Turkish National Anthem
The Turkish national anthem is called the "İstiklal Marşı" (Independence March). It was written by the poet "Mehmet Akif Ersoy" in 1921 during Turkey's War of Independence. The music was composed by "Osman Zeki Üngör". The anthem expresses themes of patriotism, freedom, and faith.
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Turkish National Anthem
Here is the full text of the first two stanzas, which are typically sung:
1. Stanza
Korkma, sönmez bu şafaklarda yüzen al sancak; Fear not! For the crimson flag that proudly ripples in this dawn, shall not fade,
Sönmeden yurdumun üstünde tüten en son ocak. Before the last fiery hearth that is ablaze within my nation is extinguished.
O benim milletimin yıldızıdır, parlayacak; It is the star of my nation, and it will forever shine;
O benimdir, o benim milletimindir ancak. It is mine, it belongs solely to my valiant nation.
2. Stanza
Çatma, kurban olayım çehreni ey nazlı hilâl! Frown not, I beseech you, oh coy crescent!
Kahraman ırkıma bir gül... ne bu şiddet bu celâl? Smile upon my heroic race! Why the anger, why the rage?
Sana olmaz dökülen kanlarımız sonra helâl; Our blood shed for you shall not be unavenged;
Hakkıdır, Hakk'a tapan milletimin istiklâl! For freedom is the right of my God-worshiping nation!
More about "İstiklal Marşı"
The "İstiklal Marşı" (Independence March), the Turkish national anthem, has a rich and patriotic history deeply tied to Turkey's struggle for independence and national identity.
1. The Context
Post-World War I Era
After the Ottoman Empire's defeat in World War I, parts of its territory, including Anatolia, were occupied by Allied forces.
Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923)
Led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkish forces fought to reclaim their sovereignty. A national anthem was needed to inspire unity and morale among the people and the soldiers.
2. The Anthem Competition (1921)
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey announced a competition to write a national anthem that would reflect the spirit of independence, patriotism, and sacrifice.
724 poets submitted entries, but none captured the intended spirit fully.
Mehmet Akif Ersoy, a renowned poet, initially refused to participate because of the monetary reward (500 liras). However, he later agreed when assured the prize would be donated to charity.
3. The Lyrics by Mehmet Akif Ersoy
Mehmet Akif Ersoy wrote the poem in 1921. It is a powerful reflection of faith, resilience, and the determination of the Turkish people.
His work was unanimously chosen by the Grand National Assembly and officially adopted on March 12, 1921.
4. The Music Composition
After the lyrics were adopted, a separate competition was held for the music.
In 1924, Osman Zeki Üngör, the conductor of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, composed the official music.
His composition, grand and solemn, became the anthem's permanent tune, arranged further by Edgar Manas to enhance its orchestration.
5. Symbolism of the Anthem
The opening word (Korkma, Fear Not) emphasizes courage in the face of adversity.
The anthem celebrates the crescent moon and star, symbolizing Turkey's identity, and reinforces the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom.
It intertwines themes of faith and patriotism, aligning with the values of the Turkish people during the War of Independence.
6. Usage
The anthem is recited and sung in schools, public ceremonies, and official events to this day.
While the full poem consists of 10 stanzas, only the first two stanzas are sung during official occasions.
The "İstiklal Marşı" remains a symbol of Turkey's resilience, independence, and national pride, cherished by Turkish people as a cornerstone of their cultural identity.
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