When history unifies the glory of the past with the reality of our modern world, it’s not possible to have any other city in mind other than Istanbul. It’s the City of 7 Hills, the royal quarters of the Sultans who lived through the majestic palaces that carried figures who marked history with their own names and lives. This is Istanbul, a place where one would always have the pleasure of living the past through the present.
Istanbul captivates one’s heart, that you might leave the city, but it would never leave you. It will make sure to mark a deep sense of belonging into your heart. that you would always feel like a foreigner in your home, and home when in Istanbul.
Songs of love, devotion for and about this city have been and continue to grow and remain a huge part of the culture. It’s the nostalgia of going back home for those who are far away, and the sense of belonging although they are deep within the warmth of the city and its charm. Wherever you go regardless of which part of the city you’re in, the music will always be your companion.
On your lonely walks across the park and the streets, your white noise will always be authentic Turkish music with the most memorable lyrics and words one could ever hear. From old authentic music all the way to pop culture. They all share a meaningful depth of their love and appreciation for the city and its people. Some of the well known songs and artists that are known for their work about the city are
- Bekle Bizi Istanbul (Wait for us Istanbul) By Edip Akbayram — A song that is deeply rooted within the city’s culture and traditions, it’s a love song to Istanbul and a eulogy of belonging when one is far away. The nostalgia of this song is hidden behind the words that have been written and spoken with deep purpose of wanting to belong when one is far away. It’s all about the time and memories that tend to run as the days pass by in a glimpse.
- Kandilli yüzerken uykularda — is an intimate song that has been performed by several artists over the years, including Münir Nurettin Selçuk who is also the composer of the original version of it. This piece is a beautiful journey across the neighborhoods of the city, the small towns, and the shops that add warmth and charm into it. The words and the performance of the song makes one want to keep staring at the beauty of the city as if its a masterpiece that shall be glorified for a lifetime.
- Aziz Istanbul — (beloved Istanbul) , a classical poem by Yahya Kemal Beyatli and was performed by multiple artists but it’s famously performed by Bulent Ersoy. The lyrics of this song takes the listener into a historical journey around the city, describing each site as a charm that would never be forgotten and portrayed again. A reality that can never be denied. The performance of this song brings in memories for every Turk who has been away from home. It’s a reminder of the beauty of a city like Istanbul, and regardless of how far one is, Istanbul will always welcome them back home.
Throughout the years, Turkish movies and tv shows have been the focus of the entertainment industry all around the world. And it’s something to behold and take pride of for every Turk around the world. Whether it’s the historical side of productions, the romance aspect of it, or even the forbidden desire of wanting something but can’t get. It’s all there, Turkish national productions have been and continue to be the number one hit all over the world. It’s the essence of the story, delivery, and the authenticity of the locations that are chosen to fit the production of a specific genre.
Historical productions have been th first steps towards the development of the industry throughout the world. It made viewers and audience members not only intrigued about the time they’ll spend enjoying a specific storyline through the screen, but it also acted as an educational outlet for international viewers to know more about the Turkish history and culture.
From the Ottoman’s who built the foundation of the Empire, all the way to Ataturk, the founding father and symbol of modern civilization of Turkey. All were fantastically portrayed through the productions of one of the biggest movies and shows that are still talked about. And that includes
- Muhteşem Yüzyıl(Magnificent Century) , a sensational TV Show that has been renewed for multiple seasons, each season encompasses a specific Sultan from that era. From the storyline that drove people into getting to know more about the past and present of such magnificence, all the way to costumes and music that added elements of nostalgia of wanting to belong in such an iconic era.
- Ataturk (1881-1919) — is a two part movie sequel based on the early life and work of modern Turkey’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Although there has been multiple productions dedicated to this story and character, this particular story is famously watched and loved by viewers. For its true essence and resemblance of characters with the era they’re portraying, it all made the movie seem more real than a historical event that took place before any of them were even born.
Additional productions that continue to captivate people’s hearts are based on family-related tales and romantic storylines that reflect the life of others who share the same love for the city and its inhabitants. And that includes (Anlat Istanbul, Paper Lives, Miracle in Cell No.7, Eksi Elmalar, Delibal and many more options that one can never have enough of
But what is a love letter if it’s not written and documented through words that came in from the bottom of one’s heart and mind. Turkey is known for its beautiful history and culture that every artist gets inspired by. And with no doubt, the country has its own roots with creative artists and writers who shaped their stories and publications in the form of linking the past with the present by using creative themes and plots that readers can easily relate to and enjoy. From folklores and fantasy stories all the way to unexpected adventures into timelines way before one’s birth. It’s a memorable experience, and the creators of such an art shall always be remembered and praised.
Elif Shafak and Orhan Pamuk are internationally known and famous authors who dedicated and keep dedicating their stories and publications to their love and devotion for their country and home. Whether it’s from a historical perspective and traveling through time or reliving past personal memories, Orhan Pamuk never failed to impress and inspire others to dive deeper into the meaning behind his words. Pamuk’s books are a collection of stories that act as a guide to the past, through his detailed analysis and engaging characters, he takes readers into a journey of his own creation that is not only inspired by historical events, but his own memories of the city too. Elif Shafak is also an interesting writer and an inspiration for all women to gain the strength and do what they feel is right. Through her stories and writing style that is filled with motivation and deviation, one can truly see the beauty and pain hidden under the plot of her books that are suddenly turned into a string of hope. Her books talk directly to women, its a guide to set free and fly way from every obstacle the community has set on them, it acts as a hug from a distant stranger who understands your struggles and believes in your strength.
No matter how many times one visits a city as magnificent as Istanbul, it will never be enough. The taste of happiness through bold coffee beans will mark its return once you get hold of your own daily morning caffeine dose that tastes nothing like the one you had back then . The softness of the Turkish delight and the itch of the sour taste that has been pasted on your tongue will make you linger for more once a sweet craving is taken into account of your daily dose of desert. The usual greetings of ‘Hoşgeldiniz’ and ‘Merhaba’ will always be your favorite style to be greeted in, that a normal ‘hi’ and ‘hello’ will sound ghostly once you hear it from strangers in every city that is not ‘Istanbul’.
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