National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇹🇳 Tunisia

The national anthem of Tunisia is called: « Humat al-Hima ».

Continent: Africa

Bordering Countries:
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇱🇾 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

History of « Humat al-Hima »

« Humat al-Hima » (Defenders of the Homeland) is the national anthem of Tunisia. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1930s: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Mostafa Saadeq Al-Rafe’ie, an Egyptian poet, and later completed by Aboul-Qacem Echebbi, a renowned Tunisian poet. The music was composed by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, a famous Egyptian composer. The anthem was first used in the 1930s and was officially adopted in 1987, replacing the previous anthem « Ala Khallidi. »

Anecdotes

  • Historical Context: « Humat al-Hima » was initially composed during the period of Tunisia’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule. The anthem played a significant role in rallying the Tunisian people and fostering a sense of national identity.
  • Composer’s Legacy: Mohamed Abdel Wahab, the composer, was a significant figure in Arabic music. His composition for the anthem is considered one of his most significant works and has left a lasting legacy in the Arab world.
  • Lyricists’ Contribution: Mostafa Saadeq Al-Rafe’ie and Aboul-Qacem Echebbi, the lyricists, infused the anthem with a deep sense of patriotism and a call to action for the Tunisian people. Their words reflect the aspirations and pride of the Tunisian people.
  • Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Tunisian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among the people of Tunisia.

Full Lyrics

In Arabic

حماة الحمى يا حماة الحمى
هلموا هلموا لمجد الزمـن
لقد صرخت في عروقنا الدما
نموت نموت ويحيا الوطن
لتدو السماوات برعدها
لترم الصواعق نيرانها
إلى عز تونس إلى مجدها
رجال البلاد وشبانها
فلا عاش في تونس من خانها
ولا عاش من ليس من جندها
نموت ونحيا على عهدها
حياة الكرام وموت العظام
حماة الحمى يا حماة الحمى
هلموا هلموا لمجد الزمـن
لقد صرخت في عروقنا الدما
نموت نموت ويحيا الوطن

Translated in English

Defenders of the Homeland, let us go,
Let us go to glory and times of greatness.
Our blood is in our veins, we are ready to die,
We are ready to die, so that our country may live.
Let the heavens roar with thunder,
Let lightning strike,
To the glory of Tunisia, to its greatness,
Men and youth of the country.
No traitor shall live in Tunisia,
No one who is not of its soldiers.
We live and die loyal to its pledge,
A life of dignity

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