European Syriac Union organizes seminar on Syria’s future led by Tuma Çelik

GÖPPINGEN, Germany — The European Syriac Union (ESU) hosted a dialogue seminar in Göppingen, Germany, focusing on the latest developments in Syria and their implications for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Held at St. Jacob of Serugh Church, the event was moderated by Tuma Çelik, a prominent member of the ESU and a former Syriac MP in the Turkish Parliament. The seminar gathered community members, clergy, and religious leaders, including Father Melki Tabar.

As part of its ongoing mission to inform the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) diaspora in Europe about political developments in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia), the ESU continues to facilitate discussions on the region’s evolving dynamics. Saturday’s seminar brought together a diverse audience, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in addressing the community’s challenges.

Tuma Çelik led the discussion, highlighting the urgent need to build a new Syria founded on democracy, human rights, and respect for all ethnic and religious communities. In his speech, Çelik analyzed the political transformations in Syria following the fall of the Baath regime, which ruled for decades. He underscored the necessity of unity among Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) parties and organizations, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to secure official recognition and preserve the community’s historical identity in its ancestral homeland.

Drawing from his writings, Çelik also shared insights into the history and struggles of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, particularly in Tur Abdin, and discussed potential strategies for encouraging their return to their homeland.

The seminar concluded with an interactive session, where attendees posed questions, shared perspectives, and offered suggestions on the topics discussed. Participants expressed a strong commitment to remaining active in political and cultural advocacy.

Before closing, Çelik extended his gratitude to St. Jacob of Serugh Church for hosting the event, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in fostering dialogue.