Çarşıbaşı: The Heartbeat of Trabzon

• HelloMerhaba
  [mehr-hah-bah]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [e-vet]
• NoHayır
  [ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [te-shek-kur ed-er-im]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [oz-oor dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [na-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [ee-yee-yim. yah siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [ing-gil-iz-je ko-noo-shoo-your moos-oo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [an-lahm-uh-yoor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [men-oo-yoo gore-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatBen et yemem
  [ben et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [she-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [o-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [yahr-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaşın!
  [oo-zak-lah-shun]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [pol-ee-see ah-rah-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [dok-tor cha-ee-reen]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [kah-ybol-doom]
• I'm illHasta'yım
  [has-tah-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [sa-tun al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [sah-deh-je bah-kuh-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [neh ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [boo chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [fee-yat-uh in-dee-reh-bee-leer mees-ee-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)Saat on buçuk
  [sa-at on boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [oh-led-den ahs-son-rah]
• EveningAkşam
  [ak-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?Adres nedir?
  [ad-res neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(hah-ree-tah-da) gohs-teh-reh-bee-leer mees-ee-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [beer son-rah-kee (o-toh-booos) neh zah-man]
• A ticket (to ....)(....) için bir bilet
  [(...) in-chin beer bee-let]

Çarşıbaşı, originally known as 'Çarşı', played a significant role during the Ottoman Empire as a bustling trade hub. Its strategic location along the Black Sea coast made it an essential point for commerce, where local goods such as textiles, spices, and maritime products were exchanged. The architecture from this period, including traditional Ottoman houses and public buildings, reflects the prosperity of the area.

Throughout its history, Çarşıbaşı has been a melting pot of cultures due to the various ethnic groups that have settled in the region, including Greeks, Armenians, and Turks. This cultural diversity is evident in the local cuisine, festivals, and traditions that blend elements from different heritages, enriching the neighborhood's social fabric.

The Greek War of Independence (1821-1829) had significant repercussions in Çarşıbaşı, where the local Greek population faced challenges and tensions. Following the war, many Greeks migrated to other regions, leading to demographic changes and the reshaping of community dynamics within Trabzon and its neighborhoods, including Çarşıbaşı.

The establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 brought about major political and social changes in Çarşıbaşı. The new government implemented reforms that aimed to modernize the area, promoting education and infrastructure development. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, transforming the neighborhood into a more urbanized environment.

In recent decades, Çarşıbaşı has witnessed significant development and modernization. The growth of tourism in Trabzon has revitalized the neighborhood, with many historical sites and cultural landmarks attracting visitors. Local artisans continue to thrive, preserving traditional crafts while adapting to contemporary influences, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

Çarşıbaşı is located approximately 25 kilometers east of Trabzon city center. You can reach Çarşıbaşı by taking a Dolmuş (shared minibus) from the Trabzon central bus station, which operates frequently throughout the day. The journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available, and for a more scenic route, consider renting a car to drive along the beautiful Black Sea coast.

Çarşıbaşı is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances or to visit nearby attractions, local Dolmuş services are available and are an affordable option. Taxis can be hired, and bicycle rentals may be available seasonally, allowing you to enjoy the coastal scenery at your own pace.

Çarşıbaşı is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions are advisable. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and be aware of your surroundings in crowded places. While the crime rate is low, petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure. Areas near the coastline can be less populated at night, so exercise caution.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance or 155 for police help. Local hospitals and clinics can be found in Trabzon city center, which is a short distance away. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Çarşıbaşı can provide basic over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local mosques or religious sites. Don't wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, and if visiting a mosque, remove your shoes and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a warm smile and a handshake. Don't forget to use polite phrases such as 'Merhaba' (Hello) or 'Teşekkür ederim' (Thank you). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'Akçaabat köfte' and accept food offers graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Çarşıbaşı like a local, visit the local fish markets early in the morning for the freshest catch of the day. Engage with vendors to learn about traditional fishing practices. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a tea at one of the local çay bahçesi (tea gardens) along the coast. If you're interested in the local culture, participating in a cooking class to learn how to prepare regional dishes can be an enriching experience.