Mrs Zahie “Maria” Khalil

Who was Mrs Zahie Khalil?

Mrs Zahie “Maria” Khalil, née Elias, was a 20 (twenty) year-old Syrian (now Lebanese) passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A third-class traveler, she embarked on the ship’s maiden voyage with her husband, Betros Khalil, both of whom tragically perished in the disaster.

Early Life and Background

A Young Bride from Syria

Born in 1892, Zahie Maria Elias hailed from Syria, which at the time included present-day Lebanon. By the age of 20 (twenty), she had married Betros Khalil and was working as a farm laborer. This occupation suggests a humble background and a life of hard work from a young age.

What was life like in early 20th century Syria?

Life in early 20th century Syria was characterized by:

• Ottoman rule
• Agricultural economy
• Limited opportunities for advancement
• Growing desire for emigration among young people

These factors likely contributed to the Khalils’ decision to seek a new life across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a New Life

Mrs Khalil and her husband boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. They were among the many third-class passengers seeking better opportunities in America.

What were the travel conditions for third-class passengers?

Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era. Passengers like the Khalils would have experienced:

• Shared cabins with bunk beds
• Communal dining areas
• Limited access to upper decks
• Segregation from first and second-class areas

Ticket and Fare Details

The Khalils paid £14, 9 shillings, and 1 pence for their passage, a significant sum for third-class travelers of the time.

Fate During the Disaster

A Tragic End

“Both died in the disaster and neither body was recovered.”

Mrs Zahie Khalil, at just 20 (twenty) years old, perished along with her husband when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. As third-class victims, their chances of survival were significantly lower than those in upper classes.

Why were third-class passengers less likely to survive?

Several factors contributed to the lower survival rates among third-class passengers:

• Location deep within the ship
• Lack of access to lifeboats
• Language barriers
• Unfamiliarity with ship layout

Legacy and Remembrance

How are the Khalils remembered?

While Mrs Zahie Khalil and her husband did not survive to build their new life in America, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short by the Titanic disaster. They represent the many young couples who embarked on this journey with hopes for a brighter future.

Commemorating the Lost

The Khalils are commemorated along with other Titanic victims in various memorials and museums dedicated to the disaster. Their story, though brief, contributes to our understanding of the diverse group of individuals aboard the ship and the far-reaching impact of its sinking.

Mrs Zahie “Maria” Khalil’s life, though tragically short, stands as a testament to the courage of those who sought a better life across the ocean, and the indiscriminate nature of fate that befell the passengers of the RMS Titanic.