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Morqe Sahar (Persian: مرغ سحر, often romanised as Morgh-e Sahar, variously translated as Dawn Bird, Bird of the Morning, The Nightingale) is an Iranian tasnif often sung in protest of injustices, dictatorship and tyranny in Iran. Often regarded as the "anthem" of struggles for freedom in Iran, the tasnif was written by Mohammad-Taqi Bahar and composed by Morteza Neidavoud in the early 20th century under the wake of Iranian constitutional revolution. The song's lyrics centre on the metaphor of the bird of dawning or morning that initiates a lament. As the song progresses, it appeals to the caged bird to sing and break free, symbolising the termination of a period of oppression ("night") and the commencement of liberation ("day").

Whilst the first stanza of Morqe Sahar has been described as more lyrical, the second stanza has been described as "dealing with social and political issues". The second stanza was banned by Reza Shah Pahlavi since 1925 until his overthrow in 1941. This came after the song was performed at a home gathering of the Shah's minister Teymourtash, during which the Shah heard the song. According to a Kayhan article, the second stanza was sung at private parties, where the atmosphere was more suited to political debate in comparison to the preceding stanza that was often sung publicly.

History

The first recording artist to sing Morqe Sahar was Qamar-ol-Moluk Vaziri who sang it in 1924 at a Tehran hotel during her first formal vocal performance. Morqe Sahar was first recorded in 1927 by Iranoddole Helen or Taj Esfahani. One of the first recording is also attributed to the signing of Moluk Zarrabi. It was later performed by numerous Iranian singers including Qamar-ol-Moluk Vaziri, Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, Leila Forouhar, Homayoun Shajarian, Farhad Mehrad, Shakila, Mohsen Namjoo, Reza Sadeghi, and Hengameh Akhavan.

The song is regarded as a hit and a "signature" piece of the highly respected singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian who was often regarded as a public figure voicing for democracy. It was incorporated as the closing segment in all of his concert presentations. In 2020, crowds of mourners congregated to express their sorrow over the passing of Shajarian at the Jam Hospital, where he had been undergoing medical care. During this gathering, the attendees sang Morqe Sahar - often referred to as his "signature" creation - and vocalised slogans denouncing authoritative rule, which led to an encounter with Iranian authorities.

Lyrics

In popular culture

• Morq-e Sahar (spelled as "Morghe Sahar") was the theme for the Persian civilization in the videogame Civilization V, and also an ambient theme for the Persian civilization in Civilization VI.
• Morq-e Sahar (spelled as "Morghe Sahar") was featured as the through line in the Academy Award shortlisted documentary feature, The Voice of Dust and Ash, that tells the life story of Maestro Mohammad Reza Shajarian.

External links

• Mohammadreza Shajarian, Tasnif: Morghe Sahar
• ENCYCLOPÆDIA IRANICA
• Lyrics

References

1. ^ Emery, Ed (October 2020). "Iran's songs of love and liberation". Le Monde Diplomatique. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
2. ^ "MORḠ-E SAḤAR – Encyclopaedia Iranica". Iranicaonline.org. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
3. ^ Nouri, Nazanine (2020-10-14). "Iranians Remember Master Vocalist Shajarian With His Freedom Song 'Morgh e Sahar'". Kayhan Life. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
4. Alexandra, Rae (2021-08-17). "Artists In and Outside of Afghanistan Depict the Agony of the Taliban Takeover". KQED. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
5. Fassihi, Farnaz (2020-10-08). "Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Iranian Master Singer and Dissident, Dies at 80". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-06-06.
6. ^ Siamdoust, Nahid (2017-05-02). "Modern Iran in 8 Songs: From classical melodies to rap, Iran's music reveals its long struggle for political freedom". Stanford University Press. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
7. ^ "Remembering Iranian singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian". NPR Music. 2020-10-09. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
8. "Tehran orchestra, world-renowned musicians team up to remake "Morghe Sahar"". Tehran Times. 21 June 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
9. Seyyed Mostafa Mousavi Sabet (2020-10-09). "Vocalist Mohammadreza Shajarian to lay to rest in Ferdowsi mausoleum". Tehran Times. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
10. ^ "Iran's voice of protest falls silent". Morning Star. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
11. Inskeep, Steve (2010-09-27). "Mohammad Reza Shajarian: Protest Through Poetry". NPR Music. Retrieved 2023-08-22.

• Songs in Persian