National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇦🇲 Armenia

The national anthem of Armenia is called: « Mer Hayrenik ».

Continent: Europe

Bordering Countries:
– 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
– 🇬🇪 Georgia
– 🇮🇷 Iran (Islamic Republic of)
– 🇹🇷 Turkey

History of « Mer Hayrenik »

« Mer Hayrenik » (Our Fatherland) is the national anthem of Armenia. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of resilience and independence.

Key Dates and People

  • 1859: The lyrics of « Mer Hayrenik » were written by Mikael Nalbandian, an Armenian poet and activist. The poem was originally titled « Song of an Italian Girl. »
  • 1885: The music for the anthem was composed by Barsegh Kanachyan, an Armenian composer.
  • 1918: « Mer Hayrenik » was adopted as the national anthem of the First Republic of Armenia.
  • 1991: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, « Mer Hayrenik » was reinstated as the national anthem of the newly independent Republic of Armenia.

Anecdotes

  • Inspiration from Italy: The original poem by Mikael Nalbandian was inspired by the Italian unification movement. The poem’s themes of freedom and national pride resonated with the Armenian people, leading to its adoption as the national anthem.
  • Soviet Era: During the Soviet era, « Mer Hayrenik » was replaced by a different anthem. However, the song remained popular among Armenians and was reinstated as the national anthem after Armenia regained its independence in 1991.
  • Cultural Significance: « Mer Hayrenik » is a powerful symbol of Armenian national identity and pride. It is performed at official events, national celebrations, and sporting occasions, fostering a sense of unity and patriotism among Armenians.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Armenian

Մեր հայրենիք, ազատ, անկախ,
Որ ապրել է դարեդար,
Իր որդիքը արդ կանչում է
Ազատ, անկախ Հայաստան։

Ահա եղբայր քեզ մի դրոշ,
Որ պետք է միշտ բարձր պահել,
Որ չկարցնի իր փառքը,
Պիտի միշտ մենք հաղթենք։

Երկիր Հայոց, ազատ, անկախ,
Որ ապրել է դարեդար,
Իր որդիքը արդ կանչում է
Ազատ, անկախ Հայաստան։

In English (translation)

Our Fatherland, free and independent,
That has lived for centuries,
Its children are now calling
Free, independent Armenia.

Here, brother, is your flag,
That must always be held high,
That it may never lose its glory,
We must always prevail.

Land of Armenia, free and independent,
That has lived for centuries,
Its children are now calling
Free, independent Armenia.

Sources: