By Adhid Miri, PhD.

Pioneers deserve recognition and celebration. They serve as our foundation, a guiding force toward an advanced and progressive society. They act as catalysts for passing wisdom onto new generations, inspiring individuals to become their best selves.

Habib Hannona is a living example of one such pioneer. His achievements in the United States, Kuwait, and Iraq exemplify human strength, enduring spirit, survival, and success. We write about him using his historic contributions and academic recollections in the context of his time and his generation.

As an author, engineer, linguist, painter, poet, and historian, Habib Hannona has had an illustrious career, illuminating the way for others. As an historian, he takes a long view toward a better place and brighter future. As an engineer, he believes in the construction of a moral Christian society and sterling values. His story is a remarkable one, and he is truly a shining star in our universal community.

Personal Biography

Habib Matti Petrus Hannona Mahanna Mahlalaeel Nissan Al- Hannona is a Chaldean Christian, an American citizen, who was born in the town of Karemlash in the Nineveh Province of Iraq in 1943.

The youngest of five siblings, he has four sisters - Hanneh, Mia/Meriam, Anisa, and Kameela. His parents, Matti Putrus and Naiema Behnam Abdal, were native to the village of Karemlash.

Married to Jamila Suleiman Matti Al-Qutta after a 4-year love story, the couple have two daughters, Taghreed and Tan, and two sons, Thamer and Ragheed. The 3 older children were born in Basrah, Iraq, and the youngest, Ragheed, in Baghdad. Married since February 4th, 1972, Habib and Jamila have 11 grandchildren.

Habib came to the United States with his family on Christmas Eve 1991. He says, “My journey was not easy; America is the place you come to change your life. America is the place to start a new life. That is why I came to America.”

Education

Habib Hannona completed his primary education at the Karemlash School, Um Al-Rabeien Intermediate School in Mosul, and he attended night school at Ja’fariya secondary school in Baghdad in 1960.

Following high school graduation, Habib joined the Higher Institute of Languages/University of Baghdad to study English and German Languages for two years. From there, he traveled to West Germany to study architecture.

He returned to Iraq in 1964, eager to further his education. Habib took advantage of the opportunities offered by the Jesuit’s at Al-Hikma University in Baghdad to study civil engineering. Many of his talents emerged during his studies with the Jesuits, supported by a creative environment that encouraged painting, literature, poetry, theater, and scientific research. He held several personal exhibitions of his paintings over a period of three years, 1965-1967.

In 1967, Habib was hired by an engineering company operating in Kirkuk, so he postponed his studies for two years.

In 1968, after the government nationalization of Al-Hikma University, he rejoined the University of Baghdad to complete his studies and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1971.

After graduation, Habib worked with various companies for 3 years, eventually establishing his own engineering company for general contracting in Basra, the Eridu Construction Contracting Company. At Eridu, he invited his best friends to join him and together, they implemented many projects throughout Iraq (1974-1984) and Kuwait (1985-1990). Habib lived in Kuwait from 1984 until Iraq invaded in 1990.

The Gulf War of 1991 was a turning point and a critical new step in his life. In 1991, he left Iraq with his family to move to the United States of America. The family lived in San Diego, California until 1995, before moving to Detroit, Michigan.

Habib the Artist

There is no denying that Habib was a trailblazer in his early days; he loves to talk about his artistic interest and reflect on his pioneering work of drawings.

“I started since fifth grade…and was influenced by an art teacher (Hazem Afendi) who encouraged me and allowed my talent to grow and develop through several years of practice,” Habib remembers.

“My first artistic achievement was drawing a large oil painting representing ‘Mar Gewargees,’ painted at the request of the Khor-Bishop of Mar Adday in Karemlash in 1961. I was 18 years old.”

Throughout his artistic career, Habib completed more than fifty oil paintings, plus dozens of sketches, watercolors, and drawings on glass. According to Habib, his most important oil paintings are “On the Calvary” and “Mother.”

The latter was a large painting that he completed during his stay at the University of Al-Hikma. The piece was ultimately donated to the University Church. After the nationalization of Al-Hikma University in 1968, and subsequent looting it was unfortunately stolen and went missing. After a 3-year search, the painting was located and Habib tried to purchase it back for 1,000 Iraqi Dinar in 1971 from a collector but was unsuccessful.

Habib did not study art or receive formal training. He benefited from the advice of many connoisseurs who watched over his work and from his visits to art galleries and museums, in Iraq and Europe. These activities helped him develop his artistic vision and become acquainted with the major art schools in the world.

His artistic passion and quest for exploring the world of arts and architecture made him travel extensively. He has visited most of the countries of Eastern and Western Europe many times; for tourism, knowledge, to visit museums, and search for historical sources.

Around the world in 80 days

Traveling is still a favorite activity whenever his circumstances permit. In 1984, Habib went on a journey around the world in 80 days, inspired by the famous novel of Jules Verne: “Around the World in 80 Days.”

Habib explained his extreme efforts to travel, “At that time, the booking (flights and hotels) and the planning was not easy; there was no internet at that time, no smart phones, no Google or GPS.”

He gathered all the visas from the countries which he planned to visit from their consulates in Kuwait, except the Consulate of United States of America.

Here is that story:

“This is what happened. On December 12, 1983, I went to the US Consulate in Kuwait around 8:00 – 8:30 AM to apply for a visa. While I was in the Consulate lobby waiting my turn to be called for submitting my application, looking through the window, I saw a big truck hit the entrance gate and then a big explosion happened. In moments, the entire Consulate building collapsed on our heads.”

Habib’s recounting of the terrorist attack continues: “I was bleeding in different spots - my head and my hands, etc. I lost my bag, my papers, and my passport. It is hard to explain my situation at that moment -life threatening fear. Thanks God, I made it outside through the rubble, while I am bleeding. I have climbed on the exterior wall and thrown myself to the ground.

“After a few days, I went back to the US Consulate in Kuwait to look for my papers. The Consulate was closed, but they allowed me to go in because I was one of the victims of the terrorist attack. The Consulate personnel gave me my papers and told me that, “The United States Consulate in Kuwait is closed for a while, but you can get the visa from the USA Embassy – Consular Section in London. Your name is there.

“That terrorist act has affected my life for long time.”

Habib’s journey around the world began on Friday December 23, 1983, travelling from Kuwait going west to Istanbul-Turkey. He then headed to Europe, visiting many European countries including the United Kingdom, then on to the USA. Major cities on the tour included New York, Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the state of Hawaii. He flew from Hawaii to Sydney, Australia, then Singapore, returning to Kuwait on Sunday March 11, 1984. He made it in 80 days!

Habib the poet and historian

“I am very proud of my early poetic attempts,” says Habib. “My hobby began in the early sixties of the last century, reading local magazines (including Alf Ba/ABC magazine) and Iraqi newspapers at the time; some of them were broadcast by the BBC London Arabic Radio.”

This pleasant early journey with words led to his cultural achievements in the field of writing history. His research, studies, and topics were of interest to many, especially with what Iraq has gone through since 1958, and the tragic events post-2003 that forced thousands of (Christian) families to leave their homeland under extinction circumstances, threats, and murder.

“My love of history stems from my love for the homeland, for it is the resting place of parents and grandparents, and it is the place where even if we leave it, our heart will remain in it forever. As for history, reading history becomes a station of the cross and reminder that gives hope and reassurance to man. It is a great human school, from which we draw lessons upon lessons.”

Love of Karemlash (Karamlesh)

“Karemlash, my hometown, it is an ancient town, says Habib. “Its roots go back to the stone ages and prehistoric times. Some considered it one of the oldest human colonies in the world.”

The oldest name given to Karamles or Karemlash is “Kar – Mulissi.” It is an Akkadian name which means “The City of Goddess Mulissi.” It is presumed to have been given that name during the Akkadian Empire in the Third Millennium BC, most likely during the era of King Sargon of Akkad (2371-2316 BC).

When the Assyrian King Sennacherib (704 – 685 B.C.) built the Wall of Nineveh, he named one of the gates as the Gate of Kar-Mulissi. Sennacherib also built an underground irrigation system in the northwestern territories of Karamles, known today as Qnaiwat (canals). The current well at St. Barbara Church in Karamles was a part of that Qnaiwat irrigation water system.

The other names given to Karamles were Er-Ilu-Banu, Uru-Dingir-Nin-Lil, and Gaugamela.

Present-day Karemlash is a Chaldean town in Nineveh Governorate. It is administratively linked to Bartella sub-district, within the Hamdaniya district and its center Qarah Qosh-Baghdida.

Most of the townspeople are Chaldean Christians, with a minority belonging to the Syriac Catholic Church, in addition to a minority of Shabaks. The history of the town extends back to more than five thousand years. Famous for many historical events, the most famous of which is the great battle that took place between Alexander the Great and Darius III in 331 BC.

The town became an important commercial and religious center in the region during the Middle Ages. Among the most prominent churches and monasteries are St. George Monastery (6th Century AD), Mar Younan Monastery, Rabban Yokhana Monastery, Daughters of Mary Monastery, Church of the Forty Martyrs, St. Barbara Church, Virgin Mary Church, and St. Addy the Messenger Church.

Karemlash has kept pace with Iraqi history since ancient times, today it continues its role as a bright spot on the Iraqi geographical, political, and religious map.

Interest in Archeology

As a youngster, Habib used to roam the fields around his beloved Karemlash and climb its nearby hills. He was amazed to see that those hills and dunes surrounding the town are full of remnants of pottery pots and artifacts.

Since childhood, he was fascinated by the hills scattered in his beautiful hometown, picking up pieces of pottery scattered here and there and asking questions: “I wondered who these belong to, and who used to live here,” said Habib. Innocent questions are not devoid of the world of magic and imagination, and life takes its course. Habib was immersed in study, family, sources of living, but the obsession remains stuck there, deep inside his soul, looking for answers that relieve it of anxiety.

“I decided to search for the history of my hometown of Karemlash. This made me a permanent visitor to the library of the Iraqi Museum and its resident for a long time. I am proud that my first book was the “The History of Karamles,” which was published in 1988. The book was a big hit and won the approval of everyone who viewed it or acquired it. What made me most happy was this book became a valuable reference for many Iraqi as well as foreign researchers and historians, such as the American historian Walter Kaiki. The book was later recognized within dozens of books written by researchers who referenced the book, Karemlash History, as a prime source for their research.”

Habib’s particular interest was to write and record historical information. As a result of his continuous visits to the Iraqi museum since the late fifties and sixti esof the last century, he became acquainted with many renowned archaeologists and researchers such as Dr. Fouad Safar and researcher/historian Georges Awad, who encouraged Habib to pursue historical research and study the Akkadian cuneiform language.

When Habib Hannona writes about his love of Karemlash, surely there will be a lot that can be told about it by other scholars. He says, “I was honored to have an introduction and description of my book by the great historian and researcher Gorges Awad, and a letter he sent to me as a precious historical masterpiece of a beautiful Iraqi town. Many local newspapers and magazines reviewed and commented on the book at the time.”

Habib’s interest in Karemlash archeological sites contributed to pushing the Directorate of General Antiquities and the Directorate of Antiquities of Mosul to research and excavate one of the archaeological hills in town, Tell Ghanam, in 1971. This was an extension to the excavations in the town which had been started by many foreign researchers since the nineteenth century.

“My hope that the Iraqi government represented by the Directorate of General Antiquities and the Department of Antiquities of the Northern Region will pay more attention to this matter because of its great meanings and deep implications,” says Habib. “As the bright face and the Assyrian historical and civilizational identity of the region will appear, thus eliminating the certainty of the identity of the region during the conflicts that these regions are currently witnessing.”

“In addition,” he continues, “it will be a magnet for tourists, orientalists and those interested in these matters from all over the world, which in turn will highlight the cultural and historical depth of the country to the world; and not only here in the country, but there are also hundreds, rather, thousands of archaeological sites that the state did not pay attention to but befitting its history.”

From the Author

It has been my high honor and privilege to write about the man, Habib Hannona. The Chaldean community in Michigan is fortunate to have him among its ranks as a cultural pillar and distinguished author. It is no wonder that when he walks to a room, a rainbow of hope appears with him always.

We are looking for ways to shine a spotlight on our distinguished pioneers and to inspire others. Perhaps those community members who blazed the trail and inspired us might also inspire you.

Acknowledgement of material from Habib Hannona and Taghreed Thomas. Excerpts from an article and interview by Kamal Yaldo. Special editing by Jacqueline Raxter.