By: Anthony Israil August 7, 2023 Today marks 90 years since the beginning of the Simele Massacre. This slaughter of indigenous Assyrians, resulting in upwards of 6,000 deaths, was just one of five major genocides that this resilient community has been subjected to in modern history. The Simele Massacre was the first campaign undertaken by present-day Iraq, upon gaining sovereignty 90 years ago. The indigenous Assyrians in Simele were targeted by the Iraqi regime with the ho

Cover art by Naï Zakharia Queen Puabi was an enigmatic queen in ancient Sumeria who lived over 4,500 years ago. She was a powerful ruler and priestess who was known for her beauty, intelligence, and influence. Her life and legacy have captured the imaginations of historians, archaeologists, and the public alike, and her story remains as fascinating and intriguing as ever. Queen Puabi was born into a royal family and was raised to be a leader. She was known for her bea

Shamiran carved into mahogany wood by my grandpa, Najib Gulla Queen Shamiran, also known as Shammuramat, was a formidable queen in ancient Mesopotamia who lived during the 9th century BCE. She was the wife of King Shamshi-Adad V of Assyria, and she is best known for her role in expanding the Assyrian Empire and for her legendary status as a warrior queen. According to legend, Queen Shamiran was a fierce warrior who rode into battle alongside her husband, wielding a sword and

As a first-generation Assyrian navigating the diaspora, cultivating friendships with individuals dispersed across the globe can present unique challenges. The Assyrian community boasts a rich history and culture spanning millennia, but for many of us, our families were displaced from our homeland due to strife and persecution, resulting in a widespread Assyrian diaspora. While the diversity and global connectedness of our community are awe-inspiring, it can be arduous to su