Savas Xydias, one of Tyler’s first Middle Eastern residents
One of Tyler’s first Middle Eastern residents was Savas Xydias, who may have been Greek or Persian.
He arrived in 1889 and opened a bakery in 1890, and between 1896 and 1900 the Saleh, Emmet and Korkmas families arrived from Lebanon.
Sources
- National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form: Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas (Diane E. Williams, 2000; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.gov
One of the first Middle Eastern residents was Savas Xydias who may have been Greek or Persian. Arriving in 1889, he opened a bakery in 1890
Between 1896 and 1900 the families of Gabriel and Simon Saleh, Elias and B. Emmet and David and John Korkmas arrived in Tyler from Lebano
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed