Ancient Festivities Come to Life in Historic Cultural Evening in Ankawa

ANKAWA, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — In a spirited display of cultural exposition, scholars, writers, and cultural connoisseurs gathered last evening at the Social Academic Center and Open Cultural Forum in Ankawa to explore the enduring legacy of ancient Assyrian traditions. 

The event, headlined by a lecture entitled “Manifestations of Festivals in Daily Life During the Assyrian Era, 911–612 BCE,” drew a distinguished audience keen to reexamine the rich tapestry of social customs, religious rites, and celebratory practices that characterized the Assyrian Empire. According to regional cultural outlets, the symposium underscored a renewed commitment to preserving the heritage of the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people. 

Before the lecture began, the center’s Director of Culture and Media, Rafiq Hanna, delivered a warm opening address. Emphasizing the institution’s steadfast support for intellectual and artistic endeavors, Hanna noted that “the center remains devoted to nurturing every creative spirit whose work transcends conventional boundaries in literature, arts, and the sciences.” His remarks set the tone for an evening dedicated not only to historical inquiry but also to a broader cultural dialogue. 

In a ceremonial prelude to the academic proceedings, Professor Marlin Youssef, representing the Open Cultural Forum, presented a certificate of recognition to Dr. Amer Abdullah al-Jumaili. The accolade celebrated Dr. al-Jumaili’s long-standing contributions to the study and dissemination of Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian culture—a gesture that local commentators have hailed as emblematic of the community’s commitment to intellectual excellence. 

The lecture itself was delivered by Dr. Behnam Ata Allah, who utilized a trove of historical documents to offer a succinct yet comprehensive analysis of daily life in the Assyrian kingdom. Dr. Ata Allah traced the evolution of social behavior, the structure of religious rituals, and the unique ways in which festivals were celebrated between 911 and 612 BCE. His presentation, peppered with rare pictorial evidence and manuscript excerpts, sparked a lively debate among the audience. Participants contributed valuable insights that enriched the discussion, transforming the session into a vibrant forum for cultural exchange. 

Local media reports have underscored the broader significance of the evening. They describe the event as a “beacon of cultural renaissance” in Ankawa—a district that has long been regarded as a crucible for artistic and intellectual innovation. The dedication of the center, they noted, lies not only in its role as a venue for academic discourse but also in its capacity to inspire future generations to engage deeply with their ancestral heritage. As one observer remarked, “In times when cultural identity faces continual external pressures, gatherings like these remind us that history is alive—and it speaks in the voices of our elders and in the fervor of our youth.” 

As the evening drew to a close, the center’s organizers received generous praise for their efforts to promote cultural, scientific, and literary activities within the region. Participants expressed their hope that events of this nature would continue to flourish, ensuring that Ankawa remains “a luminous beacon of creativity and enduring heritage.” 

In a region where the preservation of cultural legacy is both a challenge and a calling, last night’s symposium stood as a powerful affirmation that the past, with all its rituals and festivities, continues to inspire contemporary discourse—and that the flame of cultural memory will burn bright in Ankawa for years to come.