This 1990 alternative rock hit playfully references the 1930 renaming of Constantinople to Istanbul, blending historical trivia with catchy new wave rhythms.
A cover of the 1953 novelty song by Nat Simon and Jimmy Kennedy, They Might Be Giants' version of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" became a cult hit, blending quirky alternative rock with historical whimsy. The track humorously references the 1930 renaming of Constantinople to Istanbul.
Alternative rock cover of 1953 novelty song, modernizing the historical reference to the 1453 Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
Cover of the 1953 jazz standard, reimagined as alternative rock. The song playfully explains the 1930 renaming of Turkey's largest city through historical references.
"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" is a novelty song, with lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy and music by Nat Simon, written in 1953. It playfully commemorates the 1930 renaming of the city of Constantinople to Istanbul. The song became a one-hit wonder for The Four Lads later that year. However, it was famously covered and brought back into popular culture by the alternative rock band They Might Be Giants in 1990 for their album "Flood". Their version gained further prominence after being featured in the Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy". The song's catchy, upbeat tune and humorous historical reference have made it a lasting cultural artifact.
