The national anthem of Egypt is called: « Bilady, Bilady, Bilady ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇮🇱 Israel
– 🇱🇾 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
– 🇸🇩 Sudan
History of « Bilady, Bilady, Bilady »
« Bilady, Bilady, Bilady » (My Homeland, My Homeland, My Homeland) is the national anthem of Egypt. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1952: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Mohamed Younis al-Qady, an Egyptian poet.
- 1952: The music was composed by Sayed Darwish, a renowned Egyptian composer, whose work has had a lasting impact on Egyptian music.
- 1979: The anthem was officially adopted in 1979, during the presidency of Anwar Sadat, replacing the previous anthem « Walla Zaman Ya Selahy. »
Anecdotes
- Composer’s Legacy: Sayed Darwish, often referred to as the father of modern Egyptian music, composed the music for « Bilady, Bilady, Bilady. » His influence on Egyptian music is profound, and his compositions continue to inspire generations. The anthem was chosen to honor his legacy and the nationalistic spirit he embodied.
- Historical Context: The adoption of « Bilady, Bilady, Bilady » in 1979 came at a time of significant political change, as Egypt signed the peace treaty with Israel. The anthem was seen as a way to emphasize national unity and pride during this transformative period.
- Inspiration from a Speech: The lyrics were inspired by a speech given by Mustafa Kamel, a key figure in the Egyptian nationalist movement. His words, « If I were not an Egyptian, I would have wished to be an Egyptian, » resonated deeply with the people and were immortalized in the anthem.
- Cultural Significance: « Bilady, Bilady, Bilady » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Egyptian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Egyptians.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Arabic
بلادي بلادي بلادي
لكِ حبي وفؤادي
مصر يا أم البلاد
أنت غايتي والمراد
وعلى كل العباد
كم لنيلك من أيادي
بلادي بلادي بلادي
لكِ حبي وفؤاديTranslated in English
My homeland, my homeland, my homeland,
You have my love and my heart.
Egypt, O mother of all lands,
You are my goal and my desire.
And above all people,
Your Nile has countless graces.
My homeland, my homeland, my homeland,
You have my love and my heart.Sources: