Relocation of Armenian Refugees
In 1920, Armenian refugees from Vaspurakan and other regions were relocated to the Baghouba – Nahr Omar area. Those who remained in Nahr Omar began to build homes and tried to adapt to the region’s harsh climate. However, their repeated requests to be relocated to better areas went unanswered.
After losing hope, petitions were submitted to the British authorities in Iraq, requesting that this population be settled in the Mosul region. Since most of them were farmers, they would be able to support themselves if given the opportunity.
Levon Pasha’s Visit to the North for a Field Study
After receiving initial approval from the authorities, it was decided to send Levon Shaghoian to Baghdad to conduct preliminary studies. At that time, Count Vahan Papazian was also in Baghdad, so they traveled together to the Mosul area to collect necessary information about lands that could be allocated.
The targeted villages were: Havresk, Tell Jenab, Kotsi, and Shkafrik, located approximately 65 kilometers north of Mosul.
Mr. Shaghoian also met with Armenians from the village of Armshad, originally from Van, who had settled in that area decades earlier. Shaghoyan returned to Nahr Omar with encouraging information.
Community Life
After a long delay, the first convoy of families left Nahr Omar on October 18, 1929, followed by the rest. In Havresk, under the full leadership of Levon Pasha, and after securing proper housing conditions, the village of Havresk was established in a short time.
At the same time, the Iraqi government was distributing fertile agricultural land to the residents and granted them special privileges.
Levon Pasha himself became the head of the village, acting as its chief, judge, and administrator. He enjoyed full trust from the Iraqi government, as well as its sympathy and moral support. There was no local court or military force; Levon Pasha rarely needed to refer matters to the government, except in extreme or exceptional cases.
Most of the village’s residents were farmers and livestock breeders, and they received milking cows, draft animals, and agricultural land from the government, charity organizations, and the Armenian Red Cross.
In addition to farming, the residents of Hawresk also engaged in handicrafts and beekeeping. However, these activities were not sufficient to make the village fully self-sustaining, so the youth would travel to Mosul or other cities for work, sending their savings back to support their families.
