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St. Mary Assyrian Church of the East - Tell Nasri

St. Mary Assyrian Church of the East was a significant religious and cultural center for the Assyrian Christian community in the village of Tell Nasri, located in the Khabur River valley in northeastern Syria. The church was part of a network of Assyrian Christian villages established in the region during the early 20th century. These villages were inhabited by Assyrians who settled in the area after fleeing persecution in their homelands, particularly during the Assyrian genocide and subsequent conflicts in the Middle East.

St. Mary Assyrian Church of the East, Tell Nasri Location Tell Nasri, Al-Hasakah Governorate, Syria Affiliation Assyrian Church of the East Years of Construction 1997 - 2005 Consecration Date 16 May 2005 Status Destroyed Date of Destruction April 2015 Architectural Style Traditional Assyrian Christian Architecture

Community Role

The church served as a focal point for religious activities, community gatherings, and cultural preservation among the Assyrian population in Tell Nasri and neighbouring villages. It was an important site for celebrating religious ceremonies and maintaining the Assyrian language and traditions​.

Destruction

In February 2015, ISIS launched an attack on Tell Nasri and other Assyrian villages in the Khabur River valley. Many residents fled to safer areas, including Al-Hasakah and Qamishli. In April 2015, ISIS militants destroyed St. Mary Church, marking a significant loss for the local community and highlighting the broader threats to Assyrian heritage in the region.

Post-Destruction

Following the liberation of the area from ISIS, some displaced residents returned to Tell Nasri. However, ongoing conflicts, including Turkish military operations, have continued to affect the region's stability. The village has since hosted internally displaced persons from other conflict-affected areas, leading to demographic changes and tensions over property and land use.

Efforts to Preserve Assyrian Heritage

Various Assyrian organisations and international bodies have been working to support the displaced Assyrian communities and preserve their cultural heritage. These efforts aim to address the challenges faced by Assyrians in reclaiming their homes and maintaining their cultural identity in the face of ongoing instability​.

See also

• Assyrian Church of the East
• Assyrian settlements in Syria
• ISIS destruction of cultural heritage