Anti-Assyrianism refers to the discrimination, marginalization, and persecution directed against the Assyrian people, an indigenous ethnic group of the Middle East with roots dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. Despite their long history and cultural richness, Assyrians have often faced hostility and efforts to suppress their identity. This article explores the nature of Anti-Assyrianism, its historical context, causes, and its consequences for the Assyrian community.

What Is Anti-Assyrianism?

Anti-Assyrianism is a form of ethnic and cultural prejudice that targets Assyrians based on their ethnicity, language, religion, and heritage. It can take many forms, including:

• Social discrimination and exclusion
• Cultural erasure and denial of identity
• Religious persecution
• Violence and forced displacement
• Political marginalization

This prejudice often overlaps with broader regional conflicts and struggles for land, power, and influence in the Middle East.

Historical Background

Assyrians are descendants of one of the world’s oldest civilizations — Ancient Assyria. Despite this rich heritage, their modern history has been marked by repeated suffering:

• Ottoman Era and the Sayfo (Assyrian Genocide): During World War I, alongside Armenians and Greeks, Assyrians faced mass killings and forced deportations by the Ottoman Empire. This genocide, known as the Sayfo or “Year of the Sword,” decimated the Assyrian population in their ancestral homelands.
• Post-Ottoman Nationalism: The rise of modern nation-states in the Middle East often sidelined minority groups. Assyrians faced pressures to assimilate, displacement from their lands, and denial of political rights.
• Ba’athist Iraq and Arabization: Under Saddam Hussein’s regime, many Assyrians suffered under Arabization policies designed to dilute their presence, confiscate land, and suppress cultural expression.
• Recent Conflicts: The Syrian civil war and the rise of ISIS led to brutal attacks on Assyrian villages and towns, causing new waves of displacement and violence.

Causes of Anti-Assyrianism

Several factors contribute to Anti-Assyrian sentiments:

1. Ethno-Religious Tensions: Assyrians are predominantly Christian in a region with complex religious demographics. This has sometimes made them targets of sectarian violence or discrimination.
2. Territorial Disputes: Assyrians inhabit areas rich in cultural and strategic significance. Competing national and ethnic groups often view Assyrian claims as obstacles to their own territorial ambitions.
3. Political Marginalization: With little political power or representation, Assyrians struggle to protect their rights, making them vulnerable to discrimination.
4. Cultural Ignorance and Stereotypes: Misunderstandings about Assyrian history, religion, and identity can fuel prejudice and exclusion.

Impact on the Assyrian People

The consequences of Anti-Assyrianism are profound:

• Displacement: Millions of Assyrians have been forced to flee their ancestral lands, becoming refugees or part of a widespread diaspora.
• Loss of Cultural Heritage: Attacks on churches, schools, and cultural institutions have threatened the preservation of Assyrian language, religion, and traditions.
• Demographic Decline: Continuous persecution has resulted in a sharp decrease in the Assyrian population within their historic homelands.
• Identity Crisis: Persistent denial and mislabeling — such as using terms like “Nestorian” to describe Assyrians — can undermine their ethnic identity and unity.

Efforts to Combat Anti-Assyrianism

Assyrian communities and international organizations have worked to raise awareness, preserve culture, and advocate for minority rights:

• Promoting education about Assyrian history and culture
• Documenting human rights abuses and genocides
• Seeking political representation and protection under national laws
• Supporting the global Assyrian diaspora in maintaining identity