| Chapter 1: | The Homeland and Origin of the Independent Assyrian Tribes of Tiyari and Hakkari |
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However, the territories of the independent Assyrian tribes bordered those of semi-independent Assyrian tribes. The village of Mellawa marked the border between the independent tribes and the semi-independent and Ra’aya (which literally means “standard” or “flag” tribes; i.e., those subdued by Turks or Kurds) towards the north and northeast. It was under the rule of the Turkish Pasha of Bash Qalla.10
Description of the Independent Assyrian Country
The beauty of the Assyrian tribes’ country overwhelmed foreign visitors who had access to visit it after 1839. Grant stood on the peak of Mount Asheetha enjoying the impressive scene around him. He was able to command a view of Asheetha to the south, Amadia further south, Zakho to the west, and the Zab River descending in the distance to the southwest. Julamergi was visible to the northeast. He could also see the Liehun River descending to join the other branch forming the Zab River. The villages of Hertush were visible to the northwest, while Chamba, the capital of Upper Tiyari, lay at a distance to the northeast. From the same spot, the district of Tekhoma was clearly visible to the southeast. Further northeast was the summer resort of King Ismael of Tiyari, while Jelu and the village of Zawetha lay to the south-southeast.11 This was the country described by many as a Garden of Eden.12
The British diplomat James Rich was the first European to give a detailed account of the independent tribes and their country and also the first to venture to send an envoy with a post to Constantinople through their country. Speaking about his desire to send the post, he wrote,