The national anthem of Algeria is called: « Kassaman ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇹🇩 Chad
– 🇱🇾 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
– 🇲🇱 Mali
– 🇲🇷 Mauritania
– 🇳🇪 Niger
– 🇲🇦 Morocco
– 🇹🇳 Tunisia
History of « Kassaman »
« Kassaman » (We Pledge) is the national anthem of Algeria. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggle for independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1956: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Moufdi Zakaria, an Algerian poet and nationalist, while he was imprisoned by French colonial authorities.
- 1956: The music was composed by Mohamed Fawzi, an Egyptian composer, in support of the Algerian independence movement.
- 1963: The anthem was officially adopted by the Algerian government after the country gained independence from French colonial rule on July 5, 1962.
Anecdotes
- Prison Composition: Moufdi Zakaria wrote the lyrics of « Kassaman » on the walls of his prison cell using his own blood and a piece of coal. This act of defiance and patriotism became a powerful symbol of the Algerian struggle for independence.
- International Support: The music for the anthem was composed by Mohamed Fawzi, an Egyptian musician, reflecting the solidarity and support of other Arab nations for Algeria’s fight for freedom.
- Cultural Significance: « Kassaman » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Algerian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Algerians.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Arabic
قسما بالنازلات الماحقات
والدماء الزاكيات الطاهرات
والبنود اللامعات الخافقات
في الجبال الشامخات الشاهقات
نحن ثرنا فحياة أو ممات
وعقدنا العزم أن تحيا الجزائر
فاشهدوا... فاشهدوا... فاشهدوا...Translated in English
We swear by the lightning that destroys,
By the streams of generous blood being shed,
By the bright flags that wave,
Flying proudly on the high mountains,
That we are in revolt, whether to live or to die,
We are determined that Algeria shall live,
So be our witness! So be our witness! So be our witness!Sources: