SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hesekê – The Syriacs (Assyrians) have a very ancient and rich civilization. Despite all the attacks, they have preserved their cultures, traditions, history, and civilizations. The Fast of Nineveh has been observed in the Church of the East and the Syriac Orthodox Church tradition. In the 7th century, a plague was inflicted in the Persian Kingdom (Iraq). The people thought the plague was a punishment from God due to their sins and ran to the Bishop for guidance. Mar Sabrisho, the metropolitan-bishop of Beit Slokh who was well versed with the story of Jonah and repentance of Ninevites advised the people to fast and ask for God's forgiveness. Since then, the Syriacs have observed the Fast of Nineveh.

The fast lasts three days, three nights

Through the Prophet Jonah, God sent word to the people of Nineveh to repent; however, the Prophet Jonah boarded a ship bound for Tarshish instead of Nineveh. He was thrown overboard to save the ship due to the storm. A huge fish swallowed him and he remained in the belly of the fish for three days. For this reason, the Fast of Nineveh lasts three days and three nights. We spoke to Surma Şimoni living in the village of Til Shamiran, four kilometers to the southwest of Til Temir district in NE Syria about the fast.

They cook poxin

Stating that she has been affected by the ongoing war and clashes in the region, Surme Şimoni told us that the Fast of Nineveh has been observed since the 7^th century. “We cook poxin during the fast. Poxin is our traditional dish. We cook it on special days. Its ingredients are lentils, corn, salt, dry beans, wheat, barley, and seeds. After the three-day fast, we eat this dish.”

They don’t eat meat

Speaking about what can be consumed during the fast, Surme Şimoni said, “Everyone cannot fast for three days so some observe the fast until noon. During the fast, the participants cannot eat animal source foods like meat, milk, yogurt, and eggs. If a girl, on the fourth night of the fast, goes to sleep without speaking after eating this dish and sees her future husband in her dream.”

“We preserve our culture against attacks”

Underlining that they have preserved their culture despite all the attacks on their region, Surme Şimoni said, “Everyone should return to their village. Before, there were 75 families in the village. But now, only I and my son live here. People left the village due to the attacks of ISIS on February 23, 2015. I wish everyone to return to their village.”