Technology is crucial in enabling diasporic communities to sustain cultural and religious identities beyond territorial boundaries. This study explores how Syriac Orthodox youth utilize social media and digital platforms to maintain their ethno-religious and ethno-cultural heritage, fostering a transnational sense of belonging in a world where digital tools transcend physical borders.
The Syriacs, the first community to collectively adopt Christianity, faced forced migration from their ancestral homeland, Midyat (southeastern Turkey), in the 1990s. This displacement reshaped their ties to their homeland and accelerated their diasporization. While technology is often seen as a force of cultural erosion, this research examines its role in intergenerational transmission. Through digital media analysis and ethnographic research, it investigates how online prayers, language courses, virtual religious gatherings, and diaspora-led forums reinforce Syriac identity. Even without physical return, young Syriacs utilize digital tools to stay connected to their roots, demonstrating that cultural continuity is no longer confined to geographic proximity. By eliminating spatial limitations, digital platforms create spaces where identity is redefined beyond physical constraints. This study employs semi-structured interviews with religious leaders in Midyat and systematic data analysis of digital platforms in North America, Australia, and Europe. It contributes to diasporization and return debates, illustrating how digital engagement reshapes cultural preservation. Highlighting the role of technology in diaspora, identity, and resilience, this research demonstrates how digital platforms empower marginalized communities to safeguard traditions, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond traditional spatial boundaries.