Meb'usan Marşı - 20th Century Turkish Military Music
The "Meb'usan Marşı" was composed by Mehmet Zati Bey (Arca) and was played and recorded during the reopening of the Ottoman Parliament (Meclis-i Mebusan) in 1909. The lyrics of the anthem praise Resneli Niyazi Bey and Enver Bey, who were leaders of the Young Turk Revolution in 1908, and Midhat Pasha, who played a significant role in the declaration of the First Constitutional Era.
Mehmed Zati Arca (1864, Istanbul - 1943, Istanbul) was a Turkish composer and musician. Born in Istanbul in 1864 as the son of Sırmakeş Hüsnü Efendi, Mehmet Zati Arca showed an early interest in music. At the age of eight, during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, he joined the Mızıka-yı Hümayun (Imperial Military Band). Initially trained on the violin by Pascualli, he later switched to the flute. Arca also took up the clarinet and achieved the rank of Onbaşı (corporal) in 1882. He participated in the Ottoman military band and even performed in the palace team for the traditional Turkish play, Ortaoyunu. Arca received attention from Sultan Abdulhamid II, who sponsored his piano lessons with D'Aranda Pasha and harmony lessons with Guatelli Pasha. Concurrently, he learned Turkish classical music from Hacı Arif Bey. His talents led to promotions, and he became a Mülâzım (lieutenant) and later a captain. In 1890, Arca was appointed as the conductor and clarinet teacher of a 60-member choir formed after the success of an Austrian choir's concert. His achievements continued, earning him the title of Miralay (Colonel) in 1907. However, with the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, Arca's rank was reduced to major, and he lost his position as choir conductor. After serving as a teacher in various state schools, including Galatasaray, Üsküdar, and Erenköy high schools, he retired in 1923. Arca continued his musical contributions after the establishment of the Republic, working at Darülbedayi and Dârülelhan. He authored music books for schools and composed marches, often incorporating Turkish modes or melodies into Western-style compositions. A mentor to many students, Arca passed away in Suadiye, and he is buried in the Merkezefendi Cemetery in Zeytinburnu.
Turkish Lyrics
Osmanlılar bu gün oldu muzaffer,
Fethetti yeniden vatanı asker,
Açtı mebûslara yolu süngüler,
Yaşasın Niyâzi, yaşasın Enver!
Gökyüzünde şühedânın hayâli,
Alkışlıyor sanki ruhi Kemali
Ah, ölmeden görmeliydi bu hali,
Kıymetli, muhterem vatanperver
Al bayraklar bulutları sarıyor,
Şenliğimiz asumana varıyor,
Mazlumlara, zalimler yalvarıyor,
Hey Allah'ım bu nasıl ruzi mahşer?
Uyan Midhat, uyan geldi zamanın,
Tutsun dünyâları şöhret ve şânın,
Sen bulun önünde şu Mebusân'ın,
Artık yaşa evlâdınla beraber.
English Translation
The Ottomans are victorious today,
Soldiers have reconquered the homeland,
They cleared the path for deputies with bayonets,
Long live Niyazi, long live Enver!
The sky is filled with the vision of martyrs,
Applauding the spirit of Namık Kemal,
Oh, how he should have witnessed this before dying,
Precious, esteemed patriot,
Red flags envelop the clouds,
Our celebration reaches the skies,
The oppressed plead, the oppressors bow,
Oh God, what a magnificent gathering!
Awaken, Midhat, awaken, the time has come,
Grasp the worlds of fame and glory,
You stand before this Parliament,
Now live with your children.