Maria Hanna on resilience of Syriac journalism in Syria

ARBA’ILO (ERBIL), Iraq — At the Voices of Women Without Borders Forum in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Maria Hanna, a journalist and media director at SyriacPress and Suroyo TV, offered a rare glimpse into the struggles and evolution of Syriac journalism in Syria. Her insights painted a complex portrait of an indigenous press navigating conflict, censorship, and a fragile future.

Held in celebration of World Press Freedom Day, the forum welcomed nearly 60 journalists and activists from across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Supported by the French government, the event underscored the role of women in media—especially in regions marred by war and political instability.   

For Hanna, the gathering was more than an opportunity to connect with fellow journalists. It was a platform to discuss the perseverance of Syriac journalism, an institution with roots older than most modern languages but one continually threatened by erasure.

From Clay Tablets to Satellite Broadcasts

Syriac journalism has existed in some form for thousands of years, Hanna reminded the audience. The earliest records date back to clay tablets used by ancient scribes to document orders and correspondence. But between empires, massacres, and forced assimilation, preserving the Syriac voice in modern media has been no simple feat.

The Sayfo Genocide of 1915—where hundreds of thousands of Syriacs (Assyrians-Arameans-Chaldeans-Maronites) were killed—inflicted lasting wounds on the people. After World War II, Syriac journalists emerged with new publications, yet repression remained a formidable obstacle. For decades, governments across the Middle East systematically pushed Syriac (Assyrians-Arameans-Chaldeans-Maronites) to abandon their identity, limiting the presence of their language in public discourse.

Fear of persecution led many Syriacs to self-identify solely by their Christian faith, rather than their ethnic background. It was a survival mechanism, Hanna explained, but one that distanced younger generations from their heritage.

Suroyo TV: The Struggle for a Voice 

Founded in 2004, Suroyo TV was a breakthrough for Syriac media. However, its early years under the Syrian government were fraught with limitations.   

“Our broadcasts were restricted to covering religious events,” Hanna said. “We had to tread carefully—anything beyond faith-based programming was considered too risky.”

Change came with the establishment of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria. Under this governance model, Syriac media gained newfound freedoms. The network expanded, opening branches in Iraq, Lebanon, and several European countries. After Sweden, Syria now hosts its largest operation.

With greater flexibility, Syriac journalists could finally advocate for their community, discussing topics ranging from historical preservation to political participation.

Reviving the Syriac Language

One of the most significant strides, Hanna noted, has been in education. Previously, Syriac was taught only in churches, restricted to a single hour per week in select schools. That changed under the autonomous administration, which introduced full Syriac curricula in local institutions.   

“This isn’t just about preserving a language,” Hanna explained. “It’s about reclaiming an identity that has been pushed to the margins for far too long.”   

The term ‘Suroyo’ [East Syriac” ‘Suraya’], she clarified, is an umbrella word encompassing Syriac, Assyrian, Aramean, Chaldean, Maronite and other denominations. The shared heritage of these groups is undeniable, but decades of divisive policies sought to fracture their unity.

Women at the Frontlines of Journalism 

The Voices of Women Without Borders Forum dedicated a segment to female journalists from Syria, drawing professionals from Syriac-Assyrian, Kurdish, and Arab backgrounds. Hanna praised this initiative, noting that conversations sparked immediate media interest, as outlets rushed to interview participants after the panel.   

“The need for documentation in indigenous languages is greater than ever,” she emphasized. “We’re not just reporting events—we’re preserving history.”  

Discussions also turned toward the future of journalism in an era of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and algorithmic bias. One session, hosted by AHJ, explored the challenges facing female journalists in Syria and their role in shaping democratic reforms.   

Despite obstacles, Syriac journalism persists. Press freedoms remain fragile, yet each breakthrough—whether an expanded newsroom, a new school curriculum, or a global panel—signals resilience.   

“Our work is not just about media,” Hanna reflected. “It’s about survival. As long as there are stories to tell, we will keep telling them.”