'Dream come true': Assyrians from Russia travel to their ancestral homeland

Alla Givargizova, founder of the ZINDA summer camp and the creator of the Khoubba festival in Russia, visited her ancestral homeland to celebrate the Assyrian New Year and promote culture.

Alla Givergisova and the Assyrian Russian group in Nohadra. Credit: Alla Givergizova

Mrs Givargizova, an active member of the Assyrian Association in Krasnodar-Russia, recently travelled to Nohadra (Duhok), Kurdistan region, to participate in Assyrian New Year celebrations.

Mrs Givargizova was part of the Assyrian Russian Association delegation, and, for many of them, it was their first time visiting their ancestral homeland.

The Russian-Assyrian delegation met with H.H Mar Awa III. Credit: Alla Givargizova

Mrs Givargizova expressed her feelings when she set foot on her ancestral land, a place she said she had always dreamt of seeing.

All my life, I (have) dreamt of visiting my ancestral land of Ashur, (and) finally, my dream was fulfilled.

Alla Givergizova

"Being part of the grand rally of peace and harmony was a very overwhelming experience," she said.

She said she couldn't hide her emotions on air when she started talking about the Assyrians living in the region and how humble, loving, and patriotic they were.

Many Assyrians from Russia have visited the homeland for the first time in their lives. Credit: Alla Givergizova

As the founder and organiser of the ZINDA summer camp, Mrs Givargizova has been instrumental in promoting Assyrian language learning, workshops on basic Assyrian history and Assyrian dance among Assyrian children from different reaches of the Russian Federation states.

The summer camp takes place in the village of Urmia in the Krasnodar region.

A memorable visit that Alla Givargizova says she will cherish for the rest of her life. Credit: Alla Givergizova

Mrs Givargizova is also the coordinator and organiser of the Khouyada (unity) festival, held every May in the Village of Urmia.

Thousands of Assyrians from Russia and neighbouring countries participate in many activities, including dance, soccer tournaments, and art exhibitions.

Mrs Givargizova said her recent experience in the homeland had given her so much energy and strength that it pushed her to work harder and longer despite her age.

Her passion for promoting Assyrian culture and language among young generations is commendable, and her contribution to the Assyrian community in Krasnodar-Russia is immeasurable.