Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

"Constantinople (song)" redirects here. For the Decemberists song, see Picaresqueties. For the Al Stewart song, see 24 Carrots.
Canadian singing quartet The Four Lads, original artists of the song "Istanbul" with lyrics by Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy.

"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" is a 1953 novelty song, with lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy and music by Nat Simon. It was written on the 500th anniversary of the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. The lyrics humorously refer to the official renaming of the city of Constantinople to Istanbul. The song's original release, performed by The Four Lads, was certified as a gold record. Numerous cover versions have been recorded over the years, most famously a 1990 version by They Might Be Giants.