The Iraq national anthem holds a significant place in the country’s history and cultural identity. It reflects the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of the Iraqi people. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the origins, lyrics, and symbolism of the Iraq national anthem, shedding light on its historical and cultural importance.
Origins of the Iraq National Anthem
The Iraq national anthem, also known as “Mawtini” (My Homeland), has its roots in the Arab nationalist movement of the early 20th century. It was written by poet Ibrahim Touqan, with music composed by Muhammad Flayfel. The anthem’s composition coincided with Iraq’s independence from British rule in 1932, making it a poignant symbol of national pride.
iraq national anthem lyrics
My Homeland
My homeland, my homeland,
Glory and beauty, sublimity and splendor
Are in your hills, are in your hills.
Life and deliverance, pleasure and hope
Are in your air, are in your air.
Will I see you, will I see you?
Safely comforted and victoriously honoured.
Safely comforted and victoriously honoured.
Will I see you in your eminence?
Reaching to the stars, reaching to the stars
My homeland, my homeland.
My homeland, my homeland,
The youth will not tire
Their goal is your independence
Or they die, or they die.
We will drink from death, and will not be to our enemies
Like slaves, like slaves.
We do not want, we do not want
An eternal humiliation, nor a miserable life.
An eternal humiliation, nor a miserable life.
We do not want, but we will bring back
Our storied glory, our storied glory.
My homeland, my homeland.
My homeland, my homeland,
The sword and the pen, not the talk nor the quarrel
Are our symbols, are our symbols.
Our glory and our covenant, and a faithful duty
Moves us, moves us.
Our glory, our glory,
Is an honourable cause, and a waving flag.
Is an honourable cause, and a waving flag.
O, behold you, in your eminence,
Victorious over your enemies, victorious over your enemies.
My homeland, my homeland!
national anthem of iraq Mawṭinī
Mawṭinī mawṭinī
al-Jalālu wa-l-jamālu wa-s-sanāʾu wa-l-bahāʾu
Fī rubāk fī rubāk
Wa-l-ḥayātu wa-n-najātu wal-hanāʾu wa-r-rajāʾu
Fī hawāk fī hawāk
Hal ʾarāk hal ʾarāk
Sāliman munaʿʿaman wa-ġāniman mukarraman
Sāliman munaʿʿaman wa-ġāniman mukarraman
Hal ʾarāk fī ʿulāk
Tabluġu s-simāk tabluġu s-simāk
Mawṭinī mawṭinī
Mawṭinī mawṭinī
As-sabābu lan yakilla hammuhu ʾan tastaqilla
ʾAw yabīd, ʾaw yabīd
Nastaqī mina r-radā wa-lan nakūna li-l-ʿidāʾ
Kā-l-ʿabīd, kā-l-ʿabīd
Lā nurīd lā nurīd
Ḏullanā l-muʾabbada wa ʿaysanā l-munakkadā
Ḏullanā l-muʾabbada wa ʿaysanā l-munakkadā
Lā nurīd bal nuʿīd
Majdanā t-talīd majdanā t-talīd
Mawṭinī mawṭinī
Mawṭinī mawṭinī
Al-ḥusāmu wa-l-yarāʿu lā l-kalāmu wa-n-nizāʿu
Ramzunā ramzunā
Majdunā wa ʿahdunā wa-wājibun mina l-wafāʾ
Yahuzzunā yahuzzunā
ʿIzzunā ʿizzunā
Ġāyatun tušarrifu wa rāyatun turafrifu
Ġāyatun tušarrifu wa rāyatun turafrifu
Yā hanāk fī ʿulāk
Qāhiran ʿidāk qāhirān ʿidāk
Mawṭinī mawṭinī
iraq national anthem موطني
مَوطِنِي مَوطِنِي
الجلالُ والجمالُ والسَّنَاءُ والبَهَاءُ
في رُبَاكْ في رُبَاكْ
والحياةُ والنجاةُ والهناءُ والرجاءُ
في هواكْ في هواكْ
هلْ أراكْ هلْ أراكْ
سالِماً مُنَعَّماً و غانما مكرما
سالما منعما و غانما مكرما
هلْ أراكْ في عُلاكْ
تبلُغُ السِّمَاكْ تبلغُ السِّمَاكْ
مَوطِنِي مَوطِنِي
مَوطِنِي مَوطِنِي
الشبابُ لنْ يكِلَّ هَمُّهُ أنْ تستَقِلَّ
أو يَبيدْ أو يَبيدْ
نَستقي منَ الرَّدَى ولنْ نكونَ للعِدَى
كالعَبيدْ كالعَبيدْ
لا نُريدْ لا نُريدْ
ذُلَّنَا المُؤَبَّدا وعَيشَنَا المُنَكَّدا
ذُلَّنَا المُؤَبَّدا وعَيشَنَا المُنَكَّدا
لا نُريدْ بلْ نُعيدْ
مَجدَنا التّليدْ مَجدَنا التّليدْ
مَوطِنِي مَوطِنِي
مَوطِنِي مَوطِنِي
الحُسَامُ و اليَرَاعُ لا الكلامُ والنزاعُ
رَمْزُنا رَمْزُنا
مَجدُنا و عهدُنا وواجبٌ منَ الوَفاء
يهُزُّنا يهُزُّنا
عِزُّنا عِزُّنا
غايةٌ تُشَرِّفُ و رايةٌ ترَفرِفُ
غايةٌ تُشَرِّفُ و رايةٌ ترَفرِفُ
يا هَنَاكْ في عُلاكْ
قاهِراً عِداكْ قاهِراً عِداكْ
مَوطِنِي مَوطِنِي
Lyrics and Translation
The lyrics of the Iraq national anthem express a deep love for the country and its people. It invokes the beauty of Iraq’s landscape, the bravery of its citizens, and the unyielding spirit of the nation. Here is a translation of the anthem’s opening verse:
Symbolism in the Anthem
The Iraq national anthem is rich in symbolism, reflecting the nation’s history and values. The lyrics evoke a sense of unity, resilience, and devotion to the homeland. The anthem’s music, with its stirring melodies and powerful crescendos, adds to the emotional impact and sense of national pride.
Cultural Significance
The Iraq national anthem is more than just a patriotic song; it holds deep cultural significance for the Iraqi people. It serves as a unifying force, reminding citizens of their shared heritage and the sacrifices made to protect the country’s sovereignty. The anthem is often performed at national events, sporting competitions, and official ceremonies, reinforcing a sense of national identity.
Evolution of the Anthem
Over the years, the Iraq national anthem has undergone some changes. During the rule of Saddam Hussein, the lyrics were altered to emphasize loyalty to the regime. However, after his overthrow in 2003, the original lyrics were reinstated to reflect the aspirations of a new Iraq, united and free.
Controversies Surrounding the Anthem
Like many national anthems, the Iraq national anthem has been the subject of controversy and debate. Some criticize its association with the former regime, while others argue for a more inclusive anthem that represents the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. These discussions reflect the ongoing process of nation-building in Iraq.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who wrote the Iraq national anthem?
A1: The Iraq national anthem was written by poet Ibrahim Touqan.
Q2: When was the Iraq national anthem adopted?
A2: The anthem was adopted in 2004, following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Q3: What is the significance of the Iraq national anthem?
A3: The anthem symbolizes Iraq’s history, unity, and the love of its people for their homeland.
Q4: Are there any alternate versions of the Iraq national anthem?
A4: Yes, during Saddam Hussein’s rule, the anthem’s lyrics were altered to emphasize loyalty to the regime.
Conclusion:
The Iraq national anthem, “Mawtini,” stands as a powerful expression of the Iraqi people’s love for their homeland. With its poignant lyrics, stirring melodies, and deep cultural significance, it serves as a unifying force, reminding Iraqis of their shared heritage and aspirations for a united and free nation. Despite controversies and changes over time, the anthem continues to inspire and evoke a sense of national pride. It remains an integral part of Iraq’s history and cultural identity
