Mary: Turkmenistan's Ancient Oasis

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeBaş üýtde
  [bahsh oot-deh]
• YesHawa
  [hah-wah]
• NoÝok
  [yohk]
• Please/You're welcomeRahmet
  [rah-met]
• Thank youRahmet
  [rah-met]
• Excuse me/SorryUzr
  [ooz-ur]
• How are you?Näme ýigit?
  [nah-meh yih-geet]
• Fine. And you?Ýöne. Siz näme?
  [yoh-neh. siz nah-meh?]
• Do you speak English?Siz iňlis dilini bilyärsiňizmi?
  [siz een-lees dee-lee-nee beel-yahr-seen-ez-mee?]
• I don't understandMeniň agzam açylmady
  [meh-neen ahg-zahm ah-chuhl-mah-dy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMen menýu görsemok
  [mehn mehn-yoo gur-seh-mohk]
• I don't eat meatMen et yemeýärin
  [mehn eht yeh-meh-yah-reen]
• Cheers!Sag boluň!
  [sahg boh-loon]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMen tölemek islerim
  [mehn tuh-leh-mehk ees-leh-reem]

• Help!Ulanyş!
  [oo-lahn-yesh]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [ooh-zahk-lahsh]
• Call the Police!Militsiýa gelsin
  [mee-lee-tsee-yah gehl-seen]
• Call a doctor!Doktory gelsin
  [dohk-toh-riy gehl-seen]
• I'm lostMen yol üýtde
  [mehn yohl oot-deh]
• I'm illMen agyrman
  [mehn ah-guhr-mahn]

• I'd like to buy...Men satyn almak islerim
  [mehn sah-teen ahl-mahk ees-leh-reem]
• I'm just lookingMen gowyňlyşýärin
  [mehn goh-win-lee-shee-yah-reen]
• How much is it?Bu näçe bolar?
  [boo nah-cheh boh-lahr?]
• That's too expensiveBu örän gowrak
  [boo oh-rahn goh-wrahk]
• Can you lower the price?Siz bähkiňi azaldyp bilerinmi?
  [siz bahk-ihn-ee ah-zahl-duhp bee-leh-reen-mee?]

• What time is it?Näme wagtdyr?
  [nah-meh wahg-tuhr?]
• It's one o'clockOn bir wagtdyr
  [ohn beer wahg-tuhr]
• Half past (10)Onuň çäri wagtdyr
  [oh-noon chah-ree wahg-tuhr]
• MorningErtir
  [ehr-teer]
• AfternoonGünbeşde
  [goon-behsh-deh]
• EveningAkşam
  [ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDüýn
  [doo-yun]
• TodayBugün
  [boo-goon]
• TomorrowErtir
  [ehr-teer]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2Iki
  [ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [ootch]
• 4Dört
  [duhr-t]
• 5Beş
  [behsh]
• 6Alty
  [ahl-tuh]
• 7Ýedi
  [yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [doh-kooz]
• 10On
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?...nädip?
  [...nah-deep?]
• What's the address?Adres näme?
  [ah-drehs nah-meh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Siz mene (kartada) görkezersiňizmi?
  [siz meh-neh (kahr-tah-dah) gur-keh-zeer-seen-ez-mee?]
• When's the next (bus)?Soňrak (awtobus) näme wagtda?
  [sohn-rahk (ow-toh-boos) nah-meh wahg-tah?]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (....-e)
  [bee-leht (eh)]

Mary, historically known as Merv, was one of the most significant cities along the Silk Road. Founded around the 6th century BC, Merv thrived as a major trade center, linking East and West. Its strategic location attracted merchants, scholars, and explorers, making it a melting pot of cultures and ideas.

During the Sassanian Empire (224-651 AD), Merv became a prosperous hub of knowledge and learning. The city was renowned for its libraries and academies, where scholars from various fields gathered to share their wisdom. This period marked the beginning of Merv's reputation as a center of intellectual and cultural development.

In the 8th century, under the Abbasid Caliphate, Merv reached new heights of prosperity. The city was a vibrant center of Islamic culture, science, and art. It became known for its impressive architecture, including grand mosques, palaces, and intricate gardens. Merv's scholars made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

During the 11th and 12th centuries, Merv served as the capital of the Seljuk Empire, one of the most powerful states in the Islamic world. The city's strategic importance continued to grow, and it saw the construction of monumental buildings and fortifications. Merv's role as a political and economic powerhouse cemented its status as a key city in the region.

In 1221, Merv faced a catastrophic event when it was invaded by the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. The city's population was decimated, and much of its infrastructure was destroyed. This invasion marked the beginning of a period of decline for Merv, as it struggled to recover from the devastation.

In the late 19th century, Merv came under Russian control, leading to significant changes in its infrastructure and administration. During the Soviet era, the city, renamed Mary, underwent further modernization, with the development of new industries and institutions. This period marked a shift from Merv's historical legacy to a more contemporary urban landscape.

Following Turkmenistan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Mary experienced a cultural revival. Efforts were made to restore and preserve the city's historical heritage, including the ancient ruins of Merv. Today, Mary stands as a testament to its rich history, attracting tourists and scholars interested in exploring its storied past.

Mary is accessible via the Mary International Airport (MYP), which offers domestic flights from Ashgabat and other major cities in Turkmenistan. Alternatively, travelers can take a train from Ashgabat to Mary, which typically takes around 6-8 hours. Buses and taxis are also available for road travel, but the train offers a more comfortable and scenic route.

Mary has a relatively well-developed public transportation system including buses and taxis. Buses are the most economical option, while taxis are more convenient but slightly more expensive. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your ride. For exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car from a local agency can be a good option.

The official currency in Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistani Manat (TMT). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available in Mary, but they may not always be reliable, so ensure you have sufficient cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets.

Mary is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas in Mary targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay alert.

In case of an emergency, dial 03 for an ambulance or 02 for the police. Mary has several hospitals and medical facilities where you can get assistance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff members speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Cover your head when visiting mosques and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mary like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Turkmen 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 ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a stroll along the Murghab River for a relaxing experience.