IRAQ: Syriac language honored in Ankawa celebration for International Mother Language Day

ANKAWA, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — The General Directorate of Syriac Culture and Arts, in partnership with the General Directorate of Syriac Education, hosted a vibrant event at the Syriac Heritage Museum in Ankawa to commemorate International Mother Language Day. The celebration highlighted the rich historical and cultural legacy of the Syriac language and its enduring importance.

Kaldo Ramzi Oghanna, Director General of Syriac Culture and Arts, opened the event by reflecting on the historical significance of Syriac, describing it as the language of Jesus Christ and a cornerstone of cultural identity for over 2,000 years. Oghanna emphasized the critical role of cultural and educational initiatives in preserving this ancient language.

Nizar Hanna, Director General of Syriac Education, also addressed attendees, commending the efforts of the Syriac Culture and Arts Directorate to promote and sustain Syriac heritage throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Cultural Showcase of Syriac Arts

The event featured a variety of artistic performances, including hymns, an operetta, poetry readings, and theatrical productions — all presented in Syriac. These performances celebrated the language’s resilience and its place as a living expression of cultural identity.

Fostering Literacy in Syriac-Language Schools

As part of the initiative, teams from the Syriac Culture and Arts Directorate, along with staff from the Syriac Heritage Museum and Syriac Library, visited Syriac-language schools in Ankawa before the event. They distributed booklets written in Syriac, published in collaboration with the Beth Kano Institute for the Syriac Language, to encourage literacy and engagement with the mother tongue.

Global Celebration of Linguistic Diversity

International Mother Language Day, observed annually on 21 February, aims to raise awareness of linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day serves as a global reminder of the importance of preserving endangered languages.

In the face of ongoing linguistic and cultural challenges, events like this celebration in Ankawa reaffirm the importance of safeguarding Syriac and other indigenous languages for future generations.