Jambiya
The jambiya is a traditional dagger worn by men in Yemen and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is characterized by its curved, double-edged blade, which is typically made of high-quality wootz or Damascus steel. The blade is often intricately engraved with decorative patterns, and in some cases, it may be adorned with gold or silver inlays. The handle of the jambiya is usually made of a material such as ivory, horn, or wood. It is carved with exquisite detail and embellished with precious stones or metals. The blade is placed in a sheath called a “ʿasīb,” made of wood and covered with leather, metal, or cloth. It is worn on a belt around the lower waist, with the hilt of the dagger facing forward.
The jambiya is more than just a weapon; it is a masterpiece of Yemeni craftsmanship and a unique work of art. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the jambiya holds deep cultural and symbolic significance in Yemeni society, representing honor and dignity and worn by men as a sign of their manhood and courage. It also reflects tribal identity and different tribes have distinct styles of jambiya that reflect their heritage. The jambiya is often passed down through generations as a family heirloom, with each dagger carrying the history and traditions of its owners. In addition, it is worn during special occasions and ceremonies, such as weddings and celebrations.
The National Anthem of Yemen | النشيد الوطني اليمني
First adopted as the anthem of South Yemen in 1979 (without a title), the anthem was titled “United Republic” and used as the anthem of the entire country when North and South Yemen reunified in 1990. The lyrics were written by lyricist Abdullah Abdulwahab Nu’man, a Yemeni poet and politician, and the music was composed by Ayoub Tarish Absi, a Yemeni singer and composer.
الجمهورية المتحدة| "United Republic"
رَدِّدِيْ أَيَتُهَا الدُّنْيَا نَشِيْدِيْ
رَدِّدِيْهِ وَأَعَيْدِيْ وَأَعِيْدِيْ
وَاذْكُرِيْ فِيْ فَرْحَتِيْ كُلَّ شَهِيْدِ
وَامْنَحِيْهِ حُلَلاً مِّنْ ضَوْءِ عَيْدِيْ
𝄇 رَدِّدِيْ أَيَتُهَا الدُّنْيَا نَشِيْدِيْ 𝄆
Repeat, O World, my song.
Echo it over and over again.
Remember, through my joy, each martyr.
Clothe her with the shining mantles of our festivals.
𝄆 Repeat, O World, my song. 𝄇
وَحْدَتِيْ، وَحْدَتِيْ
يَانَشِيْداً رَائِعاً يَمْلَاُ نَفْسِيْ
أَنْتِ عَهْدٌ عَالِقٌ فِيْ كُلِّ ذِمَّة
رَايَتِيْ، رَايَتِيْ
يَانَسِيْجاً حِكْتُهُ مِنْ كُلِّ شَمْسِ
أُخْلُدِيْ خَافِقَةً فِيْ كُلِّ قِمَّة
أُمَّتِيْ، أُمَّتِيْ
اِمْنَحِيْنِي الْبَأسَ يَامَصْدَرَ بَأسِيْ
وَاذْخُرِيْنِيْ لَكِ يَا أَكْرَمَ أُمَّة
My unity, my unity
O marvelous song which fills my heart,
You are the promise of all to come,
My banner, my banner
O cloth nailed from every sun
Raised forever, on every peak
My nation, my nation
give me strength, o source of strength
And save me for you, the best of nations.
عِشْتُ إِيْمَانِيْ وَحُبِّيْ سَرْمَدِياً
وَمَسِيْرِيْ فَوْقَ دَرْبِيْ عَرَبِيَّا
وَسَيَبْقٰى نَبْضُ قَلْبِيْ يَمَنِيَّا
لَنْ تَرَى الدُّنْيَا عَلٰى أَرْضِيْ وَصِيَّا
In faith and love I am part of mankind,
And I shall march first among the Arabs.
And my heart beat shall remain that of a Yemenite.
No foreigner shall ever hold dominion over Yemen.
