Goreme: The Enchanted Heart of Cappadocia

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• 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 di-le-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-sul-sun-uz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Peki ya sen?
  [Ee-yi-yim. Pe-ki ya sen?]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-i-liz-je ko-nu-shu-yor mus-un-uz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-mi-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Me-nu-yu gor-mek is-ti-yo-rum, 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-ti-yo-rum, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım!
  [Yar-duhm]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [U-zak-la-sh]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-li-si a-ra-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ghir-un]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kay-bol-dum]
• I'm illHasta'yım
  [Has-ta-yum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-un al-mak is-ti-yo-rum]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-de-je ba-ki-yo-rum]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Ne ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [Chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fiyat-uh in-di-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)Saat on buçuk
  [Sa-at on boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-le-den a-son-ra]
• 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
  [Ye-di]
• 8Sekiz
  [Se-kiz]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...nere-de?
  [Ne-re-de]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-dir]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ri-ta-da) go-ste-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-ki (o-to-bues) ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-let (ya)]

Göreme, like much of Cappadocia, has roots that extend back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence indicates that humans inhabited this region as far back as the Paleolithic era. The unique volcanic rock formations offered natural shelter, and the area became a refuge for early communities seeking safety from invaders and harsh weather.

In the late Bronze Age, the Hittites established a presence in Cappadocia, including Göreme. This civilization left behind significant architectural and cultural imprints that shaped the region's development. The Hittites utilized the soft tuff stone for carving and built underground cities, many of which would later influence the rock-cut architecture found in Göreme.

During the 4th century AD, Göreme became an important center for early Christians fleeing Roman persecution. The region's soft volcanic rock was ideal for creating elaborate rock-cut churches and monastic complexes, such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum. These structures are adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, showcasing the area's religious significance during the Byzantine era.

With the arrival of the Seljuks in the 11th century, Göreme became a strategic point along the trade routes connecting East and West. The Seljuks and later the Ottomans contributed to the region's architectural heritage, constructing caravanserais and mosques. The fusion of various cultures during this period enriched Göreme’s social fabric and cultural identity.

The late 20th century marked a turning point for Göreme as it transitioned into a tourist destination, attracting visitors to its unique landscapes and historical sites. The establishment of Göreme National Park in 1986, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, helped to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Today, Göreme stands as a vibrant hub for travelers seeking to explore the rich history and stunning geology of Cappadocia.

Göreme is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Cappadocia. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, approximately 40 kilometers away, with shuttle services available to Göreme. From Ürgüp, Avanos, or Ortahisar, you can take a local bus or taxi, with travel times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Additionally, intercity buses from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara frequently arrive at the Göreme bus station.

Göreme is a small town, making it easy to explore on foot. Many attractions, such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum and local shops, are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses and minibuses connect Göreme to nearby towns. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, providing a fun way to explore the surrounding valleys. Taxis are also available for convenience.

Göreme is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken: avoid poorly lit areas at night and secure your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to be cautious in less frequented spots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance, or 155 for police. The local hospital is situated in Nevşehir, which is about 10 kilometers away from Göreme. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in Göreme that can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and take care to dress appropriately when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and enjoy traditional meals. Don't refuse food offers, as this is seen as impolite.

To experience Göreme like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with local residents, who are often welcoming and eager to share their stories. Don't miss the sunrise hot air balloon rides for breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and valleys. Consider joining a local cooking class to learn about traditional Cappadocian dishes, which enhances your cultural experience.