Draft:Syriacs Aramean
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The Syriacs Aramean (also known as Arameans, Syriacs, or Suryoye) are an ethno-religious and linguistic group originating from the ancient Aramean people of the Near East. They are predominantly Christians who speak different dialects of the Aramaic language and belong to churches that have preserved Aramaic liturgy and heritage for centuries.
Historical identity
[edit]The term “Syriac” emerged during the early Christian centuries as a Greek calque of “Aramean.” According to Theodor Nöldeke, “Syrian” (Syria) was the term the Greeks used for the Arameans they encountered in Mesopotamia.[1] Syriac historians such as Michael the Syrian (12th century) and Bar Bahlul (10th century) explicitly affirmed the Aramean ancestry of their people in their writings.[2][3]
East and West Syriacs
[edit]Syriac Christians historically split into two main traditions:
- West Syriacs: including Syriac Orthodox Church, Syriac Catholic Church, Maronite Church, and Melkite Church.
- East Syriacs: including Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church.
This division followed the geopolitical boundary between the Roman/Byzantine Empire and the Parthian/Sassanid Empire, and continues in ecclesiastical and liturgical traditions today.[4]
Language
[edit]The Syriacs Arameans have historically spoken dialects of Aramaic, which survives today in several liturgical and vernacular forms such as:
- Turoyo (spoken in the Tur Abdin region and diaspora)
- Sureth (spoken by East Syriac communities)
- Classical Syriac (used in liturgy and literature)
Religion
[edit]Most Syriacs Arameans belong to ancient Eastern Christian denominations, including:
- Syriac Orthodox Church
- Syriac Catholic Church
- Chaldean Catholic Church
- Church of the East
- Maronite Church
These churches preserve Aramaic in their liturgies and consider themselves heirs to the early Semitic Christian heritage of Mesopotamia.
Modern recognition
[edit]The Aramean identity is officially recognized in several countries:
- In Sweden, “Aramean” is registered as an ethnic identity.
- In Israel, the government began officially recognizing Arameans as a separate minority group in 2014.[5]
- In Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland, Aramean organizations are active in diaspora representation.
World Council of Arameans
[edit]The World Council of Arameans (Syriacs) (WCA), founded in 1983, is an international umbrella organization promoting the identity and rights of Aramean (Syriac) people worldwide. It holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1999.[6] The WCA works on advocacy, youth programs, cultural preservation, and international recognition of the Sayfo genocide of 1915.
Demographics
[edit]The estimated global population of Syriacs Arameans is over 15 million, including:
- Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey (historical homelands)
- Sweden (approx. 500,000, mainly in Södertälje)
- Germany, Netherlands, United States, Australia, Canada (large diaspora communities)
- India (especially among St. Thomas Christians with Syriac heritage)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Th. Nöldeke, Compendious Syriac Grammar (London, 1904), p. XXXI.
- ^ L. Van Rompay, “Jacob of Edessa and the early history of Edessa,” in After Bardaisan (1999), p. 277.
- ^ R. Duval (ed.), Lexicon Syriacum (Paris, 1888–1901).
- ^ S. P. Brock, “Christians in the Sassanian Empire: A case of divided loyalties,” in Studies in Church History 18 (1982), pp. 1–19.
- ^ BBC News - Israel recognizes Aramean minority
- ^ World Council of Arameans - Official website
Identity
[edit]Syriacs identify ethnically as Aramean and distinguish themselves from Assyrian political identity. Their national and cultural expression is rooted in the Aramaic language, liturgy, and historic continuity in the region. Syriacs Arameans have maintained their identity despite centuries of political and religious suppression.[1]
Language
[edit]The Syriac language, a dialect of Aramaic, remains a vital part of their identity. It is still used in religious liturgy and cultural education. In diaspora communities, especially in Germany and Sweden, efforts are being made to preserve the language of their ancestors.[2]
Population and regions
[edit]Syriacs Arameans are primarily found in the diaspora today due to displacement from the Middle East. Large communities exist in:
- Sweden (~500,000)
- Germany
- Netherlands
- United States
- Lebanon
- Iraq
- Syria
- Turkey
Their presence in Iraq is culturally significant. The Syriac language is officially recognized in parts of the country.[3]
Genocide and persecution
[edit]During World War I, the Syriacs Aramean people were victims of systematic massacres under the Ottoman Empire, known as the Sayfo genocide. In modern times, Syriacs in Syria and Iraq also suffered persecution by extremist groups, including the Islamic State (ISIS).[4]
Recognition
[edit]In 2014, the Israeli government officially recognized the Aramean community as a distinct ethnic group.[5]
In Sweden, multiple motions have been submitted to parliament to recognize the Seyfo genocide committed against the Assyrians and Syriacs.[6]
Political and cultural movements
[edit]Syriacs Arameans have founded political parties and cultural organizations, including the Dawronoye movement. Their goals include the recognition of their identity, language rights, and historical justice.
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]- Swedish Parliament motion on Seyfo
- DW – Syriacs in Iraq
- Al Jazeera – Syriacs in Turkey
- Times of Israel – Israeli recognition
- ^ "سريان تركيا يستردون هويتهم الثقافية". Al Jazeera (in Arabic).
- ^ "السريان الأرثوذكس ـ طائفة تتعبد بلغة المسيح في ألمانيا". DW (in Arabic).
- ^ "السريان.. لون واضح في ثقافة العراق". DW (in Arabic).
- ^ "آشوريو سوريا يروون لـDW تفاصيل مأساتهم مع داعش". DW (in Arabic).
- ^ "Israel recognizes Aramean minority". Times of Israel.
- ^ "Motion 2016/17:279 Assyrier/syrianer och folkmordet Seyfo". Swedish Parliament.