Mr Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh

Who was Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh?

Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh, also known as Saad Hussein Khalil, was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Syrian farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his story represents one of the many individuals from diverse backgrounds who embarked on a journey that would ultimately end in disaster.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1885 in Syria, Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh hailed from the town of Kfar Mechi. His occupation as a farm labourer suggests a life of hard work and modest means. Like many others of his time, Sulaymān sought new opportunities abroad, which led him to book passage on the ill-fated Titanic.

The Journey to a New Life

Why did Sulaymān board the Titanic?

Sulaymān boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, with hopes of reaching Ottawa, Canada. He was not traveling alone; accompanying him were his aunt Zād Naṣr Allāh (also known as Mariana Assaf) and her cousin, Assāf Jirjis Tu’mah al-Sayqalī. This family group, like many others, saw the Titanic as a means to reach a land of new opportunities.

What were the details of Sulaymān’s ticket?

Sulaymān’s journey was documented with the following details:

• Ticket Number: 2672
• Fare: £7 4s 6d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 6 pence)
• Class: Third Class

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Sulaymān on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in the upper classes. The chaos and confusion of that fateful night, combined with the shortage of lifeboats, sealed the fate of many in steerage, including Sulaymān.

“Khalil died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement encapsulates the tragic end to Sulaymān’s hopeful journey to a new life.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh’s life was cut short, his story lives on as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. He represents the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who sought better lives across the ocean, only to meet with tragedy.

How is Sulaymān remembered today?

Sulaymān is remembered through:

• Historical records and passenger lists of the Titanic
• Memorials dedicated to the victims of the Titanic
• Family histories and genealogical research
• Narratives that highlight the diverse backgrounds of Titanic passengers

The Human Cost of the Titanic Disaster

Sulaymān’s story underscores the human cost of the Titanic’s sinking. At just 27 years old, he embodied the hopes and dreams of many young immigrants. His untimely death on April 15, 1912, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the potential unrealized due to this maritime tragedy.

Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh’s journey from the fields of Syria to the decks of the Titanic reflects the global nature of the disaster, touching lives across continents and leaving behind stories of what might have been.