The 3rd annual Mardutho Festival launched in Zalin, North and East Syria

ZALIN, Syria — On Friday, the 3rd annual Mardutho Festival was launched at the Gulbankian Hall in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, under the auspices of the Syriac Cultural Association.

The festival was attended by representatives of institutions of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), representatives of institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria, civil society organizations, active figures in the region, and a large gathering of Syriac (Aramean-Chaldean-Assyrian) people.

The festival began with a minute of silence for the martyrs souls, followed by a presentation by the scout of the Syriac Cultural Association in Zalin (Qamishli).

Then, a speech by official of the Syriac Cultural Association Ibrahim Adamo was delivered in which he spoke about the importance of this festival and its role in spreading and preserving the culture, language and heritage of Syriac people.

This was followed by a speech by Co-Chair of the DAA Executive Council of the Gozarto ( Jazira) Region, Talaat Yunis, in which he praised the efforts of the festival organizers.

He also spoke about the indigenous Syriac people in the region, and their effective participation in the DAA, as well as their enriching heritage and culture in the region.

After the speeches, the choir of Tuma Nahroyo House of Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah), the choir of Abdul Masih Qarabashi House of Hasakah and the choir of Naum Faeq House of Zalin (Qamishli) presented songs from the Syriac heritage.

Then, Inana band of the Syriac Cultural Association, Athra band of the Assyrian Democratic Party, Ornina band of the Assyrian Democratic Oganization and the Barmaya band performed folkloric Syriac dance.

The poet Zerin Butros delivered a poem about the importance of clinging to Syriac heritage and homeland of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia).

After that, the kids Maria Jalinos Isaa and Carlos Jalinos Issa presented two musical performances.

Then, Malki Hanna presented his inventions that included an amplifier and an earthquake detector.

The singers Milad Sawme, Samer Hanna and Maxim Ishaq presented Syriac folk songs.

The first day was concluded with an exhibition of wooden paintings by the artist Maryam Youssef and a sweets exhibition by Anahid.

The festival was secured by the Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro) and Sutoro Women.