The story of Petros Elia of Baz, better known as Agha Petros, is one of heroism, bravery, and determination. Born in the Lower Baz village of the Ottoman Empire in April 1880, Petros received his elementary education in his village before attending a European missionary school in the Persian city of Urmia. After finishing his studies, Petros returned to Baz and became a teacher. He was fluent in numerous languages, including Syriac, Turkish, Arabic, French, Persian, Kurdish, English, and Russian, which led him to be appointed by the Ottomans as a secretary and as a Consul in Urmia briefly in 1909.
During World War I, Agha Petros was appointed as a general and led a small Assyrian force to engage and defeat forces of Ottoman and Kurds in a series of battles. He was later approached by the Allies and was given command of the left wing of the army of Assyrian volunteers. His volunteers had quite a few successes over the Ottoman forces, notably at Suldouze, where Petros’ 1,500 horsemen overcame the forces of Kheiri Bey's (8,000 men) and also defeated the Ottomans in a major engagement at Sauj Bulak and drove them back to Rowanduz.
Agha Petros had some disagreements with Mar Shimun, the patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, and was often mistrusted by his family. But, after the murder of Mar Shimun by the Iranian Kurdish leader Simko, Agha Petros joined forces with Malik Khoshaba and others in driving Simko from his stronghold at Koynashahr.
Petros was the head negotiator for the Assyrians between 1919 and 1923. On July 24, 1923, he took part in the League of Nations Peace Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he approached the Turkish delegation for the resettlement of the Assyrians in and around Hakkâri Province in exchange for the loyalty of the Assyrians.
During his last years Petros moved near Toulouse, France, where he lived until his death of a cerebral attack at the railway station, on February 2, 1932.
It cannot be denied that he was a true leader who fought courageously for his people and their rights.
He led his soldiers to victory on numerous occasions, and his legacy lives on as an inspiration to all those who strive for freedom and justice. He was a true patriot who sacrificed his own well-being for the betterment of his people, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of history as a true hero of the Assyrian people.
He was not only known for his leadership skills and fluency in multiple languages, but also for his religious beliefs. Petros Elia was a Chaldean Catholic, a denomination of the Catholic Church that is primarily made up of ethnic Assyrians and followers of the East Syrian Rite.
Petros Elia's faith in the Chaldean Catholic Church was unwavering. He was a devout and dedicated member of the church, and his beliefs played a significant role in his leadership during World War I. Petros Elia's faith in the Chaldean Catholic Church not only gave him the strength and courage to lead his troops to victory, but also served as a source of inspiration for his followers, who were deeply inspired by his devotion and commitment to his faith.
Petros Elia's legacy as a Chaldean Catholic leader continues to be remembered and celebrated to this day. His unwavering faith, strong leadership, and dedication to his people serve as a shining example of what it means to be a Chaldean Catholic in the face of adversity and challenges. His story is not only one of military triumph, but also of spiritual perseverance and determination.
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