RONÎDA HACÎ

Hasakah- The Akitu Festival has been celebrated every year on the first day of April since 4750 BC by Assyrians, Chaldeans, Nestorians, Arameans, and Maronites. This festival is also celebrated by the people of Beyn Nahren for more than 6770 years. The celebration of the Akitu, which means new life, dates back to the Sumerian and Babylonian periods. Assyrians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans haven’t given up their historical values although they have faced many massacres until now. Rîma Merşo, a board member of the Syriac (Assyrian) Women's Union Assembly, spoke to NuJINHA about the Akitu Festival.

“It is a day of resistance”

Wishing a happy Akitu Festival to all people living in the region, Rîma Merşo said, “April 1 is the Akitu Festival being celebrated every year in spring as the new year of Assyrians and Chaldeans. Spring festivals were celebrated as mythological rituals in the Mesopotamian region between 21 March and 1 April. We can say that the March 21 (Newroz) and April 1(Akitu Festival) are holy days, and the days of resistance for the people of the region.”

“A historical heritage”

Stating that Akitu Festival is celebrated with the participation of all peoples of the region, Rîma Merşo said, “The North and East Syria has a rich cultural and religious diversity and has an important historical heritage in terms of coexistence. Akitu is an ancient festival of the Assyrian people, and all peoples living the North and East Syria are also proud of it. Most interestingly, we see that the Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, and Chaldeans celebrate the festival together every year. We also attend the celebrations for Newroz with enthusiasm and excitement. This shows how people live together. With this spirit, the peoples of the region will strengthen their struggle against the plans and the invaders in the region.

“The unity of the peoples is a good response to the ruling forces”

Drawing attention to the resistance of the people, Rîma Merşo said, “We can celebrate the Akitu Festival thanks to the martyrs. They defended their lands in order to build a dignified, free and equal life. The blood of Kurds, Arabs, and Assyrians was one. We bow respectfully before the martyrs. They fought for us to live freely and celebrate the Akitu Festival. The Akitu Festival should unite all of us. We must build a democratic and pluralistic Syria. Our unity and solidarity will repel all attacks against us. The presence of people from every religion in the Newroz and Akitu celebrations is a good response to the ruling forces.”