The Day of Remembrance for Assyrian Martyrs on August 7 reveals a painful page of human history, marked by ethnic violence and systematic persecution. The tragic events of the past continue to provoke deep reflection on the nature of inter-ethnic relations and the protection of minority communities.
The roots of this memory date back to the first decades of the 20th century, when Assyrians became victims of mass repression during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The period between 1915 and 1918 emerges as a key moment when, together with Armenians and Greeks, Assyrians experienced systematic destruction, known as the Sayfo genocide.
Particularly dramatic is the episode from 1933 in the city of Semele, Iraq, when a military operation turned the lives of thousands of innocent people into a nightmare. Over 3,000 people – men, women, and children – were killed, and their homes were destroyed. This act of brutal violence remains a lasting wound in the collective memory of the Assyrian people.
The international community gradually becomes aware of the scale of the crimes committed. The lawyer Raphael Lemkin introduced the concept of "genocide", using precisely the cases of Assyrian and Armenian mass killings as an illustrative example of systematic destruction of an ethnic group.
The modern commemoration of the Day of Remembrance includes various initiatives – from church services to public events, whose goal is to preserve cultural memory. These events are not just a ritual, but a living mechanism for transmitting historical truth and preventing future conflicts.
For Bulgaria, the topic becomes especially relevant due to our rich multi-ethnic history. The memory of Assyrian martyrs reminds us that humanity knows no national borders, and solidarity is a universal moral imperative.
Today is not only a remembrance but also a strong call for understanding, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.