TURKEY: First Syriac library in Tur Abdin to be inaugurated next week
HAH, Turkey — A significant milestone has been reached with the completion of the first Syriac library in the historic region of Tur Abdin in what is now southeastern Turkey. The Beth Sha’0 Library is set to be unveiled within the historic confines of the renowned Virgin Lady Monastery in Hah (Anıtlı) village. The official inauguration is scheduled for 27 August.
Guided by their deep devotion to the homeland and a strong attachment to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities, the Yalcin Beth Sha’o family has undertaken the initiative to establish this exceptional library. This endeavor aims to fulfill the aspirations of their forebears, Sha’o Beth Sha’o and his wife, Maryam Beth Sha’o.
Over an extended period, the family diligently collected an extensive array of historical, cultural, and religious texts representing the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people composed in various languages. After aggregating these invaluable literary treasures within the precincts of the Hah village monastery, the library underwent official registration in Turkey. As a result, it proudly stands as the premier Syriac library in the country.
The library’s central objective is to evolve into a revered research hub, focusing on the rich history of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.
The grand opening is scheduled for 27 August at 5 PM under the guidance of members of the Beth Sha’o family and distinguished representatives from the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean). Notably, the family shared that this noteworthy event will be meticulously documented by both Turkish and international media outlets, bearing witness to this monumental occasion.