SYRIA: Ornina roundabout officially opened in Zalin, Gozarto

ZALIN, North and East Syria – After months of work, the Ornina roundabout was officially opened in Zalin today. In a festive ceremony, musically accompanied by the Syriac scouts and in the presence of many Syriac, Arab, and Kurdish residents of Zalin (Qamishli), the Ornina roundabout was officially opened by municipal officials and consecrated by Syriac Archbishop Maurice Amsih. Representatives of social organizations and political parties of the Beth Nahrin National Council and the Assyrian Democratic Organization were present.

The Ornina roundabout is a collaboration of Syriac organizations in Zalin and the Gozarto (Jazira) Region. The infrastructure project was made possible by the artistic input and financial assistance of Dr. Abrohom Lahdo who donated a sum of money to the project in memory of his late wife. Dr. Lahdo, a well-known Syriac music composer, was born and raised in Zalin and now lives in Germany.

In an online speech at the roundabout opening, Dr. Abrohom Lahdo thanked the city of Zalin for making the roundabout possible and he thanked all those who have remained faithful to their city and homeland by not emigrating:

“I present this roundabout to the city of Qamishli and to its residents without distinction. A gift to staying true to the homeland and not emigrating. A gift to the returnees and to the visitors. A gift to our homeland Syria. A gift to Syriac culture and music.”

The Ornina Roundabout is considered important because it represents an authentic Syriac national symbol and will add an artistic spot to the neighborhood and the whole city of Zalin. The Ornina roundabout has internal and external water lakes and in the center is a statue of Ornina, the ancient goddess of music and art in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and Syria. Ornina is a symbol of Syriac art.

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