Resilience and faith: Commemorating Assyrian Martyrs Day

Assyrians commemorate the Simele Massacre on 7 August, honouring the victims of 1933 and other atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915. The event reflects on their tragic history and the importance of preserving faith and heritage, with community leaders emphasising justice, resilience, and gratitude for freedom in Australia. The event was organised by the Assyrian Democratic Movement — Sydney.

August 7 is a special day for remembering Assyrian martyrs. Credit: Ninos Emmanuel

Disclamation:

The Sayfo Massacre, committed by the Ottomans in 1915, has been officially recognised by the governments of New South Wales and South Australia. However, the Turkish government has consistently maintained that the deaths of thousands of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks were the result of the aftermath of World War I, attributing the losses to war, famine, and displacement rather than acknowledging them as acts of genocide committed by the Ottomans.