Assyrian Religion and Culture: An Overview
The Assyrian culture is one that has been around for centuries, and is still very much alive in parts of the Middle East, as well as in diaspora communities throughout the world. Assyrians have a distinct culture, language, and religion, and the Assyrian people have been able to preserve and pass down these aspects of their culture for generations.
Assyrian History
The Assyrian culture dates back to the ancient Mesopotamian civilization. Assyria was a powerful empire in the ancient world, located in what is now Iraq and parts of Turkey, Syria, and Iran. After the fall of the Assyrian Empire, the Assyrians were dispersed around the Middle East and beyond. Over the centuries, Assyrians have maintained their distinct culture and language, despite being a minority group in most of the countries they have lived in.
Assyrian Language
The Assyrian language is a Semitic language, closely related to Aramaic, which was the language of Jesus. The language has been spoken for centuries and is still spoken by some Assyrians today. The language is written using the Syriac alphabet, and is written from right to left.
Assyrian Religion
The Assyrian people are mostly adherents of the Syriac Orthodox Church, an Eastern Christian denomination. The church follows the teachings of the Apostles and the early Church Fathers, and is closely related to the Greek Orthodox and Catholic Churches. The Assyrians are also a minority in the Middle East, and as such many of them have also adopted Islam and other religions.
Assyrian Culture
Despite the centuries of hardship and displacement, the Assyrians have been able to preserve their culture and traditions. Many Assyrians still practice traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, and pottery. They also have a rich musical tradition, with traditional instruments such as the oud and daf.
Assyrians also have a unique culinary tradition, which includes dishes such as kibbeh (ground beef and bulgur wheat), tabbouleh (parsley and bulgur salad), and kafta (ground beef and lamb).
Assyrian Diaspora
Over the centuries, many Assyrians have left their homeland and settled in different parts of the world. Today, there are large Assyrian communities in the United States, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere. The Assyrian diaspora has helped to keep the culture and language alive, and many Assyrians in the diaspora are actively involved in preserving their culture and traditions.
Conclusion
The Assyrian culture and religion has been around for centuries, and despite the many hardships and displacement, the Assyrians have been able to keep their culture and language alive. The Assyrian diaspora has also been crucial in preserving the culture, and today there are large Assyrian communities throughout the world.