About the Syriac Music Institute (SMI)

Director's Welcome

Founded in 2007, the Syriac Music Institute (SMI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educational and charitable endeavors, recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. SMI stands as one of the foremost institutions committed to preserving, promoting, and advancing the ancient and contemporary musical traditions of Eastern Christianity, with a particular focus on Syriac sacred music—a tradition deeply rooted in the ancient Aramaic dialect of Syriac, dating back to the 4th century.

SMI’s mission is to safeguard this invaluable heritage from the risk of extinction, especially in light of the persecution and displacement faced by Syriac-speaking communities in their historical homelands—Southeast Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq. These regions have long been the heartlands of the Syriac Christian tradition, and as many Syriac Christians have emigrated to Western countries in pursuit of religious freedom, the responsibility to preserve their cultural identity and heritage has never been greater.

To this end, SMI has embarked on an extensive, ongoing project to record, collect, and preserve the age-old melodies of the Syriac churches. These efforts include transcribing hymns into Western musical notation, producing high-quality audio recordings, and making these cultural treasures accessible to a global audience. One of SMI’s significant achievements is the publication of the first modern hymnal of the Syrian Orthodox Church, which compiles traditional hymns from the "Beth Gazo" (musical treasury) and qathuliqi hymns from composers such as Bishop Yuhanna Dolabani and Abdulmesih Nu‛man Qarabashi, with translations and musical notation for ease of study.

Building on this success, SMI has launched the "Syriac Hymnal App," an innovative mobile app that systematizes the Syriac chant tradition from all surviving Syriac churches. The app integrates musical notation, text, translation, transliteration, and audio to ensure that this ancient tradition is accessible to individuals both in the Middle East and in Western countries.

SMI’s broader aim is to globalize Syriac music, making it available to academics, students, and enthusiasts alike through various modern platforms. By promoting education on Syriac sacred music, liturgy, and cultural identity, SMI ensures that this endangered faith community is not only preserved but is also positioned to thrive. In particular, SMI is dedicated to educating Syriac Christians in the diaspora about their faith, music, and cultural heritage, ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to their roots.

Through these innovative projects, the Syriac Music Institute plays a unique and critical role in the academic community, providing direct access to the Syriac musical legacy. Our goal is to establish a lasting system for nurturing Syriac cultural identity, whether through music, liturgical rites, or the Syriac language, for future generations.

 

Gabriel Aydin, PhD
Founder and Director of the Syriac Music Institute