Sayfo

The Sayfo, also known as the Assyrian Genocide, refers to the mass slaughter and deportation of Assyrian people by the Ottoman Empire and its allied forces during and after World War I. The term "Sayfo" means "sword" in the Syriac language, symbolizing the brutal nature of the killings. This genocide occurred concurrently with the Armenian Genocide and the Greek Genocide, forming part of the broader campaign of ethnic cleansing carried out by the Ottoman authorities.

Background

The Assyrian people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Middle East, primarily inhabiting regions of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. By the early 20th century, the Assyrians were a minority within the Ottoman Empire, predominantly Christian in a predominantly Muslim empire. Tensions between the Assyrians and the Ottoman authorities had been escalating due to religious and ethnic differences, as well as the rise of Turkish nationalism.

The Genocide

The Sayfo began in 1914, as the Ottoman Empire entered World War I on the side of the Central Powers. The Ottoman government, led by the Committee of Union and Progress, initiated a campaign of extermination against its Christian minorities, whom it suspected of collaborating with the enemy. The Assyrians, along with the Armenians and Greeks, were targeted in this campaign.

The genocide involved mass killings, forced marches, and deportations. Assyrian villages were attacked by Ottoman soldiers, Kurdish tribes, and local militias. Men were often executed, while women and children were subjected to abductions, forced conversions, and sexual violence. Many Assyrians were forced to flee their homes, leading to a significant diaspora.

Aftermath

The Sayfo resulted in the deaths of an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 Assyrians. The genocide had a devastating impact on the Assyrian population, leading to a significant reduction in their numbers and the destruction of their cultural heritage. Many Assyrians sought refuge in neighboring countries, such as Iran and Iraq, where they continued to face persecution.

In the years following the genocide, the Assyrian community has sought recognition and justice for the atrocities committed against them. However, the Sayfo remains less well-known than the Armenian Genocide, and efforts to gain international recognition have been met with challenges.

Recognition

Recognition of the Sayfo as a genocide has been a contentious issue. Some countries and international bodies have acknowledged the events as genocide, while others have not. The Assyrian community continues to advocate for greater awareness and recognition of the Sayfo.

Also see

• Armenian Genocide
• Greek Genocide
• Ottoman Empire
• World War I
• Assyrian people