Turkish National Anthem, İstiklal Marşı as A Text of Nation-Building

What is it about?

This article presents a brief and critical assessment of the selection procedure of the Turkish national anthem, İstiklal Marşı, reviews its author's literary stand and ideology, and analyzes the lyrics from the perspective of nation-building and identity construction. It includes a full translation of the lyrics in verse.

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Why is it important?

The article is perhaps the first study in English that gives the historical details of the adoption of İstiklal Marşı. Its analysis of the lyrics is unique in its discussion of nation-building and amalgamation of literary analysis with an historical one. The dexterous translation is also a good source for teaching material and further research.