Melke Hanne Haydo

Melke Hanne Haydo (1876–1917) was a prominent Syriac leader of the Syriac Christian community in Basibrin. Known for his leadership during the Sayfo, Melke played a crucial role in organizing and defending his village and its people.

Life Melke Hanne Haydo was born in the village of Sare in Tur Abdin. He was the son of Hanne Haydo and the brother of Şemun Hanne Haydo. From 1888 to 1894, he studied at the Mardin American College alongside his brother. He became fluent in Syriac, English, German, Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Arabic, and Kurdish. In 1913, after the arrest of his brother and four Kurdish chieftains, he assumed leadership of the Syriac community in Sare, Basibrin, and the surrounding villages.

In 1913, Melke began working to unite Syriac Christians across region, and by 1915, over 5,000 Syriacs from Sare and 18 surrounding villages in Tur Abdin had sought refuge in Basibrin. Gathering was largely a result of escalating violence and massacres in region, and Melke was selected as leader of defense. Under his leadership, community organized to protect themselves against attacks from local Kurdish tribes and Turkish forces. The photo of Melke was also discussed at a presentation in the Netherlands, with a speech delivered by Bishop Polycarpus Augin Aydin recounting the lives of him and his brother Shamoun.