Saladin - Epic Music

Music by Farya Faraji, Arabic vocals by Youssef Nassa, Kurdish vocals by Farya Faraji. Please note that this isn't reconstructed era music, it's modern Arabic and Kurdish music with a historical theme.
I was inspired to write a song about Saladin, a now legendary figure not just in Islamic history, but in the world as a whole. Widely regarded as a model of kingship and a great ruler, he even enjoyed a positive perception in Europe as far back as the Middle-Ages. Born to a Kurdish family, Saladin would end up becoming the Sultan of Egypt, and would lead the Muslims against the Christian forces during the Crusades.
The music mostly emulates modern Egyptian Classical music as well as Kurdish folk music. The instruments used are the ney, oud and kanun, a wide array of percussions like the bendhir and darbuka, and a Western string orchestra played in a typical oriental manner, which gives it its recognisable sound, one copiously used in Egyptian music, among others. The Arabic vocals are provided by Egyptian singer Youssef Nassal who sings using Classical Arabic vocal techniques in an improvisational, arythmic manner called mawwal.
The Kurdish lyrics are from a modern poem by Kurdish poet Cigerxwîn. Whilst his poem's intent has a very clear Kurdish nationalist angle, I used these specific verses of his poem as they fit the theme of this piece, with the added bonus of being in Saladin's mother tongue, albeit one of its modern variants. The Arabic lyrics, meanwhile, are contemporary to Saladin's time and were written by 'Arqala al-Kalbî, an Egyptian poet.
Lyrics in Kurdish:
Ez im ê şikand leşkerê Rêşar
Min bi xwîna xwe parastî ev war
Di sînga dijmin ez bûme kelem
Li ser serê min
Sinbil û kulah
Serê hespê min
Digirt Padîşah
Ez im ew gernas
Ew Selahidîn
Bipirs ji dimyat
Bipirs ji Hetîn
English translation:
It was I who defeated
Richard the Lionheart
My own blood I shed
to defend these regions.
A thorn I was in my enemies' side;
Many a king held my horse's halter.
Yes I am the warrior,
I am Saladin.
Translation of the Arabic part:
He was a king whose name dignified pulpits and whose virtues were well-nigh over the stars.
His visage radiated on homesteads like a sun shining from the highest sphere.
No sooner were his banners unfurled than those of his enemies were folded in defeat.
Who but he stemmed the tide of the Frankish faith?
Which battle but his had horses as numerous as the torrential rains?

[@faryafaraji]

Music by Farya Faraji, Arabic vocals by Youssef Nassa, Kurdish vocals by Farya Faraji. Please note that this isn't reconstructed era music, it's modern Arabic and Kurdish music with a historical theme. I was inspired to write a song about Saladin, a now legendary figure not just in Islamic history, but in the world as a whole. Widely regarded as a model of kingship and a great ruler, he even enjoyed a positive perception in Europe as far back as the Middle-Ages. Born to a Kurdish family, Saladin would end up becoming the Sultan of Egypt, and would lead the Muslims against the Christian forces during the Crusades. The music mostly emulates modern Egyptian Classical music as well as Kurdish folk music. The instruments used are the ney, oud and kanun, a wide array of percussions like the bendhir and darbuka, and a Western string orchestra played in a typical oriental manner, which gives it its recognisable sound, one copiously used in Egyptian music, among others. The Arabic vocals are provided by Egyptian singer Youssef Nassal who sings using Classical Arabic vocal techniques in an improvisational, arythmic manner called mawwal. The Kurdish lyrics are from a modern poem by Kurdish poet Cigerxwîn. Whilst his poem's intent has a very clear Kurdish nationalist angle, I used these specific verses of his poem as they fit the theme of this piece, with the added bonus of being in Saladin's mother tongue, albeit one of its modern variants. The Arabic lyrics, meanwhile, are contemporary to Saladin's time and were written by 'Arqala al-Kalbî, an Egyptian poet. Lyrics in Kurdish: Ez im ê şikand leşkerê Rêşar Min bi xwîna xwe parastî ev war Di sînga dijmin ez bûme kelem Li ser serê min Sinbil û kulah Serê hespê min Digirt Padîşah Ez im ew gernas Ew Selahidîn Bipirs ji dimyat Bipirs ji Hetîn English translation: It was I who defeated Richard the Lionheart My own blood I shed to defend these regions. A thorn I was in my enemies' side; Many a king held my horse's halter. Yes I am the warrior, I am Saladin. Translation of the Arabic part: He was a king whose name dignified pulpits and whose virtues were well-nigh over the stars. His visage radiated on homesteads like a sun shining from the highest sphere. No sooner were his banners unfurled than those of his enemies were folded in defeat. Who but he stemmed the tide of the Frankish faith? Which battle but his had horses as numerous as the torrential rains?

[@imjoeim]

very cool

[@natheriver8910]

👏👏

[@Karanudaysingh]

Farya you should do a symphony about Nader Shah’s Invasion of India.

[@alexandradeuen1610]

Saladin ist mein kurdischer held .

[@aramokurdo]

Wow thank you for the Kurdish music 🔥🔥

[@Officer_K.]

someone who finally realized that Saladin is Kurdish and made a perfect Kurdish music on top of it. you are great farya...

[@HistorywithCy]

I'm really enjoying these latest historical themes... Safavids, Mughals, Saladin and can't wait to hear what's next! Thanks Farya for showing us these worlds through sound!

[@villebooks]

@HistorywithCy Two great channels combined on one page of history :)

[@Berxwedan.]

lol I can’t believe you are here to 😂

[@roniNetewiKurdistan]

Your Kurdish slaps bro, we need more

[@Thotslayer-yu6ko]

Finally a Kurdish one i have been waiting for this

[@Cevatpashaoffical]

Me too

[@quisublimes9473]

I am addicted to Farya.

[@Sultan_Of_Rum]

Me too bro😁

[@Eugene-tm8fm]

Farya is to me what crack is to a drug addict

[@iberius9937]

You and me both!

[@Turachkh]

Literally me!

[@bvthebalkananarchistmapper5642]

Mood

[@luthfilofianda3999]

We are blessed by stunning Farya`s epic musics (Chagatais, Savafids, Mughals, and now Saladin) in just a mere 2 months. Definitely longing for more epic musics!

[@schoeberli]

Also roman and byzantine go check it out its great

[@eneskaradag6001]

As a Kurd, I have been following you for a long time. I was very happy to see that you were making music in Kurdish. I am proud of my ancestor Saladin. Good luck, Farya. ☀️

[@abdibgm5748]

Unfortunately he was the only competent Ruler from his dynasty, his sons and grandsons were nothing but disappointments.

[@DagwoodDogwoggle]

As a westerner I've taken an interest in Saladin since 2009. In my studies I've found everything Farya has written to be accurate. I've also found that, in addition to being a great general, he was an amazing diplomat both with the European Crusaders and with his own people who challenged his decisions. He made Egypt a place for scholarly study in medicine, science and mathematics when previous middle eastern lords had abandon those pursuits with in fighting and repression. Saladin wanted the Middle East to become a place of learning and culture again while upholding the teachings of Islam, which was no easy task as many clerics interpreted Islam differently. Probably one of the greatest leaders who ever lived.

[@SALADIN..]

Thanks for knowing stuff about me

[@clgnbiyolog1863]

Thank you for your thoughts about Selahadin Ayyubi, the pride of the Kurdish people.

[@matteobooboolis3288]

What about how he engaged for years in wars with Shi’as, one of his distractions from going to war with Jerusalem sooner?

[@DagwoodDogwoggle]

@@matteobooboolis3288 I addressed that in my first post. I quote: "he was an amazing diplomat both with the European Crusaders and with his own people who challenged his decisions." Also:(edit) "Saladin wanted the Middle East to become a place of learning and culture again while upholding the teachings of Islam, which was no easy task as many clerics interpreted Islam differently." That was a polite, respectful way of saying that the arabic nations were ahead of their time in science and education BEFORE the prophet came. Many sects of Islam wanted people to go backwards - forbidding learning and science as an afront to God. Saladin wanted to preserve Islam AND get rid of people being backwards and stupid as being uneducated was making things worse (and always does). Sometimes diplomacy means slapping people down. Jerusalem was not Saladin's only goal in life. His real goal was to unify the middle east and make his people SMART and PROSPERUS and strong.

[@Officer_K.]

As a Kurd, I respected what you know very much, at first I didn't know that Saladin was a Kurd, and as I got to the bottom of it, tears came to my eyes and I was touched, I was really touched, it's really a very great kral. the point I want to make is that some reactionary people at the time prevented Islam from dealing with science in the 8th and 10th century. century, the science in the Islamic geography formed the foundations of today's science, and the first word of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, is READ, "Read in the name of your Lord who created", and the Prophet Muhammad has many sayings on science that have survived to this day....

[@aghmedddd8837]

Absolute masterpiece and much love and respect to our brothers in faith, the kurds from your fellow muslim brother تحية الي كل مسلم و إن شاءالله تتحرر فلسطين لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله 🏳🏴

[@3bd_El-Rahman]

☝️אשׁהד אן לא אלה אלא אללה☝️ ☝️ואשׁהד אן מוחמד רסול אללה☝️🏳️🏴

[@bassimmaslouhi7679]

What I like about Farya is that he makes real effort, Kurdish lyrics for Salaheddin is a nice touch 👌

[@THE_EMPEROR_HUNTER]

As a Kurd living in the city of Saladin himself, I am proud of my ancestor! Thank you farya❤

[@mahdi-oe6mk]

What bullshit are u just trying to say ??? You turks always slicing the part that you are want: Name of his brothers : Taj al-muluk saied buri Adel Nur-aldin shahanshah Turan shah(from ferdowsi poem) How the hell would him to be Kurdish/iranic???? ​@@gordongekko9742

[@Heinzguderian1889]

Is he aware that Selahattin Eyyübi is Kurdish?

[@THE_EMPEROR_HUNTER]

@@Heinzguderian1889yes.

[@Heinzguderian1889]

@@THE_EMPEROR_HUNTER no,he was yemenid arab

[@THE_EMPEROR_HUNTER]

@@Heinzguderian1889 are you serious!?

[@darajiyane9114]

Sallahaddîn El Kurdî serbilindiya me Kurdan e ❤ Gellek Spas ji bo vî kare xweş û sewta te ye şêrîn, ez nikarim dest jê berdim 🙏 Slaw ji bo Xelkê Kurdistanê û Hewalen me yên hemû Cîhanê re ❤️☀️💚

[@Julian_Films]

Baldwin IV has been real quiet since this dropped. 🥶🥶🥶

[@raisul_raj]

A man of Honor

[@zurielschubert9410]

AYO FARYA SHOULD MAKE ONE FOR KING BALDWIN

[@your-average-bruv]

Baldwin was a well respected king and has my respect. He wasn’t a tyrant

[@Julian_Films]

@@zurielschubert9410 💯

[@dylanbarnes9195]

you mean Baldwin the Lepper

[@AlMuqaddimahYT]

Beautiful! Definitely adding this to my music-to-work-to playlist.

[@SafavidAfsharid3197]

Make a video on explaining the relationship between Mughals and Ottomans and get into details of mughal economy and military composition.

[@ra.n9482]

And here it is. At last, we have a proper theme for Saladin that reflects his heritage and his deeds. Thank you!

[@pprot1337]

7:01 "ask what occurred in Hattin" DAMN THAT LINE WAS COLD

[@johannes5000]

Could you explain what this means please, would be very interesting to learn!

[@ahoda6149]

​@@johannes5000at Hattin in 1187 Saladin has destroyed armies of crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, which allowed him to retake Jerusalem and almost all territory that Christians have conquered.

[@johannes5000]

@@ahoda6149 ok thank you for the info!

[@josephbrlt]

@@ahoda6149 Yes & then a Lion overtook him.

[@ahoda6149]

@@josephbrlt Third Crusade was unsuccessful in taking Jerusalem. It only allowed Christians to somewhat strengthen their position on the Mediterranian coast. Jerusalem has returned to Christians only briefly during 1229-1244, and that was achieved by diplomatic means.

[@cephalophore2631]

Happy to end Ramadan with this masterpiece

[@Persian1862]

A KURDISH SONG ABOUT SALADIN. I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH I NEED TO THANK YOU MY FRIEND AND PLEASE KEEP DOING MUSIC. YOUR MUSIC IS GREAT!

[@Berxwedan.]

Hi Kurush

[@zoroaster5353]

as a kurd I've been waiting for this since the Hikanatoi days. thank you so much for your music brother

[@aramokurdo]

Wow finally KURDISH music from Farya Spas brother ❤🤩

[@Dubil_7]

Respect from Iran to our lovely Kurdish cousins, hoping for better and better days❤

[@Heinzguderian1889]

Is he aware that Selahattin Eyyübi is Kurdish?

[@mahdi-oe6mk]

Yes ​@@Heinzguderian1889

[@Yezdansher]

​@@Heinzguderian1889Yes he was aware, are you aware that you lack the ability to think?

[@ibrahimk.3227]

@@Heinzguderian1889Most people aren’t aware of this like yourself and it’s very common so I won’t make fun of you. Kurds are also Iranian…

[@ignatiuscianci4440]

@@ibrahimk.3227 We dont see ourselves as part of iran.

[@samuelberteferreira]

First time I hear a song in Kurdish on this channel. Beautiful!

[@BilgiOtagi-qe8x]

A melody, an anthem that sheds light on the distant Kurdish history, thanks Farya

[@waszkewicz]

Thank you! ❤ We really appreciate your work 👍

[@thesmatorexperience]

The speed of these uploads is remarkable.

[@dannymarashi]

Only been up for half an hour and see this has been up for half an hour. It appears I am in sync with Farya, and it was high time to get a Saladin piece. No piece is more or less than what it ought to be, that takes an especially keen eye for composition. Bravo, Farya. ❤

[@andravideostation6101]

Chagatai, Safavids, Terirem (the Epic Eastern Roman Empire song), The Mughals, and now Saladin?? U are a part of my life now bro💀

[@kerimcanak-tw1ng]

What is a Teriem?

[@andravideostation6101]

@@kerimcanak-tw1ng typo

[@Berxwedan.]

Farya is a legend, he literally makes epic songs in every language that he heard off, even French lol

[@suwalszczyzna]

Best wishes from Poland ❤

[@user-ns7ty1id5q]

Again, thank you as always for these amazing pieces! Keep it up, you have exposed me to instruments and traditions I have never heard before.

[@nubnubdubdeh]

I love all the kurds I am half Kurdish Amen to all of you I love you all Long Live Kurdistan & Greece & Armenia

[@markushans]

From where you are also too?

[@ertugrulsucu6345]

Which country did you mentioned first i never heard of it

[@pluviophile1988]

@@ertugrulsucu6345 😂😂

[@Mhamad-vl1zd]

@@ertugrulsucu6345 ask your mom she knows it well

[@ertugrulsucu6345]

@@Mhamad-vl1zd yeah she saw it once in her dream

[@AaaAaa-tt4cw]

Excuse me, but poetry in Arabic made me proud to be an Arab Muslim. What a beautiful poem❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ZeynepEceBakala]

My new hobby is listening to Farya's beautiful music while researching medieval history 🥹

[@AurorainAurora]

Ah, Saladin. Once again, a song about one of my favorite historical figures has appeared. I am very happy.

[@CICmars]

I've been waiting for this a long time, thank you farya💪

[@hjay14]

"Your enemies will know your quality before ever you meet them, my friend." And we did. Saladin is the perfect knight, the very essence of chivalry.

[@Clarys389]

This is beautiful ! Thanks Farya !

[@zurielschubert9410]

This channel just never miss holy hell the fact that you don't get more recognition is insane. But that's alright, being regarded as one of the best musicians that appeals to history nerds and culture enthusiasts is enough.

[@mahfuzradzi9866]

Whenever Farya Faraji release new Byzantine, Iranian and Middle Eastern musics: "PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKK!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"

[@knarftahw]

Yes! I've been asking for it and it actually happened ❤ Praise Farya! My excitement is second only to seeing the Iulius epic extravaganza 🙏

[@obsehasp]

This is what I was waiting for! Thanks Farya

[@RoyalGuard369]

Much love from your Kurdish brothers❤❤

[@MustafaAl-Ashaa]

I loved it ! thank you so much guys !!!!

[@mhuzaifaamjad2813]

Absolutely mind blowing.... Much love !

[@gabrielsoruco7858]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A SALADIN SONG FOR SO LONG. Thank you Farya! So much for this one in special. After reading so much about him, how can you not to admire this king?

[@daydreemurr8227]

The algorithm just knew I was interested in Islamic culture and handed me this fresh off the presses. Not even 30 seconds, lol.

[@z-kotsov]

Idem

[@CONSTANTINEXI63]

Same

[@A_man98]

There is no such thing as islamic culture bro. Islam is a religion. The culture may be Arab, Kurdish, Persian etc

[@rajashah1353]

Same

[@thephotoshopper5908]

Jesus is Lord, not just a prophet.

[@_Mustafa_Edits_]

مبدع كعادتك ❤️

[@alandkawaali]

I am Kurd from Southern Kurdistan, proud to be Muslim.

[@mohdadil6549]

THERE IS NO COUNTRY CALLED KURDISTAN

[@SALADIN..]

Thanks farya you're a LEGEND ❤

[@Faisal-qy6fp]

absolute masterpiece music from One the Great General, diplomat and conqueror Sultan Saladin Ayyubi the conquest of Jerusalem and Al-Quds

[@TheZouki85]

I always listen to your songs during my Crusader's Kings 3 session, thank you to do better soundtracks for my games for so long, always incredible

[@mohammedzaidi9802]

Thank you Farya ❤❤

[@MalharBedarkar-bv9tf]

I requested this one! Thank you and love you brother❤

[@semihinanc7715]

My brother Farya cooked again.I'm looking forward to your piece about the Mamluks. Keep sharing your amazing pieces with us.blessed

[@kiwanoh7798]

Farya, all of your music you release makes me feel the atmosphere of the themes. With this one I felt like I was on a journey of some sort though the desert.

[@myigitdurna]

I am a Kurd, thanks my brother

[@BetulCoskn]

I am amazed by each one of your art work, and this one is no different. So much love ❤

[@danko239]

Great as always

[@BoliceOccifer]

new banger just dropped

[@iberius9937]

Lovely! A bit more subtle to my ears in comparison to your other compositions of similar length, but a mini-masterpiece, as always. I always knew that either a symphony or epic one movement music composition about this man by yourself was always in order!

[@Bartnuschler]

I love the transparency in the description! This way you not only learn something about your thought process but also about the inspirations of your music. Cant believe I just stumbled upon this channel, I missed out so much!

[@deboragranata978]

This song is amazing, as always Love from Italy ❤🇮🇹

[@christianhathaway5423]

I don't know about you guys, but I cycle the music I listen to a lot, and after a bit I'm coming back to Farya, holy crap do I have a selection of new songs to go through now!

[@CICmars]

Welcome back and enjoy the bangers 💪

[@urukhai1]

As a Kurd, I express my gratitude to you, my brother, you are dear, may you fall for it, greetings from Turkey ❤️❤️❤️

[@LivingCrusader]

One of the Great Captains of Military History. Like Baldwin the Leper King and Richard the Lionheart, Saladin was an extraordinary great man of his time. Your music remains a great service.

[@lillemy5062]

I discovered you two days ago and now you're like one of my favorite human beings in this world. Keep doing what you're doing, because you're exceptional ♥

[@nininits6925]

J'ai découvert la chaîne la semaine dernière, pas besoin de plus je suis conquise. Excellent travail.

[@eneskaradag6001]

While Turks accept Timur, whose grandfather spoke Mongolian, or Genghis Khan, who was Mongolian, as Turks, why do they deny the Kurdishness of Saladin, who is said to be Kurdish himself? I wonder what is the reason for this denial of history? :)

[@mahdi-oe6mk]

Because they are pan-turk, and that's that don't try to waste your time on them

[@AaronOmar-co8bn]

@@mahdi-oe6mk its cringe honestly when they do that 😂

[@hasanhuseyn_]

Saladin is called "Turco Saladino" repeatedly in western sources.

[@AaronOmar-co8bn]

@@hasanhuseyn_ yet the most primary sources and his direct companion, witness and the judge who served as authority for Saladin himself confirmed that he is Kurdish, Baha ad din. on his biography of Saladin's life. even one of saladins long names is the following, Al-Malik al-Nasir Salah al-Din Abu’l Muzzafar Yusuf ibn Ayyub al-Tikriti al-Kurdi. confirms he's Kurdish with " al kurdi ".

[@DiabBinGhanimAlHilali]

There's no historical proof that Saladin said that he was Kurdish, it's the total opposite as his descendants claimed an Arab ascendence through either Umayyad clan or Ghatafan.

[@christopherthrawn1333]

Excellent work here Sir

[@IoanCenturion]

If he was good enough for the respect of Richard Couer de Leon and Baldwin IV, he's good enough for me. Great song as always Farya

[@d3vd4s]

dawg ur cringe

[@IoanCenturion]

@@d3vd4s Nah

[@saracchi1515]

@@IoanCenturion why Muslims get offended soooo easily 🤣

[@IoanCenturion]

@@saracchi1515 ikr

[@AaronOmar-co8bn]

​@@IoanCenturion Muslims need no respect. we earned respect through various achievements.

[@mustafafownz4482]

Truly a masterpiece well done ❤

[@Beorthere]

Saladin, one of the most noble Sultans of all Kurds

[@Sultan_Of_Rum]

of all Muslims*

[@thenoobprincev2529]

Making baloney titles now, aren't we?😂😂🤦‍♂️

[@darajiyane9114]

​@@thenoobprincev2529 guten morgen Bruder, wach auf ❤️☀️💚

[@solomon4554]

Truly one of the sultans of all time

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

Crusade Symphony is coming boys!!🔥🔥

[@jamjar1948]

Warmest Greetings from Iran. Thank you very much Farya jan.Long live the memory of Saladin (Salah ad-Din) Ayoubi the great. Such a great hero he was for all the west Asia and north Africa and central Asia and south Asia.

[@mrhninmoe]

Finically another masterpiece

[@jigarfaridjaafar]

I am Kurdish from northern Syria thank you so much it's amazing

[@Menskr]

Bro, there's something that I can't describe, it's that every song with an oriental theme that Farya releases always touches my soul.

[@nesibekzl2386]

Sizi ayakta alkışlıyorum.Her zaman ki süper olmuş❤

[@Fr_2000B]

You really made my day

[@almondlorden]

That Arabic mawwal was excellent

[@arsta_798]

Another banger, lets go 🔥

[@syedshakaibanwar2698]

So glad you made this, I really wanted you to make one on Salahuddin ever since your produced that King Richard The Lionheart masterpiece

[@FlavioBelisario5822]

Baldwin IV: My respect 🙏

[@heyokasamurai453]

You just know next years symphony is going to be a banger after this

[@farnazsaidian3113]

Amazing work as always! Your uploads make my day, I listen to them on repeat. Could you also make a song for Shapur II of the Sassanids, would love to hear your interpretation!❤

[@mariya2304]

I was going to listen to "Fizuli kantatası" once again, and saw this :) Thanks a lot for the piece, Farya ❤

[@RimRimando]

Finally a worthy kurdish music from bojorg farya that we have been waited for !! Thanks bojorg farya !!! 😊😊🗿🗿✨✨✨

[@CaiptenNeptun]

Farya, Du bist ein fantastischer internationaler Musiker! Du seist gesegnet!

[@etiennegarant7545]

The hero of my favorite Age of Empire 2 campaign! I love this new tune.

[@TonyStark-yk6rm]

That's great !

[@dustinweaver9135]

Awesome music man! Kee up the great work, and be sure you dont spot making these great songs!

[@Yarkanlaki]

I was waiting for kurdish historical song thanks frya

[@lovebaltazar4610]

You did justice to this legendary leader! Respect to Kurdish people of the world Also would love to see you make one about Khalid ibn al-Walid one day

[@Berxwedan.]

Dude your Kurdish sounds more like old Kurdish that’s amazing to hear.

[@masoodshah7882]

Damn i took a 2 months break gotta listen to all your epic stuff again.❤

[@SelfbellHistory]

Please bring more Kurdish epic music

[@MrSomebody-ek3br]

Amazing ❤

[@mr.crispe4195]

Great!!

[@pinchevulpes]

‘I am not those men, I am Saladin, Saladin…’

[@AliTanoli-cq3js]

Another banger as usual