Cappadocia: The Land of Fairy Chimneys and Hot Air Balloons

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-sheh-kur eh-deh-rim]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zoor dee-leh-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Yah siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Een-gee-leez-jeh koh-noo-shu-yor moos-oo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [Ahn-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yoo gehr-mek ees-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Eht yehm-em]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [Sheh-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-deh-mek ees-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaşın!
  [Oo-zahk-lah-shun]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-rah-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dohk-tor chah-yur-uhn]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kah-yohl-doom]
• I'm illHasta'yım
  [Hah-stah-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-uhn al-mak ees-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-jeh bah-kuh-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Neh kah-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chohk pah-hah-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yah-tuh in-dee-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Saat kah-ch]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Saat beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [Oh-leh-dehn soh-rah]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Yah-ruhn]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dohrt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Ahl-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Doh-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adresi nedir?
  [Ah-dreh-see neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) bana gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Hah-ree-tah-dah) bah-nah geh-steh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Sohn-rah-kee (oh-toh-boo-s) neh zah-mahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-let (....-yah)]

Cappadocia's history stretches back to the Paleolithic era. The region was home to the Hittites around 1800 BCE, who were known for their advanced society and contributions to the development of the region. The unique rock formations of Cappadocia provided natural shelters and storage spaces, aiding in the development of early human settlements.

In the 6th century BCE, Cappadocia became part of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. Later, after the conquests of Alexander the Great, the region fell under Hellenistic influence. During the Roman era, Cappadocia was an important frontier zone and a buffer against eastern invasions. The Romans established a network of roads and infrastructure, enhancing the region's connectivity.

Cappadocia is renowned for its significant role in the spread of Christianity. From the 4th century onwards, the region became a refuge for early Christians fleeing Roman persecution. They carved out extensive underground cities and rock-hewn churches, many of which are adorned with remarkable frescoes that depict biblical scenes. The towns of Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos are particularly notable for their ancient Christian heritage.

During the Byzantine period, Cappadocia continued to be a center of Christian monasticism. The region's distinctive landscape, with its soft volcanic rock, allowed for the creation of elaborate monastic complexes. Monks and hermits established a network of cave dwellings, chapels, and monasteries, which served as spiritual and community centers. The Göreme Open-Air Museum is a prime example of this period.

Following the Byzantine era, Cappadocia came under the control of the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century. The Seljuks left a lasting mark on the region with their architectural achievements, including caravanserais that supported trade along the Silk Road. In the 15th century, the Ottomans incorporated Cappadocia into their empire. The region continued to thrive under Ottoman rule, with a blend of cultures and traditions that enriched its heritage.

In the 20th century, Cappadocia began to attract international attention for its unique geological formations and rich historical legacy. The establishment of national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites helped preserve its natural and cultural treasures. Today, Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination known for its hot air balloon rides, ancient cave dwellings, and vibrant cultural festivals.

Cappadocia is located in central Turkey. The nearest airports are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). From these airports, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach Cappadocia. The journey from Nevşehir Airport takes about 40 minutes, while it takes around 70 minutes from Kayseri Airport. Additionally, there are bus services from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is best explored by car, allowing you to visit the various sites and towns at your own pace. Car rentals are available in Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos. Alternatively, you can use local buses and minibuses (dolmuş) to travel between towns. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for longer trips. For a unique experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride to get an aerial view of the stunning landscapes.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Cappadocia. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in major towns like Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos.

Cappadocia is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but scams and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in busy tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for ambulance, fire, or police services. The nearest hospitals are in Nevşehir and Kayseri, and there are smaller clinics in towns like Göreme and Ürgüp. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (eczane) are available in major towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, remove your shoes and cover your head if you are a woman. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's customary to say 'Merhaba' (Hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cappadocia like a local, visit the weekly markets in towns like Ürgüp and Avanos where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Turkish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to stay in a cave hotel for a unique accommodation experience. For a truly local experience, consider visiting during one of the regional festivals such as the Cappadocia Balloon Festival or the International Wine Festival in Ürgüp.