Is Constantinople Still Called Constantinople?

The history of Constantinople and its modern name, Istanbul, is indeed a fascinating tale that spans the realms of linguistics, history, and cultural evolution. This article explores the etymology behind the name Constantinople, its transition to Istanbul, and the reasons why this change occurred.

History and Etymology

Constantinople, the great city founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, gained its name due to its strategic importance and the grand vision of its founder. The name itself has deep roots, with the Greek expression ε?? τ?ν π?λιν (ei ?n pōlin), meaning "to the city", evolving into the phonetic stinium poli and eventually becoming Constantinople.

The same Greek expression can also be seen in other instances, such as `Elio Therápeia (Ηλ?ο Θερ?πεια), which is the Greek term for what is now known as Be?ikta? in Istanbul. This region, once a popular holiday destination, is named after the Greek phrase meaning "sun therapy", reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Transition to Istanbul

1930s Revolution: The End of the Ottoman Empire

During the early 20th century, as the Ottoman Empire faced significant changes, the name Constantinople began to change. In 1933, Turkey officially adopted the name Istanbul. This decision came about due to several factors, including the desire to standardize and modernize the national language, and the need to shed the legacy of its Ottoman past.

During this period, the new Turkish government aimed to distance itself from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire and embrace a modern, secular identity. The name Constantinople was seen as a symbol of the old empire, and Istanbul was chosen to represent the new, democratic Turkey.

Modern Usage and Cultural Continuity

Is There a Name in Between?

Interestingly, during the transition period, some variations were used, such as Istudambol and Istanbul. However, these were not widely adopted, and the official name Istanbul eventually prevailed.

It's important to note that while Konstantiniyye and Constantinople are no longer used in Turkey, they still hold significant historical and cultural value. Historical records, literature, and academic references often continue to use these names to ensure that the rich history of Constantinople is not forgotten.

Local Terminology: Yeditepe

It's worth mentioning that some areas in Istanbul have local names that hold specific meanings. For example, Yeditepe, which means "Seven Hills", is derived from the Turkish language. This name reflects the hilly terrain of the region, a characteristic feature of Istanbul's landscape.

Understanding Istanbul

Etymological Breakdown of Istanbul

Let's delve into the etymological breakdown of the modern name Istanbul and explore its meaning in Turkish:

Is: The ? in Turkish, which means "to" or "from" (dependent on context). Tan: The word "Tanr?" in modern Turkish, meaning "God". In ancient Turkic, it could be Tangri. Stan: The suffix "-stan" in Turkish, meaning "place of". Hence, Istan can be interpreted as "the land of" or "the home of". Bul: The Turkish word for "to discover" and "to find". ollah: The suffix "-ollah" can represent words like "abound" or "plenty" in certain derived words.

Therefore, Istanbul can be understood as "the land of God's discovery" or "the land of abundant wealth and richness".

Conclusion

While modern Turkey officially uses Istanbul as the name for its historical capital city, the legacy of Constantinople lives on in the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Understanding the etymology of the name helps us appreciate the complex history and cultural shifts that have shaped modern-day Istanbul.