Preparations for first Mardutho Cultural Festival celebrating Syriac culture underway in North and East Syria

ZALIN, Syria — Syriac Cultural Association official in Zalin (Qamishli) in North and East Syria Stefan Masoud recently discussed the preparations for the first Mardutho Cultural Festival which began two months ago. According to Masoud, they have contacted poets, writers, and intellectuals and have arranged the necessary logistics. The festival will be the first of its kind in the region.

Invitations for the festival were sent to cultural and intellectual figures in Hasakah and Zalin cantons. In addition, all the poetry and performances of the festival will be in the Syriac language.

Masoud indicated that the activities of the festival will be held over three days, from 3 to 5 September, in Al-Salam Hall in Zalin. The first day will include speeches by the Syriac Cultural Association, as well as the Culture and Art Authority of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA). The Syriac Scouts and folk bands will perform and there will be an exhibition of folk heritage including handicrafts and heritage pieces.

The activities of the second day will include poetic and lyrical presentations, choirs, and solo performance.

On the third day, the festival will conclude in the village of Moharkan in the countryside of Qabre Hewore (Al-Qahtaniayah). Syriac lyrical presentations will be performed by singers and all participants in the festival will be honored.

Masoud declared that they are taking all necessary precautions and measures for the success of the festival and that the Syriac Progressive Youth Union had an important role in the preparations. He thanked everyone involved in the preparations.