The Assyrian Christians, or Nestorians, of Northern Meso potamia and
Kurdistan have a special interest for many English Churchmen. Their romantic story is sketched with
knowledge and no little humour by the Rev. Dr. W. A. Wigram in The Assyrians and their Neighbours (Bell, 15s.).
The author is convinced that this little people is a living rem- nant of the Assyrians of old, whom they resemble in physique and in their fighting qualities. He traces their fortunes under successive conquerors, of whom the Turk was the last and by far the worst. In the late War the Assyrians, wearied of Turkish brutality, resolved to throw in their lot with Russia. But the Russians failed them at the crisis, and had not British help been sent to them at Urmi, they would have been exter- minated. As it was, the survivors made their way to Iraq and were long maintained in a refugee camp at our expense Dr. Wigram does not obscure the fact that they proved very quarrelsome guests, but those who enlisted in the local levies have, he says, rendered good service against Turkish irregulars in the hill-country. The Assyrians cannot return to their old homes, as they dare not trust the Turk ; some of 'them are now settled in Northern Iraq, and others in the Caucasus.
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