Justin Perkins publishes the first Assyrian Neo-Aramaic Bible

Background. Justin Perkins was an American Presbyterian missionary and linguist who became the first U.S. citizen to reside in Iran. Known as an "apostle to Persia," he worked among indigenous Christian Aramaic speakers. His presence established a foundation for American missionary activities in northwest Iran, focusing on literacy and education among the Assyrian Church of the East.

Translation Work. Perkins produced translations of the New Testament (1846) and Old Testament (1852). The Americans credited him with creating the opportunity to write the vernacular Assyrian neo-Aramaic of Christians in northwest Iran. The first two translations contained text in ancient and modern Syriac in parallel columns. The American Bible Society publishes and distributes interconfessional translations globally.

Mission Base. The translation efforts were centered in Urmia, where the American Mission press operated. Perkins established a printing press at Urmia and used it to produce several works, including a magazine called Rays of Light. The mission network served to bring literacy among the indigenous Christian Aramaic speakers.