In my soul and spirit, you remain: How ‘Ey Iran’ song became a nation's cry amid war

By Humaira Ahad

On the eve of Ashura, as black flags waved and solemn elegies filled the streets and mosques across Iran, a stirring patriotic song echoed from the Hosseiniyeh of Imam Khomeini in Tehran. 

At the personal request of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, veteran eulogist Mahmoud Karimi performed 'Ey Iran Iran', a song rooted in Iran’s modern history. 

The event, broadcast nationally and shared widely online, quickly became a point of reflection across political and cultural spheres within Iran and around the world.

The moment stood out for its powerful symbolism. Traditionally, Ashura ceremonies are reserved for religious eulogies and tributes to Imam Hussain (AS), whose martyrdom in the desert plains of Karbala 14 centuries ago has shaped generations of Shi’a identity and struggle.

The inclusion of 'Ey Iran Iran' in this setting subtly underscored a guiding principle of the Islamic Republic that Iran’s national and religious identities are not only compatible but inseparable.

Nationalism within a religious frame

Since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979, the country has often combined national and religious symbols in public ceremonies. From International Quds Day rallies to the funerals of martyred commanders and scientists, the blending of patriotic imagery with religious motifs has been central to how the Islamic Republic of Iran demonstrates unity and purpose.

The recital of the ‘Ey Iran Iran’ song on the eve of Ashura, Muharram 10, became the latest expression of this synthesis, drawing a line from Karbala to modern-day resilience.

The significance of the moment lay in the strategic cultural gesture that aligned Iran’s religious foundations with its national aspirations. In the doctrinal worldview of the Islamic Republic, defending the homeland is not a secular duty but a religious imperative.

This synthesis is evident in the way the Islamic Republic pays tribute to its illustrious martyrs, articulates its foreign policy, and cultivates its cultural memory

Religious and political experts share similar views, noting that the elegy’s inclusion in the Ashura ceremony reflects Iran’s long-practised framework, that the homeland (vatan) is not simply territory but a divine trust (amanat), to be defended through both spiritual conviction and national duty.

This framing is also reinforced by Iran’s cultural doctrine, where resistance is both geopolitical and spiritual. Sacred Defence commemorations, the poetic legacy of figures like Hamid Sabzevari, are also symbols like ‘Ey Iran Iran’ employed to foster unity, reinforce ideological consistency, and underscore the perceived inseparability of faith and nationhood.

History of the anthem ‘Ey Iran Iran’  

'Ay Iran Iran' is one of the masterpieces of the legendary Iranian singer Mohammad Nouri. It was first released in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, during the eight-year war imposed on Iran.

Widely regarded as one of the most enduring works in Iranian music, the song continues to resonate with listeners through its patriotic themes, evoking deep feelings of pride and love for the homeland.

The lyrics were written by Touraj Negahban, with music composed by Mohammad Sarir. It was first released in the early 1980s as part of the album Delaviztarin ("The Most Charming"). The song pays tribute to Iran’s rich culture, history, and identity, reinforcing a strong sense of patriotism.

Also known as "Ey Vatan" ("O Homeland"), this iconic piece is considered one of Nouri’s crowning achievements in his illustrious career. Decades later, the song found renewed relevance during the recent war of aggression, brought back to life through the efforts of Karimi.

The lines "You remain in my soul and being, O homeland… You are my sanctuary; you are my home" resonate deeply with Iranians across generations living in and outside Iran. 

For older Iranians, the song evokes memories of mid-20th-century struggles for national dignity. For younger generations, many of whom have grown up amid brutal Western sanctions, imposed war, and unjustified global scrutiny, it acts as a symbol of rootedness and continuity.

The song’s utility lies in its capacity to express devotion, both to the land and to the larger ideals of justice and resistance that define Iran’s revolutionary identity.

The other song, related to this one, is 'Ey Iran', which has also been trending recently. 

The song was originally composed in the 1940s during the Allied occupation of Iran. British and Soviet forces had entered the country during World War II, allegedly to secure supply routes. However, their presence deeply undermined Iran’s sovereignty. 

In this climate of attack on the country’s sovereignty, a powerful cultural response emerged and led to the creation of 'Ey Iran'.

The powerful lyrics were penned by Hossein Gol-e-Golab, a respected literary figure who had witnessed the aggression shown by foreign soldiers toward ordinary Iranians in the streets of Tehran.

Moved by these scenes, Gol-e-Golab composed a poem that would capture the spirit of a wounded but unbroken and spirited nation. His words were then set to music by Ruhollah Khaleghi, one of Iran’s foremost composers and a pioneer of Persian symphonic music.

Diverse political and cultural figures have since embraced the lyrics invoking devotion to Iran and rejection of foreign domination.

Online reactions to the song

Images and videos featuring the iconic anthem 'Ey Iran' have been circulating widely since Ashura, drawing emotional reactions from Iranians and supporters abroad.

The song has become a rallying cry for unity, resilience, and defiance against the aggressors, particularly following the recent unprovoked Israeli-American aggression against the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shared a photo of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution at the Ashura gathering, captioning it with, “Iran is eternal and will always endure.

In my soul and spirit,

You remain, O homeland...

#Sing_Ey_Iran”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was visiting Brazil for the BRICS summit, called the image “the most beautiful” he had seen since his arrival.

“With you, one can brave the seas. Sing Ey Iran,” he stated.

Many social media users were quick to recognize the layered significance of the moment.

The inclusion of ‘Ey Iran’ during an Ashura night ritual was seen as a carefully calibrated blend of patriotic affirmation and spiritual expression, signalling national cohesion in the aftermath of Israel’s brutal war on Iran.

Alireza Talakoubnejad, an Iranian-American citizen, described the event as “remarkable.”

“During his night of the first of Muharram ceremony, Mahmoud Karimi (close to Beyt), recited an homage to Mohammad Nouri's nationalist song "Ey Iran Iran". There are sometimes nationalist themes in religious ceremonies, but I had never seen something so overt,” he wrote.

Social media user Elisa shared a video of Iranian mathematics Olympiad team members performing ‘Ey Iran’ during the closing ceremony of the International Camp in China, hailing them as “valiant men of Iran.”

“#Iranian_Power,” she added.

In another post, a user named Hosniye shared a video of Lebanese youth performing a tribute song to Iran, “Flame of the Free People”—sung to the tune of ‘Ey Iran’. 

The solidarity captured online underscores the enduring appeal of the anthem as a cross-cultural symbol of defiance and unity.

The anthem’s presence has extended beyond Iranian borders in recent days. 

Reza H. Akbari, a PhD candidate at American University, noted the phenomenon in a widely shared post:

“At the heels of the Iran-Israel war, we're witnessing some of the most patriotic mourning gatherings in #Iran. Numerous examples of elegies being infused with Iran-centric lyrics—drawn from classical literature, pop songs, nationalistic poetry, and national anthems.”

In a time of grief and pride, war and resilience, ‘Ey Iran’ has emerged as a declaration. A heartbeat of a nation that sings through resistance.

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