FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Netherlands
Address
Brammelobrink 23Country
City
EnschedeProvince
OverijsselMobile Phone
+31650692361Telephone
0650692361Website
Click HereYear of Establishment
2023Contact Person1
Marcus YalcinJob Title 1
SecretaryContact Person 2
Marouge YalcinJob Title 2
PresidentOrganisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit FoundationFields of Activity
Heritage, ResearchGeneral Information
The longing of the Syriac nation living in the diaspora for their historical homeland, Tur Abdin, has grown significantly in recent years. Many are returning, renovating and rebuilding their homes, and even starting businesses to strengthen their connection to their ancestral land. Some have even completed a re-immigration process.
We, the Yalçın family (in Syriac: be Shao), have deep ancestral roots in the historic and beautiful village of Anıtlı (in Syriac: Hah), in the district of Midyat, Mardin Province, Turkey. Our family has recently taken an initiative and launched a socio-cultural project that can benefit both the local Syriac community as well as Syriacs in the diaspora and the international community.
We are proud to announce the establishment of the BE SHAO SYRIAC FOUNDATION: an initiative dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of the rich history, language, and traditions of the Syriac people among new generations.
Our foundation is rooted in the historic village of Hah (Anıtlı) in Tur Abdin and was born out of a desire to protect and make accessible the unique culture of the Syriac people for current and future generations. That is why, on August 27, 2023, the BE SHAO Syriac Library was officially opened in Hah.
Hah is a village renowned for its monumental history and beauty. The Church of the Virgin Mary (Yoldath Aloho) has been on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List since 2021, and the village was included in the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s program in 2022.
Through this foundation, we aim to make a lasting contribution to the preservation of Syriac culture and heritage. We dedicate this mission to the memory of our beloved mother, like so many mothers who play an essential role in passing on the Syriac culture to new generations.
The BE SHAO SYRIAC FOUNDATION is officially recognized in the Netherlands as a Cultural ANBI (Public Benefit Organization). This means that donations are tax-deductible for both individuals and businesses. Your support helps create a lasting impact on the Syriac community.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of the foundation is to provide financial support to individuals dedicated to preserving Suryoyo heritage.
Main Projects / Activities
To realize our vision and mission, we have established the following strategic objectives:
• Providing scholarships to bachelor's and master's students who are writing their theses on topics related to the Suryoye.
• Offering grants to PhD candidates in the social sciences who focus on Suryoyo heritage.
• Making subsidies available for the publication of books that contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Suryoyo history and culture.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
The Be Shao Foundation can contribute to
- Workshops, lectures, or exhibitions on Suryoyo history, language, and traditions.
- Storytelling events or interfaith dialogues that draw connections between Syriac culture and other Mediterranean or Middle Eastern traditions.
- Be a platform for diaspora voices within the broader European intercultural landscape.
- Partner with Dutch universities or other ALF network members to co-organize symposia or support research into minority cultures and heritage.
- Share academic resources or publications through ALF channels.
- Actively participate in ALF national network meetings, workshops, and collaborative projects.
- Offer our organization’s space, knowledge, or network for co-hosting ALF events.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
The Be Shao Syriac foundation would like to strengthen its strategic network and collaborate with partners on activities that contribute to our mission. In this, the cultural dialoge is of utmost importance and key in strengthen our cultural herritage.