Syriac MP in Turkey George Aslan, Church leaders extend Akitu greetings

ANKARA / ARBA’ILO, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — In celebration of Kha Nison–Akitu 6775, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, prominent figures and religious institutions extended their well wishes to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. Among them were Syriac Member of Parliament in Turkey George Aslan (Peoples’ Equality and Democratic Party, DEM Party), the Evangelical Union Christian Church, and Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel.

Speaking from the Turkish Parliament, MP George Aslan conveyed his greetings, emphasizing that the Syriac-Assyrian people celebrate Akitu in their historical homeland as a declaration of the arrival of spring.

The Evangelical Union Christian Church also extended its congratulations, describing Kha Nison–Akitu as a festival of renewal and joy. The Church highlighted the celebration as a tribute to the region’s ancient roots, while also underscoring the need to secure full citizenship rights for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Syria.

Patriarch Mar Awa III marked the occasion with a statement reaffirming that Kha Nison–Akitu is not only a testament to the continued presence of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in their homeland of Beth Nahrin but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage it has contributed to the world.

He welcomed members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) diaspora who had returned to their ancestral homeland to celebrate Kha Nison–Akitu, expressing his joy at reuniting with them on this momentous occasion.