History of Assyria and the Assyrian Language and Heritage Key to Folk Music
Where is Assyria? What is Assyrian?
adjective: of or relating to Assyria, its inhabitants, or their language.
noun: a native or an inhabitant of Assyria.
...the dialect of Akkadian spoken in Assyria.
"Assyria, Ancient empire, southwestern Asia. It grew from a small region around Ashur (in modern northern Iraq) to encompass an area stretching from Egypt to Anatolia. Assyria may have originated in the 2nd millennium BC, but it came to power gradually. Its greatest period began in the 9th century BC, when its conquests reached the Mediterranean Sea under Ashurnasirpal II (883–859), and again c. 746–609 BC, during the Neo-Assyrian empire, when it conquered much of the Middle East. Its greatest rulers during the latter period were Tiglath-pileser III, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Ashurbanipal. Famous for their cruelty and fighting prowess, the Assyrians were also monumental builders, as shown by archaeological finds at Nineveh, Ashur, and Calah. The opulence of Ashurbanipal’s court at Nineveh became legendary. Artistically, the Assyrians were particularly noted for their stone bas-reliefs. The kingdom was finally vanquished in 612–609 BC by a coalition of Media and Babylonia (Chaldea)." https://www.britannica.com/place/Assyria
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The name Syria resulted from the Greek mispronunciation of Assyria. In ancient times, Syria included many countries known as ‘Aram’ a term that included Assyria, Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Palestine the entire area spread over Egypt into Arabia, the Tigris and Cilicia. The land of Syria encompasses an immense collection of cultural and historical monuments and over time has been ruled repeatedly by various empires leaving architectural tracks of their power. It is not however the same as ASSYRIA.
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What is Assyria? Explained
Assyria was an ancient empire that existed in the Near East from the 25th century BC to the 7th century AD. The empire was centered in the region that is now modern-day northern Iraq, and it was one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world during its time. Assyria was known for its military power and its expansionist policies. It was also famous for its achievements in architecture, engineering, and the arts, including writing, literature, and music. The empire was characterized by its strong central government, efficient administration, and sophisticated legal and economic systems. In terms of its cultural and religious heritage, Assyria was a melting pot of various ethnic and religious groups, including the Akkadians, Sumerians, Babylonians, and others. The dominant religion in Assyria was the worship of a pantheon of gods, including the chief deity, Ashur, after whom the empire was named. Despite its impressive achievements, the Assyrian Empire eventually declined and was conquered by the Babylonians in the 7th century BC. However, the legacy of Assyria lives on in the art, literature, and cultural traditions of the region, and it remains an important part of the cultural heritage of the Near East. In terms of analysis, it is worth noting that the legacy of the Assyrian Empire has been the subject of much debate and discussion over the centuries, with some historians and scholars viewing it as a model of a successful and advanced civilization, while others have criticized its expansionist policies and military conquests. Regardless of these debates, it is clear that the Assyrian Empire played an important role in shaping the cultural, political, and religious landscape of the Near East, and that its legacy continues to influence the region even to this day.
What is Assyrian? Explained
Assyrian refers to the people, culture, and language of the ancient empire of Assyria, which was located in what is now modern-day northern Iraq. The Assyrian Empire was one of the most powerful and influential empires in the ancient Near East, and its cultural heritage has had a lasting impact on the region and beyond. In terms of language, the Assyrians spoke a dialect of Akkadian, one of the earliest known Semitic languages. Today, there are still communities of speakers of the modern Assyrian language, which is a member of the East Aramaic branch of the Semitic languages. In terms of culture, the Assyrians had a rich and diverse heritage, with influences from various ethnic and religious groups. They were known for their achievements in the arts, including literature, music, and sculpture, and for their contributions to architecture and engineering, including the construction of impressive palaces, temples, and monumental structures. Religiously, the Assyrians practiced a polytheistic religion that centered around the worship of a pantheon of gods, led by the chief deity, Ashur. They also had a rich mythological tradition, and their religious beliefs and practices had a significant impact on the religious beliefs and practices of neighboring cultures. One notable example of the cultural legacy of the Assyrians is the cultural and political influence of their empire on the neighboring Babylonians. The Babylonians adopted many aspects of Assyrian culture, including their language and religious practices, and they continued the Assyrian tradition of monumental architecture and engineering with the construction of the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Another example of the cultural influence of the Assyrians can be seen in the field of archaeology, where the discovery of Assyrian sculptures, reliefs, and inscriptions has shed light on the history and culture of the empire and has contributed to our understanding of the ancient Near East. Overall, the Assyrians have left a lasting legacy in the cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage of the Near East, and their contributions continue to be recognized and studied by scholars and enthusiasts today.
The Assyrian Language
Right to Left Letters of the Assyrian Alphabet
Click any image to enlarge or go to link
VOWELS
Dots changing the sound of the alphabet
Assyrian Church of the East in CHINA
by Martin Palmer Nestorian Monument
Assyrian Church of the East in India
Alah Mrakhmana India Choir
The Assyrian Anthem: 'Salma D'Shoobakhan'
The Assyrian Flag
Design and Meaning of the Assyrian Flag
ASSYRIAN IDENTITY IN ANCIENT TIMES AND TODAY
Simo Parpola, Helsinki
IRAQ AND THE PROBLEM OF THE ASSYRIANS
By Lieut-Colonel R.S. Stafford, D.S.O., M.C.
