Unveiling the Ethnonym for All Assyrians
The term "Suraye" originates from the ancient Assyrian word "Aššūrāyu," which referred to the inhabitants of the Assyrian heartland and the empire of Ashur. "Aššūrāyu" was a direct designation used by the Assyrians to describe their people, culture, and land, and over centuries, it evolved into different linguistic forms.
The Aramaic term “Athourayeh,” which also derived from "Aššūrāyu," was adopted in the 12th century BCE, when Assyrian influence spread to Aramaic-speaking regions. The pronunciation "Athourayeh" eventually gave way to "Ashurayeh" and later "Suraye," as the Assyrian language transitioned from Akkadian to Aramaic and continued to be used throughout history. This evolution reflects the natural shifts in language while maintaining a continuous ethnic identity.
The self-designations of modern Syriacs and Assyrians—“Sūryōyō” in Syriac and “Sūrāyā” in Eastern Aramaic—are derived from "Aššūrāyu," underscoring the shared Assyrian roots of these communities. Despite linguistic differences, the term "Suraye" remained a universal expression of Assyrian identity, linking these modern groups to their ancient ancestors.
In contemporary usage, "Suraye" serves as a universal ethnonym for all Assyrians, including those who identify as Chaldeans, Syriacs, and Arameans. It is important to clarify that the term "Suraye" does not signify a religious affiliation or a designation for Christians alone; instead, it is an ethnic term used to refer to the people who descend from the ancient Assyrians.
Historically, Assyrians maintained their identity through various religious transitions, including Christianity. Despite the Christianization of Assyrians in the 1st century AD, the ethnonym "Suraye" has always been linked to their ancient origins and culture, rather than just their religion. It encompasses all branches of the Assyrian people, including those who later identified with different religious denominations like the Chaldean Catholic Church or the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Thus, "Suraye" is a unifying term, representing a collective Assyrian heritage that transcends divisions. It highlights the common history, language, and cultural legacy that all Assyrian people share, regardless of regional or religious differences.
The evolution of the term "Suraye" from its earlier forms—"Aššūrāyu" and "Athourayeh"—illustrates the continuity of Assyrian identity over millennia. As the Assyrian Empire declined following the fall of Nineveh in 612 BCE, the cultural identity of the Assyrians persisted. The shift from Akkadian to Aramaic as the lingua franca in the region influenced the linguistic transformation of the term "Aššūrāyu" to "Athourayeh" and eventually "Suraye."
During the Parthian, Roman, and Byzantine periods, Assyrians continued to refer to themselves as "Suraye." Despite significant political and religious changes, they preserved their ethnic identity, which was reflected in both written and oral traditions. The adoption of Christianity further solidified their identity, although the term "Suraye" never lost its ethnic meaning. While Assyrians embraced the Christian faith, they continued to see themselves as descendants of the ancient Assyrians.
In the modern era, groups that identify as Chaldean or Syriac also use "Suraye" to connect to their ancient Assyrian roots. Whether they speak Eastern or Western dialects of Neo-Aramaic, these groups share a common ethnic origin, which is reflected in the enduring use of "Suraye" as a collective designation for all Assyrians.