Izmir: The Pearl of the Aegean

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yuhr]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-she-kur eh-deh-reem]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-eem. Yah siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-jay ko-noo-shoo-your moos-oo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-luh-muh-your-um]

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

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-ryun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ih-run]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Hah-stah-yum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-uhn al-mak ees-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-jeh bah-kuh-your-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-yah-tuh in-deer-eh-bee-leer mees-ee-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-leh-dehn ah-soh-rah]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Yah-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Durt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Ahl-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Doh-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...nerede?
  [Ne-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adresi ne?
  [Ad-reh-see neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Harita üzerinde) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-tah ooz-eh-reen-deh) ger-steh-reh-bee-leer mees-ee-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-rah-kee (o-to-boo-s) neh zah-mahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....ya)
  [Beer bee-let (yah)]

The city of Izmir, known in antiquity as Smyrna, dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. The early settlers were part of the Anatolian civilization, and the city was later influenced by the Greeks around 1000 BCE. Smyrna became a significant member of the Ionian League, a confederation of Greek city-states, and flourished as a major port and trading hub.

In 334 BCE, Alexander the Great captured Smyrna and initiated a new era for the city. Under his rule, Smyrna was relocated to a more strategic position on Mount Pagos, which is modern-day Kadifekale. This move marked the beginning of the Hellenistic period, during which the city experienced substantial growth and prosperity.

Smyrna became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BCE and continued to thrive. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including the Agora, an ancient marketplace that became a center of social and commercial activity. The Roman period also saw the construction of aqueducts, theaters, and other public buildings that highlighted the city's significance.

During the Byzantine era, Smyrna maintained its importance as a regional center. The city underwent several transformations, including the construction of new churches and fortifications. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as earthquakes and invasions, Smyrna remained a vital part of the Byzantine Empire until the arrival of the Seljuks in the 11th century.

In the 11th century, the Seljuks took control of Smyrna, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The city's strategic location made it a focal point for trade and cultural exchange. By the 15th century, Smyrna became part of the Ottoman Empire. Under Ottoman rule, the city evolved into a cosmopolitan hub, attracting merchants, artists, and scholars from various backgrounds, which enriched its cultural fabric.

One of the most tragic events in Izmir's history is the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922. Following the Greco-Turkish War, the fire devastated much of the city, leading to significant loss of life and property. This event marked the end of a multicultural era and had lasting effects on the city's demographic and architectural landscape.

In the years following the Great Fire, Izmir underwent a period of reconstruction and modernization. The city emerged as a key economic center in the newly established Republic of Turkey. Today, Izmir is known for its vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and rich historical heritage, making it a unique blend of the ancient and the contemporary.

Izmir is served by Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), which is located approximately 18 kilometers south of the city center. The airport has frequent domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or the Izban suburban train to reach the city center. Alternatively, buses and rental car services are also available.

Izmir has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, ferries, and the Izban suburban train. The city also has a metro system that connects various districts. For ease of travel, consider purchasing an Izmirim Kart, a reloadable card that can be used on all forms of public transport. Taxis are readily available but ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Biking is becoming popular, and there are bike rental stations throughout the city.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Izmir, and many offer the option to withdraw cash in different currencies.

Izmir is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any major city, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places such as markets and public transportation. Neighborhoods like Kadifekale and certain parts of Basmane are known for higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical emergencies, 155 for police, and 110 for fire services. Most operators speak English. Major hospitals in Izmir include Ege University Hospital and Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, both of which have emergency services. Pharmacies (Eczane) are widely available for minor health issues, and some are open 24 hours.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do stand on the right side of escalators to let others pass. Don’t speak loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It’s polite to address older individuals with titles like 'Bey' (Mr.) and 'Hanım' (Ms.). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food. Don’t leave food on your plate as it can be seen as wasteful.

To experience Izmir like a local, visit the Kemeralti Market, where you can find everything from spices to souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at one of the cafes along the Kordon promenade. Take a ferry ride across the bay for a scenic view of the city. Lastly, engage with locals; they are often friendly and happy to share insights about their city.