AlRoumi Family
A long History
AlRoumi Family
Al-Roumi family is one of the distinguished and historically significant families in Kuwait, with deep-rooted cultural and historical connections in the region. The family’s origins trace back to the Anazzah tribe, a large and well-known tribe in the Arabian Peninsula. The Al-Roumi family migrated from Najd, an area in central Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait in the early period alongside the Al-Sabah and Al-Khalifa families. This migration was part of the broader movement of families who sought new opportunities and safety from internal conflicts in the Arabian Peninsula
Roots of AlRoumi Family
Al-Roumi family is one of the distinguished and historically significant families in Kuwait, with deep-rooted cultural and historical connections in the region. The family’s origins trace back to the Anazzah tribe, a large and well-known tribe in the Arabian Peninsula. The Al-Roumi family migrated from Najd, an area in central Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait in the early period alongside the Al-Sabah and Al-Khalifa families. This migration was part of the broader movement of families who sought new opportunities and safety from internal conflicts in the Arabian Peninsula.
Contributions of AlRoumi Family in Kuwait
Economic Role: Pearl Trading
Al-Roumi family played a vital role in Kuwait’s economy through their involvement in the pearl trade. As prominent pearl merchants (tawwashin), they were integral to the thriving pearling industry, which was a major economic pillar in Kuwait before the discovery of oil. Their expertise in pearling and trade not only brought wealth but also positioned them as key figures in Kuwait’s economic landscape.
Cultural Roles
Literature and History: Members of the Al-Roumi family, particularly Ahmad Al-Bisher Al-Roumi, were instrumental in documenting Kuwaiti heritage. He authored several important works that captured the essence of Kuwaiti culture, traditions, and historical narratives, such as his notable book “Comparative Kuwaiti Proverbs,” which compares Kuwaiti proverbs with those from other Arab countries.
Notable Figures from the Al-Roumi Family
Ahmad Al-Bisher Al-Roumi
A celebrated scholar and writer, Ahmad Al-Bisher enriched both the Kuwaiti and Arab literary scenes with his extensive writings. His work on documenting Kuwaiti folklore and proverbs has preserved a vital part of Kuwait's cultural heritage.
Abdul Rahman bin Yusuf Al-Roumi
Known for his prowess in the pearl trade, Abdul Rahman was one of the leading pearl merchants in Kuwait, significantly contributing to the economic sustenance of the region during the pre-oil era.
Cultural & Social Activities
Heritage Documentation: The Al-Roumi family has been deeply involved in various cultural and social activities aimed at preserving Kuwaiti heritage. Through their writings and community efforts, they have documented significant periods of Kuwait’s history, particularly the early stages of the state’s formation in the 19th
Legacy
Al-Roumi family exemplifies a model of Kuwaiti families that have actively contributed to the construction and development of Kuwaiti society through their economic, cultural, and social roles. Their legacy continues to be celebrated as part of Kuwait’s rich historical tapestry.
The Al-Roumi Family
The Al-Roumi family is one of the well-known Kuwaiti families that migrated from Najd along with the Al-Sabah and Al-Khalifa families. They originally resided in Al-Hadar, a district in Al-Aflaj, Najd. After a conflict arose between the Al-Sabah and Al-Khalifa families and a faction from their relatives, the latter were defeated. Consequently, their relatives sought refuge with the Al-Dawasir tribe, who moved with them to Al-Hadar, expelling the Al-Sabah, Al-Khalifa, and other families and groups from the area. They then left for Qatar, where they settled in the town of Al-Zubara on the western coast of Qatar near Bahrain. It is said that they were the ones who founded it.
“Page 106 from the book ‘History of Kuwait’ by Saif Marzouk Al-Shamlan, First Edition 1378 AH – 1959 CE, Al-Nahda Press, Al-Fagalla – Cairo.”
The Al-Sabah and Those with Them
The Al-Sabah family and their companions left Al-Zubara in Qatar after one of their members killed a man from the people of Qatar who had overheard him mocking and ridiculing him. The rulers of Qatar were enraged and ordered them to leave the country and move away. The Al-Sabah and their brothers complied with the demand, depositing their money and valuables on sailing ships, and then set out to sea. The Al-Muslim tribe subsequently prepared ships to pursue them. They caught up with the Al-Sabah and their companions at Ras Tanura. When the Al-Sabah and their group saw them approaching and understood their intentions, they disembarked and prepared for battle. Victory was with the Al-Sabah. However, this victory did not change their determination or their disinterest in staying in Qatar. They continued their journey until they reached Al-Subiya, a land located to the northeast of Kuwait, about sixteen miles away. Their experience there was similar to what they had encountered elsewhere, so they abandoned it and settled in Kuwait.
“Page 33 of the book ‘History of Kuwait’ by Abdul Aziz Al-Rashid.”
“Publications of Dar Maktabat al-Hayat – Beirut”
The Al-Roumi Family
The Al-Roumi family traces its lineage to the Shumlan branch, then to the Sulqa, followed by the Jabal, the Ammarat, and finally the Bashar clan of the Anza tribe. The genealogy of the Anza tribe was authenticated by Sheikh Uruwa bin Hadhal in 1893 CE.
Another account of the journey of the Al-Sabah family and those with them states that the “Al-Roumi Family” migrated along with the Al-Sabah, Al-Khalifa, and other families, collectively known as the Al-Utub, from the Yamama region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They had originally resided in Al-Hadar in the Al-Aflaj area of Najd. The head of the Al-Roumi family at that time was Muhammad Al-Darraj [a nickname given because he was carried on a stretcher after being injured by a cannon shot; he was also the community judge]. From this area, the Al-Roumi family migrated to Qatar and settled in the town of Al-Zubara, located on the western coast of Qatar near Bahrain. At that time, Qatar was under the rule of the Bani Khalid, with the Al-Muslim family governing on their behalf. After an unspecified period, they left Qatar and settled with the Al-Sabah, Al-Khalifa, and several other families in Al-Subiya, in the northeastern part of Kuwait. They then moved to Failaka Island, where they lived for some time before eventually relocating to the mainland of Kuwait.
“Page 25 of Volume 5 of the book series ‘Benefactors from My Country,’ published by the Zakat House – Kuwait. Edited by Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al-Kandari, Chief Editor, and Dr. Abdul Mohsen Abdullah Al-Kharafi, Editorial Advisor. First Edition 1424 AH – 2003 CE.”
In the Year 1247 AH - 1831 CE
In 1831 CE, Kuwait, like many other places, was struck by a plague of cholera that nearly devastated the country, except for those whom Allah had spared, who were outside Kuwait at the time. Among those who survived was Ali bin Saif bin Muhammad Al-Darraj bin Hussein Al-Anazi, who was living in Al-Fnaitees on the coast with his uncle Hussein bin Muhammad Al-Darraj bin Hussein Al-Anazi in a mud house with his family.
Hussein bin Muhammad Al-Darraj Al-Anazi had a reddish complexion, which led to his nickname “Hussein Al-Roumi,” meaning “the Turk.” During the Ottoman Empire, which had its capital in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and was known as the Roman Empire, the Turks were referred to as “Roms.” The nickname Al-Roumi became well-known, and Hussein Al-Roumi came to be identified by this name. He was a half-brother of Saif bin Muhammad Al-Darraj bin Hussein bin Muhammad Al-Anazi, who is the ancestor of the Al-Majran family, a prominent Kuwaiti family. For this reason, the Al-Majran family is often referred to as “Al-Majran Al-Roumi,” in reference to their ancestor Hussein, known as Al-Roumi.
“Page 28 of the book ‘My Journey with Words’ by Saif Marzouk bin Shamlan Al-Seyf, Kuwait 2010.”
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