European Syriac Union to host conference in Zurich on Lausanne Treaty

ZURICH — The European Syriac Union (ESU) is set to host a conference on 27 October in Zurich, Switzerland, focused on the Lausanne Treaty. The event will delve into the historical repercussions of this pivotal treaty on the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and explore avenues to mitigate its enduring effects.

The conference promises an insightful program featuring lectures by prominent professors, scholars, and political figures.

Distinguished experts and politicians will offer valuable perspectives on a range of topics, including an exploration of the treaty’s historical context, an analysis of the contemporary Middle East landscape, and a discussion on future prospects.

ESU Co-Chair Fehmi Vergili will address the current situation in the Middle East. Director of Sallux Foundation Johannes de Jong will share insights on the experiences of minority groups and their role in shaping European politics. Professor Cengiz Aktan will provide a comprehensive overview of Turkey’s policies regarding minority communities within the framework of the Lausanne Treaty.

The conference will also include a presentation by Professor Hannibal Travis on the Sayfo Genocide and its far-reaching implications. Politician Daoud Yacoub will discuss the rights of minority communities enshrined in the Turkish Constitution.

The European Syriac Union invites the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community to participate in the conference, which promises a comprehensive examination of the past, present, and future of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.