14 Facts About Malik Khoshaba

Malik Khoshaba was born in the village of Lizan in the Lower Tyari region of which lies in modern-day Turkey.

Malik Khoshaba completed his primary education at a Presbyterian missionary in Tyari before continuing his secondary studies in Mosul and completing his further studies at the American college in Urmia.

Malik Khoshaba was well versed in several languages such as English, Arabic, Kurdish and Russian that made him a standout individual within the Tyari Assyrians who inhabited the region of Hakkari in southeastern Anatolia.

In 1908, Malik Khoshaba assembled a formidable force of Lower Tyari fighters from the villages of Lizan, Bne Laggipa, Minyanish, Zawitha and Zarne and attacked the Barwari Kurds where a fierce battle ensued that resulted in Malik Khoshaba killing Rashid Beg's brother, Said Beg, thereby avenging his father's murder.

Malik Khoshaba led forces in counterattacks against the far larger Ottoman Army during and after the period known as the Assyrian genocide with some success.

Malik Khoshaba was known for his bravery, cruelty and military capabilities during this time.

Two of Malik Khoshaba's patrols were successful in capturing Turkish and Kurdish soldiers to gather intel about their positions.

Malik Khoshaba was successful in preventing the enemy's field guns from damaging his post at dawn, while bringing in twenty-four Turkish prisoners and personally killing four Turkish soldiers.

Malik Khoshaba decided to withdraw his men to their defences for the night, and to send out patrols to halt the enemy moving towards Seray.

Malik Khoshaba translated a captured code of signals which would call for mortar bombs.

Early the following morning, Malik Khoshaba captured more Turkish prisoners; among them was a Turkish army colonel, second in command to Iskander Pasha.

Malik Khoshaba was appointed the president of the Assyrian Advisory Committee which was made up of a number of influential Assyrian tribal leaders.

Later in life, Malik Khoshaba became a figure of great controversy among Assyrians.

Malik Khoshaba was seen by many as a divisive figure, particularly with regards to undermining the cause of Assyrian autonomy within the newly created and Arab-dominated state of Iraq in 1932.