Üsküdar’a gider iken

“Üsküdar’a gider iken” is a traditional Turkish folk song that has been beautifully reinterpreted by the eclectic band Pink Martini. The song narrates a simple yet evocative journey to Üsküdar, a historic district in Istanbul, capturing the essence of everyday life and the small, meaningful moments that make it special. The repetitive nature of the lyrics emphasizes the routine and familiarity of the journey, while also highlighting the unexpected events that can occur along the way, such as the sudden rain and the discovery of a handkerchief filled with lokum (Turkish delight).

The song’s protagonist mentions a “kâtip,” which translates to “scribe” or “clerk,” whose long coat gets muddy in the rain. This imagery not only paints a vivid picture of the scene but also serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations of daily life. The kâtip’s presence and the narrator’s fondness for him, as indicated by the line “Kâtip benim ben kâtibin el ne karisir” (The scribe is mine, what does it matter to others), suggest a deeper, personal connection. The song subtly explores themes of love and companionship, wrapped in the guise of a mundane journey.

Pink Martini’s rendition of this classic song brings a modern twist to its traditional roots, blending their signature style of multilingual and genre-spanning music. The band’s interpretation retains the song’s cultural authenticity while making it accessible to a global audience. This fusion of old and new, local and global, underscores the timeless nature of the song’s themes and its ability to resonate across different cultures and eras.