An Assyrian author revives folktales in a new multilingual book

Assyrian author Bedri Deril was born in the Bohtan region of southeastern Turkey. From an early age, he was deeply influenced by the oral storytelling traditions of his grandmother, who would recount ancient Assyrian folk tales to him and his siblings. These stories, rich with cultural wisdom and ancestral memory, left a lasting impression on him. As he grew older, Bedri recognised the importance of preserving this oral heritage. Motivated by a desire to keep these stories alive for future generations, he set out to collect and document the tales he had memorised in his youth. This effort culminated in the creation of his book, Assyrian Folk Tales, which is now available in both Assyrian (Suret) and various European languages. Currently, Mr. Deril is in Australia promoting the book and sharing his cultural legacy with a wider audience. His work stands as a testament to the resilience of Assyrian storytelling and the enduring power of heritage through language.

Author Bedri Diril Credit: Bedri Deril/Ninos Emmanuel