Sarsing

Sarsing (or Sarsink) is an Assyrian village in the Iraqi providence of Dohuk.The name "Sarsing" derives from the Kurdish for "above (or) or upon chest". The name came from the location of the village, which is the highest altitude of a northern cliff of Gara Mountains.

The climate of Sarsing is moderately hot in summer and cold in winter. Spring and fall are very short seasons but very pleasant especially the fall, which is the season of ripe fruits. The winter is snowy and in some years snow accumulations could exceed one meter. Rain precipitation is nearly 800 mm annually. Temperature in summer averages 17-22 C at night and 34-38 C at day, while in winter it drops to 5 to -7 C at night and 5-12 degrees at day time.

1900 - 2000

In 1921 the village was inhabited by 26 Assyrian families who retreated from their original homes in Hakkari, Turkey.

In 1928 the first elementary private school was founded by Rev. Odisho son of Rev. Zacharia Lazar. The name of the school was The Assyrian private school of Sarsing and the primary language of teaching was Arabic as well as Assyrian and English were taught starting from first and second grades respectively.

In 1928 the old church, which was built in 1922 was demolished and instead a bigger church was built. During the process of laying new foundations of the new church several pieces of antiques were found. Among these pieces were a cross surrounded by circles sculptured on a stone, a stony basin used for baptism and a bronze cutter.

In 1932 vehicles drove over a paved road passing through Sarsing to and from Duhok and Amadiya. This project gave Sarsing a vital and important position in the region and it offered its residents more access to various daily services.

In 1952 Sarsing elementary school was built for students in Sarsing and others coming from nearby villages such as; Badarash, Sakreen, Ashawa, Bobawa, Kondak, Sardrawa and Dohoky. The school was well distinguished in teaching among the other district schools.

Building the royal palace (which still exists and is used today as a hospital) began in 1954 on top of the hill. Again antiques were found when digging for foundations reached four meters. Among foundlings were small and large potteries containing remaining of human bones. A celebration attended by crowds from Sarsing and nearby villages was held during the ceremonial opening of the Palace. To the north of the palace there was a stage built from stone called Mar Gewarges, which seemed as if it had been an old place for guards.

In 1955 Mar Mattai church was rebuilt again. All residents of Sarsing participated both physically and monetarily in this process. This church, which was built three times in three decades is still exists until our present day.

As the village occupies a strategic location on the highway between Duhok and
Amadiya, the fighting parties (Kurdish guerrillas and central governments troops) tried all the times to seize control of it. Thus situation in the village was most of times unstable and shaky.

Once it was under government control the village was militarized and therefore many of its residents fled their village and sometimes their country looking for peace elsewhere. In seventies of past century government placed a lot pressure on the residents from all aspects of life. But after the events of 1991 the region was liberated from dictatorship and the returned to its joyful times, development, farming and normal life.

The residents of the village depend on farming and pasturing for their living. Sheep and goats are their main domestic animals and grains, wheat, corn, tobacco, vegetable, grapes, nuts and other type of fruits are their main crops. Sarsing has become a town and many of its educated citizens occupy now various administrational and technical positions such as teachers, engineers and managers. Others have engaged in small private business sectors.

ee also

List of Assyrian villages

External links

* [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IZ/8/Sarsing.html Maps, Weather, and Airports for Sarsing, Iraq]