Egypt is a mosaic of history: refined and kaleidoscopic, deliberate in its culture and enduring in its nature. For centuries, Egyptians have flown many flags and drummed the beat of several anthems. No one sound has come to define Egypt, but many have over the years become intertwined with its people, its pulse, and its passion. Here is an exploration of the different national anthems that once serenaded Egypt. 1. As-Salam al-Malaki | The Royal Salute (1869) Composed by Italian opera’s Giuseppe Verdi in 1869, As-Salam al-Malaki is an ode to the Egyptian monarchy; it is a lyricless promise of patriotism and perseverance. Considered the first-ever Egyptian national anthem, it was put into place during the era of Euro-enamoured Khedive Ismail, thus its alternative titles of Salam Afandina (the Khedive’s Salute) and the Sultani Anthem. It became the de facto national anthem of Egypt for nearly a century after its commissioning, from 1869 through 1958, despite other transient anthems coming and going in the process. Since its founding in 1934, the Egyptian State Radio has “ended its broadcasting every night with one of the so-called King’s bands playing a rendition…
