Erhal ya Bashar

"Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar" (Arabic: ارْحَل يَا بَشَّارْ, romanized: Irhal ya Bashar, lit. 'Leave, O Bashar') is one of the most memorable iconic slogans of the Syrian revolution that began in 2011 as part of the broader Arab Spring. This chant encapsulated the widespread anger and demands for freedom, dignity, and justice against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. It was resonated through the streets of Syria. The anthem was composed by the Syrian poet-singer Ibrahim Qashoush, who played a crucial role in transforming popular discontent into a powerful symbol of resistance.^[1] Consequently, he left a huge impact on Syrian society and the world’s perception of the conflict.^[2] The peaceful protesters demanded, through this phrase – and other similar ones – that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had led the republic since the presidential referendum in 2000 until his downfall, step down.^[1]