DARAMSUQ — The leadership of the Syriac Cultural Association met with Minister of Culture Muhammad Yassin Salih to discuss cultural affairs, the preservation of Suroyo (Syriac–Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) heritage and language and the Association’s efforts to strengthen Suroyo identity within Syria’s emerging cultural framework. The meeting brought together representatives of the Association and the Culture Ministry amid an increasingly consequential debate over how Syria’s cultural institutions will recognize and protect the country’s linguistic diversity.

By Matay Türker When discussing the future of Syriac, simply saying "let's protect our language" is no longer enough. The real issue we need to address is how, where, and within what educational system Syriac will be passed on to future generations. Today, in Tur Abdin, a significant portion of Syriac education is carried out through the efforts of our churches, monasteries, foundations, associations, and teachers who have shown great dedication.

Based on reporting and interviews by Matay Türker Deprived of access to formal schooling, Suroye (Syriac–Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities are waging a deep-rooted struggle to preserve their heritage through Church-run madrašyotho (Suroyo for schools) in Tur Abdin and the dedication of families. Speaking to Gazete Sabro reporter Matay Türker as the new school year begins, Ayhan Gürkan and Toni Ergin, two malfonos (teachers) based in Medyad (Midyat), called on parents to “make sure to speak Suroyo (Syriac) with your children at home” to help preserve the mother tongue.