Modern Usage and Historical Preservations: How Istanbul is Still Called Constantinople in Some Languages

Introduction

While most of the world has adopted Istanbul as the official name for the city formerly known as Constantinople, there are still some languages and contexts where Constantinople is used. This article explores these uses and provides a detailed look at the linguistic and cultural factors that have contributed to the continued use of Constantinople in certain languages and contexts.

Languages Still Referencing Constantinople

Greek

In Greece, and among Greek speakers, the city is often called Κωνσταντινοπολη. While the official term is Istanbul, Κωνσταντινοπολη retains a significant presence. Even in the modern era, with widespread use of Istanbul, Κωνσταντινοπολη remains in use, especially in historical texts and academic discussions. For example, a recent visit to Athens airport saw the flight information system alternating between Κωνσταντινοπολη and Istanbul. This practice underscores the persistence of the term in Greek culture and language.

Armenian and Arabic

Similarly, in Armenian and Arabic, historical and literary contexts may still refer to the city as Constantinople. For instance, in Old Church Slavonic, the term Цсарьградъ is used, and in the same vein, in Ottoman Turkish, the official name was Qustantiniyye. The persistence of these terms reflects the profound historical and cultural significance of the city during its zenith as the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

Slovene, Serbian, and Bulgarian

South Slavic languages such as Slovene, Serbian, and Bulgarian also offer insights into the shared heritage of the city. In these languages, both Constantinople and Istanbul coexist. For example, Slovene uses Carigrad (Tsar City) while Istanbul is widely understood. This coexistence reflects the rich tapestry of languages and cultures that have influenced the region over the centuries.

Legal and Official Contexts

Official Language Usage

It is important to note that even in official contexts, the term Constantinople is not often used, except in historical or academic settings. This is not due to any political agenda but rather reflects the practical realities of modern language use. For instance, in Greek, while Κωνσταντινοπολη is still used in certain formal and academic contexts, Istanbul is widely recognized and understood. The lack of interference is a testament to the respectful coexistence of both terms within the language.

Ancient Terminology Revisited

Similar to the use of Istanbul and Κωνσταντινοπολη, other ancient names such as Byzantium are used primarily in archaeological references. This distinguishes historical and modern uses and highlights the evolving nature of linguistic and cultural identities.

Language Reform and Standardization

Modern Turkish Reforms

The use of Constantinople can be attributed to historical linguistic shifts, such as the language reform of 1930 and beyond. Following these reforms, modern Turkish adopted Istanbul, which is widely recognized and understood. This reform was part of a larger effort to standardize the Turkish language and align it with the modern nation-state.

Language Reform in Other Contexts

A similar standardization process occurred in other languages, such as Greek, where Ρω? (Ρoη) (Russia) and Ελλδα (Εllα) (Greece) coexist but have different uses. The use of these different terms reflects the complex interplay between history, politics, and language evolution.

Conclusion

Cultural and Linguistic Continuity

The continued use of Constantinople in some languages is a testament to the enduring cultural and linguistic continuity of the region. It reflects the rich history and multilayered identity of Istanbul, a city that held sway for over a millennium and continues to be a focal point in the cultural consciousness of many peoples.

Implications for Linguists and Historians

For linguists and historians, the study of these linguistic continuities provides valuable insights into the dynamics of language change and cultural transformation. Understanding the context in which these terms are used can shed light on the complex historical narratives and cultural identities that define the region.