Syriac Cultural Association in Syria celebrates 17 years of preserving heritage

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — The Syriac Cultural Association in Syria celebrated its 17th anniversary with a vibrant event held at the Armenian General Benevolent Union Hall in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria. 

The celebration brought together representatives from the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB), the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), and numerous members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. 

The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence in honor of martyrs, followed by a speech by Ibrahim Adamo, the head of the Syriac Cultural Association. Adamo emphasized the SCA’s critical role in preserving the Syriac language, culture, and heritage, which he described as a “light of Beth Nahrin [Mesopotamia].” He highlighted the Association as a platform for reviving endangered arts and traditions, calling it “a voice for a threatened identity.” 

The event showcased diverse cultural performances, including songs by the children’s choir of the Naum Faiq Institute in Beth Zalin and folk dances by the Lamitta Children’s Troupe and the Tuma Nahroyo Troupe from Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah). Young artist Ninwa from the Abd al-Masih Qarabashi Institute in Hasakah performed a nostalgic song that evoked memories of childhood and ancestral homes.

Numerous organizations extended congratulatory messages, including the Syriac Union Party (SUP), Syriac-Assyrian Martyrs’ Families Foundation, Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe Suryoye b’Suriya, HNSS), Kurdish Women’s Union, and the Executive Committee of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC). These messages praised the Association’s vital role in safeguarding Syriac cultural heritage. 

Traditional dances by the Yurthutha Folk Troupe and musical performances by young artist Butros Abdo added to the festivities. The evening concluded with artist Samer Hanna delivering moving tributes to love, land, and memory, encapsulating themes of resilience and identity.

In a statement to the media, Adamo reflected on the Association’s 17-year journey, attributing its success to the relentless efforts of its members and supporters. He reaffirmed the commitment to promoting coexistence and cultural preservation in Syria. 

Ruba al-Farihat, SCA Coordinator in Beth Zalin, emphasized the urgency of protecting Syriac identity amid political, economic, and social challenges. She highlighted the Association’s programs in art, theater, and language, aimed at bridging the past and present while nurturing hope and safeguarding the community’s ancestral legacy.