In a comprehensive interview with Assyria TV aired in March 2021, Professor Yildiz outlined a visionary roadmap for the preservation of Assyrian heritage, language, and culture. a mission he describes not as a dream, but as a "historical necessity."
Born in the village of Harbol in south-eastern Turkey, Yildiz left his homeland at the age of 13. Like many of his generation, he was caught between the remnants of an ancient culture and a modern educational system that sought to "Turkify" minorities. After moving to Germany and later studying in Italy, Yildiz eventually settled in Spain. "I discovered my own legacy and people not in my land, but while abroad," Yildiz reflected during the interview. This realisation sparked a lifelong promise: to use the tools of western academia to recover what was lost through centuries of genocide and displacement.
A New Academic Frontier: The Nineveh Chair
The pinnacle of Yildiz’s 25-year academic career is the establishment of the Nineveh Academic Chair at the University of Salamanca. This initiative aims to centralise the study of Assyrian history and language within an official university framework. Key pillars of the project include scholarships for the next generation. The chair has since its inception announced scholarships for Assyrian students pursuing a doctorate in language or history. Another key project is a digital platform to teach Assyrian to students and the diaspora worldwide, ensuring that the ancient tongue survives the pressures of assimilation. Moreover, the Nineveh Academic Chair has convened annual international congresses, hosting a global gathering of experts to discuss Assyrian identity, bridging the gap between historical memory and current reality.
In the interview, Professor Yildiz is stark about the challenges facing the Assyrian community in the diaspora. He warns of a "process of assimilation" that is absorbing the youth into Western cultures at the expense of their roots. "A nation without education will die out," he stated emphatically. He believes the key to survival lies in moving beyond religious denominations, which often divide the community, and uniting under a shared national and linguistic identity.
Despite his senior position, Yildiz remains focused on a singular goal: training at least 100 Assyrian experts over the next decade to act as "ambassadors" for their culture. He urged the Assyrian nation to invest in education rather than just individual success. His final message to the viewers was one of hope and collective action: "If we work with love, conviction, and strength, Assyria will become a reality. It is just a question of time".
