Assāf Jirjis Tu'Mah Al-Sayqalī

Who was Mr Assāf Jirjis TU’MAH AL-SAYQALĪ?

Mr Assāf Jirjis Tu’mah al-Sayqalī was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old Syrian-Lebanese farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Family

Where did Assāf Jirjis come from?

Assāf Jirjis was born around 1883 in Kafr Mishkī, Syria (now part of modern-day Lebanon). He was the son of Jiryas Tu’mah, though little is known about his parents or early upbringing.

What was Assāf’s family life like?

Despite his young age, Assāf had already started a family of his own:

• Married to Sa’īdah (born 1895)
• Father to two daughters:
  1. Adma
  2. Amaline

The fact that his wife was born in 1895 suggests that their marriage likely occurred when Sa’īdah was quite young, which was not uncommon for the time and region.

Occupation and Social Status

Assāf worked as a farm labourer, a profession that was common among rural Lebanese and Syrian communities of the early 20th century. This occupation suggests that he came from a humble background, likely working the land to support his young family.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Assāf traveling on the Titanic?

While the exact reasons for his journey are not specified, many Middle Eastern passengers on the Titanic were seeking better economic opportunities in North America. Assāf was not traveling alone, which adds an intriguing dimension to his story.

Who accompanied Assāf on his ill-fated voyage?

Assāf embarked on this momentous journey with two of his cousins, also from Kafr Mishkī:

1. Mariana Assāf
2. Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh

The presence of family members suggests that this may have been part of a larger plan for the extended family to emigrate together.

What were the details of Assāf’s Titanic ticket?

The cost of the ticket, equivalent to about £890 in 2023, represents a significant investment for a farm labourer, highlighting the importance of this journey to Assāf and his family.

The Tragic Sinking

What happened to Assāf during the Titanic disaster?

Sadly, Assāf Jirjis did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. The chaotic nature of the evacuation, combined with the limited number of lifeboats, meant that many in third class never even made it to the boat deck.

Was Assāf’s body ever recovered?

If Assāf’s body was recovered from the icy North Atlantic waters, it was never identified. This sad reality was all too common for many of the Titanic’s victims, particularly those from third class, leaving families without closure or a place to mourn their loved ones.

Legacy and Family’s Fate

What became of Assāf’s wife and children?

Following the tragic loss of her husband, Sa’īdah’s life took several turns:

• Remarried to a Mr Ayoub
• Relocated to Ottawa, Canada
• Became known as Sadie in her new home
• Had seven more children in addition to her two daughters with Assāf
• Passed away in 1983
• Buried in Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa

Sa’īdah’s story of resilience and new beginnings in the face of tragedy is a testament to the human spirit and the complex tapestry of immigrant experiences in the early 20th century.

Remembering Assāf Jirjis Tu’mah al-Sayqalī

While Assāf’s life was cut tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of the many immigrants who boarded the Titanic in search of a better life. His journey, though ending in tragedy, represents the courage and hope of countless individuals who risked everything for the promise of a new beginning in a distant land.