Men – tyva men
"Men – tyva men" is the regional anthem of the Republic of Tuva, a constituent republic of Russia. The music was composed by Kantomur Saryglar, and the lyrics were written by Okei Shanagash. It was officially adopted by the Great Khural of Tuva on 11 August 2011, replacing the previous anthem "Tooruktug Dolgai Tangdym".
History
Proposals were made to replace the previous anthem, "Tooruktug taiga", which was considered outdated with lyrics that seemed too meek and unpatriotic.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.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, although some authorities and musicians suggested against the idea. For example, Albert Kuvezin, leader of the group "Yat-Kha", said that he felt 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.
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.