Once you begged for absolution
but you straddle seven hills. Frenzied Arabian horses swirl at your open gates your porcelain-white limbs
are kissed by the broken moon
and you fastened your sainthood
to the bottom of the sea.
My Queen, have we not met in a brothel once before
and did you not take my silver then?
In your back streets and bazaars
the red flower and her crazy daughters
whirl inside the world of hookahs
dazed agas in shrouded brothels
lust for virgins with milky thighs
and for plump boys made for fun.
Your slender fingers stroke the saz
dervishes chew on seeds and grow wild
and a skinny monk maimed by sin and virtue
prays for the resurrection of the Marble King.
A muezzin locked high in the holy tower
rests his pounding heart at the feet of God
and from his pit of pain and madness
sings to the world each at dawn
'God is great, Allahu Akbar, God is Great'
A few words about the poem…
Byzantine Tales: The Eternal Allure and Transformation of Istanbul
"Istanbul," a poem that mirrors the themes found in "The Universal Harlot," delves deep into the storied and multifaceted identity of this legendary city. Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul has been a beacon of cultural confluence and historical significance for centuries. This essay explores the layers of Istanbul's history as portrayed in the poem, emphasizing its transformation and the continual influence of its diverse past. Through these "Byzantine Tales," the city’s journey from ancient absolution to modern magnificence is illuminated.
The poem opens with a powerful image of a city once seeking "absolution" but now proudly straddling "seven hills." This transition reflects Istanbul's journey from a place of spiritual and political tumult to one of majestic grandeur and resilience. The reference to the "seven hills" alludes to the city's topography, akin to ancient Rome, highlighting its historical depth and its importance as a seat of empires. These "Byzantine Tales" set the stage for a narrative rich in cultural and historical layers.
The depiction of "frenzied Arabian horses" at the city's gates evokes the many invasions and migrations that have shaped Istanbul’s history. These horses, swirling at the open gates, symbolize the constant flux and the dynamic nature of the city's existence. The "porcelain-white limbs" kissed by the "broken moon" conjure images of beauty amidst decay, a recurrent theme in the "Byzantine Tales" that speaks to the city’s eternal allure and the scars left by its tumultuous past. On another level, these may be viewed as metaphors for the great church of St Sophia and the Islamic emblem of the Crescent Moon.
The poem’s address to Istanbul as "My Queen" and the recollection of a past encounter in a brothel introduce a personal and intimate tone. This personification of the city as a queen who once took silver from the speaker adds a layer of historical intrigue and suggests a transactional relationship, mirroring the city's role as a hub of commerce and conquest. The "Byzantine Tales" here reflect the intimate connections and exchanges that have defined Istanbul’s character over centuries.
In the "back streets and bazaars," the imagery of the "red flower and her crazy daughters" whirling in a world of hookahs paints a vivid picture of the city's vibrant and sometimes chaotic decadent daily life. These scenes are rich with sensory details that capture the essence of Istanbul's markets, filled with the sights and sounds of a diverse populace. The "dazed agas in shrouded brothels" and their lustful pursuits highlight the city’s darker, more hedonistic side, integral to its complex identity as depicted in these "Byzantine Tales."
The poem’s portrayal of "dervishes" growing wild from chewing seeds and a "skinny monk maimed by sin and virtue" praying for the resurrection of the "Marble King" adds a spiritual dimension. This juxtaposition of mysticism and religious fervour with the city’s worldly vices encapsulates the duality of Istanbul. The "Byzantine Tales" here emphasize the spiritual struggles and aspirations that have coexisted with earthly desires throughout the city's history.
The image of a "muezzin locked high in the holy tower," whose "pounding heart rests at the feet of God," brings the poem to a powerful close. This figure, singing the call to prayer from his "pit of pain and madness," embodies the spiritual devotion and anguish that define much of Istanbul's historical narrative. The repeated chant of "God is great, Allahu Akbar" echoes through the city, reminding us of its deep-rooted Islamic heritage. These "Byzantine Tales" illustrate the enduring influence of faith and the city's role as a spiritual centre.
In "Istanbul," the poem encapsulates the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality. From its ancient beginnings and its quest for absolution to its status as a vibrant metropolis, Istanbul’s story is one of continuous transformation and resilience. The "Byzantine Tales" woven throughout the poem highlight the intricate interplay of power, faith, and identity that define this timeless city. Through these tales, Istanbul emerges as a living testament to the enduring spirit and cultural fusion that have made it a beacon of history and hope for generations.
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