Kas: The Jewel of Turkey's Turquoise Coast

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-shek-kur eh-deh-rim]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur dee-leh-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nas-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [Ee-yee-eem. Sehz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-je ko-noo-shu-yor moos-oo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-lahm-uh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-ew-yu germ-ek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatBen et yemem
  [Ben et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım!
  [Yar-dum]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-lee-see a-rah-yun]
• Call a doctor!Bir doktor çağırın!
  [Beer dok-tor cha-ee-run]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-dum]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Has-tai-um]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-uhn al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-je ba-ku-yor-um]
• How much is it?Bu ne kadar?
  [Boo ne ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh doo-she-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-leh-den sonra]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Oo-ch]
• 4Dört
  [Durt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Ye-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...nereye?
  [Ne-re-ye]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) bana gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-ta-da) ba-na ger-ste-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-kee (o-to-boos) ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....)
  [Beer bee-let]

Kas, known as Antiphellos in ancient times, was an important city of the Lycian civilization. The Lycians were an ancient maritime people who lived in this region from around 2000 BC. Kas was one of their prominent cities, known for its harbor, shipbuilding, and trade. The ruins of the ancient theater and rock tombs are a testament to this rich history.

During the Hellenistic period, Kas flourished under the influence of Greek culture. It became a significant center for commerce and culture. When the Romans took control of the region in 43 AD, Kas continued to thrive. The Roman influence is evident in the architectural remnants, including the well-preserved Roman theater that still stands today.

In the Byzantine era, Kas was part of the Eastern Roman Empire. The town remained an important maritime center and saw the construction of several churches. The remnants of these Byzantine churches, along with other archaeological findings, provide insight into the religious and cultural life of Kas during this period.

Kas became part of the Ottoman Empire in the early 15th century. During this time, it was a small but strategically important coastal town. The Ottomans built several structures, including mosques and baths, which still stand today. The Kalkan Mosque is a notable example of the Ottoman architectural influence in Kas.

In the 20th century, Kas transitioned from a quiet fishing village to a popular tourist destination. Its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture attracted visitors from around the world. Modern Kas is known for its charming old town, bustling harbor, and numerous outdoor activities, including diving and hiking along the Lycian Way.

Kas is located on the Mediterranean coast in the Antalya province of Turkey. The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Dalaman, you can take a shuttle bus, private transfer, or car rental to Kas. The journey typically takes around 2.5 hours by road. Alternatively, Antalya Airport is about 200 kilometers away, and you can reach Kas by bus or car, which takes around 3 hours.

Kas is a walkable town, and many of its attractions are within easy walking distance. For longer trips, local minibuses (dolmuş) are available and connect Kas with nearby towns and beaches. Taxis are also readily available and offer a convenient way to get around. Renting a car or scooter is another option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available throughout Kas, where you can withdraw cash as needed.

Kas is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Kas, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kas. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a polite nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kas like a local, visit the weekly market (pazar) where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Turkish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient Lycian rock tombs and the nearby ruins of Antiphellos. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.