Solidarity march in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, honors victims of Sayfo Genocide on 110th anniversary of massacres

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — A solidarity march took place in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Sayfo Genocide carried out by the Ottoman Empire against Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Greeks, and Armenians.

The event, organized under the patronage of Armenian Orthodox Bishop of the Holeb (Aleppo) Makar Ashkaryan and Deputy Bishop of Gozarto (Jazira) Archimandrite Levon Aghaiyan, began at the Armenian Orthodox Diocese and concluded at the Union Private School.

Clergy members, tribal leaders, political representatives, and a large turnout of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), Armenian, and regional communities participated in the march. They carried photographs of the victims, symbolic icons, and torches of light, paying tribute to the martyrs and emphasizing the timeless pursuit of justice.

The commemoration included prayers at the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial, poetry recitations in Arabic and Armenian, musical performances, and speeches by key figures such as Archimandrite Aghaiyan, Syriac Union Party (SUP) Co-Chair Sanharib Barsom, SUP General Council Member Rubel Bahho, and leaders of other political factions.

In comments to SyriacPress, Archimandrite Aghaiyan highlighted the inclusivity of the event, which united people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. He noted that this spirit reflects the essence of Syria, particularly in Gozarto Canton. Aghaiyan reaffirmed the importance of preserving the memory of the Sayfo Genocide, emphasizing that remembrance, acknowledgment, and the pursuit of justice are vital to preventing future atrocities.

In the evening on 24 April, speeches, prayers, and march will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time.