The Assyrian people are an indigenous people in the Middle East, with their homeland being Iraq, south eastern Turkey, north western Iran and north eastern Syria. Due to persecution, the majority of Assyria people are now despersed outside their homeland. Presently more Assyrians reside in Europe, North America, and Australia than in their former homelands.
Many have settled in North America. Many have acculturated into mainstream American culture. However, others have not. Estimates vary on the population of Assyrian people in North America.
They are sometimes known as Syriacs, Syrians, Arameans, or Chaldeans. Assyrian culture is largely influenced by a mixture of Christianity and traditional middle eastern beliefs. In fact, Assyrian people often cannot distinguish between what is purely cultural versus Christian. Main festivals occur during religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas.