Syriac Simon Akdil running for mayor of Tur Abdin town of Anhil in Turkish elections

ANHIL, Turkey — As municipal elections approach in Turkey, members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community returning to Tur Abdin are actively seeking nomination for administrative roles in their regions.

Among the candidates is Simon Akdil, a Syriac running for the office of mayor of the village of Anhil in the historic Tur Abdin region in what is now southeastern Turkey.

Akdil, who recently returned to his hometown of Anhil, has been chosen as a candidate by the village residents, aiming to bring about reform and service improvements in the community.

Following a proposal from the villagers to annul the candidacy of the previous mayor, Akdil stepped forward to contest the municipal elections with the backing of the local population.

If successful, Akdil intends to focus on enhancing various services in the village, including sanitation, road infrastructure, and youth empowerment, with the goal of revitalizing the community of Anhil.

Speaking to Suroyo TV, Akdil emphasized the importance of support from the community, both domestically and abroad, especially during the summer when many return to the village for vacations.

Having previously resided in Switzerland, Akdil constructed a home in Anhil in 2013 before permanently relocating there in 2022.