Many singers, both amateurs and professionals, Arab and non-Arab, have performed it, but the first to sing it and contribute to its fame on the Arab level was the great singer Nazem Al-Ghazali, who passed away in 1963. It is said to be one of the oldest melodies of Mulla Othman Al-Mosuli, and it was originally a religious chant titled “Above the Throne Above.” فوق العرش فوق
This masterpiece has a story that many may not know.The Iraqi cultural magazine “Al-Kardinya” addressed this topic: Once, a polite young man from the bachelors of Baghdad occupied the ground floor in one of the traditional Baghdadi houses. He caught a glimpse of a beautiful girl peeking from the upper floor, and he was captivated by her beauty. He began to sing with his beautiful voice, repeating the phrase “We have a friend/sweetheart above.” فوق إلنا خِل
As the event repeated day after day and the residents participated in singing in their Baghdadi accent, the phrase “Above us, a sweetheart or a friend above” turned into “Above the palm trees above,” as the word “us” merged with “sweetheart” to become “palm trees.” فوق إلنخل
About the Brand
Morcos Key is a Brooklyn-based design studio collaborating with arts & cultural institutions, non-profits, and commercial enterprises in North America and the Middle East. We translate our clients’ stories into visual systems that demonstrate how thoughtful conversation, and formal expression make for impactful design.
