- Araden
Araden (Syriac: ܐܪܕܢ) is a village in the northern
Iraq i governorate of Dohuk. It is located 20-30 kilometers (12-19 miles) east of the city ofZakho and lies in a valley. The village of Inishkee lies within viewing distance from it. The name "Araden" means "Land of Eden", which is in Aramaic. It is also referred to as the lost paradise of Eden.The inhabitants are Assyrian and speak a dialect of Syriac with elements of both
Chaldean Neo-Aramaic andAssyrian Neo-Aramaic . The funny this is that people claiming to be Assyrians consider everything Assyrian, however, the Chaldeans also have a similar claim. Please keep in mind that they are both of the same origin and Illiterate people can be fanatic about ethnicity, roots and background. However, to me the origin does not mean a lot as long as we do not work toward a unity. My name is Kamal Anwiya Youkhanna Rayes, born in Araden and totally responsible for my writings (sharrkins@yahoo.com). Who ever has other historical proofs, let them add with good and solid proofs.Chaldean Catholicism is the dominant religion of the village. One of the oldest churches in
Christianity , the church of Sultana Mahdokh, established in325 AD, is located in Araden. Originally prior to the 18th century the inhabitants belonged to theChurch of the East . This is another comments by others who claim they know everything. You need to show a proof without being offended.Today, there are more than 150 homes in the village. also there are three main families Rayes family, the chieftains of the village, Qasha and Sana. Qasha means a priest, Sana is close to an Arabic word (someone with a craft, craftsman or a laboror worker) and also Rayes is closer to Arabic than other language.
There is a large community of people from Araden in
Metro Detroit (Warren, Sterling Heights, and Troy),Michigan . Every year Araden's community or "Aradnayeh" gather on January 12th, when there is a celebration for the Saint Sultana Mahdokht, called "Shera". Once again, please refer to the history and Saint Mahdokht was Persian (not Assyrian). This is a big event in the Chaldean/Assyrian community of Michigan, as the attendance is overwhelming. Also every year on 15th of June, "Aradnayeh" get together in Shelby Township, for a large celebration atStony Creek Metropark .More to come with more updates, please check other details at http://www.araden.com
ee also
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List of Assyrian villages External links
*Assyrians celebrating the [http://www.ankawa.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=00378e53d12d5771909d243f215d338a&topic=34714.0 "Assyrian New Year" in Araden]
* [http://www.araden.com www.araden.com]
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