
'Istanbul was Constantinople', they sang, entirely accurately. 'Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople'; correct again.
'Why did Constantinople get the works?' they mused; 'That's nobody's business but the Turks'
It's a classic - an all time great, and required listening (you can click on the link above and listen as you read if you like).
Despite the wisdom of the Four Lads, though, some things never change. The inhabitants of the great city nestled on the banks of the Bosphorus have been up in arms, protesting against the heavy-handed and bloody-mindedness of the Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It is the latest in a long and proud line of civic disobedience that stretches back to the early 4th century when the city was magnificently endowed by the Emperor Constantine.

If he had, he'd quickly learn about the Stylites of Constantinople, men who would climb to the top of a column to be closer to God, and to demonstrate their devotion through their asceticism. Some, like Daniel in the 5th century, took up position by the harbour, so those journeying in and out of the city could see him literally standing up for what he believed in. People would shout up questions to him - and he'd answer, impressing all with his simple advice.

The symbol of the recent protests is none other than a modern day stylite - dubbed the standing man.

A shame then that instead of perching on top of a column (needs planning permission; not very robust against a high-pressure water cannon etc), the protestors are showing solidarity by standing still and silent, united by matching T-Shirts. If anyone wants to send me one, I'll put it on and find a suitably lofty location in the dreaming spires of Oxford - and show them how it's done old school. |