Lessons from the Ismaili Experience: A Model for the National Renaissance of the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians

By A. Joseph Keryo | Economist and Writer

Introduction

Throughout history, the Syriac Chaldean Assyrian people have faced numerous challenges, from religious and political persecution to forced displacement and the loss of their ancestral lands. Despite these hardships, they have preserved their identity and culture. However, in today’s world, they need new strategies to ensure their survival and achieve their national aspirations.

On the other hand, the Ismaili people, under the leadership of the Aga Khan, have undergone a similar historical experience of persecution and displacement. Yet, they have successfully transformed their community into a thriving, well-organized group with economic, educational, and political strength, making them influential in many countries worldwide.

This paper examines the Ismaili experience and explores how the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians can draw valuable lessons from it to build a more stable future and work toward reclaiming their national rights.

Part One: The Ismaili Experience Under the Aga Khan’s Leadership

Historical Background of the Ismailis

The Ismailis are a Shi’a Muslim sect following the Ismaili branch of Islam. They are spread across multiple countries, including India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Canada, and the United States. Historically, they have faced religious and political persecution, forcing them to adopt survival strategies without relying on a single nation-state of their own.

Since the 19th century, the Ismaili leaders, known as the Aga Khans, have played a crucial role in guiding their community toward development and progress. Both Aga Khan III and Aga Khan IV have been instrumental in transforming the Ismailis into a highly organized and economically strong group.

The Aga Khan’s Role in Building a Strong Community

Economic Development

The Ismailis have established financial and investment institutions to ensure their economic independence, such as the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which operates development and business projects worldwide.

The Aga Khan has encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises among Ismailis, promoting self-sufficiency and improved living standards.

Investments in key sectors such as agriculture, banking, hospitality, and infrastructure have strengthened the Ismaili economic presence globally.

Education and Human Development

The Aga Khan has launched numerous educational initiatives, including the Aga Khan University, which provides top-tier education in fields like medicine, engineering, and management.

Schools and training centers have been established in multiple countries to ensure sustainable and high-quality education.

Scholarships have been provided to Ismaili students, enabling them to study at leading universities worldwide and develop into future leaders.

Healthcare and Social Welfare

Hospitals and medical centers have been built in underserved areas to provide healthcare services.

Public health programs have been implemented to combat diseases and improve maternal and child nutrition.

Community-wide health education programs have emphasized prevention and well-being.

Social and Political Organization

The Aga Khan has created a structured administrative system to ensure unity and cooperation among Ismailis.

He has built strong relationships with governments and international organizations to secure the Ismailis’ status in different countries.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been established to work on human rights and development issues.

Part Two: How the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians Can Benefit from the Ismaili Model

Institutional and Political Organization

Just as the Aga Khan has done for the Ismailis, the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians could establish a National Syriac Chaldean Assyrian Council to provide strategic leadership and long-term planning for their community.

A strong political lobbying network should be formed in diaspora nations such as the United States, Canada, and Europe to advocate for national rights on the international stage.

Efforts should be made to secure funding and support from human rights organizations and the United Nations for initiatives that promote the continued presence of Syriac Chaldean Assyrians in their historical lands.

Economic Development and Self-Sufficiency

Financial institutions should be created to support Syriac Chaldean Assyrian entrepreneurs, similar to the economic initiatives of the Ismailis.

Investment in sustainable sectors such as agriculture, technology, and education would provide long-term stability and reduce reliance on traditional employment models.

Economic cooperation between the diaspora and the homeland should be strengthened to establish a strong economic foundation.

Education and Cultural Preservation

Schools and universities that focus on Syriac language and cultural studies should be established to preserve heritage and identity.

Scholarships should be offered to young Syriac Chaldean Assyrians to pursue higher education in key fields such as law, politics, and economics, preparing them for leadership roles.

Cultural festivals and artistic initiatives should be promoted to raise global awareness of the Syriac Chaldean Assyrian identity.

Strengthening Global Presence and Diplomacy

A global network connecting Syriac Chaldean Assyrian communities in the diaspora should be created to unite efforts toward national goals.

Media and social media should be effectively utilized to increase international awareness of the Syriac Chaldean Assyrian cause.

Strong diplomatic engagement with governments and international organizations should be prioritized to protect the rights and heritage of the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians in their ancestral lands.

Conclusion

The Ismaili experience serves as a remarkable model for how a persecuted and dispersed community can build a strong and prosperous society. By analyzing this experience, the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians can adopt similar strategies in institution-building, economic development, education, and political influence to achieve a true national renaissance.

National revival does not happen overnight; it requires a clear vision and collective action over time. The challenges facing the Syriac Chaldean Assyrians can be overcome through unity, organization, and strategic planning, learning from successful examples such as the Ismaili community under the leadership of the Aga Khan.

Dr. A. Joseph Keryo is a Canadian global economist and thinker who developed a new economic theory, which was published internationally in 2020 under the title The Fourth Way: A Comprehensive Humanitarian Economic System to Save the World. He comes from a Syriac family. You can follow him on X: @DrAJosephKeryo.

The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SyriacPress.