Uchisar: The Crown Jewel of Cappadocia

• HelloMerhaba
  [mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [ev-et]
• NoHayır
  [ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [lut-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [te-shek-kur ed-er-im]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [oz-ur di-ler-im]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [na-sul-sun-uz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [i-yi-yim. siz?]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [in-gi-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 gur-mek is-ti-yo-rum, lut-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, lut-fen]

• Help!Yardım!
  [yar-dum]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [u-zak-laş]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [po-li-si a-ra-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [dok-tor cha-ir-un]
• 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-ti-yo-rum]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [sa-de-ce ba-ku-yo-rum]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [ne ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [chok pa-ha-lu]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [fi-ya-tu 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 bir]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [on bu-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [o-led-en af-te-rna]
• EveningAkşam
  [ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [dun]
• TodayBugün
  [bu-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [bir]
• 2İki
  [i-ki]
• 3Üç
  [uch]
• 4Dört
  [dort]
• 5Beş
  [besh]
• 6Altı
  [al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [ye-di]
• 8Sekiz
  [se-kiz]
• 9Dokuz
  [do-kuz]
• 10On
  [on]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [ne-re-de]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [a-dres ne-dir]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [gus-te-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [son-ra-ki o-to-bus ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....’a)
  [bir bi-let (….’a)]

Uchisar's history dates back to antiquity, with evidence of human habitation found in the numerous rock-cut dwellings that dot the landscape. These cave homes served as shelters and places of worship for early Christians, who sought refuge from persecution in the expansive underground cities of the Cappadocia region. The unique geological formations of the area provided natural protection and resources for early inhabitants.

During the Byzantine period, Uchisar became a significant religious center, with many churches and monasteries established in the area. The Uchisar Castle, a natural rock formation, served as a fortress, offering a strategic vantage point for monitoring invaders. Monks used the caves for meditation and prayer, contributing to the rich spiritual heritage of Cappadocia.

In the 11th century, Uchisar fell under the control of the Seljuk Turks, leading to the construction of various structures that blended Islamic and local architectural styles. The Ottomans further developed the region, and Uchisar became a key administrative and trade hub. The local economy thrived on agriculture and the production of wine, which remains a cultural staple in the area.

During the early 20th century, Uchisar played a role in the Turkish War of Independence. The community's strategic location made it a point of interest for both the nationalist forces and foreign powers. The resilience of the local population during this tumultuous period left a lasting impact on the cultural identity of Uchisar and its integration into modern Turkey.

In recent decades, Uchisar has transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and unique rock formations. Efforts have been made to preserve the area's rich cultural heritage, including the restoration of ancient cave churches and the promotion of local crafts. Uchisar serves as a gateway to exploring the broader Cappadocia region, known for its fairy chimneys and breathtaking valleys.

Uchisar is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Cappadocia. The nearest major airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, about 30 km away, with regular shuttle services to Uchisar. From Göreme, you can take a local dolmuş (shared minibus), which operates frequently and takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available and can be booked through your hotel or hailed on the street.

Uchisar is a small village best explored on foot to fully appreciate its charming streets and stunning views. Local dolmuş services connect Uchisar to nearby towns like Göreme and Avanos. For a more personal experience, consider renting a bicycle or an electric scooter. Taxis are also available for longer distances or when you prefer not to walk.

Uchisar is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists. However, it's advisable to take common precautions, such as avoiding poorly-lit areas at night and keeping your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas, petty theft can occur in crowded tourist spots, so remain vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance or 155 for police. Uchisar has a small medical clinic, but for serious emergencies, it is best to head to larger hospitals in Nevşehir or Göreme. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and allow elderly passengers to sit. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' (Hello). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do taste local delicacies, such as testi kebab. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Uchisar like a local, visit the weekly markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with shopkeepers and locals; they are often eager to share stories about the area. Don't miss the Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of Cappadocia, especially at sunrise or sunset. Consider staying in a cave hotel for an authentic experience of the region's unique architecture.