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.”