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Assyrians in Syria Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Assyrians in Syria: History, Identity, and Contemporary Issues

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Assyrians in Syria: History, Identity, and Contemporary Issues Study Guide

Historical Roots and Ancient Presence

The name 'Syria' is derived from the ancient Assyrian empire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The etymological derivation of the name 'Syria' from 'Assyria' is supported by historical linguistic analysis.

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Ancient Assyrian cities like Carchemish and Guzana were located in the northeastern part of modern-day Syria.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records confirm the presence of significant ancient Assyrian urban centers, including Carchemish and Guzana, within the northeastern territories of contemporary Syria.

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Assyria continued to exist as a distinct geopolitical entity after the Arab Islamic Conquests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Arab Islamic Conquests in the mid-7th century AD, Assyria ceased to exist as a distinct geopolitical entity.

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The term 'Assyrian' is historically linked to the region now known as Syria.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Syria' itself is etymologically derived from 'Assyria,' establishing a direct historical link between the ancient empire and the modern region.

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During the Neo-Assyrian Empire, modern-day Syria was largely outside Assyrian control.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Neo-Assyrian Empire, significant portions of modern-day Syria were under direct Assyrian control and formed an integral part of the empire.

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The name 'Syria' is believed to have originated from which ancient entity?

Answer: The Assyrian empire

Explanation: The name 'Syria' is etymologically derived from the ancient Assyrian empire.

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Which of the following was an ancient Assyrian city located in the northeastern part of modern-day Syria?

Answer: Guzana

Explanation: Guzana was an important ancient Assyrian city situated in the northeastern region of modern-day Syria.

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What happened to Assyria as a distinct geopolitical entity after the mid-7th century AD?

Answer: It ceased to exist as a distinct geopolitical entity.

Explanation: Following the Arab Islamic Conquests in the mid-7th century AD, Assyria ceased to function as a distinct geopolitical entity.

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Which ancient Mesopotamian empire controlled significant territory that is now part of Syria?

Answer: The Neo-Assyrian Empire

Explanation: The Neo-Assyrian Empire controlled significant territories that now constitute modern-day Syria.

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Identity, Language, and Religious Affiliation

In Syria, Assyrians are exclusively referred to by the name 'Syriacs'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Assyrians in Syria are also known as Syriacs or Arameans, implying that exclusive reference to 'Syriacs' is inaccurate.

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The main language spoken by Assyrians in Syria is Modern Standard Arabic.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Arabic is spoken, the primary Neo-Aramaic language is Sureth, alongside North Mesopotamian Arabic.

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Assyrians in Syria are predominantly adherents of Islam.

Answer: False

Explanation: The majority of Assyrians in Syria adhere to Syriac Christianity.

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In Syria, Assyrian identity is solely based on linguistic and cultural heritage, independent of religious affiliation.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Syria, Assyrian identity is often closely linked to being Christian and belonging to specific Syriac churches, distinguishing it from some Aramean identities.

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Christianity was established among Assyrians in the 10th century AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christianity became established among Assyrians as early as the 1st century AD, with the region becoming a significant center for Eastern Christianity.

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Assyrians in Syria celebrate Assyrian New Year on January 1st.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Assyrian New Year, known as Kha b'Nisan, is celebrated on April 1st, not January 1st.

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The Chaldean Catholic Church and the Syriac Catholic Church represent Catholic Assyrians in Syria.

Answer: True

Explanation: Catholic Assyrians in Syria are primarily represented by adherents of the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Syriac Catholic Church.

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The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Aleppo was established in the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Aleppo was established in 1957.

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The Syriac Catholic Church has only one diocese in Syria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Syriac Catholic Church maintains four dioceses within Syria.

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The patriarchal seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church has always been located in Damascus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The patriarchal seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church was transferred to Damascus in 1959; it was not always located there.

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What are the primary alternative names used for Assyrians in Syria, according to the source?

Answer: Syriacs and Arameans

Explanation: The source indicates that Assyrians in Syria are also referred to as Syriacs and Arameans.

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What is the name of the Neo-Aramaic language spoken by Assyrians in Syria?

Answer: Sureth

Explanation: Sureth is the Neo-Aramaic language spoken by Assyrians in Syria.

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Which Christian denominations are most commonly associated with the Assyrian population in Syria?

Answer: Syriac Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, and Chaldean Catholic

Explanation: The Assyrian population in Syria is predominantly associated with the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Chaldean Catholic Church.

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How is Assyrian identity often linked in Syria, according to the provided text?

Answer: Closely linked to being Christian and belonging to specific Syriac churches

Explanation: In Syria, Assyrian identity is frequently intertwined with Christian faith and affiliation with specific Syriac churches.

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Around what time did Christianity become established among Assyrians, and where did Eastern Christianity develop significantly?

Answer: 1st century AD in Athura (part of ancient Assyria)

Explanation: Christianity was established among Assyrians by the 1st century AD in Athura, which became a crucial region for the development of Eastern Christianity.

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Which Assyrian New Year celebration occurs on April 1st?

Answer: Kha b'Nisan

Explanation: Kha b'Nisan, also known as Ha b'Nison, is the Assyrian New Year celebrated on April 1st.

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Which two churches represent Catholic Assyrians in Syria?

Answer: Chaldean Catholic and Syriac Catholic

Explanation: Catholic Assyrians in Syria are represented by adherents of the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Syriac Catholic Church.

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When was the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Aleppo established?

Answer: 1957

Explanation: The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Aleppo was established in 1957.

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How many dioceses does the Syriac Catholic Church have in Syria?

Answer: Four

Explanation: The Syriac Catholic Church maintains four dioceses within Syria.

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The patriarchal seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church was transferred to which city in 1959?

Answer: Damascus

Explanation: In 1959, the patriarchal seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church was relocated to Damascus.

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Demographics and Migration Patterns

Assyrians primarily reside in the western regions of Syria, such as Damascus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary area of Assyrian residence in Syria is the Al-Hasakah Governorate in the northeast, not western regions like Damascus.

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The estimated Assyrian population in Syria before the civil war was less than 200,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pre-civil war estimates placed the Assyrian population in Syria between 400,000 and 877,000.

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Many Assyrians resettled in Syria during the 1930s and 1940s after fleeing the Hakkari region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following displacement from the Hakkari region in the early 20th century, many Assyrians subsequently resettled in northeastern Syrian villages during the 1930s and 1940s.

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The Simele massacre occurred in Syria, causing Assyrian refugees to flee to Iraq.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Simele massacre occurred in Iraq in 1933, leading to an influx of Assyrian refugees into Syria.

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There are fewer than 10 Assyrian villages along the Khabur River in Syria.

Answer: False

Explanation: Over 30 Assyrian villages are situated along the Khabur River in Syria.

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In the mid-1970s, the estimated number of Syriac Orthodox adherents in Syria was around 150,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: Estimates for the mid-1970s placed the number of Syriac Orthodox adherents in Syria at approximately 82,000.

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According to Professor John Shoup, Assyrians constituted about 10% of Syria's population in 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: Professor John Shoup estimated that Assyrians constituted approximately 4% of Syria's population in 2018.

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Assyrians from Hakkari were displaced by Armenians in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Assyrians from Hakkari were displaced by Ottoman Turks in the early 20th century, not by Armenians.

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Which region is considered the primary area of residence for the majority of Assyrians in Syria?

Answer: The Al-Hasakah Governorate in the northeast

Explanation: The Al-Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria is identified as the primary region of residence for the majority of Assyrians.

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What was the estimated range for the Assyrian population in Syria prior to the civil war?

Answer: 400,000 - 877,000

Explanation: Prior to the Syrian civil war, the estimated Assyrian population in Syria ranged between 400,000 and 877,000 individuals.

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The resettlement of Assyrians in northeastern Syrian villages like Tel Tamer occurred significantly during which period?

Answer: 1930s and 1940s

Explanation: Significant resettlement of Assyrians in northeastern Syrian villages, such as Tel Tamer, took place during the 1930s and 1940s.

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What event in 1933 led to an additional influx of Eastern Assyrian refugees into Syria?

Answer: The Simele massacre in Iraq

Explanation: The Simele massacre in Iraq in 1933 resulted in an additional wave of Eastern Assyrian refugees seeking resettlement in Syria.

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Approximately how many Assyrian villages are located along the Khabur River in Syria?

Answer: Over 30

Explanation: There are over 30 Assyrian villages situated along the Khabur River in Syria.

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What was the estimated number of Syriac Orthodox adherents in Syria in the mid-1970s?

Answer: Approximately 82,000

Explanation: In the mid-1970s, the estimated number of Syriac Orthodox adherents in Syria was approximately 82,000.

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According to Professor John Shoup, what percentage of Syria's population did Assyrians constitute in 2018?

Answer: 4%

Explanation: Professor John Shoup indicated that Assyrians comprised approximately 4% of Syria's population in 2018.

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Political and Social Landscape

Kurdish tribes played no role in the persecution of Assyrians during the Ottoman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Ottoman Empire, Kurdish tribes were reportedly involved in atrocities against Assyrians and cooperated with Ottoman authorities in genocidal campaigns.

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The French Mandate authorities provided preferential treatment to Assyrian refugees in Syria.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the French Mandate, Assyrian refugees received preferential treatment from the authorities, which facilitated their integration and establishment in the region.

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Assyrian leaders sought autonomous status for the Al-Jazira province during the French Mandate.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the French Mandate period, Assyrian leaders actively pursued autonomous status for the Al-Jazira province.

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The Syrian government officially recognizes Assyrians as a distinct ethnic minority with pre-Arab origins.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Syrian Arab Nationalist Baathist government officially designates Assyrians as Arabs, disregarding their distinct pre-Arab ethnic identity and historical origins.

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The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) is the oldest Assyrian political party in Syria.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO), founded in 1957, is recognized as the oldest Assyrian political party in Syria.

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Gabriel Moushe Gawrieh, leader of the ADO, was never imprisoned by the Syrian government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gabriel Moushe Gawrieh, the leader of the ADO, was detained and imprisoned by the Syrian government for two years.

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In November 2015, Assyrian and Armenian organizations praised the PYD for its property policies.

Answer: False

Explanation: In November 2015, Assyrian and Armenian organizations issued a statement protesting the PYD's property policies and accusing them of human rights violations.

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The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) was founded in 1957.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) was established in 1957, making it the oldest Assyrian political party in Syria.

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During the Ottoman Empire, who were reportedly responsible for many atrocities against Assyrians?

Answer: Kurdish tribes

Explanation: During the Ottoman Empire, Kurdish tribes were reportedly responsible for numerous atrocities against Assyrians.

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How did the French Mandate authorities influence the Assyrian population in Syria?

Answer: They offered preferential treatment to Assyrian refugees, aiding their rise in the region.

Explanation: The French Mandate authorities provided preferential treatment to Assyrian refugees, which contributed to their establishment and rise within the region's new urban elite.

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What was the goal of the Assyrian push for autonomy in Al-Jazira province during the French Mandate?

Answer: To gain autonomous status for the province

Explanation: Assyrian leaders sought to achieve autonomous status for the Al-Jazira province during the French Mandate period.

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How does the Syrian Arab Nationalist Baathist government officially classify Assyrians?

Answer: As Arabs

Explanation: The Syrian Arab Nationalist Baathist government officially classifies Assyrians as Arabs, despite their distinct ethnic identity and pre-Arab origins.

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What is the name of the oldest Assyrian political party in Syria, founded in 1957?

Answer: Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO)

Explanation: The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO), established in 1957, is recognized as the oldest Assyrian political party in Syria.

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What human rights violations did Assyrian and Armenian organizations accuse the PYD of in November 2015?

Answer: Expropriation of private property, illegal conscription, and curriculum interference.

Explanation: In November 2015, Assyrian and Armenian organizations accused the PYD of human rights violations, including property expropriation, illegal conscription, and curriculum interference.

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The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) focuses on principles including unity, referred to by what term?

Answer: Hoyodo/Khoyada

Explanation: The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) emphasizes unity, a principle referred to by the term 'Hoyodo/Khoyada'.

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Conflict and Security in the Syrian Civil War

The Gozarto Protection Force (GPF) is a militia aligned with the Syrian Government.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gozarto Protection Force (GPF), also known as Sootoro, is a militia formed in 2012 that operates in alignment with the Syrian Government.

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The Syriac Military Council (MFS) is part of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Answer: False

Explanation: The Syriac Military Council (MFS) is a component of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), not ISIL.

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Sutoro functions as the police wing of the Syriac Military Council (MFS).

Answer: True

Explanation: Sutoro serves as the police and security wing for the Syriac Military Council (MFS) in Assyrian communities.

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Clashes between Sootoro and Asayish forces occurred in Aleppo in early 2016.

Answer: False

Explanation: The clashes between Sootoro and Asayish forces occurred in Qamishli in early 2016, not Aleppo.

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ISIL militants reportedly burned Christian bibles and holy books in Raqqa.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports indicate that ISIL militants engaged in the destruction of Christian religious texts, including bibles and holy books, within Raqqa.

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ISIL abducted over 300 Assyrians from the Khabur valley in February 2015.

Answer: False

Explanation: ISIL abducted 232 Assyrians from the Khabur valley in February 2015, not over 300.

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The ransom demand for the Assyrian hostages kidnapped by ISIL was approximately $10,000 per person.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reported ransom demand for Assyrian hostages kidnapped by ISIL was approximately $100,000 per person, not $10,000.

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The Wusta bombings in Qamishli on December 30, 2015, targeted the Assyrian district.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Wusta bombings in Qamishli on December 30, 2015, occurred in the Assyrian district, resulting in numerous casualties.

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David Jendo, leader of the Khabur Guards, was killed after criticizing the YPG's actions.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Jendo, leader of the Khabur Guards, was assassinated in April 2015, reportedly after voicing criticism of the YPG's conduct.

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The Bethnahrain Women's Protection Forces are the female contingent of the Syriac Military Council (MFS).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bethnahrain Women's Protection Forces serve as the dedicated female brigade within the Syriac Military Council (MFS).

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During ISIL occupation, the Assyrian population in Raqqa increased significantly.

Answer: False

Explanation: During ISIL occupation, the Assyrian population in Raqqa drastically decreased, with only a few families remaining by late 2014.

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The Gozarto Protection Force (GPF) is a militia primarily composed of Assyrians and some Armenians. With which entity is it aligned?

Answer: The Syrian Government

Explanation: The Gozarto Protection Force (GPF), also known as Sootoro, is a militia formed in 2012 that maintains alignment with the Syrian Government.

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The Syriac Military Council (MFS) is a component of which larger umbrella force?

Answer: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

Explanation: The Syriac Military Council (MFS) operates as a component of the broader Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

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What role does Sutoro play in Assyrian communities in northeast Syria?

Answer: It functions as the police wing of the Syriac Military Council.

Explanation: Sutoro functions as the police and security wing of the Syriac Military Council (MFS), responsible for security within Assyrian communities.

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What happened during the clashes between Sootoro and Asayish in Qamishli in early 2016?

Answer: Asayish opened fire on Sootoro forces after a dispute over checkpoints, causing casualties on both sides.

Explanation: In early 2016, clashes occurred in Qamishli when Asayish forces opened fire on Sootoro checkpoints following a dispute, resulting in casualties on both sides.

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What impact did ISIL's occupation have on the Assyrian Christian population in Raqqa by November 2014?

Answer: Only 23 Assyrian and Armenian families remained.

Explanation: By November 2014, ISIL's occupation of Raqqa had drastically reduced the Assyrian Christian population, leaving only 23 Assyrian and Armenian families.

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How many Assyrians were abducted by ISIL from the Khabur valley on February 23, 2015?

Answer: 232

Explanation: On February 23, 2015, ISIL abducted 232 Assyrians from villages in the Khabur valley.

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What was the approximate ransom demand per person for the Assyrian hostages kidnapped by ISIL?

Answer: $100,000

Explanation: The reported ransom demand for each Assyrian hostage kidnapped by ISIL was approximately $100,000.

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The Wusta bombings in Qamishli on December 30, 2015, resulted in how many deaths?

Answer: 16

Explanation: The Wusta bombings in Qamishli on December 30, 2015, resulted in 16 fatalities.

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What happened to David Jendo, the leader of the Khabur Guards, in April 2015?

Answer: He was assassinated after being lured to a meeting.

Explanation: David Jendo, leader of the Khabur Guards, was assassinated in April 2015 after being lured to a meeting.

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What action did ISIL militants reportedly take in Raqqa concerning Christian religious texts?

Answer: They burned Christian bibles and holy books.

Explanation: Reports indicate that ISIL militants burned Christian bibles and holy books in Raqqa.

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What was the outcome for David Jendo and Elias Nasser after their kidnapping and assault in April 2015?

Answer: The alleged attackers were tried, with some receiving prison sentences.

Explanation: Following the kidnapping and assault of David Jendo and Elias Nasser, the alleged attackers were tried, resulting in prison sentences for some individuals.

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Contemporary Governance and Education

Young Syriacs in Syria are primarily leaving due to economic opportunities abroad.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Bishop Jules Boutros, young Syriacs are primarily seeking to leave Syria due to the ongoing war and the burden of military service.

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The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has decreased Assyrian inclusion in governance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The AANES has led to increased Assyrian inclusion in governance, partly due to reduced political repression and the participation of Assyrian political and military groups.

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Syriac has been taught in public schools in the AANES region since the 2016/17 academic year.

Answer: True

Explanation: Since the 2016/17 academic year, Syriac has been integrated into the curriculum of public schools within the AANES region.

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Assyrians generally accept the curriculum used in Kurdish-administered schools.

Answer: False

Explanation: Many Assyrians reject the curriculum used in Kurdish-administered schools, viewing it as ideologically driven and lacking external accreditation.

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The Syriac Union Party (SUP) is part of the governing coalition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Syriac Union Party (SUP) holds a position within the governing coalition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).

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According to Bishop Jules Boutros, what is a primary reason young Syriacs are trying to leave Syria?

Answer: The ongoing war and the burden of military service

Explanation: Bishop Jules Boutros indicates that the ongoing war and the significant burden of military service are primary drivers for young Syriacs seeking to leave Syria.

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How has the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) affected Assyrian inclusion?

Answer: It has led to decreased political repression and greater inclusion.

Explanation: The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has fostered greater Assyrian inclusion in governance, partly due to reduced political repression.

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What is the status of Syriac language education in the AANES region since the 2016/17 academic year?

Answer: It is taught in public schools and is an official language.

Explanation: Since the 2016/17 academic year, Syriac has been taught in public schools within the AANES region and is recognized as an official language.

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What accusation has been made against the Kurdish-led administration regarding Assyrian schools?

Answer: They have been accused of closing down 14 Assyrian schools that refused to adopt their curriculum.

Explanation: The Kurdish-led administration has been accused of closing 14 Assyrian schools that declined to adopt its curriculum.

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Which entity has been accused of using Assyrian proxy forces like Sutoro to intimidate critics?

Answer: Kurdish authorities (PYD)

Explanation: Kurdish authorities (PYD) have been accused of utilizing Assyrian proxy forces, such as Sutoro, to intimidate and suppress Assyrian dissenters.

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