Mrs Zād Naṣr Allāh

Who was Mrs Zād Naṣr Allāh?

Mrs Zād Naṣr Allāh was a 45 (forty-five) year-old Syrian-Lebanese passenger who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, she was a third-class passenger returning to Canada after visiting family in her homeland.

Early Life and Background

From Syria to Canada: A Greengrocer’s Journey

Born in 1867 in the Syrian village of Kfar Mechi (now known as Kafr Mishki or Kfarmechki), Mrs Naṣr Allāh embarked on a life-changing journey in 1907 or 1908 when she emigrated to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Despite being officially listed as a pedlar, she was, in fact, a shrewd businesswoman who operated as a greengrocer.

“By all accounts a sharp businesswoman who sold produce to the carriage trade in the Canadian capital.”

Her business acumen allowed her to:

Establish a successful produce business
Cater to the carriage trade in Ottawa
Accumulate enough savings for a return trip to Syria

Family Ties Across Continents

Mrs Naṣr Allāh’s life was marked by the difficult decision many immigrants face - leaving family behind. When she first moved to Canada, she had to part ways with her two sons, whom she left in Syria. This separation undoubtedly fueled her determination to succeed in her new home.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Mrs Naṣr Allāh on the Titanic?

By 1912, Mrs Naṣr Allāh’s hard work had paid off, allowing her to finance a trip back to Syria to visit the sons she had left behind. After this family reunion, she booked passage on the Titanic for her return to Canada.

Titanic Boarding Details

Detail	Information
Class	3rd Class
Ticket Number	2696
Fare	£7 4s 6d
Port of Embarkation	Cherbourg

Mrs Naṣr Allāh was not traveling alone. She was accompanied by:

Her cousin, Assāf Jirjis Tu’mah al-Sayqalī
Her nephew, Sulaymān Khalīl ‘Atta Allāh

Fate During the Disaster

How did Mrs Naṣr Allāh survive the Titanic sinking?

Mrs Zād Naṣr Allāh was one of the fortunate third-class survivors of the Titanic disaster. While specific details of her rescue are not provided, we know that she survived the sinking and was eventually rescued.

After her rescue, Mrs Naṣr Allāh continued her journey to Ottawa, where she was received by her nephew, David Shaheen, at 150 Broad Street.

Legacy and Impact

A Survivor’s Account

Mrs Naṣr Allāh’s experience during the Titanic disaster did not go untold. Her first-person account of the tragic events appeared in the Ottawa Citizen, providing valuable insights into the experiences of third-class passengers during the sinking.

Resilience and Entrepreneurship

Mrs Zād Naṣr Allāh’s story is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of early 20th-century immigrants. Her journey from:

A small Syrian village
To becoming a successful businesswoman in Canada
Surviving one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters
And sharing her story with the public

exemplifies the determination and strength of character that defined many of the Titanic’s passengers.

What can we learn from Mrs Naṣr Allāh’s story?

Mrs Zād Naṣr Allāh’s life and Titanic experience offer valuable lessons about perseverance, family bonds, and the immigrant experience in early 20th century North America. Her survival and subsequent sharing of her story contribute to our understanding of the Titanic disaster from the perspective of a third-class passenger, adding depth to the historical narrative of this tragic event.