Tur Abdin: Syriac diaspora celebrates Easter in the abandoned village of Janat

TUR ABDIN, Turkey — This year marked a significant occasion as all Christian churches worldwide celebrated Easter on the same day, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Syriac Christians, known for their deep-rooted traditions, followed their unique customs to honor this sacred holiday. 

For Syriac descendants from the historic town of Azakh now living in the diaspora, the celebration took a more personal turn. Around seventy Syriac individuals from Azakh, residing in various cities across Germany and Belgium, decided to return to their heritage by celebrating Easter in the abandoned village of Janat, nestled in the rural surroundings of Azakh in the Tur Abdin region. 

The festivities began the previous day, with women gathering to dye and decorate Easter eggs and prepare traditional sweets. Later, the Virgin Mary Prayer was held in Azakh, led by Father Shamoun Ogar, the priest of the nearby village of Miden. 

Today, the Syriac people journeyed to Janat to partake in the spiritual evening of Mar Gorgis (St. George). According to Elias Vergili, a prominent figure among the villagers, the residents of Janat have made it a tradition to return to their ancestral village during Easter to honor the sanctity of the holiday and celebrate in unity, keeping the spirit of previous years alive. 

This unique pilgrimage underscores the enduring connection between the Syriac diaspora and their historic roots, offering a poignant reflection on the cultural and spiritual significance of Easter.