Vibrant Identity
Ancient Heritage, Living Tradition
The Assyrian identity today is a rich tapestry woven from ancient heritage and enduring traditions. Despite being a stateless nation scattered across the globe, Assyrian culture remains vibrantly alive through language, faith, and cherished customs passed down through generations.
Language
Assyrian Neo-Aramaic connects us to our ancestors
Faith
Christianity as the cornerstone of identity
Traditions
Customs celebrating our rich cultural heritage
The Voice of Our Ancestors
Assyrian Neo-Aramaic (Suret)
Modern Assyrians speak Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, also known as Suret, a direct descendant of the Aramaic language spoken by Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. This linguistic connection to one of history's most significant figures is a source of immense cultural pride and religious significance.
Endangered Language
Today, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic is classified as an endangered language. With younger generations increasingly adopting the languages of their host countries, the urgency to preserve this linguistic treasure has never been greater.
Preservation Efforts
Assyrian communities worldwide have established language schools, published educational materials, and created digital resources to teach children their ancestral tongue. Churches, cultural centers, and families work tirelessly to ensure this 3,000-year-old language survives for future generations.
Shlama
Peace / Hello
Baseema
Thank you
Khona
Brother
Khatha
Sister
Push b'shayna
Goodbye
Jwanqa
Beautiful
Khabbusha
Apple
Bayta
House
Foundation of Faith
One of the first Christian nations since the 1st century AD
Christianity is not merely a religion for Assyrians—it is an inseparable part of their identity. The vast majority of Assyrians are Christians, and their faith has been a source of strength and unity through centuries of persecution and displacement.
Church Denominations
Assyrian Church of the East
Ancient apostolic church with traditions dating to the 1st century
Chaldean Catholic Church
Eastern Catholic church in full communion with Rome
Syriac Orthodox Church
Oriental Orthodox tradition with rich liturgical heritage
Syriac Catholic Church
Eastern Catholic church with Syriac liturgy
Protestant Denominations
Various Evangelical and Reformed traditions
Traditions & Celebrations
Kha b-Nisan
Assyrian New Year - April 1st
Kha b-Nisan (meaning "First of April") is the most important national celebration for Assyrians, marking the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. This ancient festival celebrates the Assyrian New Year with traditional music, dance, picnics, and cultural events held in Assyrian communities worldwide. Families gather to celebrate their heritage, wear traditional dress, and pass down customs to the next generation.
Religious Holidays
Christmas, Easter, and other Christian observances are celebrated with unique Assyrian traditions. Special liturgies in Aramaic, traditional foods, and family gatherings mark these holy days. The blend of ancient customs with Christian faith creates celebrations rich in meaning and heritage.
Music & Dance
The lively Khigga dance brings communities together at weddings and celebrations. Holding hands in a line, dancers move to traditional rhythms, often led by a skilled leader waving a handkerchief. Traditional Assyrian music features distinctive instruments and melodies passed down through generations.
Culinary Heritage
Traditional dishes that tell the story of our people
Dolma
Stuffed vegetables with rice, meat, and aromatic spices
Harissa
Hearty wheat and chicken porridge, slow-cooked
Pacha
Traditional sheep head soup, a festive delicacy
Booshala
Swiss chard, rice, and yogurt soup
Kipteh
Assyrian style meatball soup with spices and herbs
Kubbat Masta
Spiced meat dumplings in yogurt sauce
Assyrian cuisine is a celebration of flavor, hospitality, and tradition. Every dish carries memories of family gatherings, festive occasions, and the warmth of community. These recipes, passed from generation to generation, are edible connections to our ancestors and our homeland.
Community & Family Values
Strong Family Bonds
Family is the bedrock of Assyrian society. Multi-generational households are common, with grandparents, parents, and children sharing not just homes but also wisdom, traditions, and unconditional support.
Role of Churches
Churches serve as more than places of worship—they are community centers where Assyrians gather, children learn their language, and cultural identity is reinforced. Parish life provides spiritual guidance and social connection, especially in the diaspora.
Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer
The preservation of Assyrian culture relies on the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Grandparents teach grandchildren the language, share stories of the homeland, and demonstrate traditional crafts and cooking. This living transmission of culture ensures that ancient traditions remain vibrant in the modern world.