IRAQ: Bartella hosts celebration of Syriac on International Mother Language Day

BARITLE/BARTELLA, Iraq — The Christian Cultural Center in Bartella, a historic Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian town in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains, held a celebration in honor of International Mother Language Day. The event showcased a variety of cultural and musical performances, paying tribute to the Syriac language and its rich heritage.

The celebration was attended by prominent figures, including Father Qoryaqos Hanna Taraji, Archpriest Behnam Benoka, and representatives of various cultural institutions in Bartella. Members of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian communities gathered in large numbers to participate in the festivities.

The ceremony opened with a moment of silence to honor Syriac language educators from Bartella and beyond, recognizing their significant contributions to preserving and promoting the language globally.

The program featured hymns and poetry recitations in Syriac, performed by students and poets, celebrating their linguistic and cultural identity. A documentary written, edited, and narrated by journalist Behnam Shamani was also screened. The film explored the origins of International Mother Language Day and its recognition by the United Nations, while also highlighting the efforts of the Bartella Forum in organizing this annual celebration.

Adding to the artistic atmosphere, a group of schoolchildren presented a theatrical play in Syriac, written and directed by Behnam Shamani, bringing the language to life through drama and storytelling.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to participating schools, along with gifts for teachers and students who contributed to the celebration.

This joyous occasion reaffirmed the enduring legacy of the Syriac language and demonstrated the community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.