Hundreds gather at Mor Mattai Monastery in Nineveh Plains for Kha Nison–Akitu 6775 festivities

NINEVEH PLAIN, Iraq — The slopes of Mor Mattai Syriac Orthodox Monastery hosted vibrant Kha Nison–Akitu celebrations, organized by the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) and its youth and women’s institutions.

The event drew a massive turnout from the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community, with attendees traveling from across Nineveh Plains and from towns and cities such as Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), Baritle (Bartella), Karemlesh, Nohadra (Dohuk), Sheikhan, Alqosh, Hadyab, Ankawa, Basra, and Shigur (Şengal / Sinjar).

The festivities commenced with a march from the upper slopes of Maqloub Mountain, near Mor Mattai Monastery, during which participants raised flags to honor the national heritage of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia).

The event featured speeches by HBA head Joseph Sliwa, Beth Nahrain Organization for Women (BNOW) leader Hanan Matti, and the Chairman of the Baghdede Council of Elders. This was followed by a poetic tribute to Beth Nahrin by Fr. Quryaqos Hanna Mattoka, as well as the reading of messages congratulating the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community on Kha Nison–Akitu.

The celebration continued with traditional folk dances performed to live music, featuring artists Dani Asmar and Ilona Danho, who traveled from Sweden, alongside a performance by the Qithoro Syriac Folk Dance Troupe.

Distinguished by its exceptional organization and large public attendance, the event reaffirmed the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and national identity.