Kurdistan Regional Government hosts first Syriac Symposium in Ankawa showcasing cultural heritage and global academic contributions

ANKAWA, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — The General Directorate of Syriac Culture and Arts, under the Ministry of Culture of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), held the inaugural Syriac Symposium in Ankawa in collaboration with the Yunan Hozaya Center for Future Research and Studies. The event saw the participation of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

The symposium explored a wide range of topics related to Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian heritage, including folk traditions, visual arts and crafts, music, theater, cinema, and the life of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian villages. It also discussed the development of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian media.

Over 200 researchers, academics, and experts took part in the symposium, which featured discussions on 50 papers selected by a scientific committee. Notably, more than 40 academics from over 25 prestigious universities around the world, including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, contributed to the event, alongside participants from various Iraqi universities.

The symposium also welcomed representatives from organizations such as the Olaf Taw Association for Syriac Language, the Center for Syriac Strategic Studies, and the Suroyo Media Foundation.

Key speeches were delivered by Kaldo Ogna, head of the General Directorate of Syriac Culture and Arts, followed by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and Patriarch of Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel. Congratulatory messages were sent by Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael Sako. Professor Sebastian Brooke also addressed the gathering.

The first day concluded with the presentation of a commemorative shield to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, recognizing his support for Syriac culture and heritage.