Frequently asked questions
Short, sourced answers to the questions people actually ask about Ey Reqîb. Every answer is backed by the claim register on the sources page.
Is Ey Reqîb the official national anthem of Kurdistan?
Ey Reqîb is the official anthem of the Kurdistan Region (Başûr), in use since 1991, and it was the anthem of the Republic of Mahabad in 1946. Beyond any official status it is sung as the anthem of Kurds in all four parts of Kurdistan and across the diaspora.
Who wrote Ey Reqîb?
The poet Dildar, pen name of Yûnis Reûf (1918 to 1948), a Kurdish law student from Koye. He wrote the poem in 1938 while imprisoned for his political convictions.
What does Ey Reqîb literally mean?
Reqîb comes from the Arabic raqīb, a watcher or guard. The title is usually translated as O enemy and sometimes as hey guard; tradition holds that it addressed the guards of the prison where Dildar wrote the poem.
When was Ey Reqîb written?
In 1938, in prison. One source gives 1940, but 1938 is the dominant, well supported reading.
In which language is Ey Reqîb written?
The original is in Soranî (Central Kurdish), written in Arabic script. Widely sung Kurmancî and Zazakî versions exist as well; who made those adaptations is not documented.
How many verses does Ey Reqîb have?
The canonical sung version has five verses, each followed by the same refrain: let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds live on, and our flag shall never fall.
How do you spell Ey Reqîb?
The Hawar spelling is Ey Reqîb; you will also see Ey Reqib, Ey Raqib and Ay Raqib, and in Arabic script ئەی ڕەقیب. They are the same anthem.
Who composed the melody of Ey Reqîb?
The composer is not documented. One source names a composer, but reference works state unknown, and no notated score even existed until conductor Dilshad Said produced the first official arrangements in 2021. This site attributes the melody to no one.
May Ey Reqîb be used commercially, for example in a film or recording?
The text is in the public domain worldwide: the author died in 1948 and the applicable copyright terms have expired. Individual recordings and translations by others do carry their own rights, so for those you need the permission of their makers. This is general information, not legal advice.
Where can I listen to Ey Reqîb?
This site hosts a freely licensed instrumental recording on the lyrics and pronunciation pages. Sung performances, from the classic interpretation by Şivan Perwer to orchestral versions, are widely available on the usual music and video platforms.