Trabzon: The Jewel of the Black Sea

• 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-koor ed-eh-rim]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zoor dee-leh-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Yah siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-je ko-noo-shu-yor moo-soo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-ew-yu ger-mek is-tee-yo-room, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Et yem-em]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yo-room, loot-fen]

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

• I'd like to buy......almak istiyorum
  [al-mak is-tee-yo-room]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-je ba-ku-yo-room]
• How much is it?Kaç lira?
  [Kach lee-rah]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-de-re-bil-ir mee-sin-iz]

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

• Where's a/the...?...nerede?
  [ne-re-deh]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-ta-da) ger-ste-re-bil-ir mee-sin-iz]
• When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Beer son-rah-kee (o-to-boo-s) ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)(....'a) bilet
  [(...) bee-let]

Trabzon, known as Trapezus in ancient times, was founded by Greek colonists from Miletus around 756 BC. Its strategic location on the Black Sea coast made it an important trade hub, connecting various cultures and civilizations.

Under Roman rule, Trabzon became a significant military outpost. During the Byzantine era, it flourished as a cultural and commercial center. The city was also a key location on the Silk Road, facilitating trade between Europe and Asia.

After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Byzantine Empire fragmented and Trabzon became the capital of the Empire of Trebizond. This period, lasting until 1461, was marked by prosperity and artistic achievements, including the construction of the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon.

In 1461, Sultan Mehmed II conquered Trabzon, incorporating it into the Ottoman Empire. The city continued to thrive as an important port and cultural center under Ottoman rule, maintaining its diverse population and rich traditions.

During World War I, Trabzon was occupied by Russian forces from 1916 to 1918. The occupation caused significant hardships for the local population, but the city was eventually liberated following the Russian Revolution and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.

Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Trabzon became a part of the new nation. Today, it is a vibrant city known for its historical landmarks, bustling port, and rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

Trabzon is accessible via Trabzon Airport (TZX), which is about 6 kilometers from the city center. The airport has domestic flights from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, as well as a few international connections. Alternatively, you can reach Trabzon by intercity buses from various parts of Turkey. The bus terminal is located about 2 kilometers from the city center. Car rentals are also available for those preferring to drive.

Trabzon has a well-developed public transport network, including buses and dolmuş (shared minibuses) that can take you around the city and to nearby attractions. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, and parking in the city center may be challenging.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Trabzon. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are plentiful around the city, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center.

Trabzon is generally a safe city for tourists. Nonetheless, it's advisable 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, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Trabzon has several hospitals and clinics offering quality medical care. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (eczane) are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod. In more formal settings, you might use 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' followed by the person's last name. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Trabzon like a local, visit the local markets such as Kemeraltı Çarşısı, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Turkish goods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Museum and the Sumela Monastery. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Boztepe hill for panoramic views of the city.