Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

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In 330 Roman Emperor Constantine the great made this former Greek settlement his Imperial capital naming the city Constantinople. The city remained so until officially renamed Istanbul in 1930, after the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic. There is a 1950’s novelty song “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” which has been in my head ever since our arrival here. (See end of Post)


So as we investigate Istanbul, it will be the 3 of us, Tammy, me and my ear-worm. Exploring the small neighborhoods and backstreets away from the tourist areas, we find more interesting, and the food more authentic. Here are some photos from our most recent wanderings.

Click on Photos to Enlarge
Typical of the restaurants where we order by pointing to the offerings. These local spots may not look inviting, but the food is generally homemade, tasty and really cheap!

Next to the interesting Pickle Shop, we stopped in Skarya Tatlicisi, a dessert shop specializing in poached quince in syrup topped with kaymak (clotted cream made from water buffalo milk). Yum.


Now, as for that ear-worm, here are two versions of Istanbul (No Constantinople). The first is the original “Four Lads” 1953 Columbia recording:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LybNNrFS1s


The second is a popular 1990’s Rhino records official video version from “They Might Be Giants”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XlO39kCQ-8



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