Miss Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus

Who was Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus?

Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus, also known as Laura or Nourelain Boulos, was a young Syrian-Lebanese passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born around 1902 in Sar’al, Syria (now Lebanon), she was only 10 (ten) years old when she embarked on a journey that would tragically end her life.

Early Life and Family Background

A Family Divided by Emigration

Nūr al-‘ayn was born into a farming family, with roots deeply embedded in the Syrian-Lebanese countryside. Her parents were:

• Father: Harry Būlus (born 1865), a farmer turned bus driver
• Mother: Sultānah Rizq (born circa 1872)

The young girl had several siblings, including:

• Akar Būlus (born 1905)
• Several older siblings (names unknown)

Nūr al-‘ayn’s early life was marked by her father’s emigration to Kent, Ontario, Canada. Harry Būlus had left his homeland several years before the fateful Titanic voyage, finding work as a bus driver for the Rankin House Hotel. Despite the distance, he maintained connections with his family, making several trips back to Lebanon.

The Decision to Emigrate

By 1912, a pivotal decision was made that would alter the course of the family’s history. It was determined that Nūr al-‘ayn, along with her mother Sultānah and brother Akar, would join Harry Būlus in Canada. This decision set in motion a chain of events that would lead them to board the Titanic.

The Journey to Titanic

From Syria to Cherbourg

The family’s journey began in mid-March 1912, following this route:

1. Departed from their home village
2. Traveled to Beirut
3. Continued to Marseille, France
4. Finally reached Cherbourg, their point of embarkation

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Nūr al-‘ayn, her mother, and brother boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg. They were third-class passengers, reflecting their modest means and hopes for a better life in Canada.

Key Details of Their Titanic Journey:

• Ticket Number: 2678
• Fare: £15 4s 11d (15 pounds, 4 shillings, and 11 pence)
• Class: Third Class

Fellow Travelers

The Būlus family was not alone in their journey. They were accompanied by several others from their locality, including:

• Kātrīn Yūsuf (née Rizq) and her two young children
• Bākhūs Rafūl-Būlus

This group of Syrian-Lebanese passengers formed a small community aboard the massive ship, likely finding comfort in their shared language and culture amidst the excitement and uncertainty of the voyage.

The Titanic Disaster

What Happened to Nūr al-‘ayn During the Sinking?

The night of April 14-15, 1912, brought unimaginable tragedy to the passengers and crew of the Titanic. For Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus, her mother, and brother, the disaster proved fatal. They were among the many third-class victims who lost their lives in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic.

The bodies of Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus, her mother, and brother, if recovered, were never identified.

This stark fact underscores the devastating impact of the disaster on families like the Būlus, who lost multiple members in a single night.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus Remembered Today?

While Nūr al-‘ayn’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 10 (ten), her story lives on as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. She represents the many young lives lost and the dreams of immigrant families shattered by the sinking.

Points of Remembrance:

• Nūr al-‘ayn’s story highlights the diverse backgrounds of Titanic passengers
• Her family’s journey reflects the broader patterns of emigration from the Middle East to North America in the early 20th century
• The loss of entire families, like the Būlus, underscores the devastating impact of the disaster on communities both in North America and in their homelands

Connections to Other Passengers

Nūr al-‘ayn’s story is intertwined with those of her family members who were also aboard the Titanic:

• Akar Būlus, her younger brother
• Sultānah Būlus, her mother

These connections serve as a poignant reminder of the family units that were tragically separated by the disaster.

The Impact of Young Victims

The loss of young passengers like Nūr al-‘ayn Būlus adds a particularly heart-wrenching dimension to the Titanic tragedy. At just 10 (ten) years old, she represents the unfulfilled potential and dreams that were lost on that fateful night. Her story continues to resonate, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the importance of maritime safety.