DAARNES officials extend greetings to Syriac-Assyrian people on Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, Akitu 6775

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — In the presence of prominent officials from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), the Syriac Union Party (SUP), the Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB), and a gathering of local residents, DAARNES representatives delivered an official statement celebrating the arrival of the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, Akitu 6775. The statement highlighted the importance of this occasion in fostering unity among the region’s diverse communities and reinforcing the values of renewal and rebirth.

The statement was read aloud in Syriac, Arabic, and Kurdish, reflecting DAARNES’s commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity. It emphasized the significance of preserving the ethnic and religious mosaic of North and East Syria, promoting intercommunal harmony, and supporting heritage celebrations that honor the region’s historical identity. Additionally, it called for reviving Akitu as a symbol of shared civilization and urged all communities to participate in the festivities on 1 April.

An excerpt from the statement is below:

“On behalf of the Autonomous Administration of Jazira [Gozarto] Canton, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Syriac-Assyrian people and all communities in the region on the occasion of the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, Akitu 6775. This celebration reflects the depth of our shared civilization, embodying the values of renewal and rebirth. It provides an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of fraternity among our communities and reinforce coexistence within the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

As we move beyond the era of the former regime — which sought to suppress the historical cultures and traditions of Syria’s diverse communities — we look forward to celebrating this occasion across Syria. The Autonomous Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the ethnic and religious diversity of our region and supporting traditional celebrations that preserve our historical identity.

To honor our common heritage, we call upon all communities in North and East Syria to stand united and participate in the Akitu celebrations on 1 April. This event reflects our authentic identity and the spirit of fraternity that defines our society.

May this year bring peace, stability, and prosperity to all. Blessed Akitu to all nations — long live the fraternity of peoples.”

Voices from the Administration

On the sidelines of the statement’s release, Vivian Baho Oussi, Co-Chair of the Executive Council of the Gozarto Canton, spoke to SyriacPress, stating:

“We gather here today on behalf of the Autonomous Administration to announce the arrival of Akitu — a celebration of renewal, freedom, and peace. We are here to say to our Syriac-Assyrian people: Akitu Breekho! This occasion reaffirms the principle of intercommunal fraternity. We invite everyone to participate in the festivities scheduled for April 1st in multiple locations, including Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah) in Gersheran, Hasakah in Tel Wardiyat village, and Dayrik (Derik / Malikiyah) in Hekmiya.”

Similarly, Mohammed al-Barak, Deputy Co-Chair of the Executive Council of the Gozarto Canton, also spoke to Syriac Press, highlighting the broader significance of Akitu:

“This festival is not merely a historical event; it represents the aspirations of many peoples, especially the Syriac [Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean] community. Akitu is the Babylonian New Year, carrying profound cultural symbolism in Syria and beyond. Today, we affirm that all communities in this region stand united — in celebrations, in times of joy, and in times of mourning. The Autonomous Administration serves as a protective umbrella, ensuring the representation and preservation of all peoples, despite historical attempts to erase indigenous identities.”

Akitu: Symbol of National Identity

Akitu, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, is one of the oldest recorded celebrations in human history, observed for 6,775 years with origins rooted in Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia). Celebrated annually on 1 April, Akitu symbolizes renewal and rebirth, coinciding with the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

In the ancient Syriac, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations, Akitu was more than just a festive occasion — it was a profound religious and political event. The celebration was deeply intertwined with sacred rituals that reflected the myth of creation and the cycle of life. Among its most significant traditions were temple ceremonies, where prayers were offered, sacrifices made to the gods, and royal legitimacy reaffirmed through grand processions — symbolizing the divine order’s endorsement of earthly rule.

Despite centuries of political and historical upheaval, Akitu remains a powerful emblem of cultural and national identity for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Today, it is celebrated worldwide through cultural and heritage events, serving as a vital link between these communities and their historical roots.