Discovering Çankaya: The Heart of Ankara

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeGüle güle
  [Gew-le gew-le]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-shek-kur ed-er-im]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur dee-le-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-sul-sun-uz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Ya siz?]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-i-leez-je ko-noo-shu-yor mu-soo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-mi-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Me-nu-yu germ-ek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım!
  [Yar-dum]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi ara!
  [Po-lee-see a-ra]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağır!
  [Dok-tor cha-ur]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kay-bol-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Has-ta-yum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-in al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-de-je ba-ku-yor-um]
• How much is it?Kaç lira?
  [Kach lee-ra]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-de-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-lee-den af-ter-na]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dort]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Se-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-koos]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [Ner-e-de]
• What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ad-res neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bana (haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [Ba-na (ha-ree-ta-da) gos-te-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-kee (o-to-boo-s) neh za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'e)
  [Beer bee-let (eh)]

Ankara's history dates back to the Hittite period, but it gained prominence as a Roman city. Cankaya, as part of Ankara, was pivotal due to its strategic location along key trade routes, influencing both commerce and cultural exchange in the region.

During the Ottoman Empire, Cankaya transformed into a residential area for the elite. The neighborhood saw the construction of several significant structures, including mosques and government buildings, reflecting the architectural style of the period. It became a hub for administrative activities and cultural events.

In 1923, Ankara was declared the capital of Turkey, marking a new chapter in Cankaya's history. The neighborhood evolved dramatically as the seat of government, housing important institutions and residences, including the Presidential Palace. This era saw modernization efforts that reshaped Cankaya's landscape.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought further development to Cankaya, characterized by urbanization and the establishment of cultural institutions. The area became known for its parks, museums, and art galleries, while retaining a blend of historical sites that narrate its rich past.

Today, Cankaya is recognized as a cultural melting pot, hosting various festivals and events that celebrate Turkish heritage. The neighborhood continues to attract visitors for its historical significance, vibrant atmosphere, and as a center for political and cultural activities in Ankara.

Cankaya is easily accessible from various parts of Ankara. If you are coming from the city center, you can take the metro to the Kızılay station, then transfer to the Ankaray light rail or a bus that goes directly to Cankaya. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available and provide a convenient option for reaching Cankaya from other neighborhoods.

Cankaya is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and the Ankaray light rail line. The metro system also serves parts of Cankaya, making it easy to navigate. Bicycles can be rented at various locations, and the neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, especially around popular areas like Tunali Hilmi Street.

Cankaya is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, particularly around the outskirts of the neighborhood. Areas like the outskirts of Aydınlıkevler and some parts near the university may have higher instances of petty crime, so remain vigilant.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospital facilities are available in Cankaya, with several pharmacies for minor health issues. It is advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to know the location of the nearest hospital.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; it's important to show reverence in mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake; don't be overly familiar unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and share meals; don't refuse food offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Cankaya like a local, visit the local cafes and tea houses where you can enjoy traditional Turkish tea and pastries. Engage with locals at the markets, especially the weekly farmer’s market for fresh produce. Take time to explore the parks such as Kuğulu Park, where you can relax and enjoy the local ambiance. Don't miss cultural events at the nearby Atatürk Cultural Center, which often features performances and exhibitions.