Meltha Magazine Online

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2002 May Conference page 14

Modern Priorities in the Assyrian National Identity

Dr. Sargis G. Osipov

A search for an optimal way of the Assyrian nation development is extremely complicated due to its dispersion and fragmentation. It accounts for failures while uniting the Assyrians with the purpose of solving their social and political problems. Efforts undertaken by separate communities can't cover all the problems of Diaspora. It is supposed that for successful existence of the nation it's necessary to pass three stages, and the final and the most important stage can be realized basing on the decision of the whole Nation that feels and knows all its needs in full measure. (Zinda Magazine, act. 8,2001). If one doesn't have stable scientific basis such hopes for the Nation represent just another Utopia.

To seek for a way of further nation development it's essential to realize neatly what negative phenomena may hamper the progress.

These negative phenomena are first of all paternalism, tribalism and assimilation. Exactly in this very succession solemnity of these phenomena is determined.

Paternalism, which has taken deep root in our national mentality influences destructively all constructive forces, deprives the nation of active position and assurance of its power.

Ethno-confessional differences require, first of all, a scientific approach. Priorities for rapprochement of various sub-ethos's and creeds representatives may be defined only by correct logical analysis. All grounds to do this are available; it's only necessary to expound them and inculcate actively in life.

Assimilation comes rather actively, but not in such a dramatic form as it is occasionally presented. Most often such threatening conclusions are based on loss of the language, especially in the West. Though, one should note that mixed inter-ethnic marriages much to a greater extent lead to assimilation. Assimilate first of all is a person who doesn't consider he to be a representative of this ethos even if he speaks the language of this ethos.

The perspective of reviving national self-consciousness is inseparably linked with the whole past history of the nation. Unfortunately, there is no this very common chain, which could join great representatives of the nation, who were at the cradle of civilization, with today's nation, which is wretched, deprived of its home hearth and degrades in its cultural development. It's essential to restore all links of the historical chain, which will allow reestablishing justice, revealing many impostors who appropriated Assyrian achievements, and raising prestige of 1he nation that deserves 1he highest respect. Exactly in this very perspective one should support and realize the project MELAMMU, offered by professor Simo Parpola.