended his interview with a message of thanks to his
supporters "who believe in me and pushed me to come and assume
the position of the president of our club. If in the 50 years
of the Civic Club a young person could be elected presidnet, I
am certain that other organizations could act likewise and permit
greater participation for our Assyrian youth." Ramin Odisoh is
single and was born in Iran.
WELCOME TO ZENDA
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| Robert Dooman |
Glenview, Illinois |
News Digest |
| Tomy Doomany |
Sunnyvale, California |
Bravo & News Digest |
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| Arbel Soleymani |
San Jose, California |
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