Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “İstanbuldayım” by Nil Karaibrahimgil
“İstanbuldayım” is a song by Nil Karaibrahimgil that captures the nostalgia of a person living in Istanbul—the city that has served as the gateway to Europe and the East for centuries. In the song, Karaibrahimgil sings of the unique people and sights that make the city special. The verses allude to the bustling energy of the streets, the joy of live music, and the snapshots of unforgettable moments that fill the city.
The chorus is an appeal to the city itself—an ache to be immersed once again in Istanbul’s presence. Despite its traditional characteristics, the city is also full of modern-day innovations and growth. For Karaibrahimgil, the combination of these opposite forces is what makes Istanbul unique and when she talks of “İstanbul’dayım,” she is pledging her connection and loyalty to her beloved city.
The lyrics evoke a sense of appreciation for the home Turkish people hold so dear, and a longing for those who have left, to return and take part in the city’s joyful energy. It speaks of the comfort that Istanbul provides in the way only a true city of the world can.