Syriac Cultural Association in North and East Syria celebrates 13th anniversary of its founding

ZALIN, Syria — The Syriac Cultural Association celebrated the 13th anniversary of its founding at its headquarters in Zalin (Qamishli) in North and East Syria on Tuesday.

The celebration began with a minute of silence for the souls of martyrs. Gabi Isho of the Association then delivered a speech in which he spoke about the importance of this occasion and the many achievements of the Association and the role it played in preserving the Syriac language and cultural heritage of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Gabriel Chamoun of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) congratulated the Association on its anniversary and praised its role in maintain Syriac culture.

Mariana Issa of the Syriac Progressive Youth Union spoke about the role of the Association in educating Syriac youth about their cultural heritage.

The ceremony also included a number of Syriac cultural performances including a folk-dance performance by the Barthutha Band and a musical performance by Sylvie Bashura.

Poet Michel Filo performed a collection of poems followed by a special musical performance by the Harmony Institute for Musical Rehabilitation.

The celebration concluded with a video presentation on the work of the Syriac Cultural Society in Syria from its founding in 2008 to the present, including its participation in various exhibitions and cultural and literary festivals and its prominent role in the establishment of the Olaf Taw Foundation.