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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.

Assyrian Cultural Foundation
Assyrian History Class #22: The First World War and the Assyrians Taught by: Robert DeKelaita This session will discuss: The First World War not only brought death and ruin to the Assyrian people and transformed their demographic and geographic structure, forever changing Assyrian culture, traditions, and outlook on collective life. In this class, we study what brought about the First World War, its impact on the Assyrians, and the efforts Assyrians undertook to stem the devastation 00:00:00 - Aftermath of the Bedr Khan and Nurallah massacres and the restoration of the Assyrian villages in Hakkari. 00:10:25 - Erupting conflicts and Assyrian church divisions. 00:24:47 - The 3 Ottoman wars and the beginning of World War I. 00:28:36 - Assyrians in the midst of World War I. 00:40:43 - The Russians and the Ottomans. 00:52:53 - The leading Assyrians and the assassination of Mar Benyamin Shimun. 01:02:33 - The Assyrian Repatriation Plan of 1920, its outcome, and its lingering effects. To register please visit the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcumurT8rG9dK_BF4B6VmKE8Kr6oYS-FY?fbclid=IwAR0gSTyIceg7xr7816l2yQPM9V976UP4qiSgwZ0Ru1p5Y5IdGVE0lWjmzoo For additional questions email our History Instructor, Robert, below: robert.dekelaita@acf-us.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
Assyrian History Class #22 The First World War and the Assyrians
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLjQ1YmE1RDhCd1R3
Assyrian History Class #21: The Bedr Khan and Nurallah massacres of Hakkari Assyrians Part II Taught by: Robert DeKelaita This session will discuss: In the early 1800s, the Assyrian tribes of the Hakkari were considered invincible by Western travelers and by the Kurdish tribes that were their neighbors. The missionaries Eli Smith and H.G.O. Dwight reported that a British envoy observed that “the [Assyrians] are by far the most powerful people of [Hakkari], that they are much feared by the Kurds, and will perhaps, before many years, be left by them in undivided possession of the country. He entertained a high opinion of their character.” (Smith and Dwight, Researches, 1833). C. James Rich, observed that “…the only Christians in the East who have maintained their independence against the [Muslims], to whom they have rendered themselves very formidable ...” are the Assyrians. “The men are all remarkable for strength, size, and bravery,” he wrote, “and it is said to be less safe to pass among them than through the [Muslim] tribes…” (C. James Rich, 1836) Tragically, this invincibility came apart during the years of 1843 and 1846, as the Kurdish emirs Bedr Khan (of Bohtan) and Nurallah (of Hakkari) were able to divide the Assyrians and then attack them, massacring thousands in the mountains. These tragic events were monumental not only because of the loss of life, but resulted in the transformation of relations between the Assyrians and their neighbors, and set the scene for future calamities. 00:00:00 - Review. 00:12:33 - A look into 1835 to 1840. 00:30:01 - Ottomans and Kurds unite and the Assyrian Patriarch speaks out. 00:49:24 - Seeking alliances and the division between the Assyrians. 01:00:42 - Assyrian bravery. In the next two classes, we will look carefully at the events and personalities that led to this Assyrian catastrophe. Register to attend below or visit our Linktree link in our bio: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcumurT8rG9dK_BF4B6VmKE8Kr6oYS-FY?fbclid=IwAR0gSTyIceg7xr7816l2yQPM9V976UP4qiSgwZ0Ru1p5Y5IdGVE0lWjmzoo Photo: Assyrian warriors of the Lower Tyari (cir. 1910) For additional questions email our History Instructor, Robert, below: robert.dekelaita@acf-us.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
Assyrian History Class #21 The Bedr Khan and Nurallah Massacres of Hakkari II
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLkk3eHdWejc0Nm9j
The 1910s were a tumultuous time for the Assyrian community. Genocide forced families to scatter across the world. The documentary, Paths of Fate, follows the many winding journeys Assyrians took to live in sanctuary. The Assyrian Cultural Foundation is honored to announce Paths of Fate will be available for viewing on our YouTube Channel on Sunday, February 26th at 12:00 pm (CST). Join us to learn more about this crucial point in Assyrian history. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
Paths of Fate
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLlRDQVYwZy1YaG0w
Assyrian History Class #20: Organizational structures of the Assyrians 1800-1850 Taught by: Robert DeKelaita This session will discuss: In the early 1800s, the Assyrian tribes of the Hakkari were considered invincible by Western travelers and by the Kurdish tribes that were their neighbors. The missionaries Eli Smith and H.G.O. Dwight reported that a British envoy observed that “the [Assyrians] are by far the most powerful people of [Hakkari], that they are much feared by the Kurds, and will perhaps, before many years, be left by them in undivided possession of the country. He entertained a high opinion of their character.” (Smith and Dwight, Researches, 1833). C. James Rich, observed that “…the only Christians in the East who have maintained their independence against the [Muslims], to whom they have rendered themselves very formidable ...” are the Assyrians. “The men are all remarkable for strength, size, and bravery,” he wrote, “and it is said to be less safe to pass among them than through the [Muslim] tribes…” (C. James Rich, 1836) Tragically, this invincibility came apart during the years of 1843 and 1846, as the Kurdish emirs Bedr Khan (of Bohtan) and Nurallah (of Hakkari) were able to divide the Assyrians and then attack them, massacring thousands in the mountains. These tragic events were monumental not only because of the loss of life, but resulted in the transformation of relations between the Assyrians and their neighbors, and set the scene for future calamities. 00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:04:03 - Assyrian demography and the conflicts between regional powers. 00:13:08 - More on the European powers and Russian and Ottoman interests 00:24:39 - Bedir Khan and Nurallah of Hakkari. 00:32:41 - Assyrian power, religious figures and arising tensions. In the next two classes, we will look carefully at the events and personalities that led to this Assyrian catastrophe. To register please visit the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcumurT8rG9dK_BF4B6VmKE8Kr6oYS-FY?fbclid=IwAR0gSTyIceg7xr7816l2yQPM9V976UP4qiSgwZ0Ru1p5Y5IdGVE0lWjmzoo For additional questions email our History Instructor, Robert, below: robert.dekelaita@acf-us.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
Assyrian History Class #20: The Bedr Khan and Nurallah massacres of Hakkari Assyrians Part I
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLmNUTFFveGhUYlA4
Thank you so much to all who attended our Valentine’s dinner. It was our great pleasure to spend the evening together enjoying delicious food, beautiful music, and the wonderful company of one another. We are thrilled to be back in person celebrating life together.
2023 Assyrian Cultural Foundation Valentine's Day Event
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLlI2ajZRQTBIQjdJ
The Assyrian Cultural Foundation is proud to present our latest Fine Arts Interview featuring the extraordinary works of renowned Assyrian poet and artist Marina Benjamin, joined by fellow poet Ninos Nerari. Marina's masterful fusion of poetry and painting captures the essence of her experiences as an Assyrian woman, and this year marks her first time competing in the Assyrian International Art Competition. Through her captivating artwork, Marina shares the heart-wrenching story of the Assyrian diaspora, including her piece "The Nest," which depicts the anguish of being exiled from one's homeland. The accompanying poem of the same name concludes with the following lines: "Above me an eagle screeched, stripping me of my feathers, he turned and landed his gaze upon the fallen nest. There lay the last feather, a single remnant of what was. Swooping down, the eagle perched over the nest and blew the feather away." Join us in celebrating the unique voice and vision of Marina Benjamin, an inspiring and powerful voice in modern Assyrian art.
Marina Benjamin and Ninos Nirari: The Nest
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLk92a1Z2UHdINDN3
Assyrian History Class #19: Organizational structures of the Assyrians 1800-1850 Taught by: Robert DeKelaita This session will discuss: What was the official status of the Assyrian ‘Ashirat’ tribes who were considered independent by many Western travelers, and how was their status different from those Assyrians who were ‘rayats’ (under the jurisdictions of Aghas and Amirs)? In this class, we explore how the various Assyrian populations were perceived by Ottomans, Kurds, and Western travelers, what their culture and customs were like, and how they perceived their own present existence and future. 00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:05:55 - “Ties” to the West 00:14:54 - Oppression in Urmi and Isabella Bird 00:19:40 - Geographic/Architectural features of the tribes, and the political situation 00:35:30 - The Patriarch’s role and the living conditions of the Assyrians 00:55:46 - A culture clash To register please visit the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcumurT8rG9dK_BF4B6VmKE8Kr6oYS-FY?fbclid=IwAR0gSTyIceg7xr7816l2yQPM9V976UP4qiSgwZ0Ru1p5Y5IdGVE0lWjmzoo For additional questions email our History Instructor, Robert, below: robert.dekelaita@acf-us.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
Assyrian History Class #19: The ‘Independent’ Assyrian tribes
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLk1pcENfdzNpcktV
The Assyrian Cultural Foundation is proud to once again launch our esteemed Scholarship Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering the next generation of Assyrian students. This program is an opportunity for the Assyrian community to invest in the education and success of our youth, providing them with the tools they need to achieve their academic aspirations. Our Scholarship Program is designed to reward and incentivize excellence, with awards ranging from: • Associates Degree: $1000 • Bachelor's Degree: $1500 • Masters's Degree: $2000 • Professional Post Graduate: $2500 To be eligible for this program, students must be Assyrian, provide a copy of their transcripts, and answer short essay questions. As we celebrate the achievements of our students, the Assyrian Cultural Foundation recognizes the importance of providing a supportive and inclusive environment for their growth. That is why we are honored to once again offer this program, giving our students the resources they need to flourish and succeed. This Scholarship only applies to residents of Illinois For any questions or further information regarding the scholarship please email: Scholarships@acf-us.org Stay tuned for more information and browse our website down below: www.auaf.us ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
2023 Assyrian Cultural Foundation Student Scholarship
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLi1qa0hJYlp6VWdR
Assyrian History Class #18: Organizational structures of the Assyrians 1800-1850 Taught by: Robert DeKelaita This session will discuss: How were the Assyrians organized in their villages and towns across the Tur Abdin, the Hakkari, Urmia, Salamas, Solduz, and the Nineveh Plain? This class explores the setting of the Assyrian people and their demographic, geographic, religious, and political setting and is a critical prelude to the classes to come on the conflicts of the Bedr Khan and Nurallah massacres and the genocide of the First World War. 00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:00:51 - How the Assyrians were organized. 00:23:58 - The Ashirat Tribes. 00:32:01 - The rule of church leaders. 00:41:37 - More on the Ashirat Tribes and the Tyari-Tkhuma War of 1815. 01:02:51 - Conflicts and the Assyrian demography. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACFChicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acfchicago/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACFChicago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assyrianculturalfoundation
Assyrian History Class #18: Organizational structures of the Assyrians 1800-1850
YouTube Video VVVCZS1iREN2dEZLZEdQWm9RV2xjZUFRLkY4SkxVRi1NS0Fj
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