Turkish Hymn: “Ya Rab Mubarek Kil” with English translation

An original hymn from Rev. Turgay Üçal, pastor of the Istanbul Presbyterian Church in Turkey.

This music is termed a Christian hymn in the musical tradition of the mystics of Anatolia. As such, its style is familiar to several subcultures of today’s Turkey.

Hymn: Ya Rab Mubarek Kil
English translation: Grant Blessings, O God
Author and composer: Rev. Turgay Üçal.

The original Turkish lyrics:
Ya Rab mubarek kil
Sinirim genislet
Elin benimle olsun
Beni serden korusun

Ya Rab mubarek kil
Yollarim genislet
Ruhun benimle olsun
Beni serden korusun

Translation (by Kenneth Frank):
Grant blessings, O God.
Expand my limits;
May your hand be with me,
May it shield me from evil.

Grant blessings, O God.
Widen my paths;
May your spirit be with me,
May it shield me from evil.

Translated by Ken and Betty Frank