Decline of Assyrian Families in Mosul
Recent reports indicate that fewer than 70 Assyrian families remain in Mosul, Iraq, marking a significant decline in the city's Christian presence.
Mosul, once a major center of Christianity in the Middle East, has seen its Assyrian population drastically decrease since 2014, when the Islamic State (ISIS) took over the city.
- Historic churches and monasteries, such as the al-Tahira Church and Mor Behnam Monastery, were bombed and desecrated.
- Assyrian families were given the choice to flee, pay taxes (jizya) as non-Muslims, convert to Islam, or face death.
The city's Christian presence today teeters on the brink of disappearance.
This decline marks a stark contrast to Mosul's centuries-long history as a hub of Christianity.
Author's summary: Assyrian families in Mosul are on the verge of disappearance.