Assyrian International News Agency

The Assyrian School of Mosul Project

History

Rev. Yosip Qelaita's (Joseph DeKelaita) Assyrian school in Mosul operated from 1921-1945; it was a remarkable school that produced the next generation of Assyrian leaders and intellectuals.

The following information was obtained from Shemasha (Deacon) Yosip Zia (#42), who attended the school from 1921-1924.

The school year began on November 1st and ended on May 30th. The school was co-ed, with boys and girls attending classes (in the photograph there is only one girl shown, #132); Shemasha Zia says there were many many girls in the school, but few made it to the advanced classes.

For the years 1921-1924, the curriculum was as follows:

1921

English and Assyrian, taught by Aprim Qelaita (Yosip's son)
History and Science, Taught by Benyamin Arsanis

1922

English, Assyrian and Arabic, taught by Qasha Oraham of Barwar

1923

English, taught by Qasha Alexandar deBaz
Music, Scouting, taught by Shemasha Youkhana

1924

Assyrian, Assyrian Grammar, Geography, taught by Qasha Qelaita
Music, Scouting, taught by Shemasha Youkhana
English, taught by Qasha Alexandar deBaz

In 1921 a diasagreement between Benyamin Arsanis and Rev. Yosip Qelaita arose, regarding the curriculum. Benyamin Arsanis wanted to stress history and science, particularly Assyrian history, and wanted a more secular curriculum, while Qasha Qelaita wanted a more religious curriculum. The Mar Shimun (Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East) sided with Rev. Qelaita and Benyamin Arsanis was forced to leave the school.

This photograph was taken in 1922 and shows 129 students and 5 instructors. Rev. Qelaita, a deacon (shemasha) at the time, is the white-bearded man seated in the middle (#114).

Some of the names of these students are known, others are not. We wish to identify each student in this photograph. We also would like to compile a list of all the students that attended the Assyrian School of Mosul. If you recognize anyone in this photograph or know of anyone who attended this school, click below to send us this information.

click here to identify or add a person

Click on a person's face for information on that person.

Index of Persons

Number	Name	Village	Age	Dates Attended
35	Daniel Marcus	Umood of Jilu, Hakkary		1920-1923
36	Pando (Nicola) Babana	Nahra of Jilu, Hakkary		1921-1922
39	Addoniyah Eeleeyah	Eyil, Mar Bishu		1920-1923
41	Seyawoosh	Nawchiyaya		1920-1923
42	Shemasha Yosip Zia	Nahra of Jilu, Hakkary	14	1920-1923
43	Shemasha Putrus Esho	Nahra of Jilu, Hakkary		1921-1922
57	Shemasha Esho Sargis (later Bishop Sargis)	Mar Zia		1920-1923
59	Theodiris David (Mar Eshai Shimun's brother)	Qodchanis		1920-1923
60	Orisnah (Benjamin) Kalasho	Nahra of Jilu, Hakkary		1920-1923
65	Doosho Odisho	Ishtazin		1921-1922
71	Eshaya Elisha Khanoo	Mar Beeshu	13	1922 (start and end unknown)
72	Eshoo Kako Marano	Gawar	9	1922 (start and end unknown)
110	Shmouel Shoshoo	Mar Bishu	11	1922 (start and end unknown)
112	Rabbi Sheem	Qodchanis
113	Shemasha Mando Esho (a student)	Ishtazin
114	Rev. Yosip Qelaita	Mar Bishu
115	Rabbi Nestoris Auni	Mar Bishu
116	Rabbi Narsai	Alqosh
117	Rabbi Youkhana Sakharia	Baz
122	Ezaria Elisha Khanoo	Mar Beeshu	9	1922 (start and end unknown)

1925 Photo

This picture is believed to have been taken in 1925, based on the known age of Emmanuel Elia (second row from top, right side, pointing arrow). Emmanuel was the son of Qasheesha Emmanuel (Qoryaqoos klan) of Matta d-Mar Zia, Jilu. Emmanuel was born on 9/26/1913 and died in March, 1983. He is aged 12 in the picture.

1926 Graduation Photo

1926 Diploma

This diploma was awarded to Benyamin Yosip Gandaloo, pictured in the 1926 graduation photo (top row, left).