Let Them Not Return: Sayfo - The Genocide Against the Assyrian, Syriac, and Chaldean Christians in the Ottoman Empire

The mass killing of Ottoman Armenians is widely recognized as an act of genocide, but less well known is that it took place within a broader context of Ottoman violence against minority groups during and after the First World War. This volume is the first scholarly edited collection focused on the Assyrian genocide, presenting historical, psychological, anthropological, and political perspectives that shed light on a neglected historical atrocity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 274 pages
\n Publication date: 31 December 2018
\n Publisher: Berghahn Books
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The mass killing of Ottoman Armenians is widely acknowledged as an act of genocide, both within and outside academic circles. However, it is less well known that this genocide occurred within a broader context of Ottoman violence against minority groups during and after the First World War. Among the populations that suffered significant losses were the indigenous Christian Assyrians, also known as Syriacs or Chaldeans, who resided in the borderlands of present-day Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. This volume is the first scholarly edited collection dedicated to the Assyrian genocide, known as "Sayfo" (literally, "sword" in Aramaic), offering a comprehensive range of historical, psychological, anthropological, and political perspectives that shed valuable light on a historically overlooked tragic event.

The Ottoman Empire's treatment of its Armenian population during the First World War is a dark chapter in history. In 1915, the Empire launched a campaign of mass murder, deportation, and forced assimilation that resulted in the deaths of over 1.5 million Armenians. The genocide was carried out with the full support of the Ottoman government, including its military and political leadership.

The reasons for the Armenian genocide are complex and multifaceted. Some scholars argue that it was driven by political and territorial ambitions, while others suggest that it was fueled by religious and ethnic hatred. The Empire's desire to expand its territory and control over its neighboring regions, particularly in the Middle East, is believed to have played a significant role in the genocide.

The Armenian genocide was not limited to the Ottoman Empire. Other countries, such as Germany and Austria-Hungary, also participated in the genocide or supported it. These countries, which were competing for power and influence in the region, saw the Armenian population as a threat to their interests.

The aftermath of the Armenian genocide was devastating. The survivors faced widespread discrimination, poverty, and displacement. Many Armenians were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The trauma of the genocide has had a lasting impact on the Armenian community, and it continues to be a source of pain and trauma for generations to come.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the Armenian genocide and an increased effort to commemorate and honor the victims. The United Nations has declared the Armenian genocide a genocide, and many countries have recognized it as such. There have also been numerous academic studies, documentaries, and films that have shed light on the genocide and its impact on the Armenian community.

Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the memory of the Armenian genocide is not forgotten. The Turkish government has yet to fully acknowledge the genocide and has made efforts to downplay its significance. This has led to tensions between the Armenian community and the Turkish government, and it has hindered efforts to promote reconciliation and healing.

In conclusion, the mass killing of Ottoman Armenians is widely recognized as an act of genocide, and it is important to understand its historical context and its impact on the Armenian community. The genocide was not limited to the Ottoman Empire but was also supported by other countries, and it has had a lasting impact on the Armenian community. It is essential to continue to commemorate and honor the victims of the genocide and to work towards promoting reconciliation and healing between the Armenian and Turkish communities.

\n Weight: 402g\n
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781789200515\n \n