Orhan Veli’s poem “I Am Listening to Istanbul” (Turkish: İstanbul’u Dinliyorum), written in 1947, is one of the most iconic works in Turkish literature, capturing the essence of Istanbul through vivid imagery and a serene, introspective tone. It is also probably the most well-known poem about Istanbul. “I Am Listening to Istanbul” transports readers into a quiet moment where the speaker listens to the sounds of the city, from the hum of the breeze to the calls of vendors and the rustle of leaves. Veli’s portrayal goes beyond the physical landscape of Istanbul; it reflects the emotional and cultural tapestry of the city, weaving together its timeless beauty, bustling life, and subtle melancholy.
At the time, Istanbul was a rapidly growing city, balancing between its rich Ottoman past and the changes brought by modernization in the early years of the Turkish Republic. Orhan Veli, a pioneering figure of modern Turkish poetry, was known for breaking away from traditional poetic forms, embracing free verse, and bringing the everyday experiences of life into his work. In “I Am Listening to Istanbul,” Veli uses his minimalist yet evocative style to evoke a deep connection with the city, making it feel both intimate and alive. Through this lens, the poem becomes a meditation on both the eternal and ever-changing nature of Istanbul.
I am listening to Istanbul
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed
First, a gentle breeze is blowing;
Slowly swaying
The leaves, on the trees;
Far away, very far away,
The never-ending jingling of water carriers
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed.
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
Birds are passing by, then
From high above, flock after flock, screaming, crying.
Nets are being pulled in the fisheries;
A woman’s feet touch the water;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed.
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
The Grand Bazaar is cool and calm
Mahmutpaşa, bustling and lively
Courtyards filled with pigeons
Sounds of hammers coming from the docks
In the beautiful spring breeze, the scent of sweat;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed.
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
In my head, the drunkenness of old revelries
A mansion, with its dim boat sheds;
Amidst the whispers of a lulling southerly wind
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed.
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
A flirt passes by on the pavement;
Curses, songs, folk tunes, teasing remarks.
Something falls from her hand onto the ground;
It must be a rose;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed.
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
A bird flutters in your skirts;
Is your forehead warm or not, I know;
Are your lips wet or not, I know;
A white moon rises behind the pistachio trees
I understand from the beating of your heart;
I am listening to Istanbul.
Perhaps the Most Well-Known Poem About Istanbul
Orhan Veli’s I Am Listening to Istanbul” is often considered the most well-known poem about Istanbul because it beautifully captures the city’s essence through sensory details. The poem uses a calm, reflective tone to describe various aspects of Istanbul, from the flight of birds and bustling streets to the serene waters of the Bosphorus. Its vivid imagery resonates deeply with readers, evoking a timeless connection to the city. As a result, it has become iconic, symbolizing the beauty and cultural richness of Istanbul.
The Places Mentioned in ‘I am Listening to Istanbul’ Poem
The places mentioned in Orhan Veli’s “I Am Listening to Istanbul” are located on the historic peninsula because it represents the heart of old Istanbul. This area was the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, with landmarks, mosques, and bustling streets that capture the city’s essence. Veli chose this setting to evoke a sense of timelessness and cultural depth, reflecting the rich history, daily life, and the blend of tradition and modernity that defines Istanbul’s soul.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Turkish: Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, a vibrant symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. Established in 1455, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the bazaar grew into a bustling center of commerce, attracting merchants from across the empire and beyond. Covering over 30,000 square meters, it houses more than 4,000 shops across 60 streets, offering a wide array of goods, including jewelry, textiles, spices, ceramics, carpets, and antiques.
The Grand Bazaar’s labyrinthine layout reflects its historical evolution, with each section traditionally dedicated to a specific trade or craft. The marketplace has always been a hub of international exchange, where Eastern and Western cultures meet, and its vibrant atmosphere has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Today, the Grand Bazaar is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Despite modernization, it retains its historical charm, offering visitors a chance to experience Istanbul’s rich commercial heritage. Whether browsing for souvenirs or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar remains a key part of Istanbul’s cultural and economic life.
Mahmutpaşa
Mahmutpaşa is a historic market district in Istanbul, located between the Grand Bazaar and Eminönü. Established during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the 15th century, it is named after Mahmut Pasha, a prominent Ottoman statesman. The area is known for its bustling streets lined with shops and stalls, offering a variety of goods including clothing, textiles, accessories, and traditional items at affordable prices.
It has long been a key commercial hub in the city, catering to locals and visitors alike. Its lively atmosphere and narrow, winding streets make it a popular destination for bargain hunters. The district reflects the vibrant and chaotic charm of old Istanbul, blending history with everyday commerce.
Courtyards filled with pigeons
The line “Courtyards filled with pigeons” reflects a common and iconic scene in Istanbul, especially around historic mosques and public squares. Pigeons are a familiar sight in the courtyards of famous mosques like the Blue Mosque, Yeni Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque, where they gather in large numbers, often being fed by locals and tourists alike.
These courtyards are open spaces that serve as both resting and social areas, where the presence of pigeons adds to the vibrant atmosphere of daily life in the city. This imagery evokes the harmony between the city’s architecture, history, and its natural, bustling environment, symbolizing both tradition and everyday urban life.
Orhan Veli Kanık
Orhan Veli Kanık (April 13, 4, 1914 – November 14, 1950) was a renowned Turkish poet, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern Turkish literature. Alongside Melih Cevdet and Oktay Rifat, Orhan Veli founded the Garip (Strange) movement, a literary revolution that sought to break away from traditional forms of Turkish poetry. With their innovative approach, the Garip poets introduced a new voice that brought the everyday language and concerns of ordinary people into the realm of poetry. This movement, particularly influential during the 1940s, marked a significant shift in the literary landscape of Turkey, giving rise to a more accessible, relatable form of expression.
Orhan Veli’s early life was shaped by his family’s musical and cultural background. His father, Mehmet Veli, was a conductor of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and the family lived in Ankara for a large part of Orhan Veli’s childhood. Despite his early exposure to the arts, Orhan Veli chose to focus on literature, and his first poem was published in 1936. He began his literary career by writing within the traditional forms of Turkish poetry, but he soon moved away from the established rules of rhyme and meter, rejecting what he considered outdated poetic conventions.
The Garip movement, spearheaded by Orhan Veli, was radical in its rejection of classical metrics like aruz and syllabic meters. Instead, he advocated for free verse, which allowed greater freedom in expression. Veli believed that traditional poetic devices, such as metaphor, simile, and exaggeration, were unnecessary, and he aimed to strip poetry of its elitist elements.
His minimalist, conversational style allowed him to bring the language of the streets into his poems. This approach was showcased in the Garip poetry collection published in 1941, which included poems by Orhan Veli, Melih Cevdet, and Oktay Rifat. The book’s introduction, written by Veli, became the manifesto of the Garip movement, making waves in the literary community for its bold, defiant stance against established norms.
Although the Garip poets initially faced harsh criticism for their unconventional style, their work eventually gained widespread recognition and appreciation. Veli’s poetry often focused on the experiences of ordinary people, and his use of colloquial language and humor made his poems relatable to a broad audience. Over time, he moved away from the radical simplicity of Garip poetry and began experimenting with new themes and structures, particularly influenced by his admiration for French literature.
Despite his relatively short life, Orhan Veli made a lasting impact on Turkish poetry. He passed away at the age of 36 from a brain hemorrhage, yet his contributions to literature are still celebrated today. His legacy continues to inspire poets and readers alike, and his work remains a cornerstone of Turkish modernist poetry. Through his innovative approach to poetry, Orhan Veli left behind a body of work that transformed Turkish literature and continues to resonate with readers across generations.
Sources
- MV Savarona on Wikipedia
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul on Wikipedia
- Orhan Veli Kanık on Wikipedia
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