The Continuity of Assyrian Identity in Post-Empire Times

In this context it is important to draw attention to the fact that the Aramaic-speaking peoples of the Near East have since ancient times identified themselves as Assyrians and still continue to do so. The self-designations of modern Syriacs and Assyrians, Suryoyo and Suraya, are both derived from the ancient Assyrian word for "Assyrian", Assurayu, as can be easily established from a closer look at the relevant words.

-- Dr. Simo Parpola
Director, Department of Assyriology
Helsinki University, Finland.