Ortahisar: The Historic Heart of Trabzon

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-shek-kur eh-deh-rim]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur 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-che ko-noo-shoo-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-oo-yoo guhr-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
  [O-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-lee-see ah-rah-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-uh-ruhn]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Has-tai-yum]

• 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-ku-yor-um]
• How much is it?Bu ne kadar?
  [Boo neh ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chohk pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-dee-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Saat kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Saat beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-led-den sonra]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• 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-koos]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ah-dres neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Harita üzerinde) bana gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-ta u-zer-in-deh) bah-nah guh-steh-re-beel-eer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-rah-kee (o-to-booos) neh zah-man]
• A ticket (to ....)(....'a) bir bilet
  [(....'ah) beer bee-let]

Ortahisar, which translates to 'Middle Fortress', played a crucial role during the Byzantine Empire. This neighborhood was known for its strategic location and fortifications that protected the city of Trabzon, particularly during the constant threats from invading forces. The Byzantine castle, remnants of which can still be seen, was a symbol of control over trade routes and served as a defensive stronghold.

In the 12th century, Ortahisar became a significant part of the Kingdom of Trebizond, established by the Komnenos dynasty. This era was marked by cultural and economic growth, with Ortahisar serving as a vital administrative center. The region flourished with the construction of churches and monasteries, reflecting the Byzantine architectural style that still influences the area today.

Following the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Ortahisar was integrated into the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. This transition brought significant cultural integration, with the introduction of Ottoman architecture and social structures. The neighborhood became a melting pot of cultures, where Greek, Armenian, and Turkish influences coexisted, leading to a rich tapestry of traditions and customs that are still evident in Ortahisar today.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ortahisar was home to a vibrant Greek community. The neighborhood featured numerous churches, schools, and cultural institutions that catered to the Greek population. This period was marked by a flourishing of arts and education, contributing to the cultural richness of Trabzon as a whole. The events leading up to the population exchanges in the 1920s drastically changed the demographic landscape of Ortahisar.

In recent decades, Ortahisar has experienced urban development while striving to preserve its historical and cultural heritage. Efforts have been made to restore ancient structures and promote tourism, showcasing the unique architecture and history of the neighborhood. The Ortahisar Castle and the surrounding area have become popular attractions, allowing visitors to explore the rich past of Trabzon and its cultural significance in the Black Sea region.

Ortahisar is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Trabzon. From the Trabzon Bus Terminal, you can take a local minibus (dolmuş) or taxi directly to Ortahisar, which is approximately 10 kilometers away. If you're coming from the Trabzon Airport, taxis are available and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Public buses also connect the airport to the city center, where you can switch to a dolmuş heading to Ortahisar.

Ortahisar is a walkable neighborhood, with many attractions within close proximity. Local dolmuş services run frequently, connecting you to other areas of Trabzon. Bicycles can be rented from various shops in the area, and taxis are available for longer distances. It is advisable to download a local transportation app for convenience.

Ortahisar is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are recommended. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep belongings secure in crowded places. Although there are no specific high-crime zones, be cautious near bus terminals and marketplaces, as pickpocketing can occur. Always trust your instincts and seek assistance from locals if you feel uncomfortable.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance or 155 for police. The main hospital, Trabzon State Hospital, is located nearby, and there are several pharmacies throughout Ortahisar for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Keep a list of local emergency contacts saved on your phone.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in religious sites like mosques. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly. Don't talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a simple 'Merhaba' (Hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional foods, but don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Ortahisar like a local, visit the bustling local markets, where you can find fresh produce and traditional delicacies. Engage with local artisans who craft handmade goods. Try to learn a few basic Turkish phrases, as this will enrich your interactions. Attend local festivals if your visit coincides with any, as they provide a unique insight into the culture and traditions of the region.