Assyrian people Facts for Kids

Where Assyrians live around the world.
more than 500,000 100,000 - 500,000 50,000 - 100,000 10,000 - 50,000 less than 10,000

The Assyrian flag, used since 1968.

Assyrians are an ethnic group with a very long history. They are also known by other names like Syriacs, Chaldeans, and Aramaeans. Their original homeland is in what is now Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria.

Over the last century, many Assyrians have moved to other parts of the world. You can find them in places like the Caucasus region, North America, and Western Europe. Many hundreds of thousands also live in what is called the diaspora. This means they live outside their ancestral lands. You can find these communities in Europe, the former Soviet Union, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Who Are the Assyrians?
- Their Ancient Roots
- Language and Religion
Where Do Assyrians Live Today?
- Communities Around the World
- Keeping Their Culture Alive
Challenges and Resilience
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Images for kids
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Who Are the Assyrians?

Assyrians are a group of people who share a common history, culture, and language. They are one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Their roots go back thousands of years to ancient Assyria, a powerful empire in Mesopotamia.

Their Ancient Roots

The ancient Assyrian Empire was one of the most important civilizations of its time. It existed in the Middle East for over 1,000 years, from about 2500 BC to 600 BC. The Assyrians were known for their strong armies, impressive cities, and beautiful art. They built huge palaces and libraries, like the famous library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. This library held thousands of clay tablets with stories, laws, and scientific knowledge.

Language and Religion

Most Assyrians today speak a modern form of Aramaic. This is one of the oldest continuously spoken languages in the world. It is related to the language that Jesus Christ spoke.

Assyrians are mostly Christians. They belong to several different churches, including the Assyrian Church of the East, the Chaldean Catholic Church, and the Syriac Orthodox Church. Their Christian faith is a very important part of their identity and culture.

Where Do Assyrians Live Today?

While many Assyrians still live in their traditional homelands, a large number have moved away. This movement often happened because of conflicts or difficulties in their home regions.

Communities Around the World

Today, you can find large Assyrian communities in many countries. In the Middle East, they are still present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey. However, many have also settled in countries like Sweden, Germany, Australia, and the United States. These communities work hard to keep their culture, language, and traditions alive.

Keeping Their Culture Alive

Even far from their homeland, Assyrians celebrate their heritage. They have special holidays, traditional music, and unique Assyrian cuisine. Many young Assyrians learn their language and participate in folk dances. These traditions help connect them to their ancestors and to each other, no matter where they live.

Challenges and Resilience

Assyrians have faced many challenges throughout history. They have often been caught in conflicts in the Middle East. Despite these difficulties, they have shown great strength and resilience. They continue to work for peace and to protect their cultural identity. For example, in recent years, Assyrian security forces have helped protect their communities in Iraq.

Many Assyrians also remember difficult times in their history, such as the events of the early 20th century. Memorials, like the one in Yerevan, Armenia, help them remember and honor those who suffered.

Assyrian empire

Images for kids

Part of the Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal, showing King Ashurbanipal hunting lions, from around 645–635 BC.
A map showing the Neo-Assyrian Empire at its largest under Shalmaneser III (dark green) and Esarhaddon (light green).
A map of Asōristān, a region where Assyrians lived between 226 and 637 AD.
The Mor Mattai Monastery (Dayro d-Mor Mattai) in Bartella, Nineveh, Iraq. It is one of the oldest Christian monasteries and has a famous library.
The Assyrian Mar Toma Church in Urmia, Iran.
The Assyrian Church of Our Virgin Lady in Baghdad, Iraq.
Mar Elias (Eliya), a Nestorian bishop from the village of Geogtapa near Urmia, around 1831.
Assyrian troops led by Agha Petros (saluting) with a captured Turkish banner in 1918.
Assyrian refugees moving on a wagon to a new village on the Khabur River in Syria.
Three Assyrian Iraqi Levies who volunteered for the Royal Air Force in 1946. They are Sergeant Macko Shmos, Lance Corporal Adoniyo Odisho, and Corporal Yoseph Odisho.
The Assyrian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia.
Assyrian security forces patrolling the streets of Bakhdida after it was freed from ISIS on October 22, 2016.
A map of an independent Assyria, presented by the Assyro-Chaldean Delegation at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.
An Assyrian child dressed in traditional clothes.
Traditional clothing worn for Assyrian folk dance.
Folk dance at an Assyrian party in Chicago.
Typical Assyrian cuisine.
Mor Hananyo Monastery: An important Syriac Orthodox monastery in Tur Abdin, Turkey.
Mar Assia al-Hakim Church: A Syriac Catholic Church in the Al-Jdayde quarter of Aleppo, Syria.
Rabban Hormizd Monastery: An important monastery of the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Church of the East in Alqosh, Iraq.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows: A Chaldean Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, Iraq.
Saint Mary Church: An ancient Assyrian church located in the city of Urmia, Iran.