Roomrama


Roomrama is the de facto national anthem of the Assyrian people. It was composed by Nebu Juel Issabey and written by Yosip Bet Yosip for the Assyrian Universal Alliance and the Assyrian independence movement.
Another de facto, or unofficial, national anthem for Assyrians is Salma d'Shoobakhan.

Background

The original lyrics to Roomrama were written by Yosip Bet Yosip, an Assyrian poet and singer originally from Urmia, Iran. In 1968, the Assyrian Universal Alliance were seeking new symbols to represent the Assyrian people worldwide, including a national anthem. Taking inspiration from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Yosip wrote the lyrics in commemoration of Mesopotamia as well as to encourage unity.
The musical composure of Roomrama was made in part by Nebu Juel Issabey, an Assyrian musician originally from Tabriz. Issabey was previously a popular musician in his native country and led the Nineveh Choir both there and in the United States. He collaborated with Yosip and composed Roomrama in hopes of unifying Assyrians and its international recognition as an anthem.