Avanos: The Pottery Paradise of Cappadocia

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yer]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-shek-koor eh-der-im]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zoor dee-leh-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Peki siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Peh-kee siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-je kon-oo-shu-yor moos-oo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-lah-muh-yor-um]

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

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-dum eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaşın!
  [Oo-zahk-lah-shuhn]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-lee-see ah-rah-yuhn]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ee-rin]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kah-yol-doom]
• I'm illHasta oldum
  [Has-ta ol-doom]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sa-tuhn al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-je bah-kuh-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Neh kah-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chok pah-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-deer-eh-beel-eer mees-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Saat kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Saat beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-lay-den ah-soo-rah]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Yah-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dort]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Ahl-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Doe-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ah-dres neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) bana gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Hah-ree-tah-da) bah-nah ger-steh-reh-beel-eer mees-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-rah-kee (o-to-boo-s) neh zah-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ye)
  [Beer bee-let (yeh)]

Avanos, known for its proximity to the Kızılırmak River, has a history that dates back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was inhabited as far back as the Hittite period (circa 1600-1200 BC). The fertile valley provided ample resources, making it an attractive settlement for ancient civilizations.

The Kızılırmak River, the longest river in Turkey, has played a crucial role in the development of Avanos. Historically, it served as a vital trade route, connecting various regions and facilitating commerce. The river's banks were lined with settlements that thrived on trade, agriculture, and pottery, contributing to the cultural richness of the area.

Avanos is renowned for its pottery, a craft that has been passed down through generations. The unique red clay from the Kızılırmak River has been used by artisans for centuries. This tradition dates back to the Hittites and has continued to evolve, making Avanos a center for pottery workshops and schools that attract both locals and tourists interested in this ancient craft.

During the Byzantine era, Avanos was a significant location due to its strategic position. The area became a refuge for early Christians, and numerous churches and monasteries were established. The remnants of these structures, along with cave dwellings, reflect the area's historical significance in the spread of Christianity in Cappadocia.

Under Ottoman rule, Avanos experienced growth as a trade center. The establishment of caravanserais facilitated trade along the Silk Road, further enhancing the town's economic status. The blending of cultures during this period is evident in the architecture, cuisine, and festivals that continue to be celebrated in Avanos today.

Today, Avanos has transformed into a vibrant town that retains its historical charm. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern tourism. The annual pottery festival showcases the town's rich heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world. The culture of Avanos remains intertwined with the legacy of its ancestors, celebrating both its historical roots and contemporary developments.

Avanos is conveniently located approximately 8 kilometers from Göreme and 20 kilometers from Ürgüp, making it easily accessible from other towns in Cappadocia. You can reach Avanos by taking a minibus (dolmuş) from Göreme or Ürgüp, which runs frequently throughout the day. Alternatively, taxis are available and can provide a more direct route. For those arriving from Kayseri or Nevşehir airports, shuttle services and rental cars are options to consider.

Avanos is a small town, making it very walkable. Most of the attractions, shops, and restaurants can be reached on foot. For longer distances, local taxis are available, and bicycles can be rented from several shops in town. Public transport options include minibuses that connect Avanos to nearby towns and attractions. Walking along the Kızılırmak River offers a scenic way to explore the area.

Avanos is generally safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. However, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas or during busy tourist seasons. It is advisable to stay vigilant and keep personal belongings secure. While there are no specific areas known for high crime rates, it is best to avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.

In case of an emergency, you can dial 112 for medical assistance or 155 for police support. There are hospitals and clinics in Avanos where you can receive medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Don’t wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; covering your head may be required in certain places. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly handshake and smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional dishes and accept food offers graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be considered rude.

To experience Avanos like a local, visit the pottery workshops where you can see artisans at work and even try your hand at pottery-making. Don't miss the vibrant local market, especially on Fridays, for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with the friendly locals, who often enjoy sharing stories about the town's rich history. For a unique experience, consider taking a leisurely walk along the Kızılırmak River and enjoy a traditional Turkish tea at one of the riverside cafes.