Kirkuk, originally Arrapkha, comes from the Assyrian Karkha D'Beth Slokh, which means 'the city sieged by walls'. It had a prosperous and vibrant Assyrian community until the late 70s. Saddam's Arabisation of the city followed by the Iraq war left Kirkuk with only 2000 Assyrians.

The Assyrian School in Kirkuk was established in 1928 by late Rev. Isaac Rehana de Garden. In 1969 the Assyrian School students were the first among all the private schools in Kirkuk to present shows on the Kirkuk T.V.

In 1974, The Assyrian School held its last end of school term celebration. All schools were nationalised and taken over by the Ministry of Education in 1974/75. The School was renamed "Anastas Carmel School". The Assyrian School had been in existence for 46 years.

In 1964, the first official Assyrian Sports Club was established in Kirkuk with the help of Isaac Darmo. The activities in this Club were many, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, hockey and football. Social functions included plays, parties, fun fares, bingo and picnics.

The club is still in existence, but under the name of "Al-Ta'amim Club". The first chairman of the club was David Youash.

Tennis was huge.

All these photographs can be found on the Facebook page Assyrian School of Kirkuk. Past students held their reunion in Chicago, Illinois a few years back. Some not having seen each other for over 40 years. Left my favourite photos till last.