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İstiklal Marşı
English: Independence March
Atatürk schoolroom wall.jpg
An example of a common classroom display in Turkey, including the anthem at far right.
National anthem of  Turkey
 Northern Cyprus
Lyrics Mehmet Akif Ersoy, 1921
Music Osman Zeki Üngör, 1930
Edgar Manas, 1932
Adopted 12 March 1921

The İstiklâl Marşı (which means Independence March in English) is the national anthem of the Republic of Turkey. It became Turkey's official song on March 12, 1921. This was about two and a half years before Turkey officially became a country. The song was created to inspire soldiers fighting in the Turkish War of Independence. It also showed the country's strong wish for freedom.

The words of the anthem were written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy. The music was composed by Osman Zeki Üngör. The main ideas in the song are about the homeland of the Turkish people and their freedom. It also talks about faith, hope, and the importance of being brave and making sacrifices for liberty. The lyrics mention the Turkish flag, the human spirit, and the land itself. Some parts of the song remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives. They also celebrate the victory of the Turkish National Movement in the War of Independence.

The İstiklâl Marşı is also used as the national anthem for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). It was adopted there in 1983.

Official Lyrics

Only the first two verses of the İstiklâl Marşı are officially sung during ceremonies. These are the most important parts of the anthem.

Modern Turkish lyrics
English translation

Korkma! Sönmez bu şafaklarda yüzen al sancak,
Sönmeden yurdumun üstünde tüten en son ocak.
O benim milletimin yıldızıdır, parlayacak;
O benimdir, o benim milletimindir ancak.

Çatma, kurban olayım, çehreni ey nazlı hilal!
Kahraman ırkıma bir gül; ne bu şiddet, bu celal?
Sana olmaz dökülen kanlarımız sonra helal…
Hakkıdır, Hakk’a tapan milletimin istiklal.

Fear not; for the crimson banner that proudly rippleth in this glorious dawn, shall not fade,
Before the last fiery hearth that is ablaze within my homeland is extinguished.
For that is the star of my people, and it will forever shine;
It is mine; and solely belongeth to my valiant nation.

Frown not, thee I beseech, oh thy coy crescent!
Smile upon my heroic nation! Why the anger, why the rage?
Our blood which for thee we shed shall be not worthy otherwise;
For freedom is the absolute right of my God-worshipping nation!

Images for kids

  • Atatürk schoolroom wall

    An example of a common classroom display in Turkey, including the national anthem at far right

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: İstiklâl Marşı para niños

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