Tilkepe Past and Present
This book contains original research done by Father Michael Bazzi in the town of Tilkepe, located in northern Iraq. Tilkepe is at a similar latitude to Carmel Valley in Central California, and just as beautiful and rural.
Professor Bazzi uses empirical data to describe the town, culture, customs, health care and religious beliefs of this town, which up until the 1960's, was over 93% Christian. Using research gathered from the local Chaldean families, the author reveals the heritage of a modern community whose roots trace back to humanity's earliest civilization.
Originally published in Arabic in 1969, father Michael's book is more relevant than ever given the events taking place in the Middle East today. This new edition is in both English and Arabic and contains a never before published addition on the authors grandfather, Shango Bazzi, who was the first "rayis" or city manager of Tilkepe in 1877.
Chaldeans Present and Past
Ancient Mesopatamia is considered the "cradle of civilization" and modern people from that region are still known as Chaldeans. Father Michael Bazzi, who has given many tours in this region, gives us an overview of this region which was home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the famous "Hanging Gardens of Babylon."
Professor Bazzi takes us on a journey from the ancient lawgiver Hammurabi, to the Patriarch Abraham, through the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, and follows the diaspora up to the present day.
In this book that the whole family can enjoy together, Fr. Michael traces the history of the Aramaic language, the language spoken by Jesus. A guide to Semitic languages is also provided. This book contains stunningly beautiful pictures of historical landmarks taken in 2012 by a daring translator during the recent war in Iraq. This book is excellent for young adults, English Language Learners, and those new to the heritage of the Chaldeans.
Beginners Handbook of the Aramaic Chaldean Alphabets
Are you ready to gently wade into the body of language known as Chaldean Aramaic? Then this is the perfect book for you!
Father Michael Bazzi has put together an extensive primer on the alphabet, vowels, and numbers of this beautiful language. By the end of the Beginner's Handbook, the student will be ready for the brief vocabulary section and dictionary located at the end of the book.
Recommended for language enthusiasts of any age!
Aramaic Language Chaldean Dialogue
This is the textbook Professor Bazzi uses in his first semester of Modern Aramaic at Cuyamaca College.
Most readers of this book are best served by first studying either Read and Write Modern Aramaic or the Beginners Handbook of the Aramaic Chaldean Alphabets.
After a review of the alphabet, we are introduced to pronouns and verbs followed by a large section on grammar and nouns. Included in this edition are a folk song, wisdom sayings, and the Lord's Prayer in modern, classical, and Estrangela versions. Professor Bazzi created this unique learning method for both native speakers wanting to read, write, and speak modern Aramaic as well as non-native speakers seeking to learn Modern Aramaic or lay a foundation in Classical Aramaic.
The Advanced Handbook of Modern Aramaic Language Chaldean Dialect Vol. II
This textbook, written by Father Michael Bazzi, is used in the author's second semester class at Cuyamaca College. This book builds upon Professor Bazzi's unique teaching principles of reading, writing, and speaking learned in the first semester.
This book uses entertaining folk stories to entertain the learner as he dives into the intricacies of the Modern Aramaic Chaldean language. The folk stories are in both Aramaic and English and vocabulary is provided for both.
After studying this book, the student will have an enhanced knowledge of Chaldean culture, have a command of Modern Aramaic Chaldean, and will be able to apply the language principles to Classical Aramaic.
Read and Write The Modern Aramaic in Chaldean Vernacular
This is the same booklet Father Michael uses to teach the children Aramaic at Saint Peters' Chaldean Catholic Church in El Cajon, California.
This 32 page booklet, which is interspersed with colorful graphics and pictures, is consistent in methodology with Fr. Michaels' other Aramaic language books for adult learners. The 22 consonants and 7 vowels of the Aramaic Chaldean language are introduced and the author includes two quizzes to solidify learning. Basic grammar and the verb "to be" are also introduced.
This booklet concludes with the Aramaic version of the Lord's Prayer in modern, classical, and Estrangela script.
Who are the Chaldeans?
This booklet answers questions that many people may have about their new Chaldean neighbors since the Chaldean diaspora from Iraq.
Father Michael Bazzi shares that the heritage of Chaldeans are Christian, not Muslim, even though they are from Iraq. He also explains that how as Catholic Christians from the East they are under the direct auspices of the Pope but are not Roman Catholic.
The author educates the reader that although many Chaldeans were forced to learn Arabic, their native language is Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke. Modern Aramaic, the language currently spoken by the Chaldean people, is declining in usage and the author is making an attempt to unify and preserve this beautiful language. Classical Aramaic is still used for liturgical purposes but is not the spoken vernacular.
Fr. Michael shares some of the culture and ethos of the Chaldean people. He points out that they are a hard working and industrious people. Coming from an agrarian society they acclimated well to San Diego, California, where 70% of grocery stores and liquor stores are owned by Chaldeans.
Although they have been heavily persecuted in their homeland, there are over 800,00 Chaldeans world-wide. After reading this booklet, you will know a bit more about this group whose history goes back thousands of years. And, if you are fortunate, perhaps you can properly educate yourself on how to welcome your Chaldean neighbor to the neighborhood!