#22 - Our History, Rewritten: Voices of the Modern Assyrian Writers

0:00 Intro 1:03 Introductions 1:39 Modern “heroes” 5:31 Nation changes 8:07 Older literature 11:26 Early Assyrianism 12:58 Zionism comparison 14:13 Nationalism theory 15:43 Ancient nations debate 16:52 Continuity argument 19:42 Discontinuity view 25:21 “Chaldean” term 27:06 Unity emphasis 31:42 Millet to nation 36:49 Paris disappointment 40:48 William Daniel reshapes 42:15 John Alkhas pride 46:42 Hannibal critique 48:27 Key takeaways In this lecture, Rabi Robert DeKelaita explores how modern Assyrian writers and thinkers “rewrote” history to strengthen national consciousness and unity. The discussion traces the shift from primarily religious self-identification (Suraya as “Christian”) toward a modern national framework, shaped by wider 19th–20th century currents of nationalism. Using examples from major Assyrian poets, storytellers, and intellectuals, the lecture examines how symbols, language, collective memory, and ancient heritage were reimagined to build legitimacy, pride, and cohesion across denominational lines.