Ashur Yousef: The Pioneer of Assyrian Journalism and Martyr of National Unity

In the heart of Kharput, a historic city in eastern Turkey, Ashur Yousef was born in 1858, destined to become an enduring symbol of the Assyrian struggle for freedom and dignity. Known as the “Sheikh of Assyrian Journalism” and its first martyr in modern history, Ashur was more than a writer or scholar—he was the voice of a persecuted nation, a beacon of hope for a people yearning for unity and self-determination. His life, marked by courage and sacrifice, remains a cornerstone of the contemporary Assyrian renaissance. 

A Privileged Upbringing and a Boundless Vision

Ashur Yousef was born into a prosperous Syriac Orthodox family in Kharput, but material wealth held little sway over his heart. From an early age, he was driven by a deeper calling: the liberation and unification of his Assyrian people. He pursued his early education in his hometown, where his passion for knowledge and culture began to take root. Later, he moved to the Ottoman capital to further his studies, earning an advanced degree in education from the Ottoman Cultural Office. His academic journey took him to cities like Omid (Diyarbakir), Izmir, and Antioch, where he honed his intellect and eventually earned the prestigious title of “Professor.”

Fluent in Syriac, Arabic, and Turkish, Ashur was a polyglot who used his linguistic talents to connect with a broad audience. His ambitions extended far beyond the classroom, where he taught at the esteemed Euphrates College, an American institution in Kharput. He sought to unite the intellectuals and scholars of his people, firmly believing that the revival of the Syriac language and Assyrian culture was the key to healing a fragmented nation. This conviction led him to establish Murshid al-Ashuriyyin (The Assyrian Guide) in 1910, the first nationalist Assyrian newspaper published in both Syriac and Arabic. 

Murshid al-Ashuriyyin: A Beacon of Enlightenment

Murshid al-Ashuriyyin, which ran until 1915, was more than a newspaper—it was a lifeline for the Assyrian people during a time of oppression. It covered literature, religion, history, and social reform, serving as a platform to unite Assyrians across regions, from Iraq and Syria to Turkey. Printed using a mimeograph and handwritten by Ashur himself due to limited resources, the newspaper was a testament to his determination to amplify his people’s voice. 

Ashur dreamed of acquiring a Syriac printing press to expand his newspaper and publish his works, but the harsh political and economic conditions of the Ottoman Empire thwarted this ambition. Tragically, most of his writings in Syriac, Arabic, and Turkish have been lost to time. However, American writer Sim Ellis Blackwell preserved some of his articles, translating them into English and publishing them abroad, ensuring that his intellectual legacy endured. 

Through Murshid al-Ashuriyyin, Ashur championed national unity and fought against sectarianism and backwardness. His bold editorials called for reform and criticized corruption, making him a target of the Ottoman authorities. Yet, his courage never wavered. In recognition of his literary contributions, the Turkish Ministry of Culture awarded him the State Medal for Literature—an ironic honor given the persecution he faced for his political activism. 

A Struggle Against Oppression

As tensions escalated in the Ottoman Empire, particularly with the onset of the Sayfo massacres in 1915, Ashur’s life took a tragic turn. His newspaper had become increasingly vocal in advocating for Assyrian self-determination and independence, a stance that enraged the Ottoman authorities. By 1914, his conflict with the government intensified as his writings focused on Assyrian identity and the fight against injustice. 

In April 1915, Ashur was arrested by Ottoman forces. From his prison cell, he penned his final letter to his brother, a poignant document that revealed his unwavering resolve. “I seize this opportunity to write you my last letter,” he wrote, “for I know that after we leave this place, we will be cut into small pieces, though I do not know when or where.” Yet, even in the face of death, he remained hopeful, adding, “Do not worry about my death, for it is God’s will. I am going to heaven to defend the rights of the Assyrians in the presence of the greatest and most just Judge.” 

Ashur Yousef was martyred in 1915 during the Sayfo Genocide, becoming the first martyr of Assyrian journalism. His death was not the end of his story but the beginning of a legacy that would inspire generations of Assyrians to continue his fight for justice.

A Lasting Legacy

Ashur Yousef was a trailblazer in sowing the seeds of Assyrian national consciousness. He was joined by other intellectuals, such as Malphono Naum Faiq, who contributed articles to Murshid al-Ashuriyyin and shared his vision of cultural revival. Publishing a nationalist newspaper under Ottoman oppression was a heroic act, reflecting Ashur’s courage and his belief that education and culture were the most powerful tools for uplifting a nation. His pen challenged corruption, division, and ignorance, calling for unity and the transcendence of sectarian divides. 

Today, Ashur Yousef is celebrated as a towering figure in the Assyrian renaissance. His legacy lives on in every Assyrian who carries the torch of their language and culture. Though most of his writings have been lost, his name remains etched in the collective memory of the Assyrian people—a symbol of resilience and sacrifice. 

Conclusion: A Pen That Still Writes

Ashur Yousef was not just a journalist or a professor; he was the voice of a nation stripped of its rights. He fought with his words, resisted with his ideas, and gave his life for his dream of a free and united Assyrian homeland. In an era where dissent meant death, Ashur chose to live for his cause, even at the ultimate cost. His legacy endures in every Assyrian who strives for freedom and dignity. Ashur Yousef did not die—his pen continues to write the story of a nation that refuses to surrender.

If you want to read more about Ashur Yousef and his family Bloodied, But Unbowed: A Memoir of the Ashur & Arshaluys Yousuf Family published by Nineveh Press.