Syriac, Chaldean, Assyrian communities celebrate Akitu in northeast Syria

Shafaq News- Hasakah

Thousands from the Syriac, Assyrian, and Chaldean
communities celebrated the Babylonian New Year, known as Akitu, on Wednesday in
northeastern Syria, particularly in Hasakah province.

Observed annually on April 1, Akitu is one of the most
prominent historical and cultural occasions for Syriac, Assyrian, and Chaldean
communities worldwide.

The celebrations saw notable participation from various
local groups, with delegations from Kurdish parties and social figures
attending events.

Activities were held across several areas, including Hasakah,
Qamishli, and Derik, and were organized by the Syriac Union Party and the
Assyrian Democratic Organization. The program featured speeches, artistic and
musical performances from the Syriac-Assyrian heritage, as well as group dance
events.

Bashir Saadi, an official from the Assyrian Democratic
Organization, told Shafaq News that Syriac-Assyrian parties today renew their
call to recognize Akitu as a national holiday in Syria, “as well as the need to
acknowledge the national and cultural rights of the Syriac-Assyrian people, in
line with other components.”

Maria Qoumi, a Syriac activist who took part in the
celebrations, emphasized the importance of the occasion in strengthening
cultural identity and preserving historical heritage, calling for “continued
support and institutional recognition of such events as part of Syria’s
cultural diversity.”