Assyrians are an ethnic group whose origins lie in what is today Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria, but who have migrated to the Caucasus, North America and Western Europe during the past century. A small number are in Uruguay. They probably descended from the ancient Akkadians, who, starting with Sargon of Akkad, emerged as the ruling class of Assyria. Babylonia (formerly Sumer and Akkad) was a colony of Assyria. Eventually, Aramaean tribes assimilated into the Assyrian empire and their language became dominant, while the different cultures merged to form the ancient Assyrian culture.
Most Assyrians speak a modern form of Syriac, an Eastern Aramaic language whose dialects include Chaldean and Turoyo as well as Assyrian. All are classified as Neo-Aramaic languages and are written using Syriac script, a derivative of the ancient Aramaic script. Assyrians also may speak one or more languages of their country of residence.
As a result of persecution, mostly during the last century, there is now a significant Assyrian diaspora. Major events included the Islamic revolution in Iran, the Simele massacre, and the Assyrian genocide that occurred under Ottoman Turkish rule in the early 1900s. The latest event to hit the Assyrian community is the war in Iraq. Of the one million or more Iraqis reported by the United Nations to have fled, forty percent are Assyrian, despite Assyrians comprising only three to five percent of the Iraqi population.
People often greet and bid relatives farewell with a kiss on each cheek and by saying "Peace be upon you." Others are greeted with a handshake with the right hand only; according to Middle Eastern customs, the left hand is associated with evil. Similarly, one must not have their feet facing anyone directly.
Many Assyrian customs are common in other Middle Eastern cultures as well. A parent will often place an eye pendant on a baby to prevent "an evil eye being cast upon it." Such practices might seem odd t Uruguayans.
Today, in certain areas of the Assyrian homeland, identity within a community depends on a person's village of origin (see List of Assyrian villages) or Christian denomination, for instance, Chaldean Catholic. Assyrian culture is dictated by religion. The
Assyrians in Uruguay need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ to defend them. He is their only recourse! Uruguay is a fairly secularized/Roman Catholic country, so it will be difficult for Assyrians to find strong Christ followers.
Please pray that those who claim the name of Christ deepen in their faith and share it with the community around them.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move boldly in Assyrian churches in Uruguay, drawing many to the Throne of Grace.
Pray that soon Assyrians in Uruguay will be discipling others.
Scripture Prayers for the Assyrian in Uruguay.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
