The Ghosts of Anatolia (53 page)

“As I stand here today, it is my hope that Sirak Kazerian’s life can foster healing and understanding and build a bridge between two great peoples, the Armenians and the Turks, in the same way his death built a bridge between two unlikely families.” Pasha lapsed into silence.

He turned slightly, stared at the casket for a moment, and then looked up at the mourners. “It will, of course, be difficult to achieve this reconciliation, but it’s not impossible. It must begin one person at a time, and grow through understanding and compassion for the suffering of others. Sirak came to understand this, and now I understand this, too. May God bless His great servant Sirak Kazerian and bring peace to his soul.”

Faruk nodded to Keri. “Thank you,” he muttered. Glancing once more at Sirak’s coffin, he bowed his head and walked over to David and Michael.

David smiled warmly and took Faruk’s hand. In that instant, the sun broke through the clouds and shone brightly on Sirak’s grave.

Abee, Arabic, term for father

Ajaweed, Arabic, the very religious people among the Druze

Al-Hakim, Arabic, worshiped by the Druze (al-Hakim, 985–1021, an Ismaili caliph) as the embodiment of God

Bedel or bedel-i askeri, Arabic, a tax paid for exemption from military service in the Ottoman Empire

Cheki, Ottoman, a unit of weight, 1 cheki = 175–195 okka = 225–250 kilograms

Chetes, Turkish, paramilitary bands often formed of criminals and bandits taken from prison

Choereg bread, Armenian, a slightly sweet bread popular with Armenians

Effendi, Turkish, Used as a title of respect for men in Turkey, equivalent to
sir.

Habibi, Arabic, word that literally means my beloved. It is commonly also used for friend, darling and similar endearments.

Hikmah, Arabic, the Druze religious laws

Juhh
l
Arabic, in the Druze religion, the “ignorant” Druze people who do not know Druze doctrine. The majority of Druze who are not
Uqq
l
.

Kelek raft, Turkish, raft made of inflated animal skins tied together and floored over with reeds.

Khalwa, Arabic, a Druze house of worship

Khan, Turkish, a lodge or crude shelter used by travelers for rest

Kufiya, Arabic, traditional headdress typically worn by men that is made of a square of cloth, usually cotton, folded and wrapped in various styles around the head

Kurus, Ottoman Turkish, a standard unit of currency in the Ottoman Empire

Lira, Turkish, Turkish gold lira was equal to 100 kurus

Muwahhidun, Arabic, term the Druze use to refer to their religion and people

Porteños, Spanish, a term used to refer to residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Shalwar, Hindi, loose, pajama like full-length garment worn by both men and women in India and Southeast Asia

Shirwal, Arabic, baggy traditional pants

Uqq
l
, Arabic, in the Druze religion, an elite of initiates who alone know Druze doctrine

Ummee, Arabic, term for mother