Friday 24 September 2010

1481 - Harem scarem

We forget that the Ottoman Empire
Ruled by the Turkish Osman dynasty
Lasted an age, more than six hundred years
Its capital, Constantinople, the
Former Byzantine capital city
On the Bosporus’ European side
Facing Anatolia, now Turkey
The Osmans replaced the Seljuks whose pride
Was avenging the Crusades’ genocide
Influenced by east and west, Turkish fire
Terrorised Christians both by land and sea
The length of the Mediterranean tide
Italy’s shores, Vienna’s gates the higher
Reach of their scimitar technology

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