Tur Abdin: Syriac villagers from Jannat celebrate Saint’s Feast Day in their ancestral village

TUR ABDIN, Turkey — After more than four decades of migration, Syriac villagers originally from Jannat returned to their homeland this year to honor the feast of Mar Gewargis (Saint George) in a heartfelt celebration of cultural and spiritual heritage.   

The villagers, who emigrated to Belgium, Germany, and other European countries, gathered at their ancestral village in Tur Abdin to mark this special occasion. Their return follows Easter festivities held at the Virgin Mary Church in Azakh (Beth Zabday). This year’s celebration of Mar Gewargis featured traditional food and drinks prepared by the residents of Jannat for an evening of communal festivity.

According to Elias Vergili, one of the event’s coordinators, the villagers extended invitations to neighboring communities to join them. The celebration included spiritual gatherings, folkloric music, and traditional dances, symbolizing both religious reverence and cultural unity. Approximately 70 individuals from Jannat, including those who returned from the diaspora, participated in the event alongside residents from nearby Kurdish villages.

The celebration highlights intercommunal relationships in the region, as neighboring Kurdish communities joined in the festivities. Turkish authorities ensured security for the event, which took place in Şırnak Province, emphasizing the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities.