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Assyrian Cultural Foundation

The Assyrian Cultural Foundation (formerly known as AUAF) is a non-profit organization inspired by Assyrian heritage, serving as a bridge between traditions and different generations in the hopes of building a stronger, more connected community through our various programs.

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the special reading of NIRAREYAT by Ninos Nirari.

This recap captures the beauty of the evening, featuring Badr Rhomri and Nora Bakko as they brought his newest poetry collection to life.

A journey through love, language, and emotion.

“Your beauty is a civilization that rains poetry on me.”

#Assyrian #AssyrianCulture #AssyrianPoetry #AssyrianWriters
#NinosNirari #NIRAREYAT #AssyrianLiterature

Episode 5 – The Ashurbanipal Library at ACF

Join Susan as she explores the history, mission, and treasures of the Ashurbanipal Library at the Assyrian Cultural Foundation. Featuring insights from Robert DeKelaita, Ninos Nirari, and Susan Borto, along with an in-depth interview with librarian Sarah Gawo.

0:18 Welcome to Episode 5
0:23 Inside the Ashurbanipal Library
0:34 History of the Library
0:52 Why It’s Named After King Ashurbanipal
1:05 Early years and growth
1:16 What the Library Collects
1:28 Visitors from Around the World
1:53 Meeting Robert DeKelaita
2:11 Library mission discussion (with Ninos)
3:37 Ninos Nirari's message
4:32 Transition to interview with Sarah Gawo
4:52 Interview with Librarian Sarah Gawo
5:13 Mission & Purpose of the Library
5:54 Types of Books in the Collection
6:25 Languages Offered
6:53 Has the Library Published Books?
7:18 Plans for Future Publications
7:21 Online Catalog & Resources
7:55 Internet Archive Access
8:23 Can Researchers Borrow Books?
9:00 Message to Assyrian Youth
9:54 The Coolest Book in the Collection
10:27 History of Pilgrim’s Progress (Assyrian translation)
11:12 Closing with Fun Facts
11:19 Oldest Book in the Library (1500s)
11:31 From 25 books to over 8,000 today
11:42 Closing Remarks

In Class 14 of The Story of Assyria, Rabi Robert DeKelaita examines the modern debates surrounding Assyrian identity, including the rise of Chaldean, Syriac, and Aramean designations in the Middle East and diaspora. The lecture explores historical frameworks, nationalism theories, linguistic evidence, church politics, and the fragmentation that emerged in the 20th century. Sarah and Pierre join to discuss how shared language, culture, and homeland unify the people despite differing identity narratives. The session traces Assyrianism, Arameanism, and Chaldean identity formation from ancient sources through modern political pressures.

00:00 Intro – Modern Assyrian Identity
00:18 Conflicts vs. Debates
00:49 Sarah’s Question: Assyrian & Chaldean Identity
01:51 Origins of Terms (Assyrian, Chaldean)
03:09 Church Affiliation & Identity
05:05 Imagined Histories & Oneness
06:04 Pierre’s Question: Syriac vs. Assyrian
08:05 Identity Shifts & Historical Trauma
10:09 Patriarch Afram’s Shift (Politics & Survival)
12:01 Assimilation Pressures & Identity Fragmentation
18:55 Framework: Modern Assyrian Identity
20:02 Terminology (Assyrian, Syriac, Chaldean, Aramean)
21:01 East vs. West Syriacs
22:39 Theories of Nationhood (Hobsbawm)
25:29 Primordial Identity Traits
27:26 Subjective Identity & Imagined Community
29:03 Ethnes & Myth of Common Ancestry
30:48 Modernism vs. Constructivism
32:49 Beginning of Aramean Movement
33:40 Rise of Arameanism in Diaspora
35:14 Syriac Church & Aramean Identity Conflict
41:38 Arameanism as a National Project
43:34 Language, Identity & Unity
47:00 Aramaic History Arguments
50:29 Aramean Transnational Identity
52:22 Beginning of Chaldean Identity History
53:07 Keldu / Chaldean Origins in Assyrian Texts
55:05 Biblical & Classical Use of “Chaldean”
56:03 St. Jerome & Chaldean-As-Syriac
58:04 Split in Church of the East (1552)
1:01:06 Decline of Church of the East
1:02:14 Cotanos & Use of “Chaldean Patriarch”
1:03:50 Interchangeability of Suraya / Kaldaya
1:04:22 Tradition: Easterners Descend from Assyrians
1:06:20 Sarhad Jammo’s Role & Identity Shifts
1:09:05 Modern Chaldean Assertions of Separation
1:10:20 Archbishop Faraj Rahho & Christian (Suraya) Identity
1:12:03 Father Michael Bezi – Love of Homeland Poem
1:13:00 Closing

In Class 13 of The Story of Assyria, Rabi Robert DeKelaita examines how Western scholars have challenged the continuity between the ancient Assyrians and their modern descendants. The lecture asks a fundamental question: who owns Assyrian history, and who has the right to define Assyrian identity?

The class opens with Sarah and Pierre reflecting on terms like Assyrian, Syriac, Suraya/Suroyo, and Aturaya, then moves into a detailed critique of modern scholarship. Figures such as John Joseph, Adam Becker, Aaron Butts, Wolfhart Heinrichs, and David Wilmshurst are discussed, especially where they deny continuity or portray modern Assyrians as a “constructed” ethnicity. Rabi Robert contrasts this with linguistic evidence (Syria = Assyria), inscriptions like Çineköy, Syriac sources that explicitly mention “Assyrians,” and enduring practices such as the Rogation of the Ninevites.

Throughout the lecture, the focus is on continuity of language, geography, memory, and religious life in the Assyrian heartland—arguing that modern Assyrians are not inventing an identity from nothing, but reclaiming a historical name and heritage that survived under layers of conquest and suppression.

0:00 Who owns Assyrian history? Introducing tonight’s topic
0:40 Sarah on growing up with Assyrian, Syriac, Suraya, and Syrian
2:10 Diaspora football rivalry in Sweden & identity conflict
4:30 Pierre on “Suraya / Suroyo” as a shared self-designation
7:50 Is “Suraya” derived from “Assyrian”? Linguistic arguments
10:50 Western scholars who deny Assyrian continuity
13:30 Comparing Assyrians with Copts, Jews, Armenians, Kurds, Greeks, Iranians
16:40 Introducing Aaron Butts and the continuity vs. construct debate
20:40 Self-designation, “Syrian” vs “Assyrian,” and the problem of terminology
25:30 Historical memory, geography, and survival under empires
29:30 Missionaries, nationalism, and Assyrian identity: catalyst or cause?
33:10 Ignored evidence: Simo Parpola, oral traditions, Ninevite fast, and more
36:10 Syriac sources that explicitly mention “Assyrians”
39:10 The Ashurbanipal statue in San Francisco & naming controversy
40:40 Rolinger, Herodotus, and why Syria = Assyria
44:10 The Çineköy inscription and the shift from Assur to Sur
48:00 Wolfhart Heinrichs on modern Assyrianism and the name “Assyrian”
52:00 Assyria under Parthians and Sasanians: Assuristan and regional continuity
55:10 Second temple of Ashur, Aramaic inscriptions, and religious continuity
58:10 Late antique/medieval art, monasteries, and Assyrian lineage of saints
1:01:00 “Atur” as the only real homeland name in our language
1:02:10 Closing reflections on continuity, rupture, and Western narratives

In this session of The Story of Assyria, Rabi Robert DeKelaita explores the lives, writings, and cultural impact of Addai Alkhas and John Alkhas—two towering figures of Assyrian literature whose work helped revive national identity in the mid-20th century.

Through their printing house Hunain and their legendary periodical Gilgamesh, they reintroduced ancient Assyrian stories, language, mythology, and imagery to a modern audience. Their efforts tied together Assyria’s ancient past, Christian heritage, and post-genocide identity into a unified cultural vision.

0:00 Introduction
0:10 Why Study Addai Alkhas & John Alkhas
1:30 Origins of the Alkhas Family
3:02 Addai & John Alkhas in Context
4:05 Iran in the 1950s–60s: Modernization & Change
6:03 Assyrians Under the Shah
7:37 Comparing Iran & Iraq
9:01 National Identity Framework (Benedict Anderson)
12:00 The Role of the Church of the East
14:40 Patriarchal Visits to Iran
16:30 Tradition vs History
17:37 Biography of Addai Alkhas
19:06 Founding of the Hunain Press
20:24 Launch of Gilgamesh Magazine
21:32 Biography of John Alkhas
23:54 Early Assyrian Literary Culture
24:49 Reintroducing Ancient Assyrian Imagery
25:54 Themes of Cultural Revival
27:11 Purpose of the Gilgamesh Publication
31:04 Prayer for the Assyrian Nation
33:07 Introducing Ancient Assyrian Festivals
35:42 Ancient Assyrian Creation Myths
38:03 Translation of Ancient Texts into Modern Assyrian
41:05 Descent of Ishtar (First Modern Assyrian Appearance)
43:41 Impact on Modern Assyrian Names & Identity
44:47 Honoring William Daniel
45:12 Short Story Analysis: Bulbala
47:03 Overcoming Denominational Division
49:01 Symbolism in Assyrian Literature
50:29 John Alkhas’ Poetic Themes
52:05 John Alkhas’ Personality & Legacy
55:06 “The Swallow” – Poem Analysis
57:14 Call to Preserve Language & Culture
59:10 Poetic Appeal to Christ
1:00:55 Nimrod Simono on John Alkhas
1:01:46 Hanibal Alkhas' Tribute Poem
1:04:03 Other Works Presented in Gilgamesh
1:05:17 Final Reflections on Addai & John Alkhas
1:06:15 Closing Remarks

In this interview, George Shamoun explores the stories behind his artwork, offering insight into his creative process and the experiences that have defined his artistic career.

In this lecture, we explore the life, works, and enduring impact of Binyamin Arsanis — a foundational figure in modern Assyrian nationalism. From Urmia’s missionary print presses to the formation of the Assyrian Socialist Party, Arsanis helped shape the intellectual, cultural, and political awakening of the Assyrian people in the 20th century.

Class Eleven topics include:
– The literary and nationalist revival in Urmia
– The Urmia Manifesto and Pan-Assyrian unity
– Arsanis’s critique of denominational division
– Founding of the Assyrian Socialist Party
– Proverbs, storytelling, and the call for cultural preservation
– The legacy of Arsanis in modern Assyrian identity

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:50 Who Was Benyamin Arsanis?
03:00 Authenticity and Western Influence
06:00 Language, Culture, and Assyrian Identity
10:00 Urmia and Its Historical Significance
13:00 Missionaries and Early Assyrian Publishing
16:00 Life and Education of Benyamin Arsanis
20:00 His Role in the Russian Orthodox Mission
23:00 Arsanis’s Family and Legacy
26:00 Literary Contributions and Books
30:00 Theoretical Framework – Benedict Anderson
32:00 Modern Assyrian Literature and Urmia's Role
36:00 Publications
38:00 Phases of Assyrian Nationalism
40:00 Formation of the Assyrian Socialist Party
42:00 Urmia Manifesto and Pan-Assyrian Vision
44:00 Arsanis’s Article: "We Are Assyrians"
46:00 Critique of Denominational Division
49:00 The Call for Literary Culture
51:00 Proverbs and Cultural Preservation
53:00 Fall of the Assyrian Kingdom
55:00 Short Stories and Moral Lessons
57:00 Legacy and Final Reflections

📚 Taught by: Rabi Robert DeKelaita
🎙️ Moderated by: Sarah Gawo & Pierre Younan

In this powerful session, we explore the emergence of modern Turkish and Kurdish identities and how they intersect with Assyrian history. From Ottoman reforms to modern revisionism, we examine nationalism, genocide denial, and the lingering impact of orientalist narratives.

What does it mean to be Assyrian in a region reshaped by imperialism, erasure, and myth?

Class Ten topics include:
– Turkic migration and national identity
– The rise of Pan-Turkism and secularism
– Kurdish origin stories and political autonomy
– Simko, Mar Benyamin, and historical memory
– Modern efforts to preserve the Syriac language
– Orientalism, propaganda, and historical revisionism

00:00 Introduction: Turks, Kurds, and Assyrians
01:42 Early Turkic Identity and Migration
03:08 Turkic Linguistic Presence in the Middle East
04:59 Ethnic Composition of Iran and Anatolia
08:04 Rise of Turkish Nationalism
10:35 Tanzimat Reforms and Print Culture
12:53 Pan-Turkism and Ethnic Unification
13:52 The Committee of Union and Progress
15:18 Secularism and Language Reform under Atatürk
16:26 Definitions of Turkishness by Ziya Gökalp
18:13 Three Circles of Turkish Identity
20:13 Modern Turkish Religion and Secularism
20:13 Modern Assyrians in Turkey
22:32 Efforts to Preserve the Syriac Language
23:42 Political Representation and Genocide Recognition
26:03 Disconnect Between Ancient and Modern Assyrians
27:33 Who Are the Kurds?
29:20 Kurdish Territorial Distribution
30:30 Origins of Kurdish National Identity
31:50 Muhammad Amin Zaki Bey and Elite Nationalism
33:03 Early Kurdish Political Sentiments
34:03 Kurdish Autonomy and Badr Khan Bey
36:52 Fall of Kurdish Emirates
37:52 Mehmet Isadi’s Kurdish Historical Claims
39:00 Critique of Isadi’s Anachronism
42:10 Christianity and Kurdish Identity
43:46 Simko and the Assassination of Mar Benyamin
45:54 Modern Glorification of Simko
46:21 Soran Hamarash and Social Media Myths
47:50 Sabriesh's Revisionist Blame on Assyrians
50:13 Ottoman Justifications and Propaganda
52:08 Conclusion: Legitimacy, Identity, and Power

📚 Taught by: Rabi Robert DeKelaita
🎙️ Moderated by: Sarah Gawo & Pierre Younan

Assyrian Art Exhibition — Save the Date!

Featuring the works of George Shamoun

Uncover the beauty of Assyrian heritage through the eyes of renowned artist George Shamoun. His works draw from ancient stories, sculptural traditions, and the enduring resilience of our people.

📅 Sunday, November 16
🕓 4:00 PM
📍 Assyrian Cultural Foundation
4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Have questions? Contact: Finearts@acf-us.org

Join us for an evening of art, history, and community — celebrating Assyrian creativity across generations.

#AssyrianArt #FineArtsExhibition #ACFChicago #AssyrianCulture #AssyrianHeritage #AssyrianArtists

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Assyrian Cultural Foundation

The Assyrian Cultural Foundation (ACF) is a non-profit organization inspired by Assyrian heritage, serving as a bridge between traditions and different generations in the hopes of building a stronger, more connected community through our various programs.

Hours

Mon–Fri: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sat: Closed Saturdays
Sun: Closed Sundays

Support our Fine Arts Program by purchasing artwork using our Fine Art America link. Click Here

Visit Us

Assyrian Cultural Foundation
4343 W. Touhy Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Contact Us

Telephone: (773) 274-9262
Fax: (224)251-7620

General: General@acf-us.org

Art: Finearts@acf-us.org

Music: Music@acf-us.org

Tutoring: Tutoring@acf-us.org

Homecare-CCP-E-mail: info@homecare-aid.com

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