This most famous painting, "The Ambassadors" by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543) is but one of many examples by Western medieval and Renaissance painters where the Turkish carpet is displayed somewhat casually to show the wealth and status of the patron. These carpets were also commonly painted near or beneath the throne of the Virgin.
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| "The Ambassadors" by Hans Holbein the Younger (Wikipedia) |
But Holbein's "The Ambassadors" has a 'trick of the eye' to remind the reader of death. That funny squiggle that seems out of place and that runs counter to the bottom of the painting is actually a skull, when seen from the side of the painting. When we see the skull, we are to be reminded of the shortness of life, especially true in the Middle Ages.So today's poem is a homage to that visit to Turkey, a country rich with culture and history:
I visited the Bosphorus once
and watched boats cross her blue waters,
much as they did hundreds of years ago,
when one could only enter the palace of sultans
if invited and if of the proper rank.
Thousands prayed here in the mosques;
thousands more worked along the narrow market streets,
the Street of the Tentmakers yet remains,
one small shop a tent itself where young boys
sit cross-legged the whole day to sew
intricate appliqued patterns into wall hangings
or wedding tents. What was once carried
on the Great Silk Road to China,
we tourists take home to cherish.
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| Wall Hanging from Street of the Tentmakers Istanbul (Camp 2010) |
Read more about Turkish carpets, Hans Holbein, and the Hagia Sophia.
Or read what others have written to celebrate April, National Poetry Month
A to Z blogging challenge, NaPoWriMo
One of our duties as poets is to "remind the reader of death". I knew I was a poet, as a sheltered young girl, when I bravely wrote about a death row inmate in the news, then without apology, read it for anyone who would listen.
ReplyDeleteWow, that trick of the eye is something else. Love your poem as well.
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem, Beth - sounds like a magic carpet ride!
ReplyDeleteTurkey sounds like such an exotic place. LOve the carpet and the poem.
ReplyDeleteA poem dedicated to the Bosphorous ... how lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour descriptions of being pulled into stores for tea reasonate with me. I visited Istanbul several times, and know exactely what you mean. It is where I learned to negotiate prices, where I ate more kabob than ever, and where I had the absolute strongest tea.
Another great one, Beth.