Mer Hayrenik
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| Մեր Հայրենիք Mer Hayrenik English: Our Fatherland |
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|---|---|
| National Anthem of |  Armenia |
| Lyrics | Mikael Nalbandian |
| Music | Barsegh Kanachyan |
| Adopted | 1991 |
"Mer Hayrenik" (Armenian script: Մեր Հայրենիք; English translation: Our Fatherland) is the national anthem of Armenia. Adopted on July 1, 1991, it is based on the anthem of the Democratic Republic of Armenia (1918-1922), but with different lyrics.
The lyrics were written as a poem by poet Mikael Nalbandian (1829-1866) and later set to music by composer Barsegh Kanachyan (1885-1967).
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[edit] Lyrics
| Armenian[1] | Latin transcription | English translation[2] |
|---|---|---|
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Մեր Հայրենիք, ազատ անկախ,
Ահա եղբայր քեզ մի դրոշ,
Նայիր նրան երեք գույնով,
Ամենայն տեղ մահը մի է
Մեր Հայրենիք, ազատ անկախ,
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Mer Hayrenik’, azat ankakh,
Aha yeghbayr k’ez mi drosh,
Nayir nran yerek’ guynov,
Amenayn tegh mahë mi e
Mer Hayrenik’, azat ankakh,
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Our Fatherland, free, independent,
Here is a flag for you my brother,
Look at it, tricolored,
Death is the same everywhere,
Our Fatherland, free, independent,
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[edit] Status as the national anthem of Armenia
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| Mer Hayrenik (1918-1922) | |
| Anthem of the Armenian SSR (1944-1991) | |
| Mer Hayrenik (1991-present)
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Lately, there has been a debate over whether Armenia should do away with its current national anthem and adopt something different. There have been complaints and allegations that the song is "too wimpy" and gloomy.[3] A 22-person commission made up of Armenia's wisest and best have been sifting through 85 candidates to come up with a new anthem. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation staunchly opposes the idea of changing Mer Hayrenik. The very idea, according to them, is tantamount to sacrilege.[3] The Armenian Revolutionary Federation is a part of the coalition government. According to some, one anthem, with lyrics based on a poem by Kars-born Armenian writer Yeghishe Charents is considered one of the most favored submissions.[3] A modified version of the Soviet-era anthem by Aram Khachaturian with new lyrics is another candidate, along with two other recordings. Some such as Armenian composer Tigran Mansuryan prefer the tune of the old Khachaturian anthem, calling it "very Armenian".[4] The proposals are being produced by an orchestra in order for the public to hear the different options being considered for the new state anthem. Despite ongoing debate, Mer Hayrenik will be kept as the state anthem by decision of the National Assembly of Armenia.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ According to the Armenian version of the web site of the Government of the Republic of Armenia
- ^ According to the English version of the web site of the Government of the Republic of Armenia
- ^ a b c Robert Parsons. "CIS: Armenia Latest To Agonize Over Anthem", Radio Free Europe, 2006-08-24. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
- ^ "Famous Composer Refuses To Deal With National Anthem", Panorama.am, 2006-12-23. Retrieved on 2006-12-23.
- ^ "National Anthem of Armenia", Panorama.am, 2006-12-22. Retrieved on 2006-12-22.
[edit] Sources
- Armenian text of the national anthem on the web site of the Government
- English tranlation of the anthem on the web site of the Government
[edit] External links
- Instrumental version of "Mer Hayrenik" in MP3 format
- Vocal version of "Mer Hayrenik" in MP3 format
- Armenian part of nationalanthems.info: includes midi, lyrics, a music sheet
- Debate whether or not to change the national anthem
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