The Heartbeat of Ankara: Kizilay

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [Ev-et]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-shek-kur ed-er-im]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur di-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 konuşabilir misiniz?
  [Ing-i-liz-je ko-nu-sha-bil-ir mi-si-niz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-mi-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Me-nu-yu ger-mek 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 edin!
  [Yar-dum ed-in]
• Go away!Uzaklaşın!
  [Oo-zak-la-shin]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-li-si a-ry-un]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ee-run]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kay-bol-dum]
• I'm illHastaım
  [Has-ta-um]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-un al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-de-ce ba-ku-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Ne ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [Chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh du-shu-re-bil-ir mi-si-niz]

• 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-le-den af-ter-na]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-gun]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dort]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yed-ee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Se-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [... ner-e-de]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-dir]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Haritada gösterebilir misiniz?
  [Ha-ree-ta-da ger-ste-re-bil-ir mi-si-niz]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-ki ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-let (...-ya)]

Kizilay, originally known as 'Kızılay,' has its roots in the early 20th century. Established as a neighborhood in Ankara, it began to flourish during the period of the Republic of Turkey. The name Kizilay, meaning 'Red Crescent,' stems from the humanitarian organization founded in 1868, which played a crucial role in aiding those affected by war and disasters, particularly during the Balkan Wars and World War I.

During the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923), Kizilay emerged as a vital center for support and logistics. The Red Crescent organization coordinated relief efforts, providing medical care and assistance to soldiers and civilians alike. This period solidified Kizilay's identity as a hub of humanitarian efforts and a focal point for the burgeoning Turkish Republic.

The 1930s marked a significant urban transformation for Kizilay, coinciding with Ankara's designation as the capital of Turkey in 1923. Government initiatives led to the development of modern infrastructure, including roads, public buildings, and housing. Kizilay became a symbol of modernity and progress, attracting residents and businesses, thereby contributing to its status as a key neighborhood within Ankara.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Kizilay evolved into a cultural and economic hub. The area became known for its lively markets, shops, and cafes, reflecting the dynamic urban life of Ankara. Cultural institutions, such as theaters and art galleries, began to establish themselves, fostering a vibrant cultural scene that attracted both locals and tourists.

Today, Kizilay remains one of Ankara's most significant neighborhoods. It serves as a commercial and social center, with the famous Kizilay Square acting as a meeting point for residents and visitors. The neighborhood is characterized by its blend of historic and contemporary architecture, showcasing Ankara's evolution over the decades while retaining its essential role as a center for humanitarian efforts through the Red Crescent organization.

Kizilay is centrally located in Ankara and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. To reach Kizilay from the Esenboğa Airport, take the HAVAŞ airport shuttle service, which operates regularly and drops you off at AŞTİ (Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal). From AŞTİ, you can take a metro line to Kızılay Metro Station. For those coming from other neighborhoods, Kizilay is well-connected via public transport, including metro, buses, and taxis.

Kizilay has a robust public transport system. The Kızılay Metro Station connects to several key areas in Ankara. Buses operate frequently along major routes, offering an affordable way to explore the city. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps for convenient transport. Bicycles are also available for rent in Kizilay, making it easy to navigate the neighborhood at your own pace.

Kizilay is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly around busy markets and public transport hubs. It is advisable to stay away from certain streets at night, like those leading to the back alleys near the bus station, which may have higher crime rates.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, medical, or fire services. The nearest hospital is located just a few minutes away in Kizilay. Always carry a copy of your passport, as it may be required for identification in emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available and often have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Women may wish to wear a scarf in mosques. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at restaurants. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Kizilay like a local, visit the vibrant Kizilay Square, where you can enjoy street performances and local vendors. Explore the nearby markets for fresh produce and traditional snacks. Sample a cup of Turkish tea in one of the many cafes and engage in casual conversations with locals. For a unique experience, visit the historic Kocatepe Mosque, which is an architectural marvel.