Assyrian, Christian traditions, Aramaic

Blending wine and Christian traditions in Turkey

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:

Southeast Turkey is home to one of the oldest Christian civilizations in the world. The Assyrians, whose Aramaic language was spoken by Christ, lived in this region and converted to Christianity. But their descendants have found themselves caught up in the decades old conflict between the Turkish government and Kurdish separatists.

As a result, many have fled the region. That's had a disastrous effect on their ancient Christian traditions – for example, winemaking. But as Dorian Jones reports from the town of Midyat, a few families are still producing wine and there's hope that the fortunes of the Assyrian Christians are changing.