I wanted to share with you all an interesting trend that I observed back in 2005 regarding the changing trend of Assyrians returning to their homeland in northern Iraq for rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. At the time, I wrote an article emphasizing that the rebuilding efforts were creating new opportunities for Assyrians, particularly those already living in the region. I also urged Assyrians to consider opening their own businesses in the area, which could lead to the creation of a strong local Assyrian economy. However, caution was needed, and I noted that more Assyrians needed to return and live in the region permanently for lasting change to occur.
Today, 18 years later, after the instability caused by terrorist attacks and the ISIS invasion of various cities in Iraq, things are starting to look up again. The restoration of stability and relative peaceful conditions compared to a decade ago, combined with the lifting of COVID travel restrictions, has resulted in an unexpected phenomenon: more and more people are choosing to visit northern Iraq, specifically the homeland of the Assyrians. I personally know close to 15 people, including relatives and friends, who have travelled there recently to take part in the April 1st Assyrian New Year parade, and some are still there and may be staying for months to come. Moreover, I have seen numerous others on my social media feeds from my city who have also made the trip.
But what is driving this phenomenon? The restoration of stability and peace is certainly a major factor, but the virality factor created by social media cannot be ignored. You keep seeing videos and pictures from the homeland, and you can't help but wish you could visit as well. This phenomenon raises several questions about the future of this trend. For instance, will the numbers double in ten years, assuming stability and peace remain unchanged? Will people who visit for a few weeks be willing to invest more than just their time in their homeland? How about supporting the local Assyrian economy by building homes in their ancestral towns and villages or supporting local Assyrian businesses?
If we assume that some 25,000 Assyrians from the diaspora are visiting annually and spending a couple of weeks in the region, that could translate into millions of dollars for the local Assyrian economy. Repeating this each year would help provide a massive economic boost to the region and, ultimately, help Assyrians stay in their homeland. In years past, the Assyrian convention in the U.S was a major event for Assyrians from all over North America and other parts of the world. While the convention will continue to attract people, the new generation is more interested in experiencing their ancestral homeland firsthand.
So, anyone here planning to make the trip back home, whether it is to be part of the Assyrian New Year parade and festivities or just to visit and explore in general? Let's keep this trend going and help create a prosperous future for our community.
ASHOOR
Today, 18 years later, after the instability caused by terrorist attacks and the ISIS invasion of various cities in Iraq, things are starting to look up again. The restoration of stability and relative peaceful conditions compared to a decade ago, combined with the lifting of COVID travel restrictions, has resulted in an unexpected phenomenon: more and more people are choosing to visit northern Iraq, specifically the homeland of the Assyrians. I personally know close to 15 people, including relatives and friends, who have travelled there recently to take part in the April 1st Assyrian New Year parade, and some are still there and may be staying for months to come. Moreover, I have seen numerous others on my social media feeds from my city who have also made the trip.
But what is driving this phenomenon? The restoration of stability and peace is certainly a major factor, but the virality factor created by social media cannot be ignored. You keep seeing videos and pictures from the homeland, and you can't help but wish you could visit as well. This phenomenon raises several questions about the future of this trend. For instance, will the numbers double in ten years, assuming stability and peace remain unchanged? Will people who visit for a few weeks be willing to invest more than just their time in their homeland? How about supporting the local Assyrian economy by building homes in their ancestral towns and villages or supporting local Assyrian businesses?
If we assume that some 25,000 Assyrians from the diaspora are visiting annually and spending a couple of weeks in the region, that could translate into millions of dollars for the local Assyrian economy. Repeating this each year would help provide a massive economic boost to the region and, ultimately, help Assyrians stay in their homeland. In years past, the Assyrian convention in the U.S was a major event for Assyrians from all over North America and other parts of the world. While the convention will continue to attract people, the new generation is more interested in experiencing their ancestral homeland firsthand.
So, anyone here planning to make the trip back home, whether it is to be part of the Assyrian New Year parade and festivities or just to visit and explore in general? Let's keep this trend going and help create a prosperous future for our community.
ASHOOR
just saying.