Through the eyes of poets... 10 poems dedicated to İstanbul

With its history, culture and always fascinating atmosphere, İstanbul has undoubtedly been a source of inspiration for literature. For centuries, poets have immortalized this unique city in their verses, adding value to İstanbul's value.

Ten poems dedicated to İstanbul with the splendor of the Bosphorus, its historical buildings and the millions of lives it harbors.

 

Orhan Veli Kanık - “İstanbul”

This poem by İstanbul lover Orhan Veli is one of the most impressive works that describes İstanbul through a sensory experience. Orhan Veli describes İstanbul not by seeing it, but by closing his eyes and hearing the city.

 

Yahya Kemal Beyatlı - “Sana Dün Bir Tepeden Baktım Aziz İstanbul”

Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, who lived in İstanbul for many years, described his deep love for İstanbul in this poem, which, according to legend, was written while Yahya Kemal was watching İstanbul from Rumeli Hisarı or Çamlıca Hill.

 

Nazım Hikmet - “Ceviz Ağacı”

Nazım Hikmet's poem “Walnut Tree” is one of his most important works, reflecting his love for İstanbul and the political situation he was in.

 

Necip Fazıl Kısakürek - “Canım İstanbul”

In this poem, in which Necip Fazıl expresses his love for İstanbul in the most sincere way, he touches upon the fact that İstanbul, which the poet admired during his childhood and youth, has changed over time.

 

Attilâ İlhan - “Sisler Bulvarı”

In Attilâ İlhan's poem “Avenue of Fogs”, one of his most famous and well-known poems, İstanbul is often depicted as a city where melancholy and love are intertwined. The poem “Boulevard of Mists” bears the traces of a soul wandering the streets of İstanbul.

 

Turgut Uyar - “İstanbul”

One of the most powerful names in Turkish poetry, Turgut Uyar's poetry on İstanbul is a reflection of his complex relationship with the city.

 

Edip Cansever - “Mendilimde Kan Sesleri”

Edip Cansever's İstanbul sometimes carries a pessimistic and sad atmosphere in his poems. His poem “Mendilimde Kan Sesleri” describes the chaos and human relations in the city.

 

Oktay Rifat - “Aşklar İçinde İstanbul”

Oktay Rifat's İstanbul is portrayed as the city of love and passion. The city appears as a romantic background in his verses.

 

Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca - “İstanbul Fetih Destanı”

This work by Dağlarca is an important poem that sheds light on the history of İstanbul. In this poem, the conquest that took place in 1453 is treated with an epic narrative.

 

İlhan Berk - “İstanbul Kitabı”

İlhan Berk, who published a book about his love for İstanbul, describes the city in detail in this poem. With its seas, seagulls, streets and people, İstanbul becomes a living being in his verses.

Undoubtedly, İstanbul will always remain at the heart of art and literature from past to present.