Syriac–Assyrian political parties and institutions celebrate Akitu 6774 in North and East Syria

GER SHERAN, North and East Syria — The Consultation and Coordination Committee of Syriac–Assyrian National Parties in Syria, comprising the Syriac Union Party (SUP), Democratic Assyrian Organization (ADO), and Assyrian Democratic Party (ADP), organized Babylonian Syriac–Assyrian New Year, Akitu, celebrations across several areas of the Gozarto (Jazira) Canton, North and East Syria.

Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people gathered in Ger Sheran village, in the countryside of Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah), to commemorate Akitu, in the presence of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) political parties, the institutions of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), and representatives of institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES).

The Akitu Festival commenced with a minute of silence in honor of martyrs, followed by performances from the Ornina Folklore Band of the ADO and the Yurthotha Folklore Band of the Syriac Cultural Association.

SUP Co-Chair Sanharib Barsom delivered a speech, extending congratulations to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and all Syrians, expressing hopes for peace and prosperity in Syria and advocating for a political solution and the realization of legitimate rights for all peoples.

Barsom pledged continued service to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and unity among Syriac political parties, while also acknowledging the efforts of military forces in defense of the land.

SUP Co-Chair Shamiram Danho expressed gratitude to all participating institutions, parties, and individuals, emphasizing the deep bonds among the region’s ethnic components and the enduring spirit of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) civilization.

Member of the ADO General Secretariat Bashir al-Saadi highlighted the significance of Akitu and called for its recognition as a national holiday, stressing the importance of upholding Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) identity, language, and culture.

The celebrations also featured a speech by Wael Mirza, head of the Assyrian Democratic Party, who underscored the struggle of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and their parties for their legitimate rights.

Telegrams of congratulations from various institutions, parties, and councils were read, followed by performances by the Barmaya Folklore Band and traditional dances, accompanied by folk songs, as the community exchanged Akitu greetings.

Security for the Akitu celebration was provided by the Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro) and Sutoro Women.

In Tel Wardiyat village, nestled in the countryside of Tel Tamr, the heart of the Khabur River Valley, hundreds of Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) gathered to celebrate.

Gabriel Chamoun, a member of the Syriac Union Party’s Executive Body, delivered an impassioned address, extolling the resilience of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and expressing hope for a political resolution to the Syrian crisis, stability, and the repatriation of displaced individuals.

Nabil Kako of the Assyrian Democratic Party spoke about the significance of Akitu and underscored the collective struggle to secure the rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Nabil Oshana, representing the Assyrian Democratic Organization, emphasized the importance of international recognition of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) identity, language, and culture.

Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Gozarto (Jazira) and Euphrates Mor Maurice Amsih commended the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people on their enduring cultural legacy amidst historical adversities.

Festivities continued with vibrant performances by folk bands and choral groups, culminating in communal feasting and heartfelt exchanges of well-wishes.

Under the vigilant protection of the Internal Security Forces, Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro) and Sutoro Women, the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people reveled in the spirit of unity and resilience, reaffirming their commitment to preserving our rich heritage amidst challenges.