Assyrian ways of life

[Etain]

Some questions I would like to know of and can't find anywhere else.This pertains to Assyrians living in Assyrian homeland.
What is a typical occupation of Assyrians in their villages?  Farmers, traders,herders etc
What do Assyrians do for fun? Sports, music, traditional games?
What is the Assyrian family structure like? Are Assyrians traditional, conservative and patriarchal like other Middle Easterners or are they different?
Do Assyrians live with extended family like grandparents and aunts and uncles or what?

Thank you in advance  for any input

 

[Cascade]

1. The homeland isn't really all farms and bushes. There are business owners, shopkeepers, computer techs, painters, truck drivers, etc and etc.
2. Stereotypically, Assyrians love soccer and theatrical comedy plays. But every Assyrian is a unique individual having their own taste and interests.
3. Again, depends on the family. My family is modern and no different to those next door. We watch TV, go on Facebook, listen to music. We are surely less traditional than our Muslim counterparts, who would still retain some daily rituals like afternoon prayers and fasting. And speaking of fasting, my mother doesn't fast. My father does it once in a blue moon though.
4. Some do. Some don't. My sister lives with her husband's family (his mother and sister). Others live with their partner and children, like a "normal" family. 

One feature that really sets us apart from others is marriage - It is a taboo to live with your partner if you're NOT married to him/her. You must get married in this culture, in order to live with your lover. You would get a bad name if you're having children with someone that you're not married to.

 

[Etain]

1. The homeland isn't really all farms and bushes. There are business owners, shopkeepers, computer techs, painters, truck drivers, etc and etc.
2. Stereotypically, Assyrians love soccer and theatrical comedy plays. But every Assyrian is a unique individual having their own taste and interests.
3. Again, depends on the family. My family is modern and no different to those next door. We watch TV, go on Facebook, listen to music. We are surely less traditional than our Muslim counterparts, who would still retain some daily rituals like afternoon prayers and fasting. And speaking of fasting, my mother doesn't fast. My father does it once in a blue moon though.
4. Some do. Some don't. My sister lives with her husband's family (his mother and sister). Others live with their partner and children, like a "normal" family. 

One feature that really sets us apart from others is marriage - It is a taboo to live with your partner if you're NOT married to him/her. You must get married in this culture, in order to live with your lover. You would get a bad name if you're having children with someone that you're not married to.

Thanks for the info.
I was looking on Juliana Jendo's facebook.She visited Iraq a few months ago, and that was really the best insight I got into how Assyrians live in Iraq.

 

[Cascade]

Thanks for the info.
I was looking on Juliana Jendo's facebook.She visited Iraq a few months ago, and that was really the best insight I got into how Assyrians live in Iraq.

What are your thoughts on other famous Assyrians? Like Linda George for instance?

 

[Etain]

What are your thoughts on other famous Assyrians? Like Linda George for instance?

Linda George is sooooo pretty omg.And of course, a great singer. But no one I like better than Juliana Jendo.I wish more people outside the Assyrian community enjoyed their music.
In all honesty, I think Assyrians need more visibility. I didn't know Andre Agassi was an Assyrian until I looked it up

 

[Cascade]

Linda George is sooooo pretty omg.And of course, a great singer. But no one I like better than Juliana Jendo.I wish more people outside the Assyrian community enjoyed their music.
In all honesty, I think Assyrians need more visibility. I didn't know Andre Agassi was an Assyrian until I looked it up

The guy who was the main character in Amadeus (forgot his name) is half Assyrian. Director Terrence Malick is also half Assyrian. I discovered that they were Assyrian very recently.

 

[Etain]

The guy who was the main character in Amadeus (forgot his name) is half Assyrian. Director Terrence Malick is also half Assyrian. I discovered that they were Assyrian very recently.

That's surprising. Assyrians seem to be often well integrated and successful. I imagine the rare types their ethnic backround is mentioned they just say they're "a Christian from Iraq"

 

[Bronit Omta]

Some questions I would like to know of and can't find anywhere else.This pertains to Assyrians living in Assyrian homeland.
What is a typical occupation of Assyrians in their villages?  Farmers, traders,herders etc
What do Assyrians do for fun? Sports, music, traditional games?
What is the Assyrian family structure like? Are Assyrians traditional, conservative and patriarchal like other Middle Easterners or are they different?
Do Assyrians live with extended family like grandparents and aunts and uncles or what?

Thank you in advance  for any input

My family from both sides (Assyrian in Iran) and (Assyrian from Hakkari) were both farmers.. Assyrians were usually farmers and mountaineers but not anymore.

 

[Cascade]

My family from both sides (Assyrian in Iran) and (Assyrian from Hakkari) were both farmers.. Assyrians were usually farmers and mountaineers but not anymore.

My great-grandparents were bread makers.