Istanbul

G
On an overcrowded street
C
where bright and darkness never meet
D
where voices barter to be heard
EM
from faces hidden behind veil or beard

G
Aromas, perfumes, pungent smells
C
wafting forth from wishing wells
D
coffee, roosters, wake up the souls
EM
Bazaars of ochre in sun drenched bowls

G
Minarets with nibs of lead
C
scribe crescent moons on skies near red
D
Seraglio Point which marks the Horn
EM
where Marmara is Bosphorus born

G
The sky blue mosque mocks Mecca's name
C
but leaves no doubt to which bears fame
D
Constantinople or Istanbul
EM
no place, no name, can be so full

G
On one goes, by cheek  by jowl
C
eclipsed by fading light in cowl
D
No talk of morn, no night yet come
EM
no curfew called  nor quiet but hum

G
Of dreams Aladdin's, of wicks of lamps
C
of sesame, pariahs  tramps
D
Of sounds from far off citadels
EM
of glamour, clamour, peal knell-toll bells

G
No sleep, no sheep no counting herds
C
no mudlark talk no listening nerds
D
Romans Greeks have gone and come
EM
left names on stones Byzantium

G
Where west joins east nigh one the least
C
by bridge shake hands an eyeful feast
D
The spawn of dawn once far, now here
EM
a call to all, to kneel in prayer

repeat

G
Where west joins east nigh one the least
C
by bridge shake hands an eyeful feast
D
The spawn of dawn once far, now here
EM
a call to all, to kneel in prayer