JULY 2025

FEATUREDr. Ali Eli delivers a speech, translated into six languages ​and broadcast on 400 television stations, during the His Holiness Pope Francis visit.From Discovery to LegacyDr. Ali Eli and the Chaldean revival in IraqBY WEAM NAMOUDr. Ali Eli, a universityprofessor with a Ph.D. inaccounting, is a well-knownfigure in Nasiriyah, his birthplaceand the historic city of Ur—theancient homeland of the Chaldeans.His Facebook page proudly displaysimages of the Chaldean flag and PopeFrancis, reflecting the deep Chaldeanheritage he uncovered later in life.For Dr. Eli, the question of hisidentity began more than 25 years agowhen he started to wonder about hisroots. “Where do I come from? What aremy origins? Why do I feel a cultural andlinguistic connection that is differentfrom those around me?” he asked.These questions sparked a yearlongjourney in search of answers,leading him to explore historicaltexts, genealogical records, and evengenetic studies.“Knowledge builds advancedsocieties by replacing myths withfacts,” he said.As he investigated further, Dr. Elinoticed distinct linguistic patternsin his family, along with names andtraditions that set them apart fromthe wider community. His researchultimately confirmed that he was ofChaldean descent, tracing his lineageback to the ancient civilization thatonce flourished in Mesopotamia—adiscovery that transformed his life.But for Dr. Eli, this was more thanjust a personal revelation. He saw hisheritage as a responsibility—a missionto preserve and promote the Chaldeanidentity in a modern world whereancient cultures risk being forgotten.“I wanted to use this informationto benefit my community and ensureaccuracy in everything I share,” he said.In time, he became known as Dr.Ali Eli, the Chaldean.The WorkDr. Eli’s passion for heritage led himto establish cultural organizationsand events in Nasiriyah, where heworks to celebrate the city’s historicand spiritual significance. Among hismany achievements:Founding Shabab Al-Kaldan(Chaldean Youth): A group dedicatedto engaging young people in cultural,educational, and community-buildingactivities, with a focus on celebratingChaldean traditions and proudlypromoting the Chaldean flag.Empowering Women: Recognizingthe vital role of women in preservingcultural identity, Dr. Eli establishedNisa’ Al-Kaldan (Chaldean Women),a group that amplifies the voicesof Chaldean women and honorsimportant figures such as martyr LailaKhoma and Archbishop Faraj Rahho.Promoting Peace and Art:Through initiatives like children’s artworkshops and theatrical productions,Dr. Eli fosters a spirit of love, peace,and cultural pride in the youngergeneration.“These children grew into the nextgeneration of Chaldean youth andwomen leaders,” he said. “Over time,we expanded our efforts, formingcultural, environmental, and interfaithdialogue groups.”His organizations also producedtheatrical works to spread messagesof love and peace, including Jesus: AMessage of Love and Peace and Jonahin Kalhu. During difficult periods,such as the rise of ISIS, they createdproductions symbolizing unity andresilience, like the play Nun.“One of our proudest moments waswhen I addressed Pope Francis duringhis visit, declaring my pride in beingChaldean,” he said.20 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2025

The ChallengesReviving a minority culture in a diverseyet conflict-laden region like Iraq hasnot been without its challenges. Dr.Eli encountered resistance from somewho struggled to distinguish betweenChaldean identity as an ethnic heritageand Christianity as a religion. Despitethis, his resilience and unwaveringbelief in the value of Chaldean culturehave earned him widespread respect.“Even when we faced misunderstanding,opposition, or indifference,”he said, “we pressed on withdetermination, strength, and faith.Preserving our heritage is preservingthe soul of Iraq itself.”His ultimate goal is to ensure thatfuture generations of Chaldeans growup with a strong sense of identity andpride in their heritage.In collaboration with his son, Dr.Mohammed Ali—a Chaldean civilsociety activist and expert in minorityrights—Dr. Eli has expanded his effortsto connect with the global community.Dr. Mohammed holds a Ph.D. inEnglish Language and Translationfrom Kent State University and worksthrough the International LanguageInstitute to translate cultural andhistorical materials into English forinternational audiences.Together, they document Chaldeanhistory and culture, capturingphotographic scenes from withinIraq, while hosting Iraqi and foreignpilgrims for academic and culturalexchanges with universities acrossIraq, the Arab world, and beyond.“As a result of our work, over athousand Iraqis have discovered theirChaldean roots,” Dr. Eli said.ReconnectionDr. Eli’s story is one of discovery, resilience,and hope. Through his tirelessefforts, he has not only uncovered2017 visit of the Vatican delegation, accompanied by more than 25 priests and media representatives. This visit tookplace near the house of Father Abraham, and sometime later, the delegation returned to hold a Mass in the samelocation where His Holiness Pope Francis celebrated during his visit to Ur of the Chaldeans.his own roots but has also helped anentire community reconnect with itsidentity. From facilitating Pope Francis’shistoric visit to Nasiriyah in 2021,to playing a leading role in establishingthe Chaldean Catholic diocese inthe region, to inspiring the next generationof Chaldeans, he has shownthat preserving one’s heritage is a profoundact of love and service.At the heart of Dr. Eli’s mission isbuilding stronger ties between Chaldeansin Iraq and those in the diaspora.“To ensure the survival of the Chaldean’sunique identity,” he explained, “it’s importantthat Chaldeans in Iraq collaboratewith the diaspora, particularly in theUnited States.”His words underscore the criticalimportance of unity and shared responsibilityin preserving Chaldean culturalheritage across generations and borders.This vision comes to life throughthe many initiatives and events led byDr. Eli and his organizations, all focusedon bringing people together andcelebrating their shared identity. Mostrecently, they participated in the “Eveningof the Holy Light” event at theChurch of the Virgin Mary of the SyriacOrthodox in Basra.Representing the Chaldean gatheringsin Ur of the Chaldeans, Nasiriyah,Dr. Eli presented symbolic gifts to theattendees, including Basra’s DeputyGovernor Maher Al-Amri. The gifts—abouquet of flowers and a model of thegreat Chaldean ziggurat—served aspowerful symbols of the community’scultural and historical pride.The occasion not only reflected thespirit of unity and devotion but alsoreinforced the enduring legacy of theChaldean heritage.Dr. Ali Eli’s lifelong journey to uncoverand preserve his Chaldean heritageserves as an inspiring reminderthat cultural identity is not just aboutthe past—it is about building bridges tothe future. Through education, advocacy,and community engagement, Dr.Eli has empowered a new generationto embrace their history with pride andpurpose. His work stands as a testamentto the resilience of the Chaldean peopleand the power of one individual’s commitmentto make a lasting impact.JULY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 21