Anti-Assyrian sentiment

Anti-Assyrian Sentiment

Anti-Assyrian sentiment, also known as Assyrophobia, refers to hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against the Assyrian people, an ethnic group indigenous to the Middle East. This sentiment has historical roots and continues to manifest in various forms, including cultural suppression, violence, and political marginalization.

Historical Background

The Assyrians are an ancient ethnic group with a history dating back to the Assyrian Empire, which was one of the major Mesopotamian kingdoms. Following the fall of the empire, Assyrians have faced numerous challenges, including forced conversions, massacres, and displacement.

Ottoman Empire

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Assyrians, along with Armenians and Greeks, were subjected to massacres and forced deportations by the Ottoman Empire. The most notable of these events was the Assyrian Genocide during World War I, where hundreds of thousands of Assyrians were killed.

Modern Era

In the modern era, Assyrians have faced discrimination and violence in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. The rise of nationalist movements and the establishment of nation-states in the Middle East often marginalized ethnic minorities, including the Assyrians.

Forms of Anti-Assyrian Sentiment

Anti-Assyrian sentiment can manifest in various forms, including:

• Cultural Suppression: Efforts to suppress the Assyrian language, culture, and religious practices.
• Political Marginalization: Exclusion from political processes and denial of rights.
• Violence and Persecution: Attacks on Assyrian communities, churches, and individuals.

Notable Incidents

• Simele Massacre (1933): A massacre of Assyrians in Iraq by the Iraqi army, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of Assyrians.
• ISIS Attacks (2014-2017): The Islamic State targeted Assyrian communities in Iraq and Syria, leading to mass displacement and destruction of cultural heritage.

Current Situation

Today, Assyrians continue to face challenges in their native regions. Many have emigrated to Western countries, forming diaspora communities. Efforts to preserve Assyrian culture and history are ongoing, with organizations advocating for the rights and recognition of Assyrians.

Also see

• Assyrian Genocide
• Assyrian people
• Persecution of Christians in the Middle East
• Ethnic cleansing

Template:Middle Eastern history