Abou EL KACEM CHEBBI Biography
Prepared by : Chiraz Abid Fatma Louati
Abou EL KACEM CHEBBI Biography
Aboul-Qacem Echebbi (Arabic: أبو القاسم الشابيAbū al-Qāsim ash-Shābbī) (24 February 1909 - 9 October 1934) was a Tunisian poet. He is probably best known for writing the final two verses of the current National Anthem of Tunisia, Humat al-Hima (Defenders of the Homeland), that was written originally by the Egyptian poet Mustafa Sadik el-Rafii. Echebbi was born in Tozeur, Tunisia, on 24 February 1909, the son of a judge. He obtained his attatoui diploma (the equivalent of the baccalauréat) in 1928. In 1930, he obtained a law diploma from the University of EzZitouna. The same year, he married and subsequently had two sons, Mohamed Sadok, who became a colonel in the Tunisian army, and Jelal, who later became an engineer.
He was very interested in modern literature in particular, and translated romantic literature, as well as old Arab literature. His poetic talent manifested itself at an early age and this poetry covered numerous topics, from the description of nature to patriotism. His poems appeared in the most prestigious Tunisian and Middle-Eastern reviews. His poem To the tyrants of the world became a popular slogan chant during the 2011 Tunisian and subsequently Egyptian demonstrations.[1] Echebbi died on 9 October 1934 at
the Habib-Thameur Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia following a long history of cardiac disorders. His portrait is on the current 10 DT note. Echebbi was considered by later Egyptian literary critic Shawqi Daif to be among the very finest Arabic poets of the modern era.[2] In late 2010 and 2011, Echebbi's poems became a source of inspiration for Arab protestors during the revolutions of the Arab Spring, which began with the Tunisian Revolution. Since then, there has been a revived interest in his work and his biography.
To the Tyrants of the World Hey you, despotic tyrant, Darkness lover and enemy of life, You scoffed at powerless people’s groans; And your hands are tainted with their blood. You embarked on empoisoning the allure of existence and sowing prickles of grief in its horizons. You will see! Don’t be deceived by spring time, Shining sky and morning light For in the wide horizon lurk darkness fright, Thunder Rumble and stormy winds. Woe betide you for flames are underneath ashes. Who grows prickles reaps wounds.
Have a look there… where you cut off The people’s heads and the flowers of ;hope You imbibed the heart of the earth with blood And made it drunk with tears. The flood, of blood, will wipe you away, and the flaring gale will eat you up.
حماة الحمى يا حماة الحمى هلموا هلموا لمجد الزمن لقد صرخت في عروقنا الدماء نموت نموت ويحيا الوطن لتدو السماوات برعدها لترم الصواعق نيرانها إلى عز تونس إلى مجدها رجال البلد وشبانها فل عاش في تونس من خانها ول عاش من ليس من جندها نموت ونحيا على عهدها حياة الكرام وموت العظام ورثنا السواعد بين المم صخورا صخورا كهذا البناء سواعد يهتز فوقها العلم نباهي به ويباهي بنا وفيها كفا للعلى والهمم وفيها ضمان لنيل المنى وفيها لعداء تونس نقم وفيها لمن سالمونا السلم
إذا الشعب يوما أراد الحياة فل بدد أن يستجيب القدر ول بد لليل أن ينجلي ول بد للقيد أن ينكسر
Chorus: O defenders of the Homeland! Rally around to the glory of our time! The blood surges in our veins, We die for the sake of our land. Let the heavens roar with thunder Let thunderbolts rain with fire. Men and youth of Tunisia, Rise up for her might and glory. No place for traitors in Tunisia, Only for those who defend her! We live and die loyal to Tunisia, A life of dignity and a death of glory. Chorus As a nation we inherited Arms like granite towers. Holding aloft our proud flag flying, We boast of it, it boasts of us, Arms that achieve ambitions and glory, Sure to realize our hopes, Inflict defeat on foes, Offer peace to friends.
Chorus When the people will to live, Destiny must surely respond. Oppression shall then vanish. Fetters are certain to break. Chorus