At the crossroads of the world the sacred whore is lost in dreams
of cinnamon and purple nights.
Who are you?
the rising moon commands.
I am the harlot of the world.
For so many perfumed nights
I slept with emperors and kings
but all the time I dreamt of Eden.
My sainted master took me to his
bed ever since I was a child.
His velvet touch cooled my mind and in the beginning his
pious chants set my flesh alight. Now I despise them all! The emperors, the kings, the sultans their salivating mouths and their nauseating tongues on my slender thighs.
But I'm the universal whore. I'm bought, I'm sold, I have no choice.
All my ships have perished.
Fires are dancing on the waters
and even the Mermaid has drowned.
The emperor has fled to the caves
for shelter. The ancient gate is shattered
and the golden eagle pierced through
the heart lies breathless at the barricades.
The Velvet Lord has turned to marble
and a green wind is soaring from the east.
He defiles me and I cry in ecstasy and pain.
The day of the broken moon is dawning
yet each day we wait for the miracle.
Our beloved emperor will soon wake—
the prophets have seen it in the stars.
A few words about the poem…
Byzantine Tales: The Shifting Identity of Istanbul
"The Universal Harlot," a compelling poem, explores the intricate history of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople or Istanbul This city, bridging Europe and Asia, has experienced countless transformations, influenced by its conquerors and their respective faiths. Through evocative imagery and poignant metaphors, the poem captures the essence of a metropolis perpetually in flux. This essay delves into these "Byzantine Tales," shedding light on Istanbul's multifaceted identity shaped by war, religion, and cultural evolution.
At the heart of the poem lies Istanbul, depicted as a "sacred whore" lost in dreams of "cinnamon and purple nights." This portrayal reflects the city's storied past, where sacred and secular have continually intertwined. The city's identity has been repeatedly redefined by the rulers and cultures that have sought to control it. The moon's inquiry, "Who are you?" underscores the city's existential quest for self-definition amidst the myriad forces shaping its destiny.
The speaker's declaration as "the harlot of the world" who has "slept with emperors and kings" yet dreams of Eden, encapsulates the paradoxical nature of Istanbul's history. This city, a coveted prize for many empires, has been both venerated and violated, its character shifting to mirror the ambitions of its conquerors. These "Byzantine Tales" highlight the city's role as a hub of power and sanctity, continuously reimagined by those who wield control.
The poem transitions to a tone of disillusionment, as the speaker laments the "salivating mouths" and "nauseating tongues" of emperors, kings, and sultans. This bitterness reflects the city's tumultuous past, marked by invasions and power struggles. Each new ruler imposed their vision upon Istanbul, often at the expense of its original character. The speaker's disdain for these figures mirrors the city's own weariness from being a battleground of conflicting desires and ideologies.
The imagery of "perished ships" and "fires dancing on the waters" evokes the many sieges and naval battles that have defined Istanbul's history. These lines conjure scenes of destruction and rebirth, emphasizing the city's resilience in the face of relentless turmoil. The mention of the drowned mermaid adds a mythic quality, suggesting the loss of innocence and the inexorable pull of destiny that has shaped the city's narrative.
The emperor's flight to the caves and the shattered ancient gate symbolize the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, a pivotal moment in the city's history. The "golden eagle pierced through the heart" poignantly represents the demise of the Byzantine Empire, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter under Islamic rule. These events, central to the "Byzantine Tales," underscore the transformative impact of conquest on Istanbul's identity.
The poem's climax, with the "Velvet Lord" turning to marble and a "green wind soaring from the east," alludes to the cultural and religious shifts brought by Islamic rule. The city's fusion of Byzantine and Islamic elements creates a unique, hybrid identity. The speaker's cry of "ecstasy and pain" captures the complex emotions associated with this transformation, blending reverence and resistance.
The concluding lines, envisioning the day of the broken moon—a metaphor for Islamic half-moon emblem—and the awaited miracle, reflect the enduring hope and mysticism that permeate Istanbul's history. The anticipation of the emperor's return, prophesied by the stars, symbolizes the city's perpetual longing for renewal and redemption. These "Byzantine Tales" weave a narrative of resilience and continuity, despite the ever-changing tides of power and faith.
In "The Universal Harlot," Istanbul emerges as a city of profound historical significance, its identity sculpted by conquest and cultural amalgamation. The poem's rich imagery and layered metaphors invite readers to contemplate the enduring legacy of a city that has stood at the crossroads of empires and religions. Through these "Byzantine Tales," Istanbul's story is revealed as a testament to the complex interplay of history, power, and faith.
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