New book on Syriac and Garshuni inscriptions from Iraq

PARIS — A two-volume book on the Syriac writings carved in Iraq was published in Paris under the auspices of the French Academy of Fine Arts. The 1000-page book deals with the Christian history of Iraq. The collection of ca. 600 inscriptions reflects the history of the Christian communities from the early days under the Parthians and the Sassanians, through the Islamic and Ottoman period, until the present day. It also addresses Syriac texts and manuscripts and their translation into English, as well as engineering outlines for architectural buildings, churches, monasteries, temples and cemeteries.

The book indicates that some of these writings are dated accurately, and that this is a very important custom adopted by Syriac historians throughout the ages because it provides the researcher with rich information and extensive details about the life of the Syriac clergymen and leaders in different eras.

The book points out that the first scientific study on the Syriac inscriptions in Iraq was done by researcher Henry Boignion at the beginning of the twentieth century, when he published Syriac inscriptions from Baghdede (Qaraqosh) in the Nineveh Plain, and others dating back to the Monastery of Mor Behnam on the outskirts of Mosul.

This exemplary work, which will be an invaluable resource for many years to come.

Iraq is rich in its Syriac and Garshuni writings across all Iraqi regions.