Professional Chef, Author and Television Personality Donates Statue to Hometown Turlock

The Turlock City Arts Commission passed a motion Thursday evening recommending that the City Council accepts the statue of Assyrian Queen Shamiram, donated by Turlock native Narsai David. David, now residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, has hosted national PBS television series, wrote columns for the San Francisco Food Chronicle, and co-hosted a series of cooking demonstrations and radio broadcasts.

His success has further pushed his desire to give back to the community, and continues to be actively involved in various projects, which include but not limited to: President of the Board of the Assyrian Aid Society of America; Chairman of the Board of the Berkeley Fund; and Host of the annual Narsai’s Taste of the Mediterranean benefiting the Assyrian Aid Society of America. David believes Turlock to be a part of his identity, and the identity of many Assyrians that emigrate from Chicago.

 “All Assyrians came to Chicago, where the first jobs were. Once they had enough money, they wanted to find land that reminds them of home. The first Assyrian went to Turlock and bought requisite of land and began an Assyrian migration in Turlock,” David said. “There are a lot of Assyrians here. I graduated from Turlock Joint Union High School and have a warm spot in my heart for Turlock.” Queen Shamiram was the first woman to rule an empire without a man. David choose Queen Shamiram as a model due to her strong connotation to women’s power. He wanted to bring the community together to recognize great art, history, and modifications to social norms associated with women and their shifting roles in traditional communities.

The 9 ft bronze statue will feature Queen Shamiram as a powerful woman, clad in a roman-looking gown featuring bangles, golden arm bands, and a lioness at her feet. The base is to be made of granite, and will depict her importance on a plaque in Assyrian and English. A maquette sculpture was placed within the center of the room while the presentation took place to give citizens an idea of what the feature presentation will resemble.

David believed that because the statue is an Assyrian representation, the donation might be considered imposing on others views and wanted to relay his concern that though the statue is a symbol of Assyrian culture, it also incorporates a stunning piece of art that symbolizes women’s power, diversity, and history. Concerned Turlock residents filled the board room at City Hall, eager to place their input on the statue’s whereabouts, and describe their feelings associated with the statue.

The meeting was among the largest in the history of the Arts Commission, and proves to be a pivotal statue associated with emotional attachments. Turlock Resident Amil Adishol said, “This statue is a symbol of art and symbol of women in power. She was the first female that ruled the empire without being ruled by a king. Regardless of race, it is something that everyone can appreciate.” President of the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock Raymond George wanted to thank the board for looking into the matter, and is pleased that David has continued to regard Turlock as his home.

“Aside from being Assyrian, we have a civilization of 5,000 years. The Queen is known for her beauty and pride. It is fitting to see that beauty and pride in Turlock,” George said. A variety of citizens suggested keeping the statue at CSU Stanislaus, where a mature populace can learn and appreciate Queen Shamiram’s presence. Years ago, David suggested placing the statue on campus, but found the committee to be reluctant after agreeing. He hopes that the new president will not be so fickle, and takes the donation seriously. Though the Arts Commission cannot demand the University to accept the statue, they agree that the public should have a say in its location. Commissioner Llewellyn Boyle said, “These are not empty comments.

 I notice that there is a change of attitude and receptivity to public doings such as this. It wouldn’t hurt to pursue the University again.” The Arts Commission was in an agreement to recommend that the City Council accepted the statue.