4th Citizens Forum in Zalin, North and East Syria, focuses on local heritage and communication between authorities and residents

ZALIN, North and East Syria — In an effort to strengthen communication between local authorities and residents, the PÊL – Civil Waves organization hosted the 4th Citizens Forum in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria. The event serves as a direct platform for dialogue between decision-makers and the community. Representatives from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) and the Suroyo Media Foundation attended the forum.

Lilian Jamal, the forum coordinator, explained that the event aimed to address various issues, including the work of municipalities, local heritage, and urban planning, with more than 70 participants involved.

Maria Hanna, an official from Syriac Press, emphasized their participation in the forum was to promote the preservation of local heritage. She highlighted the enduring struggle of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, who have faced persecution and marginalization for decades but continue to safeguard their culture, heritage, customs, and traditions.

Hanna noted that despite historical efforts to erase their identity and marginalize their language and heritage, the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people have persevered. Institutions like the Syriac Cultural Association and the Suroyo Media Foundation, a media arm of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), have played a crucial role in preserving Syriac heritage through various programs.

She concluded by stressing that preserving local heritage, language, culture, customs, and national traditions is a collective responsibility, pointing out that the Syriac people have an identity that spans thousands of years and must be protected.