CULTURE

MERDE, Turkey — The Syriac Orthodox Saffron Monastery, Dayro d’Zahfaran in Syriac, one of the most ancient monastic sites in the world, has been made an honorary member of the Iter Vitis Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. This recognition celebrates the monastery’s profound cultural, religious, and agricultural contributions…

In an era when Syriac national songs were a vibrant expression of identity and belonging, Evlin Dawud emerged as a pioneering female voice, carrying the torch of committed art that blended patriotic fervor with tender romanticism. Her legacy was not only defined by her melodious voice but also by her…

By Heleen Murre-van den Berg Professor of Global Christianity, director Institute of Eastern Christian Studies (hlmvandenberg.me) Unknown to most visitors to Iran, unknown also to many Iranians, the country harbors a rich heritage of Christian sites. Except for a few notable exceptions, these churches and graveyards so far have attracted…

SYDNEY — The Italian Opera Foundation in Australia has chosen the Syriac (Aramean-Chaldean-Assyrian) singer Robert Shlemon Adam, a talented countertenor, as one of eight distinguished classical singers from across the country, to perform in a special concert in Sydney. Adam is set to perform at Sydney’s City Recital Hall on 29 June in an exclusive…

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — The Family Center of the Syriac Cross Organization for Relief and Development hosted Little Hands, a two-day recreational event for children in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria.  Sixteen boys and girls, joined by their parents, showcased small projects that included homemade…

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Syriac Progressive Youth Union (SPYU) has called for a boycott of the Civil Waves (PEL) organization following the launch of a project documenting historical and cultural sites in North and East Syria, which failed to include the Syriac language.  In a statement, the SPYU…

DEKWANEH, Lebanon — A recent episode of Suroyo TV program From Lebanon cast a spotlight on the Antonine Technical Institute, an institution nestled in the heart of Dekwaneh that reflects the spiritual essence of its surroundings and carries a profound message of faith and craftsmanship. Established in 2005 by the…

BATMAN, Turkey — After centuries of neglect, the historic Mor Quryaqos (St. Cyriacus) Monastery in the Bishiri Quarter of Batman, Turkey, reopened to the public on 15 June following a five-year restoration funded by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The reopening was marked by a dedication service led by…

DARAMSUQ (Damascus)— In a quiet corridor of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour in Daramsuq (Damascus), a decision was signed that carries outsized significance for one of the Middle East’s oldest peoples. On May 29, 2025, decree No. 151 formally authorized the Syriac Cultural Association to operate across all…

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — Amid growing concerns over the potential disappearance of the Middle East’s indigenous populations, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai urged action to prevent Christians from leaving the region, since they play a vital role in fostering moderation among Muslim-majority nations.   His remarks came during an interview…