The Syriac Union Party in Syria issued a statement on the occasion of Akitu, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year (6775), extending its warmest congratulations and blessings to the Syriac-Assyrian-Chaldean people in the homeland and the diaspora on this important occasion. The party also extended its greetings to all Syrians, as Syria and the land of Beth Nahrain are considered the cradle of this festival. Akitu reflects the deep-rooted history and authenticity of our ancient past and the role of our forefathers in building human civilization in various fields. Syria is the second motherland for all of humanity, from which civilization, urbanization, and sciences in various domains emerged. As we celebrate this festival today, we also honor the legacy of an ancient and original people in Syria, with their history, culture, and language.
The statement explained that our ancestors chose the first of April as the beginning of a new year in harmony with nature, which renews itself, wears its green attire, and breathes a new spirit into life, giving hope and optimism for a better future. This year’s Akitu festival comes following the overwhelming joy of all Syrians at the fall of the dictatorial and chauvinistic Assad regime, which waged war against all Syrians, regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliations, in pursuit of its interests, ideology, and policies. As a result, Syria lost much of its cultural identity, which had been shaped by the historical contributions of the region’s peoples. Among those affected was the Syriac-Assyrian people, who faced exclusion and marginalization of their identity, language, culture, and national festivals, leading to further displacement, Arabization, and demographic changes.
The statement also noted that since its founding in 2005, the Syriac Union Party has fought against chauvinistic policies and for the establishment of democracy in the country. It has worked to revive the values and distinct identity of the Syriac-Assyrian people and defend their national rights, aiming to enshrine them in the Syrian constitution. Throughout its journey, the party has sacrificed a group of martyrs who paved the way to freedom with their pure blood, their sacrifices merging with those of all Syrian components who struggled and gave their lives for liberation. Their efforts stand as a model for the Syria we know and aspire to—one that belongs to everyone and is built on the principles of coexistence and the rights of all communities.
Syria is currently experiencing a transitional phase led by the new ruling authority, which has taken several steps toward achieving security and stability and filling the power vacuum. However, it continues to act with a mindset of monopolizing all authority, offering only symbolic representation to certain communities. This approach requires a reassessment of the Syrian reality from a different perspective, ensuring that the transitional phase is built on solid and sound foundations. This would pave the way for drafting a new constitution and an electoral law agreed upon by all Syrians, ultimately achieving a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria where all ethnic and religious communities enjoy their full legitimate rights and work together to defend and build their homeland.
Syriac Union Party Extends Greetings on Akitu Festival
