Assyrian Genocide
Quick Summary
The term "Assyrian Genocide" refers to the systematic persecution and mass killing of Assyrians, primarily by the Ottoman government during World War I. This campaign, also known as Sayfo (meaning "sword" in Aramaic), resulted in the deaths of an estimated 250,000 Assyrians.1
The Assyrians are an ethnic group with roots in the ancient Assyrian Empire, primarily residing in parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Their modern identity is deeply tied to their distinct language (Aramaic) and their Christian faith.1
The Assyrian Genocide occurred alongside the Armenian Genocide, with both Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire facing persecution. The violence against Assyrians involved mass abductions, public humiliation, sexual abuse, and death marches, radically reshaping the demographics of the region. Episodes of mass violence and displacement against Assyrians have continued into the 21st century, particularly in Iraq and Syria.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
