Berlin hosts Third International Arba’ilo Conference, advancing Syriac language and heritage studies

BERLIN — The German capital Berlin hosted the third edition of the International Arba’ilo Conference on Syriac Studies this July, bringing together a distinguished group of scholars and academics dedicated to preserving and advancing the Syriac language and its rich heritage. Spanning five days, the conference served as a multidisciplinary platform for exchanging ideas on Syriac language, literature, history, and identity in modern contexts.

One key session examined the shared phonological roots of Syriac, Arabic, and Hebrew, aiming to uncover the deep semantic connections among these Semitic languages. Other sessions explored cultural interactions between Syriac and Kurdish poetry, offering literary analyses of contemporary texts and their symbolic meanings.

Historical studies played a prominent role in the conference, with discussions addressing the social and religious history of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Particular attention was given to the 1915 Sayfo Genocide, where personal testimonies and academic research reframed these tragic events within both Western and Syriac Orthodox discourse, contributing to ongoing efforts to achieve historical justice.

The event also featured workshops introducing modern linguistic analysis tools for studying ancient Syriac texts, showcasing significant progress in integrating technology into Syriac heritage research.

By its conclusion, the third International Arba’ilo Conference reaffirmed its status as a leading global academic forum dedicated to the linguistic, literary, and historical study of Syriac. It further strengthened efforts to revive Syriac identity in the diaspora while fostering intercultural dialogue and scholarly collaboration worldwide.