The Historical Heart of Istanbul: Sultanahmet

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-sheh-koor eh-deh-reem]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [Oz-oor dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Sehz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Een-gee-leez-jeh koh-noo-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-yoo gur-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatBen et yemem
  [Ben et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [Sheh-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Uh-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zahk-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-rah-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dohk-tor chah-uh-ruhn]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Hah-sta-yum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sa-tuhn al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-jeh bah-kuh-yor-um]
• How much is it?Kaç lira?
  [Kach lee-rah]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chok pah-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-deh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

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

• Where's a/the...?Bir/... nerede?
  [Beer/... neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ah-dress neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bana gösterebilir misiniz (haritada)?
  [Bah-nah gur-steh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez (hah-ree-tah-dah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Beer son-rah-kee (oh-toe-boos) neh zah-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'e)
  [Beer bee-let (....'eh)]

Sultanahmet's history is deeply intertwined with the Byzantine Empire, as it was the site of the ancient city of Byzantium, founded in 657 BC. In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great transformed Byzantium into Constantinople, making it the capital of the Roman Empire. Sultanahmet became a hub of Christian religion and culture, with the construction of monumental structures such as the Hagia Sophia, which was completed in 537 AD and served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for nearly 1,000 years.

In 1453, Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. Sultanahmet was at the heart of this transformation, with the Hagia Sophia converted into a mosque. The Ottomans built numerous mosques, palaces, and public buildings in the area, including the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in the early 17th century, which exemplified the grandeur of Ottoman architecture and established the neighborhood as a center of Islamic culture.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Sultanahmet flourished as the center of the Ottoman Empire. This period saw the construction of notable buildings such as the Topkapi Palace, which served as the administrative center and residence of the sultans. The neighborhood became a bustling area of trade, education, and artistic expression, with many scholars, poets, and artists contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the empire.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Sultanahmet, as the Ottoman Empire began to modernize in response to internal and external pressures. This period saw the establishment of new institutions, including schools and hospitals, and the introduction of European architectural styles. Sultanahmet experienced a decline in its political significance but remained an important cultural and historical landmark, attracting tourists and scholars interested in its rich heritage.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Sultanahmet has undergone extensive restoration efforts to preserve its historical sites. The neighborhood has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its importance as a cultural and historical center. Today, Sultanahmet serves as a major tourist destination, with millions visiting landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, all of which showcase the area's layered history and cultural significance.

Sultanahmet is conveniently located in the heart of Istanbul and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. The most straightforward way to reach Sultanahmet is via the tram system. The T1 tram line connects to key areas such as Taksim and Kabatas. You can also take the Metro to the Zeytinburnu station and transfer to the tram. For those coming from the Asian side, ferries operate from Kadikoy to Eminonu, and from there, it's a short walk or tram ride to Sultanahmet. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, but be aware of potential traffic congestion.

Sultanahmet is a walkable neighborhood with many attractions located close to each other, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. For longer distances, the tram is available, and there are numerous taxi stands throughout the area. Bicycles can be rented from local vendors, although cycling is not as common due to pedestrian traffic. Walking is often the best way to soak in the historic atmosphere and hidden gems of Sultanahmet.

Sultanahmet is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially near major attractions. Avoid isolated areas at night. While there are no specific high-crime zones within Sultanahmet, it’s advisable to be vigilant in areas frequented by tourists, particularly around public transportation hubs.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance, 155 for police, or 110 for fire services. There are hospitals and clinics available in Sultanahmet and nearby neighborhoods. It's advisable to carry a copy of your passport and any relevant travel insurance information. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites like the Blue Mosque. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes when entering mosques and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Merhaba' (Hello). Don't be overly familiar unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine and try street food. Don't engage in excessive drinking in public spaces.

To experience Sultanahmet like a local, visit the local cafes and tea houses, particularly the ones around Sultanahmet Square. Try traditional Turkish breakfast or enjoy a cup of çay (tea). Engage with shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar for a more authentic bargaining experience. Attend a local mosque for evening prayers to witness the community's religious practices. For a unique cultural experience, consider joining a local cooking class to learn about Turkish cuisine.