The ACSYA Inc. Hosts Inaugural Assyrian Cultural Awareness Workshop

The importance of having an open workshop to spread the knowledge about the distinguished Assyrian cultural and historical heritage.

The first ever Assyrian Cultural Awareness Workshop was hosted by the Assyrian Cultural & Social Youth Association Inc. (ACSYA) in Sydney, Australia on Sunday, July 10, 2022, and was sponsored by the Assyrian Sports and Cultural Club. The aim of the workshop was to educate and enlighten the attendees about the Assyrian history and culture from an indigenous perspective, and to give them an insight into the genuine Assyrian costumes as displayed on mannequins.

At the outset of the programme, participants were given information kits consisting of supplementary materials and background readings for the day. Traditional dresses from the Assyrian costumes collection were also on display for viewing. During this session, we discussed a variety of topics, including a brief overview for the common historical background of the Assyrian communities in Australia, a glimpse on their ancient homeland, language, heritage, traditions, folklore as well as the social aspects of Assyrian people’s life in diaspora.

Stella Kina, a member of ACSYA Inc. Executive Board, emphasized the significance of preserving the physical/perceptible and moral elements of the Assyrian cultural legacy and she stressed on the role of youth in improving our society. Stephanie Basdekis, an ACSYA Inc. Executive Board member in Victoria, later discussed the importance of diaspora groups in preserving links to their ancestors homelands. Lastly, Shamiram Melody Yalda, an ACSYA communication team member, spoke on culture and volunteerism from the point of view of a refugee experience.

The participants were not only given the opportunity to expand their knowledge about Assyria and its rich vivid culture, however, they were encouraged to taste and enjoy the traditional Assyrian cuisine (entrée, main dishes, and dessert), which were available to both vegan and non-vegan participants.

“I felt like a wakeup call and reminder that we the Assyrian youth have been entrusted with the task of preserving this rich heritage and it is our duty to protect, preserve and exhibit this heritage” Sydney Karampour highlights.

“The value of these workshops is the possibility to raise awareness of Assyrian culture, tradition and heritage not only for the Assyrian people but more importantly, to non-Assyrians. They contribute to the cultural awareness by spotting light on the undisclosed and forgotten aspects of Assyrians and at the same time correcting mis-conceptions commonly held about Assyrian culture” Karampour added.

An ACSYA volunteer, Stephanie Kina also depicted the importance of such workshops as she states, “Seeing traditional dresses from our homeland and from different villages have evoked new thoughts about our rich Assyrian culture. Volunteering in the event was a contextual form of my cultural identity as events like these could strengthen our community connections and revive our historic customs.”

Lastly, Simon Shahin emphasised his views on the workshop and indicated “Bringing the audience to such enriching events is rewarding, as it encourages learning about the history and heritage of Assyrians, which is beneficial to the local community and beyond.”

In the afternoon, participants gathered for a focused session to collaborate on a strategic plan for the organization's future endeavours. Participants were able to interact with the session's leaders and formulate a plan that includes ways for organising and implementing successful public awareness campaign, advocating for change, and educating the public about the Assyrian culture and history.

The event thus allowed for an inclusive social and networking opportunities for its attendees in the form of keynote speeches and group activities.