Hebrew, Syriac to be taught at Turkish university for first time

23 August 2012 / TODAY'S ZAMAN, ISTANBUL
 

Mardin Artuklu University (MAÜ), which has been tasked with the job of preparing teachers to educate in the Kurdish language, has begun to accept applications for its newly established certificate programs in Hebrew and Syriac.

Anyone interested in applying to the university's Living Languages Institute can do so between Aug. 22 and Sept. 7. Courses will start on Sept. 17 and each level will last three months. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of each level.
Serdar Bedii Omay, the rector of MAÜ, said people in the province are excited due to the fact that Syriac will be taught in the country again after at least 2,000 years.
“We are reviving an ancient culture in a Turkish university. This is an important step,” he said.
Father Gabriel Akyüz from the Kırklar Church of Mardin said the initiative is important for Arameans in Turkey and the region.
“I believe MAÜ will become the university of the Middle East with this initiative,” he said.
In addition, the department of Kurdish language and culture is part of MAÜ's Living Languages Institute. The university will accept 500 postgraduate students into its Kurdish language department for the 2012-2013 academic year. Graduates of the program will be designated Kurdish language teachers.
 todayszaman.com

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PS: An Appeal to the Turkish Government: Permit Syriac language education in the Syrian Orthodox monasteries and churches in Turkey. Remove the prohibition that bars Syriac religious education. Bigotry and racism must be eliminated in Turkey. / Gabriel Rabo