In Akitu, calls for national rights' recognition, partnerships' reinforcement to build democratic Syria

On Wednesday, the Syriac Union Party organized two celebrations in the village of Damkhiya al-Kabira in the city of Qamishlo and the village of Ker Shiran in Tirbê Spiyê, as part of the celebration of the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year known as Akitu, amid a large public presence and wide participation from civil and religious institutions and political parties from various components.

Qamishlo

In Qamishlo city, the events began with holding a minute of silence, followed by an opening performance by the Syriac Cultural Association's scout troop, and then a presentation depicting the king and queen as symbols of Syriac heritage.

The co-chair of the Syriac Union Party in Syria, Sanharib Barsoum, delivered a speech in which he affirmed that national rights, language, and culture form the basis of the struggle. He stressed the necessity of constitutionally recognizing Syriac national rights, language, and culture, and building a democratic, pluralistic Syria that guarantees the participation of all its components.

Afterwards, the Yerthotha troupe presented an artistic performance, followed by a speech delivered by the co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), Leyla Karaman, who congratulated the Syriac-Assyrian people on the Akitu festival, considering the occasion a symbol of renewal. She emphasized the importance of transitioning to national partnership, consolidating democracy, and recognizing the rights of all components.

She stressed that achieving stability in Syria is linked to dialogue and consensus, and to the participation of all forces, while emphasizing the role of women as essential partners in building the country's future.

The festivities continued with diverse artistic performances by the Yerthotha troupe for both adults and children, along with a poetry recital by Bassam Isho; the head of the scout of the Syriac Cultural Association, focusing on themes of hope, renewal, and adherence to identity.

The Roha Art Committee and the Barmaya Syriac Folklore Troupe also presented traditional tableaux, in addition to a display depicting the Syriac flag, amid the audience's interaction.

The events concluded with songs performed by the artist Hovik Bello, accompanied by organist Zinar Rasoul, interspersed with dabke dances, in a festive atmosphere in the nature embrace.

Tirbê Spiyê

In the city of Tirbê Spiyê, the celebration began with holding a minute of silence. The organizing committee then welcomed the participants, after which the scout troop officially launched this year's Akitu festival with a musical performance.

Shahmiran Denho; the co-chair of the Syriac Union Party in Syria, delivered a speech welcoming the participants and guests. She highlighted the region's rich cultural diversity, the unity of its various communities, and their collaborative efforts to rebuild the country.

She added, "Unfortunately, the Syriac people continue to suffer marginalization at the hands of the Interim Government, despite the significant struggle they waged during the Syrian revolution and their collaboration with other parties to build a democratic Syria for all its people."

The co-chair of the Syriac Union Party in Syria called for the participation of all communities in drafting a new constitution for the country. She emphasized that this constitution must guarantee freedom, justice, and equality for all Syrians and reflect Syria's rich history and cultural diversity.

The ceremony also included the reading of congratulatory messages sent by the Governor of Hasaka, Nour Eddin Ahmed, and various Kurdish political parties.

The ceremony concluded with a performance by the Lamita Ensemble of the Syriac Cultural Association, featuring Syriac folk dance and song.

ANHA