Future Syria Party Hosts Seminar on Syrian Subnational Identities and the Challenge of Building a Unified Identity

DARAMSUQ (Damascus) — On Sunday evening, the Future Syria Party held a virtual seminar via Zoom discussing subnational identities in Syria and the challenges of forming a unified national identity. The event, attended by 21 participants, featured contributions from Joseph Lahdo, head of the European branch of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) in Syria.   

Representing the Syriac (Aramean-Assyrian-Chaldean) Christians, Lahdo highlighted the historical significance of the Syriac identity, noting that Syria derives its name from the Syriac people, who are recognized as the country’s indigenous population. He pointed out that many Syrian cities and towns still bear names rooted in the Syriac language, underscoring the deep historical and cultural ties of the community to the region. 

Lahdo also reflected on the Christian era, emphasizing the central role of Syriac in the Antioch Church, where followers were first called Christians. He described how Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) missionaries spread Christianity across East and West, shaping Syria’s global religious and historical presence. 

Discussing the formation of a unified Syrian identity, Lahdo explained that it originally developed through historical coexistence between Syriac people and other communities. However, he argued that dictatorial regimes and nationalist ideologies have eroded this shared identity, marginalizing minority groups and preventing a cohesive national framework.  

Lahdo asserted that rebuilding Syria’s social fabric must be grounded in justice, equality, and inclusive governance, with all communities participating in drafting a new constitution and overseeing the democratic transition process. He advocated for a decentralized Syria, where power is shared equitably, and all citizens have equal rights and responsibilities.