The Unseen Legacy: Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac Influences in World History and Our Quest for Recognition.
By: Sarah Behjet
The word “Assyrian” is frequently met with misunderstanding, utter confusion, or disinterest. Upon hearing the word, many subsequently ask “You’re Syrian?”, to which Assyrians must properly explain their heritage and cultural history.
The widespread lack of knowledge regarding Assyrians, who unite both Chaldean and Syriac groups under their name, is a lamentable reality. Assyrians are best known for pioneering advanced irrigation methods, crafting weapons, and using looms for weaving wool. In addition, Assyrians led a substantial empire and controlled an expansive amount of cities, namely Nimrud and Nineveh. Assyrian influence in world history is undeniable, yet the question remains: why aren’t Assyrians widely represented?
The 1914-1923 Assyrian Genocide (Seyfo) and the 1933 Simele Massacre blighted the Assyrian people. These harrowing acts of brutality towards Assyrians in their Indigenous land resulted in the creation of the Assyrian diaspora. Presently, Detroit, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; Chicago, Illinois; and Turlock, California contain the greatest concentrations of Assyrians in the diaspora. Assyrians in the aforementioned cities work tirelessly to preserve their age-old culture for the world to see. The Assyrian Youth Federation of America, dancers, and linguistic resources protect the Assyrian culture and the complexities of the Sureth language.
The Seyfo’s implications stretched far beyond initial pain and destruction. The Seyfo managed to ravage the Assyrian population and did so in a harrowing manner. However, a major part of these genocidal implications stems from recognition, particularly lack thereof. Assyrians, Armenians, and Greeks experienced genocidal acts in the 1914-1923 time period, yet the world more commonly associates said genocide with Armenians. After World War I’s damage was wrought, world views shifted towards the decimation of Armenians. The Armenian diaspora has successfully advocated for genocide recognition in approximately 32 countries. Yet, only 9 of these 32 countries additionally recognize the Assyrian and Greek genocides. Documentation strongly suggests that nearly all Christian minorities in the Middle East during the early-to-mid 1900s were subjugated. Despite this, international silence and political agendas have gotten in the way of widespread genocide recognition. The absence of genocide recognition has left the community to continuously advocate for itself, lacking the fortification of government power.
Immense cultural pride and unity exist within the diaspora, but the world stage is bereft of Assyrian representation. The marginalization of such innovative, passionate people has led to a severe deficit of awareness among non-Assyrians. While other cultures rightfully advocate for the end to misrepresentation, Assyrians face a distinctive challenge. Misrepresentation isn’t the issue at hand for Assyrians; representation is. Assyrians are oftentimes encompassed under the Arab identity, Iraqi Christian identity, or Syrian identity due to a lack of understanding. While certain categorizations may have commonalities with Assyrians, they do not specifically name Assyrians. As a result, Assyrian erasure has become ever-present. In a world where more cultures and identities are speaking up about widespread injustices, Assyrians must be included. The historical richness of the Sureth language, the stories told through traditional Assyrian dances, and the warmth of the culture’s food are puzzle pieces that unitedly tell the story of the Assyrian identity.
The privilege of being able to celebrate Assyrian culture should not overshadow the severe difficulties of Assyrians in their homeland. One particularly acute issue Assyrians face is equal access to education in Iraq. After the First Gulf War, Assyrian school systems in northern Iraq were implemented in part due to the Assyrian Aid Society’s (AAS) facilitation. Primary schools and high schools house over 10,000 Assyrians, allowing them to learn and study their native Sureth language alongside other educational components. However, these schools in northern Iraq are severely underfunded. Schools desperately need repair and renovation to attain students and keep morale high. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) does not majorly assist said Assyrian schools and does not cover transportation expenses for students. Since 2016, Assyrian teachers have not been paid by the KRG. They hold their positions purely out of love and respect for their culture and the students they teach. Additional educational difficulties stem from KRG-assigned textbooks, which misrepresent Iraqi history and fail to humanize the Assyrian people. The nuance of educational injustice in Iraq shines a light on both urgency and privilege, as mentioned. While our culture is in desperate need of representation in diasporic lands, it should never dilute the necessity of bolstering Assyrians in Atra.
Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people in Iraq, particularly in Kerkeslokh and Sulaymaniyah, have faced unique challenges of their own. Emad Matti, the Chaldean Church of Kerkeslokh’s media official, told Shafaq News that “89 properties have been seized by individuals, influential people, and parties… [o]ne party is still occupying a Christian’s house and refuses to leave”. Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian women are particularly vulnerable in Kerkeslokh and Sulaymaniyah. An anonymous Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian woman told SyriacPress about her occupied home in Baghdad, stating, “My house is in the Karada neighborhood in Baghdad. Upon my return to Baghdad, I was surprised that my house was sold to other people, and I was forced to move out of it”. Over 63 properties and counting have been successfully recovered thanks to the Chaldean Church of Kerkeslokh, yet animosity spreads in the region. Hardship faced by Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrians in their homeland underscores the importance of ethnic unity. Rather than polarizing Chaldeans, Syriacs, and Assyrians, we should unite as one to focus on justice for those in Atra. In fact, our community’s unity will allow for increased representation on the world stage, as our views, hopes, and goals are brought together rather than torn asunder.
Potential extinction in the Indigenous land of Assyrians threatens the vitality of the community. To many in the diaspora, the fact that one of the oldest ethnic groups globally is largely forsaken is distressing. Embracing Assyrian history and ceaselessly keeping the culture alive foster unity, strength, and hope in the diaspora. However, efforts for justice and visibility must additionally be made so that all nations can appreciate Assyrians once and for all. Seemingly small acts of fortifying Assyrian culture, from correcting false categorizations to heightening historical understanding, amount to progress. Assyrians don’t just exist in history textbooks; their legacies, stories, and heritage live on for the world to appreciate.