Diaspora Syriacs–Assyrians return to Jinet village in Tur Abdin for spiritual celebration after 40-years of emigration

ŞIRNAK, Turkey — The village of Jinet, in the historic Tur Abdin region nestled on Mount Qardo in the Şırnak Province of Turkey, came alive as its children, now living in Belgium, France, Germany, and other countries, returned to celebrate a spiritual evening at the historic Deruna Church.

Depopulated for nearly 40 years, Jinet’s once-thriving homes are mostly in ruins. However, the event brought a special day for the original residents of the village, according to Elias Vergili. He noted that a large number of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, alongside Şırnak’s Deputy Governor, Kurdish residents, and Turkish military personnel, gathered for the occasion.

The prayer service at the church cemetery was led by Father Shamoun Ojar, the priest of the nearby village of Midin. Following the service, attendees were invited to a communal dinner.

The festivities continued with a folklore performance featuring drum and clarinet music, as participants danced the traditional dabke in the village square.

This event underscores the deep connection that Jinet villagers in the diaspora maintain with their heritage, culture, customs, faith, and the preservation of their historical sacred sites.