Egypt
"Walla Zaman Ya Selahy" (Oh, My Weapon)

Words by: Salah Shahyn
Music by: Kamal Attawyl
In use: 1960-1979

"Walla Zaman Ya Selahy" was first written for Um Kulthoum, the "Diva of Arabic Song", and achieved great national popularity in 1956, finally being adopted as the national anthem in 1960. The chorus only was sung, followed by an instrumental interlude, then a repeat of the chorus. The anthem was also used, without words, from 1965-1981 by Iraq, who was seeking a greater Arab state that would link those two nations with other Arab states.

Special thanks to: Jan Scotland for informing me of this anthem and for some of the information.

See also: Egypt (1923-1960), Egypt.