Latest news with #SimeleMassacre
Shafaq News
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
92 years on: Kirkuk remembers Simele Massacre against Assyrians
Shafaq News – Kirkuk Kirkuk joined communities around the world on Thursday in commemorating Assyrian Martyrs Day, marking 92 years since the Simele Massacre—one of the earliest mass killings in Iraq's modern history. A minute of silence was observed in front of the Provincial Council building, with participation from civil society activists, religious leaders, and representatives of Iraq's ethnic and religious communities. Angel Shaba, rapporteur of the Provincial Council, told Shafaq News that the remembrance serves as 'a powerful reminder of the Assyrians' suffering and the importance of protecting all components of Iraqi society.' The massacre took place from August 7 to 11, 1933, in Simele town and over sixty surrounding villages in Duhok and Mosul provinces, following political tensions between the Hashemite monarchy and Assyrian leaders who were calling for international guarantees to protect their identity. Led by General Bakr Sidqi, the royal army launched a military campaign that resulted in the killing of more than 600 civilians in Simele alone, while some estimates place the total number of victims at over 3,000 across the surrounding areas. Eyewitness reports from the time described mass executions, the burning of homes, rape, and widespread violence. Assyrians around the world commemorate the tragedy each year on August 7, keeping alive the memory of those lost and reaffirming their historical presence and cultural legacy.
Shafaq News
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani on Simele Massacre: Kurdistan remains a safe haven
Shafaq News – Erbil Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Thursday commemorated the 92nd anniversary of the Simele Massacre, describing it as a genocidal campaign carried out by Iraq's monarchical regime. On X, Barzani paid tribute to the Assyrian civilians killed in 1933 when the Iraqi Army, led by General Bakr Sidqi, launched a violent assault on the town of Semele and over sixty surrounding villages in Duhok and Mosul provinces. While official records document hundreds of deaths, other accounts report more than 3,000 victims. 'On this day of remembrance, we renew our commitment to preserving and advancing a culture of diversity, coexistence, and mutual acceptance,' the president noted, assuring that Kurdistan will 'always remain a homeland and safe haven for everyone.' ئه‌مڕۆ له یادی ٩٢ ساڵه‌ی ڕۆژی شه‌هیدی ئاشووریدا، سڵاو بۆ گیانی قوربانییانی بێتاوانی کۆمه‌ڵکوژیی سێمێل ده‌نێرین که ساڵی ١٩٣٣ له‌گه‌ڵ دانیشتووانی زیاتر له شه‌ست گوندی پارێزگاکانی مووسڵ و دهۆک، بوونه قوربانیی ده‌ستی ده‌سه‌ڵاتی شاهانه‌ی ئه‌وسای عێراق. له‌م یاده‌دا، داکۆکی له… — Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) August 7, 2025
