Syriac network Geshro launches survey to explore future of Tur Abdin

STOCKHOLM — The Syriac network Geshro has launched an ambitious survey titled Turabdin och Framtiden (Tur Abdin and the Future) to gather insights from the diaspora community in Sweden. The initiative aims to explore evolving perspectives on the historic Tur Abdin region, focusing on its potential for investment, tourism, and resettlement.

The 13-question survey is currently available online and promoted via various digital platforms, including Syriac organization-affiliated social media pages. Geshro plans to expand the survey to Syriac communities across Europe in the coming months, underscoring its commitment to engaging the diaspora.

Over the last decade, Tur Abdin — a historic stronghold of Syriac heritage in southeastern Turkey — has become a focal point for diaspora engagement. Once limited to occasional pilgrimages, visits to the region have grown into more sustained involvement, with many expatriates funding restoration projects and supporting local businesses.

“The increased interest in Tur Abdin has had visible economic benefits,” Geshro stated during the survey’s launch. “It has enabled the reconstruction of homes and villages, supported local businesses, and created new investment opportunities. This survey seeks to understand whether Tur Abdin is perceived as a heritage site or as a place for future settlement and long-term investment.”

In addition to gauging interest, the survey examines challenges tied to these developments, seeking community input on obstacles and opportunities for expanded economic initiatives in the region.

The initiative highlights a growing sense of agency among the Syriac diaspora in shaping Tur Abdin’s future. While the region remains central to cultural preservation efforts, there is a clear shift toward envisioning it as a sustainable hub for tourism and habitation.

“We believe it is essential to assess the societal impact of these changes and identify ways to secure a prosperous future for Tur Abdin,” Gashro emphasized. “Community input is vital, and the perspectives of Syriacs worldwide will help us navigate both opportunities and challenges.”

The survey is accessible via Google Docs and through Suroyo TV’s Facebook page. Gashro also invites individuals to reach out directly for further information or assistance in participating.