Beşiktaş: The Heartbeat of Istanbul

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mehr-hah-bah]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Hah-yuhr]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkürler
  [Teh-sheh-kur-lur]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [Oz-oor dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Peki siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Peh-kee siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Een-gee-leez-jeh koh-noo-shoo-yor moo-soo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [Ahn-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görebilir miyim, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yu goh-reh-bee-leer mee-yim, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Eht yeh-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [Sheh-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Uh-deh-mehk ees-tee-yoh-room, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yahr-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zahk-lahsh]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-rah-yuhn]
• Call a doctor!Bir doktor çağırın!
  [Beer dohk-tohr chah-ee-ruhn]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bohl-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Hah-stah-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sah-tuhn ahl-mahk ees-tee-yoh-room]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-jeh bah-kuh-yoh-room]
• How much is it?Kaç lira?
  [Kahch lee-rah]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chohk pah-hah-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yah-tuh een-deh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

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

• Where's a/the...?Bir/... nerede?
  [Beer/... neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ah-drehs neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bana gösterebilir misiniz (haritada)?
  [Bah-nah goh-steh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez (hah-ree-tah-dah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-rah-kee (oh-toh-boos) neh zah-mahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-leht (yah)]

Beşiktaş has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, originally known as 'Konsantinopolis' during the Byzantine period. The name Beşiktaş, meaning 'cradle stone', is believed to have derived from a stone used to cradle babies, reflecting the area's deep historical roots and cultural significance.

During the Ottoman Empire, Beşiktaş became a significant residential and administrative center. The construction of the Beşiktaş Mosque in 1731 by the grand vizier, Ahmed III, marked the area's growth as a cultural hub. The neighborhood became home to many prominent figures, including statesmen and intellectuals, influencing the cultural landscape of Istanbul.

In the 19th century, Beşiktaş emerged as a crucial military and naval base. The Beşiktaş Naval Station was established, serving as a pivotal point for the Ottoman navy. This development attracted a surge of naval officers and their families, contributing to the area's population growth and urban expansion.

The early 20th century saw Beşiktaş evolve into a vibrant cultural and artistic district. The establishment of various theaters, art galleries, and cultural institutions fostered a creative environment. The district became synonymous with intellectual discourse and artistic expression, with writers and artists frequenting its cafes and venues.

In recent decades, Beşiktaş has undergone significant urban transformation, balancing its historical charm with modern developments. The area is known for its lively markets, trendy cafes, and nightlife, attracting a diverse population. The construction of the Vodafone Park, home to Beşiktaş JK, reflects the neighborhood's continued importance in Istanbul's cultural and sporting life.

Besiktas is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Istanbul. The easiest way to reach Besiktas from Taksim Square is by taking the funicular down to Kabatas and then transferring to the tram. From Sultanahmet, you can take the tram to Kabatas and switch to a bus or walk. Alternatively, many buses depart from various parts of the city, including Kadikoy and Levent, directly to Besiktas.

Besiktas is a bustling neighborhood with many options for transportation. You can use the extensive bus network, which includes numerous lines servicing different parts of Istanbul. The Dolmus (shared taxi) is also a popular and affordable option. For a more leisurely pace, consider renting a bicycle. Walking is a great way to explore Besiktas, especially with its vibrant streets and local markets.

Besiktas is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Areas around the bus terminal can be busier and may attract pickpockets, so keep your belongings secure. Avoid walking alone late at night in secluded spots and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Tourists should particularly be cautious around busy markets and public transport hubs.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in Besiktas, and hospitals can be found throughout the neighborhood. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, visit local pharmacies, which are usually well-stocked with over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs. Always remove your shoes when entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly handshake and a smile. Don't forget to learn a few basic Turkish phrases; locals appreciate the effort. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and enjoy the coffee culture. Don't refuse food or drink offers; it's seen as impolite.

To experience Besiktas like a local, visit the vibrant markets such as the Besiktas Fish Market and try the famous street food, especially the kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes). Engage with local vendors and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. Join the locals at a tea garden for a traditional Turkish tea experience. Finally, take a stroll along the Bosphorus waterfront for stunning views and a glimpse into everyday life in Istanbul.