From Another Hill
I looked at you from another hill, dear Istanbul!
I know you like back of my hand, and love you dearly
Come, come and sit on my heart´s throne as long as I live
Just to love a district of yours is worth a whole life.
There are many flourishing cities in the world.
But you´re the only one who creates enchanting beauty.
I say, he who has lived happily, in the longest dream,
Is he who spent his life in you, died in you, and was buried in you
Yahya Kemal Beyatli (1884-1958)
BİR BAŞKA TEPEDEN
Sana dün bir tepeden baktım aziz İstanbul!
Görmedim gezmediğim, sevmediğim hiçbir yer.
Ömrüm oldukça, gönül tahtıma keyfince kurul!
Sade bir semtini sevmek bile bir ömre değer.
Nice revnaklı şehirler görülür dünyada,
Lakin efsunlu güzellikleri sensin yaratan.
Yaşamıştır derim, en hoş ve uzun rü´yada
Sende çok yıl yaşayan, sende ölen, sende yatan.
Yahya Kemal BEYATLI (1884-1958)