At a time when much of our history risks fading away amid the clamour of everyday life, there are initiatives that do the opposite—that bring it back to life. One such initiative is the children’s book *The Adventures of the Assyrian Gods*, created by archaeologist Eliyo Eliyo and illustrator Meryem Tanrıkulu. Eliyo, who has moved back to Tur Abdin from Sweden, is a highly respected figure with deep roots in our people’s history and archaeology.

The project also has a personal story behind it: it was through this work that Meryem and Eliyo met. Today they are married and have a son, and following their marriage, Meryem moved from France to Tur Abdin—where their joint work has now taken root at the heart of the Assyrian cultural heritage.

Learning through adventure

The book is aimed at children, but its ambition goes beyond that. It combines education with storytelling and interactivity in a way that brings the story to life. Readers are invited into the world of Mesopotamian mythology, where gods such as Ishtar, Shamash, and Ashur are presented in an accessible and engaging way. But this is not a passive reading experience—the child becomes part of the story themselves.

This book offers:

  • solve riddles
  • navigate through mazes
  • defeat demons
  • help rebuild a city and even help heal the Tree of Life

The central theme of the story is that the gods, despite their power, need help. The threat posed by Enlil’s wrath creates a dramatic backdrop that drives the story forward and gives the child a sense of responsibility and involvement.

Lamassu as a guide

A particularly strong element of the book is Lamassu—the mythological guardian—who serves as a guide throughout the adventure. This creates a sense of security and continuity, while also drawing on authentic Assyrian symbols and beliefs.

Engaging Teaching Methods

What sets this book apart from many other children's books is its interactive structure.

Here you will find:

  • symbolic rituals associated with the gods
  • Introduction to Cuneiform
  • hands-on activities where children can create their own “clay boards”
  • visual tasks that develop both logical thinking and creativity

It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it inspires action.

Illustrations with a sense of identity

Meryem Tanrıkulu’s illustrations are central to the overall experience. They are colorful and playful, yet clearly inspired by Mesopotamian aesthetics. The characters are accessible to children, yet retain a visual connection to historical motifs, which enhances their authenticity.

A project with a deeper purpose

There is also a greater cause behind the book. The project is entirely non-profit, and the proceeds go toward supporting Assyrian youth in Tur Abdin through the Turabdin Assyrian Culture and Arts Association, which also collaborates with initiatives such as Assyrians Without Borders.
The fact that the book has also received support from established academics, such as Professor David Gaunt and Professor Ulla Lind, lends it further weight and credibility.

A book for every Assyrian home

The Adventures of the Assyrian Gods is available in several languages—Swedish, English, German, Turkish, and Assyrian (Surayt)—making it accessible to a wide audience within the diaspora. The recommended retail price is 180 SEK. This is more than just a children’s book. It is a tool for identity, a bridge between generations, and a way to help children grow up with a living connection to their roots.

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