| Tuvinian: Мен – тыва мен[1] | |
| English Title: | 'I Am a Tuvan'[2] |
| En Alt Title: | 'State Anthem of the Republic of Tuva' |
| Prefix: | Regional |
| Country: | the Tuva Republic, Russia |
| Author: | Okei Shanagash (Bayantsagaan Oohii) |
| Composer: | Kantomur Saryglar (Olonbayar Gantomir) |
| Adopted: | 11 August 2011[3] |
| Predecessor: | "Tooruktug taiga" |
| Sound: | mentyvamenvocal.ogg |
| Sound Title: | Vocal rendition in D minor |
"Men – tyva men"[1] is the regional anthem of the Republic of Tuva, a constituent republic of the Russian Federation. The music was composed by Kantomur Saryglar (Olonbayar Gantomir), and the lyrics were written by Okei Shanagash (Bayantsagaan Oohii).[4] It was officially adopted by the Great Khural of Tuva on 11 August 2011,[3] replacing the previous anthem "Tooruktug Dolgai Tangdym".[5] [6]
Proposals were made to replace the previous anthem, "Tooruktug taiga", which was considered outdated with lyrics that seemed too meek and unpatriotic. A competition led by Deputy Chairman of the Government of Tuva, Anatoly Damba-Khuurak, in creating a new anthem began. Famous musicians, musicologists, scientists, historians and writers of the Tuva Republic entered the competition, and a total of 19 works were submitted for consideration.[7]
The anthem "Men – tyva men", which was composed 11 years prior and had been considered an unofficial anthem then, was selected to serve as the republic's new anthem; however, some authorities and musicians suggested against the idea. According to Albert Kuvezin, leader of the group "Yat-Kha", he decided that "Men – tyva men" should not become the anthem of the Tuva Republic because "it must suit everyone, reflect all sides" and that Tuva is a "multinational republic after all." Nevertheless, "Men – tyva men" was chosen to be the anthem of the Republic of Tuva.[7]
On 11 August 2011, the head of the Republic of Tuva, Sholban Kara-ool, signed Appendix No. 2 to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tuva No. 828 VX-I "On the National Anthem of the Republic of Tuva", which officially adopted "Men - tyva men" as the anthem. According to reviews from prominent members and public experts, "Men – tyva men" resonates well with Tuvans, as the lyrics evoke a sense of unity and spiritual uplift. After the official publication in the newspaper Tuvinskaya Pravda No. 85 on 13 August 2011, the song "Men – tyva men" was recognized as the state anthem of the Republic of Tuva. The author of the lyrics was not indicated in the official publication.[7] [8]