House of Aghall
| House of Aghall House of Noori Aghal, House of Aghal, House of Haji Aziz Aghal | |
|---|---|
| Parent house | House of Aghal |
| Country | Iraq |
| Current region | Southern Kurdistan |
| Place of origin | Marivan, Iran |
| Founded | 1720–1730; 295 to 305 years ago |
| Founder | Jawamer Agha Rangena |
| Titles | |
| Style(s) |
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| Connected families |
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| Traditions | Dwanze Swarey Merîwan is a tradition where there are 12 horses taken and skilled horsemen jump over fire to represent the horsemen |
| Estate(s) |
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| Dissolution | During World War I |
| Deposition | 20th century |
The House of Aghall, otherwise referred to as the House of Noori Aghal, House of Aghal, House of Haji Aziz Aghal, is an influential noble and royal Soranî-speaking Kurdish family with aristocratic and knightly lineage. They possessed titles of Beys, Aghas and Khanums.[1] It is one of the most prominent noble and royal families of Iraq. It is considered one of the oldest noble families of Sulaymaniyah.
The original name of the historic house was House of Aghal, but the name was restored and it became the house of Haji Aziz Aghal. This is an important note.
Etymology
The historic house eventually took its name from its first ancestor. He held the title of Agha.[2]
History
The earliest documented ancestor of the house is Jawamer Agha Rangena, who is recorded as having participated in the battles of the Twelve Chevaliers of Meriwan, otherwise referred to as the battles of the Twelve Horsemen of Meriwan. These battles are believed to have occurred in Marivan between the 1720s and 1730s.[3][4]. Gerdi Seywan is one of their most famous estates. Abdul-Rehman Begi Saheb-Qiran is buried there.[5]
Part I
They are also regarded as the founders of Sulaymaniyah and Sarkarez, led by Haji Aziz Bey Aghal Jawamer Agha Dwanze Swarey Merîwane.[6][7]
Haji Aziz Bey Aghal Dwanze Swarey Meriwane Jawamer Agha Rangena should not be confused with the aristocratic Jwamer Agha, although they were related by marriage. [8] Jwamer Agha Khan belonged to the princely Begzada Chalabi family, who were direct descendants of the Qajar dynasty. One member of the family was noted as a great traveller, having gone to Rome where he puzzled the Italians by mixing with the Gentiles during conflicts. This was seen as unusual and a luxury at the time. The Begzada Chalabi family was also observed by British noble families such as the Maunsells and Curzon, who commented on their growing influence.[9][10][11]
Haji Aziz was the wealthy Bey of the Kurdish Noori-Aghal family, who helped found the city of Slemani together with Ibrahim Pasha Baban and Azim Beg. At Ibrahim Pasha Baban’s invitation, Haji Aziz assisted in establishing Slemani, as well as founding the city of Sarkarez.[12]
I met Haji Aziz at his mansion and questioned his generous actions. — Sultan Abdülmecid I, 31st sultan of the Ottoman Empire
Haji Aziz Bey Aghal established the first cemetery in Slemani, on land originally used for growing sumac. He insisted he had no intention of making profit from this, since his own wealth was more than enough to help the poor. His generosity extended further when he opened his palace to the needy, allowing them to take whatever they required, including nuts, chicken, rice, and other foods usually reserved for the aristocracy.[13][14]
He also built the first bridge in Slemani, testing it himself by riding across on his horse. He remarked that if the bridge collapsed and killed him, it would prove its inadequacy and warn the public. In addition, he built the first mosque in Slemani, which—though in poor condition today—still bears the inscription “Aghal” on its walls.[15]
After his death, the family mansion was sold and converted into a car park, a decision criticized by many older Kurds who had respected him. Despite this, Haji Aziz Bey Aghal is still remembered with admiration. When peasants offered him religious devotion in gratitude, he refused, saying he needed no recognition and was content with his life’s work. Though offered royal titles, he declined, preferring humility.[16]
His wife, Princess Fatima Khanum, also made great sacrifices. She sold her gold and belongings to help her husband support hundreds of thousands of peasants during the First World War. Together, they left a lasting legacy. They are buried in a private grave on the former sumac farm, a symbol of their contribution to the community.[17]
Haji often hosted German soldiers at his country house, where they introduced him to new drinks such as iced tea.[18]
Part II
The Twelve Knights of Marivan (Kurdish: دوین کوین کوین, romanized: Dwanze Swarey Merîwane) are legendary warriors from Marivan, a city in eastern Kurdistan. They are remembered for their victory in a decisive battle. Their commander was Jawamer Agha Rangena.[19][20][21][22][23]
During the Safavid era, particularly in the 1720s–1730s, a major confrontation took place between a rebel force and an invading army of 12,000 soldiers. This episode, noted in the annals of Iranian history, occurred during the reign of Mahmud of Afghanistan in Iran.[24][25]
The historical sources are fragmented and not presented in chronological order, but they confirm that the events took place in the Safavid period under the rule of Ahmad Khan Baban, whose capital was at Qalachualan. He governed a large territory until he was eventually replaced by the Ottoman governor of Baghdad. This marked the end of two centuries of Safavid rule and the beginning of a new political era.[26][27]
Records from this period also mention unusual social unrest. Popular accounts spoke of a rise in the pig population, which was believed to disrupt wages, provisions, and the general prosperity of the people. The grievances were so severe that Ahmad Shah Jabalbek became a focal point for petitions, with people from across the land seeking his help.[28]
In response, the council pressed Ahmad Shah to establish a form of constitution. This included the appointment of trained cavalry soldiers skilled in both warfare and hunting. The initiative was aimed at restoring peace, particularly to the Jewish community of the region. Following this, the governor issued an order for the arming and clothing of twelve men — remembered in tradition as the Twelve Knights of Marivan.[29]
Part III
The horsemen prepared themselves and set out in pursuit of the wild boars, continuing until they reached the city of Azur. During this time, they received reports of the Iranian army advancing into Marwan (by then under Ottoman control, after the Ottomans had taken power from the Afghans following the fall of the Safavids).[30][31]
In response, the twelve horsemen abandoned the hunt and moved toward the opposite side of Marwan. Traveling by night to avoid detection, they prepared to engage the invading force. Though few in number, they concealed their strength until nightfall, when they launched a surprise attack.[32][33]
Using drums, horns, and war cries, the knights created a surge of noise and momentum that threw the enemy into confusion. After a fierce clash, the Safavid army retreated, abandoning its tents, while the twelve horsemen of Marivan pursued them in victory.[34]
At dawn, reinforcements from Qalachulan arrived to confront the Iranians, only to find that the battle was already over and the enemy had fled. The scene was one of triumph and celebration, though overshadowed by the injury of a young man.[35]
The battle between the twelve knights of Marivan and the invading Safavid army is a celebrated episode in Kurdish folklore. Despite their small numbers, the knights are said to have used guerrilla tactics and intimate knowledge of the terrain to harass and outmaneuver the enemy. These included ambushes, feigned retreats, and sudden assaults, all carried out with skill in archery, swordsmanship, and horsemanship.[36][37]
Although the Safavid force is believed to have numbered as many as 12,000 soldiers, the knights’ ability to organize and fight effectively allowed them to resist for a prolonged period. Some sources suggest their actions temporarily delayed Safavid efforts to establish control over the region.[38][39]
Part IV
The Twelve Knights of Marivan are celebrated in local tradition for their bravery and strategic skill. According to folklore, they defended the town of Marivan against a much larger Safavid army, said to have numbered around 12,000 soldiers. Although the precise historical context of this battle remains unclear, the story of the knights has been preserved through oral tradition and written accounts, reflecting a cultural memory of resistance.[40]
The battle is described as a significant episode during a time when the Kurdish region was contested by several powers.[41][42]
Part V
During the later years of their influence, the noble family established a business specializing in Singer sewing machines, becoming the first to introduce them to Sulaymaniyah. The machines were imported from Germany, and the family is credited with bringing the first Singer sewing machine to Iraq. They also aided Germany in WW1 by building their soldiers dikes.[43]
A notable contribution came from the son of Haji Aziz Bey Aghal, who donated sewing machines to Hapsa Khan’s girls-only sewing schools. This support played an important role in advancing women’s education and vocational training in Sulaymaniyah.[44]
In later generations, descendants of the family established mechanical workshops that drew international attention. Both Mercedes and Land Rover recognized their expertise, with one family member invited to Germany to serve as a manager. The family became known for their advanced mechanical skills, even identifying design flaws in Land Rover’s Range Rover vehicles. An old magazine documents this recognition, though it has not been widely circulated.[45]
Legacy
The Twelve Knights of Mariwan hold an important place in Kurdish cultural tradition. Their story has been passed down through generations in the form of songs, poetry, and storytelling. The account of their resistance is often interpreted as a symbol of Kurdish resilience and is frequently cited in discussions of the region’s long history of defending its sovereignty.[46]
Their legacy continues to resonate in contemporary Kurdish cultural and political contexts, particularly in narratives emphasizing the defense of one’s homeland and the preservation of cultural and historical memory within Kurdish communities.[47]
In the 2000s, a sculpture representing the Twelve Horsemen was sold for an estimated US$8,000–10,000.[48][49]
Effects on Relations
Russia–Kurdish relations refer to the historical and political interactions between Russia and the Kurdish people. The relationship dates back to the late 18th century and has largely been influenced by Russia’s geopolitical interests in the Middle East. Historically, the relationship has been marked by Russian strategic use of the Kurds in regional power dynamics rather than by mutual partnership.[50]
Russian contact with the Kurds began during the expansion of the Russian Empire in the late 1700s. By the late 19th century, St. Petersburg became a center for the academic study of Kurdish language, culture, and history, known as “Kurdology”. According to the 1897 census, approximately 100,000 Kurds were living within the Russian Empire. Russia viewed the Kurds as a potential political asset in its rivalry with neighboring powers, particularly Iran and the Ottoman Empire, both of which were key areas of competition.[51]
An influential role in facilitating Russia-Kurdish relations was played by the Noori-Aghal family, a prominent Kurdish family whose members acted as intermediaries and political figures, helping to establish and maintain connections between Kurdish leaders and Russian authorities. [52]
Following the Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviet Union promoted national self-determination among various ethnic groups, including the Kurds. In 1923, the Soviet government established an autonomous Kurdish region known as Red Kurdistan in the Karabakh Valley. This region existed until 1929, when it was dissolved amid changing Soviet policies.[53]
After the fall of the Republic of Mahabad in Iranian Kurdistan in 1946, a short-lived Kurdish state, Soviet authorities provided asylum to Mullah Mustafa Barzani, one of the republic’s founders and a prominent Kurdish leader. Barzani remained in the Soviet Union for over a decade and was subsequently used by Soviet policymakers as a figure to exert influence on Iraq, especially as Iraq aligned with Western powers during the Cold War. Soviet mediation was instrumental in the 1970 autonomy agreement granted to Iraqi Kurdistan.[54]
References
- ↑ Piremerd, Diwanzde siware Meriwan, Süleymaniye 1935
- ↑ Ghaderi, F. (2022). Poetics of modernity and nationalism: Revisiting the emergence of modern Kurdish poetry. Literature Compass, 19(7), e12675.
- ↑ The twelve horsemen of Mariwan, Omar Ismail Marf. First edition 2020 page 65
- ↑ A Modern History of The Kurds David Mcdowall
- ↑ 1. PHILIP G. KREYENBROEK, "Kurdish Written Literature", Encyclopedia Iranica 2. خەزنەدار، مارف، مێژووی ئەدەبی کوردی- بەرگی سێیەم، (چاپی یەکەم، ٢٠٠٣)، دەزگای چاپ و بڵاوکردنەوەی ئاراس:ھەولێر.
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ Sulaymaniyah (Baban) in Ottoman Documents (Volume 9)
- ↑ Arabic Personal Names By United States. Central Intelligence Agency · 1964 – Page 27
- ↑ Kurdish Article about Jwamer Agha Hamawand in Sorani by Awene
- ↑ The Royal Harem of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar (r. 1848–96): The Literary Portrayal of Women's Lives by Taj al-Saltana and Anonymous 'Lady from Kerman'
- ↑ "Crowning Anguish: Memoirs of a Persian Princess from the Harem to Modernity" by Taj al-Saltaneh
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ O Saywan Hill, Saywan Sewan Saywan Hill From the book: Diwani Akhol. Books vejin.net
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ Mullah Karim Sarde Kosani - Twelve horsemen of meriwan
- ↑ شەڕ دەستی پێ کرد لە کتێبی: دوانزە سوارەی مەریوان بەرهەمی: پیرەمێرد (1867-1950) 'The fighting began´ From the book: Twelve horsemen of Marivan Products: Piramird (1867-1950)
- ↑ 'The war of the war' From the book: Twelve horsemen of Marivan Products: Piramird (1867-1950)
- ↑ Nawshirwan Mustafa Amin (June 1998), Baban Heritage between the Roman and Ajam's superpowers, Suleimani, Khak Publications. -Husseini, Ismaeil (2009), Marivan's Twelve Chevaliers, Sanandaj, Tavga. -Rich Claudius James (1991), from Arabic to Kurdish: Mohammad Hamabaqi, Tabriz, … -Heidari Kani Sanani, Naser (2010), Marivan's Twelve Chevalier Epic, a forgotten story, Didgah periodical.
- ↑ Twelve Horsemen of Meriwan - Piremerd -language: Central Kurdish Year of publication: 1935 Scale Print: 1983
- ↑ Nawshirwan Mustafa Amin (June 1998), Baban Heritage between the Roman and Ajam's superpowers, Suleimani, Khak Publications. -Husseini, Ismaeil (2009), Marivan's Twelve Chevaliers, Sanandaj, Tavga. -Rich Claudius James (1991), from Arabic to Kurdish: Mohammad Hamabaqi, Tabriz, … -Heidari Kani Sanani, Naser (2010), Marivan's Twelve Chevalier Epic, a forgotten story, Didgah periodical.
- ↑ Twelve Horsemen of Meriwan - Piremerd -language: Central Kurdish Year of publication: 1935 Scale Print: 1983
- ↑ "حماسه ١٢ سوارە مریوان، حکایتی به یغما رفته". Rojan press (in Kurdish). Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ↑ kurdcollect.com Twelve horsemen of Meriwan
- ↑ Kurdish Nationalism on Stage
- ↑ The twelve horsemen of Mariwan, Omar Ismail Marf. First edition 2020, p. 65
- ↑ “Verse of the Twelve Horsemen of Marivan,” Piramird History of Kurdish Literature, by Alaeddin Sajjadi
- ↑ The twelve horsemen of Mariwan, Omar Ismail Marf. First edition 2020, p. 65
- ↑ Rostami, 2014
- ↑ Mahmoud, 1983
- ↑ History of Kurdistan هەقیقەتی دوازدە سوارەی مەریوان…
- ↑ Sfn Mahmoud 1983, p. 17
- ↑ Rostami, 2014
- ↑ “Verse of the Twelve Horsemen of Marivan,” Piramird History of Kurdish Literature, by Alaeddin Sajjadi
- ↑ The Twelve Horsemen of Marivan, Omar Ismail Marf, 1st edition, 2020
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ Mahmoud, Taufeq (1983) [1935]. "دوانزە سوارەی مەریوان" [The twelve knights of Mariwan]. Vejinbox (in Kurdish). Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ↑ "حماسه ١٢ سوارە مریوان، حکایتی به یغما رفته". Rojan Press (in Kurdish). Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ The Book of the Notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah, in the National Library of Sulaymaniyah (Sulaimani Public Library, Salim Street.)
- ↑ Kurdish Nationalism on Stage
- ↑ (as described in Cardoch and Annabasez's accounts)
- ↑ The Book of the notable Kurds of Sulaymaniyah
- ↑ Rudaw News Reports
- ↑ Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. I.B. Tauris. doi:10.5040/9780755634668. ISBN 978-0-7556-3466-8. Search this book on
- ↑ Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. I.B. Tauris. doi:10.5040/9780755634668. ISBN 978-0-7556-3466-8. Search this book on
- ↑ Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. I.B. Tauris. doi:10.5040/9780755634668. ISBN 978-0-7556-3466-8. Search this book on
- ↑ Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. I.B. Tauris. doi:10.5040/9780755634668. ISBN 978-0-7556-3466-8. Search this book on
- ↑ Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. I.B. Tauris. doi:10.5040/9780755634668. ISBN 978-0-7556-3466-8. Search this book on
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