National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇮🇶 Iraq

The national anthem of Iraq is called ‘ »Mawtini »:

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
– 🇮🇷 Iran (Islamic Republic of)
– 🇯🇴 Jordan
– 🇰🇼 Kuwait
– 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
– 🇹🇷 Turkey

History of « Mawtini »

« Mawtini » (My Homeland) is the national anthem of Iraq. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggles, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1934: The original lyrics of « Mawtini » were written by Ibrahim Touqan, a Palestinian poet. The music was composed by Muhammad Fuliefil, a Lebanese composer.
  • 2004: Following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, « Mawtini » was adopted as the national anthem, replacing the previous anthem « Ardulfurataini » (The Land of the Two Rivers).
  • 2004: The anthem was officially adopted by the Iraqi Governing Council and has been in use since then.

Anecdotes

  • Pan-Arab Anthem: « Mawtini » is not only the national anthem of Iraq but also widely recognized and cherished across the Arab world. It has been adopted by other countries and movements as a symbol of Arab unity and resistance.
  • Symbol of Change: The adoption of « Mawtini » in 2004 marked a significant change in Iraq’s national identity, reflecting a move away from the previous regime’s symbols and towards a more inclusive and unifying national symbol.
  • Cultural Significance: « Mawtini » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Iraqi people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Iraqis.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Arabic

موطني موطني
الجلال والجمال
والسناء والبهاء
في رباك في رباك
والحياة والنجاة
والهناء والرجاء
في هواك في هواك
هل أراك هل أراك
سالماً منعماً وغانماً مكرماً
هل أراك في علاك
تبلغ السماك تبلغ السماك
موطني موطني

In English (translation)

My homeland, my homeland,
Glory and beauty,
Sublimity and splendor,
Are in your hills, in your hills.
Life and deliverance,
Pleasure and hope,
Are in your air, in your air.
Will I see you, will I see you,
Safe, prosperous, and dignified?
Will I see you in your eminence,
Reaching to the sky, reaching to the sky?
My homeland, my homeland.

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