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"Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar" (Arabic: ارْحَل يَا بَشَّارْ, romanized: Irhal ya Bashar, lit. 'Leave, O Bashar') is one of the most memorable iconic slogans of the Syrian revolution that began in 2011 as part of the broader Arab Spring. This chant encapsulated the widespread anger and demands for freedom, dignity, and justice against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. It was resonated through the streets of Syria. The anthem was composed by the Syrian poet-singer Ibrahim Qashoush, who played a crucial role in transforming popular discontent into a powerful symbol of resistance. Consequently, he left a huge impact on Syrian society and the world’s perception of the conflict. The peaceful protesters demanded, through this phrase – and other similar ones – that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been leading the republic since the presidential referendum in 2000, step down.

Origins

The slogan “Erhal ya Bashar” originated during the early days of the Syrian uprising in 2011. Demonstrators in cities such as Daraa, Homs, and Hama began chanting it to demand the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime was widely accused of authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. The chant gained momentum as protests spread across the country, and it became a unifying call for Syrians from diverse backgrounds.

The chant’s popularity was amplified by its simplicity and directness, which allowed it to resonate across Syria’s linguistic and cultural divides. It was often accompanied by other slogans calling for freedom (“الحُرّيّة”), dignity (“الكرامة”), and the downfall of the regime (“الشَّعْبٟ يُرِيدُ إسْقَاطَ الْنِظَامْ”).

Ibrahim Qashoush

Ibrahim al-Qashoush, a fireman from Hama with a talent for music and poetry, emerged as the composer of the anthem that carried the slogan. Al-Qashoush transformed the chant into a full-fledged protest song, setting it to a catchy tune that energized demonstrators. al-Qashoush was from the city of Hama, became known for leading demonstrations calling for the overthrow of the regime. Most of the anti-government slogans directed at the Syrian government and its leaders were personally composed by al-Qashoush. On Friday, July 1, 2011, during what protesters called "Leave Friday" (“جمعة ارحل”) in Hama Governorate, he led the demonstration with the chant "Yalla, leave, Bashar," as approximately half a million demonstrators gathered in Assi Square, demanding the fall of the regime.

The lyrics, often improvised, mocked Assad and his regime, calling for their downfall in humorous and biting language. The refrain, “Yalla Erhal ya Bashar” (“Come on, leave, Bashar”), became a rallying cry for the movement.

Here are some lyrics from the song "Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar":

Repression and martyrdom

The regime’s response to the protests was swift and brutal. Security forces cracked down on demonstrators with live ammunition, arrests, and torture. Ibrahim Qashoush became a target due to the popularity of his song and his role as a prominent voice of dissent. On July 3, 2011, Qashoush was abducted by pro-regime forces. His mutilated body was later found in the Orontes River in Hama, his vocal cords gruesomely removed—a chilling message meant to silence dissent. Qashoush’s murder shocked Syrians and the international community, turning him into a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who stood against tyranny.

Cultural impact

The chant “Erhal ya Bashar” became more than a slogan; it evolved into a cultural phenomenon and an emblem of resistance. Protesters across the Arab world adapted it to their own contexts, and it inspired musicians, artists, and filmmakers. The anthem’s enduring power lay in its ability to articulate the collective frustration of a population yearning for change.

References

1. ^ "القاشوش.. ملهب حماسة المتظاهرين بسوريا". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-12-13.
2. ^ AL Jadeed News (2024-12-12). "يلا إرحل يا بشار".. عودة أسطورة القاشوش. Retrieved 2024-12-13 – via YouTube.
3. Layal.Haddad. "إبراهيم القاشوش بين الأسطورة والخرافة". العربي الجديد (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
4. "28 قتيلا بـ"جمعة ارحل" في سوريا". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-12-13.
5. "سورية: تظاهرات حاشدة في جمعة " إرحل" وأنباء عن سقوط 14 قتيلا على الأقل". BBC News عربي (in Arabic). 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2024-12-13.

• Syrian civil war
• Political catchphrases
• Arab Spring
• Arabic words and phrases