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I have celiac disease. I cannot eat gluten (wheat, bulgur, barley, rye, lavash, or shared fryers). Do you have gluten-free dishes?

Çölyak hastasıyım. Gluten (buğday, bulgur, arpa, çavdar, lavaş veya ortak kızartma yağı) tüketemem. Glutensiz yemekleriniz var mı?

/churl-YAHK hahs-tah-suh-yuhm · gloo-TEN tew-keh-teh-mem · gloo-ten-SEEZ yeh-mek-leh-ree-neez vahr muh?/

💡 Critical celiac show-card in Türkiye: remind staff that bulgur pilav, tarhana/mercimek soup thickened with flour (un), and grilled meats rested on lavash bread contain gluten.

I have a severe pistachio, walnut, hazelnut, peanut, and tree nut allergy (anaphylaxis risk). Does this dish, sauce, or dessert contain nuts?

Antep fıstığı, ceviz, fındık, yer fıstığı ve kuruyemişlere karşı ölümcül alerjim var (anafilaksi riski). Bu yemekte, mezelerde veya tatlıda kuruyemiş var mı?

/ahn-TEP fuhs-tuh-uh, jeh-VEEZ, fuhn-DUHK veh koo-roo-yeh-meesh-leh-reh kahr-shuh ah-ler-ZHEEM vahr/

💡 Essential in Türkiye: pistachios (Antep fıstığı), walnuts (ceviz), hazelnuts (fındık), and pine nuts (dolmalık fıstık) appear in kebabs, pilavs, mezes (Muhammara/Acılı Ezme), and desserts.

I have a severe sesame and tahini allergy. Does this bread, meze, or sauce contain sesame seeds (susam) or tahini (tahin)?

Susam ve tahine karşı ciddi alerjim var. Bu ekmekte, mezede veya sosta susam ya da tahin var mı?

/soo-SAHM veh tah-hee-NEH kahr-shuh jeed-DEE ah-ler-zheem vahr/

💡 Simit rings, pide bread crusts, hummus, babagannuş, and Antalya's famous tahinli piyaz bean salad all use sesame or tahini.

I have a severe dairy and lactose allergy. I cannot eat milk (süt), yogurt (yoğurt), butter (tereyağı), or cheese (peynir). Is this cooked in 100% olive oil?

Süt ürünlerine ve laktoza karşı ciddi alerjim var. Süt, yoğurt, tereyağı veya peynir tüketemem. Bu yemek sadece zeytinyağı ile mi pişirildi?

/sewt ew-rewn-leh-ree-neh ah-ler-zheem vahr · sah-deh-jeh zey-teen-yah-uh ee-leh mee pee-shee-reel-dee?/

💡 Ask for cold 'Zeytinyağlı' (olive-oil braised vegetables) and ask grill chefs not to brush melted butter (tereyağı) onto kebabs or rice.

I have a severe shellfish and seafood allergy (shrimp, calamari, mussels, crab, or fish broth).

Kabuklu deniz ürünlerine ve balığa karşı ciddi alerjim var (karides, kalamar, midye, yengeç veya balık suyu).

/kah-book-loo deh-NEEZ ew-rewn-leh-ree-neh veh bah-luh-ah ah-ler-zheem vahr/

💡 Show this at Bosphorus balık (fish) restaurants and street food stalls selling midye dolma (stuffed mussels).

I have a severe egg allergy. Does this dish, soup marinade (terbiye), or pastry wash contain egg (yumurta)?

Yumurtaya karşı ciddi alerjim var. Bu yemekte, çorba terbiyesinde veya hamur işinin üzerinde yumurta var mı?

/yoo-moor-tah-YAH kahr-shuh jeed-DEE ah-ler-zheem vahr/

💡 Note that traditional Turkish soups sometimes use an egg-lemon liaison ('terbiye') and pide/börek crusts are brushed with egg yolk.

I am vegetarian. I do not eat red meat (et), chicken (tavuk), minced meat (kıyma), sujuk, fish (balık), or meat broth (et suyu).

Vejetaryenim. Kırmızı et, tavuk, kıyma, sucuk, balık veya et suyu/tavuk suyu tüketmiyorum. Yumurta ve peynir yiyebilirim.

/veh-zheh-tahr-yeh-NEEM · et, tah-VOOK, kuhy-MAH, bah-LUHK veh-yah et soo-yoo tew-ket-mee-yo-room/

💡 Important: specify 'et suyu olmadan' (without meat stock), as lentil soup (mercimek çorbası) and pilav are sometimes cooked with beef or chicken bouillon.

I am strictly vegan (100% plant-based). I do not eat meat, fish, dairy, yogurt, butter, cheese, eggs, or honey.

Tamamen veganım (%100 bitkisel besleniyorum). Et, balık, süt, yoğurt, tereyağı, peynir, yumurta ve bal tüketmiyorum.

/tah-mah-men veh-gah-NUHM · et, sewt, yo-OORT, teh-reh-yah-uh, pey-NEER veh yoo-moor-tah tew-ket-mee-yo-room/

💡 Naturally vegan Turkish classics include Zeytinyağlı Yaprak Sarma (olive-oil stuffed vine leaves), İmam Bayıldı, Mercimek Köftesi, Ezogelin soup (if made with water), and Çiğ Köfte.

Is this meat 100% Halal? Does this dish or dessert contain any alcohol or pork?

Bu et tamamen helal mi? Bu yemekte veya tatlıda alkol ya da domuz ürünü var mı?

/boo et tah-mah-men heh-LAHL mee? alkol yah dah doh-MOOZ ew-rew-new vahr muh?/

💡 Virtually all meat slaughtered in Türkiye is Halal by default, and pork is extremely rare.

Not spicy (no hot chili pepper / acı), please.

Acısız olsun lütfen (acı biber olmasın).

/ah-juh-SUHZ ohl-soon lewt-fen/

💡 When ordering Adana vs. Urfa kebap: Adana is spicy ('acılı'), whereas Urfa is mild ('acısız').

No sugar / I am diabetic. Is there added sugar or syrup (şerbet) in this?

Şeker hastasıyım (diyabet). Bunun içinde ilave şeker veya şerbet var mı? Şekersiz olsun lütfen.

/sheh-KER hahs-tah-suh-yuhm · sheh-ker-SEEZ ohl-soon lewt-fen/

💡 Useful when ordering Turkish coffee ('sade' = no sugar), fresh pomegranate/orange juice, or dairy desserts.

No cilantro / coriander or raw onion, please.

Kişniş ve çiğ soğan olmasın lütfen.

/keesh-NEESH veh chee soh-AHN ohl-mah-suhn lewt-fen/

💡 Grilled kebabs are often served with sumac-seasoned raw onions (sumaklı soğan); ask 'soğansız olsun' if you prefer none.

Can you prepare this in a clean pan with olive oil only?

Bunu temiz bir tavada sadece zeytinyağı ile hazırlayabilir misiniz?

/boo-noo teh-MEEZ beer tah-vah-dah sah-deh-jeh zey-teen-yah-uh ee-leh hah-zuhr-lah-yah-bee-leer mee-see-neez?/

💡 Polite kitchen request to prevent butter or gluten cross-contamination.

Thank you so much for taking care with my food allergy!

Gıda alerjime gösterdiğiniz özen için çok teşekkür ederim! Elinize sağlık.

/guh-DAH ah-ler-zhee-meh gurs-ter-dee-ee-neez ur-ZEN ee-cheen chok teh-shek-kewr eh-deh-reem!/

💡 'Elinize sağlık' ('Health to your hands') is the ultimate Turkish compliment to chefs and servers.

A table for two, please.

İki kişilik bir masa lütfen.

/ee-KEE kee-shee-leek beer mah-sah lewt-fen/

💡 Use at any lokanta, meyhane, or rooftop terrace.

Can we see the menu with prices, please?

Fiyatlı menüyü görebilir miyiz lütfen?

/fee-yaht-luh meh-new-yew gur-eh-bee-leer mee-yeez lewt-fen/

💡 Always check the printed price list before ordering fresh fish by weight (kg) or cold mezes.

What is today's local specialty?

Günün tavsiye yemeği veya yöresel spesiyali nedir?

/gew-newn tahv-see-yeh yeh-meh-ee neh-deer?/

💡 Great at Esnaf Lokantası daily steam-tray restaurants.

One large bottle of still water, please.

Bir büyük şişe su (kapalı) lütfen.

/beer bew-YEWK shee-sheh soo lewt-fen/

💡 Bottled spring water ('su') is the universal restaurant standard across Türkiye.

One glass of Turkish black tea (çay), please.

Bir bardak çay lütfen.

/beer bahr-DAHK chahy lewt-fen/

💡 Served in tulip glasses; often complimentary after dinner.

One Turkish coffee with no sugar / medium sugar, please.

Bir sade / orta Türk kahvesi lütfen.

/beer sah-DEH / ohr-TAH tewrk kah-veh-see lewt-fen/

💡 Order 'sade' (no sugar), 'az şekerli' (little sugar), 'orta' (medium), or 'şekerli' (sweet) before brewing.

Traditional Turkish spread breakfast (Serpme Kahvaltı) for two, please.

İki kişilik serpme kahvaltı lütfen.

/ee-KEE kee-shee-leek serp-MEH kah-vahl-tuh lewt-fen/

💡 Includes cheeses, olives, honey & kaymak, jams, menemen eggs, simit, and unlimited tea.

One cold ayran (salted yogurt drink), please.

Bir açık / kapalı ayran lütfen.

/beer ahy-RAHN lewt-fen/

💡 The classic refreshing pairing with kebabs, pide, and lahmacun.

Could we have the bill (check), please?

Hesap lütfen.

/heh-SAHP lewt-fen/

💡 Short and polite way to ask for the check.

I would like to pay by credit card in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY).

Kredi kartıyla Türk Lirası (TL) olarak ödemek istiyorum.

/kreh-DEE kahr-tuhy-lah tewrk lee-rah-suh oh-lah-rahk ur-deh-mek ees-tee-yo-room/

💡 Always select TL/TRY on POS terminals to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion markups.

Health to your hands! (Compliment to the cook)

Elinize sağlık! Çok lezzetliydi.

/eh-lee-nee-ZEH sah-luhk! chok lez-zet-leey-dee/

💡 Guaranteed to bring a warm smile from any Turkish chef or host.

Keep the change, thank you.

Üstü kalsın, teşekkürler.

/ews-TEW kahl-suhn, teh-shek-kewr-ler/

💡 Use when tipping in cash or rounding up a taxi fare.

Where can I buy and load an Istanbulkart?

İstanbulkart'ı nereden alıp yükleme yapabilirim?

/ees-tahn-bool-kahr-tuh neh-reh-den ah-luhp yewk-leh-meh yah-pah-bee-lee-reem?/

💡 Look for yellow/blue 'Biletmatik' vending machines at every Metro, Tram, and Ferry pier.

Does this tram / ferry go to Sultanahmet / Kadıköy?

Bu tramvay / vapur Sultanahmet'e / Kadıköy'e gider mi?

/boo trahm-vahy / vah-poor sool-tahn-ah-meh-teh / kah-duh-kur-yeh gee-der mee?/

💡 T1 Tram serves Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Karaköy & Kabataş; Şehir Hatları ferries cross to Kadıköy & Üsküdar.

One ticket for the High-Speed Train (YHT) to Ankara / Konya, please.

Ankara / Konya Yüksek Hızlı Treni (YHT) için bir bilet lütfen.

/ahn-kah-rah yewk-sek huhz-luh treh-nee ee-cheen beer bee-LET lewt-fen/

💡 Remember your passport is required for YHT ticket checks.

Which platform does the YHT train depart from?

Yüksek Hızlı Tren hangi perondan kalkıyor?

/yewk-sek huhz-luh tren hahn-gee peh-rohn-dahn kahl-kuh-yor?/

💡 Peron = Platform at Söğütlüçeşme, Ankara ATG, and Konya stations.

Where is the Havaist airport bus stop?

Havaist havalimanı otobüs durağı nerede?

/hah-vah-eest hah-vah-lee-mah-nuh oh-toh-bews doo-rah-uh neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Havaist coaches run 24/7 to Istanbul Airport (IST).

Please turn on the taximeter (Taksimetre).

Taksimetreyi açar mısınız lütfen?

/tahk-see-met-reh-yee ah-chahr muh-suh-nuhz lewt-fen?/

💡 Always hail taxis via the BiTaksi or Uber app and verify the digital meter in the mirror is running.

Please let me off here (Stop in a suitable place).

Müsait bir yerde inebilir miyim lütfen?

/mew-sah-EET beer yer-deh ee-neh-bee-leer mee-yeem lewt-fen?/

💡 Essential phrase on Turkish minibuses (dolmuş) and taxis.

Where can I leave my luggage (Emanet)?

Bagaj emanet dolapları nerede?

/bah-GAHZH eh-mah-net doh-lahp-lah-ruh neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Look for 'Emanet' signs at Sirkeci, Söğütlüçeşme, Ankara ATG, and bus terminals (Otogar).

Hello / Welcome!

Merhaba! / Hoş bulduk!

/mer-hah-BAH / hosh bool-DOOK/

💡 When locals say 'Hoş geldiniz' (Welcome), reply 'Hoş bulduk' (We found it welcoming)!

Good morning / Good day / Good evening

Günaydın / İyi günler / İyi akşamlar

/gewn-ahy-DUHN / ee-YEE gewn-ler / ee-YEE ahk-shahm-lahr/

💡 Standard warm greetings across Türkiye.

Please / Thank you very much

Lütfen / Çok teşekkür ederim (Sağ olun)

/lewt-FEN / chok teh-shek-KEWR eh-deh-reem (sah oh-loon)/

💡 Everyday courtesy phrases.

Yes / No / Excuse me

Evet / Hayır (Yok) / Pardon (Affedersiniz)

/eh-VET / hah-YUHR (yok) / pahr-DOHN (ahf-feh-der-see-neez)/

💡 'Yok' literally means 'there isn't' and is commonly used as a polite 'No, thank you'.

Do you speak English?

İngilizce biliyor musunuz?

/een-gee-leez-JEH bee-lee-yor moo-soo-nooz?/

💡 Widely spoken in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Antalya, and Bodrum.

May it come easy! (Greeting to anyone working)

Kolay gelsin!

/koh-LAHY gel-seen!/

💡 Say this to shopkeepers, museum guards, drivers, and cleaners—it instantly wins respect.

Where is the restroom (tuvalet)?

Tuvalet (lavabo) nerede acaba?

/too-vah-LET (lah-vah-boh) neh-reh-deh ah-jah-bah?/

💡 Look for Bay (Men) and Bayan / Kadın (Women); keep Istanbulkart or ₺10–₺20 coin handy.

Can you help me, please?

Bana yardımcı olabilir misiniz lütfen?

/bah-NAH yahr-duhm-juh oh-lah-bee-leer mee-see-neez lewt-fen?/

💡 Polite way to ask for assistance.

Does the official Museum Pass Türkiye work here?

Burada Müzekart / Museum Pass Türkiye geçerli mi?

/boo-rah-dah mew-zeh-KAHRT / Museum Pass gech-er-lee mee?/

💡 Valid at 350+ Ministry of Culture sites (Topkapı, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Göreme).

How much is this? What is your best final price?

Bu ne kadar? Son fiyat ne olur?

/boo neh kah-dahr? sohn fee-YAHT neh oh-loor?/

💡 Friendly Grand Bazaar bargaining phrase.

Can you issue a Tax-Free VAT refund invoice for my passport?

Pasaportumla Tax-Free (KDV iadesi) faturası düzenleyebilir misiniz?

/pah-sah-pohr-toom-lah Tax-Free fah-too-rah-suh dew-zen-leh-yeh-bee-leer mee-see-neez?/

💡 Available on single-store purchases over ₺1,000 + VAT at participating shops.

Is our hot air balloon flight confirmed for tomorrow morning?

Yarın sabahki sıcak hava balonu uçuşumuz onaylandı mı?

/yah-ruhn sah-bah-kee bah-LOHN oo-choo-shoo-mooz oh-nahy-lahn-duh muh?/

💡 Civil Aviation (SHGM) confirms green-flag balloon launches the afternoon before and at 05:00.

Where is the mosque shoe rack and headscarf desk?

Cami ayakkabı rafları ve başörtüsü standı nerede?

/jah-MEE ah-yahk-kah-buh rahf-lah-ruh neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Free plastic shoe bags and loaner headscarves are at the tourist entrance of major mosques.

Help! Please call an ambulance / police (112)!

İmdat! Lütfen ambulans / polis çağırın (112)!

/eem-DAHT! lewt-fen ahm-boo-lahns / poh-lees chah-uh-ruhn!/

💡 112 is Türkiye's unified free national emergency number (Ambulance, Police, Tourism Police, Coast Guard).

Where is the nearest open pharmacy (Eczane / Nöbetçi Eczane)?

En yakın açık eczane (nöbetçi eczane) nerede?

/en yah-KUHN ah-chuhk ez-zah-NEH neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Look for the red 'E' sign. After 19:00 and on Sundays, every pharmacy window posts the address of the 24/7 duty pharmacy ('Nöbetçi Eczane').

I need electrolyte rehydration salts and stomach medicine.

Su kaybı için elektrolit tozu ve mide ilacı gerekiyor.

/eh-lek-troh-leet toh-zoo veh mee-DEH ee-lah-juh geh-reh-kee-yor/

💡 Turkish pharmacists ('Eczacı') are clinically trained and can provide immediate over-the-counter remedies.

I lost my passport. Where is the Tourist Police / Consulate?

Pasaportumu kaybettim. Turizm Polisi / Konsolosluk nerede?

/pah-sah-pohr-too-moo kahy-bet-teem · too-reezm poh-lee-see neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Istanbul Tourism Police headquarters is right across from Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet (+90 212 527 45 03).

Could we see the cold meze tray, please?

Soğuk meze tepsisini görebilir miyiz lütfen?

/soh-OOK meh-ZEH tep-see-see-nee gur-eh-bee-leer mee-yeez lewt-fen?/

💡 In Turkish meyhanes, servers bring a chilled tray of 10–15 mezes to your table so you can point and choose.

One portion of Adana Kebap (spicy) and one Urfa Kebap (mild), please.

Bir porsiyon Adana kebap (acılı) ve bir Urfa kebap (acısız) lütfen.

/beer pohr-see-YOHN ah-dah-nah keh-bahp veh beer oor-fah keh-bahp lewt-fen/

💡 Adana is seasoned with red chili flakes (pul biber); Urfa has the same hand-minced lamb without heat.

Is the service charge (kuver / servis ücreti) included?

Kuver veya servis ücreti hesaba dahil mi?

/koo-VER veh-yah ser-VEES ewj-reh-tee heh-sah-bah dah-HEEL mee?/

💡 'Kuver' is a small bread/water cover charge (₺40–₺90) common at white-tablecloth restaurants.

One pistachio baklava with kaymak (clotted cream), please.

Kaymaklı bir porsiyon fıstıklı baklava lütfen.

/kahy-mahk-LUH beer pohr-see-yohn fuhs-tuhk-luh bahk-lah-vah lewt-fen/

💡 Gaziantep pistachio baklava served with buffalo kaymak is a quintessential Turkish dessert.

One freshly baked cheese / minced-meat pide, please.

Bir kaşarlı / kıymalı pide lütfen.

/beer kah-shahr-LUH / kuhy-mah-LUH pee-deh lewt-fen/

💡 Wood-fired Turkish flatbread boats.

Two crispy lahmacun with parsley and lemon, please.

Bol maydanozlu ve limonlu iki lahmacun lütfen.

/bohl mahy-dah-noz-loo veh lee-mohn-loo ee-kee lah-mah-JOON lewt-fen/

💡 Roll up the thin flatbread with parsley, sumac onions, and a squeeze of lemon.

How much is this fish per kilogram?

Bu balığın kilosu ne kadar?

/boo bah-luh-uhn kee-loh-soo neh kah-dahr?/

💡 Always confirm the price per kg and the total weight of whole sea bass (levrek) or sea bream (çipura) before grilling.

One glass of Lion's Milk (Rakı) with water and ice, please.

Su ve buz ile bir tek / duble rakı lütfen.

/soo veh booz ee-leh beer tek / doob-leh rah-KUH lewt-fen/

💡 'Tek' is a single measure (4 cl); 'Duble' is a double measure (8 cl) sipped slowly with cold mezes.

Could we have a takeaway box (paket), please?

Bunu paket yapabilir misiniz lütfen?

/boo-noo pah-KET yah-pah-bee-leer mee-see-neez lewt-fen?/

💡 Turkish restaurants gladly pack leftovers.

Everything was delicious, may your hands be blessed!

Her şey çok güzeldi, ellerinize sağlık!

/her shey chok gew-zel-dee, el-leh-ree-nee-zeh sah-luhk!/

💡 Warmest farewell to restaurant staff.

Does this Marmaray train stop at Sirkeci and Söğütlüçeşme?

Bu Marmaray treni Sirkeci ve Söğütlüçeşme'de duruyor mu?

/boo mahr-mah-rahy treh-nee seer-keh-jee veh sur-ewt-lew-chesh-meh-deh doo-roo-yor moo?/

💡 All Marmaray trains stop at both Sirkeci (European Old City) and Söğütlüçeşme (Asian YHT Hub).

How many minutes until the next Bosphorus ferry to Kadıköy?

Kadıköy vapuru kaç dakika sonra kalkıyor?

/kah-duh-kury vah-poo-roo kahch dah-kee-kah sohn-rah kahl-kuh-yor?/

💡 Ferries depart every 15–20 minutes from Eminönü, Karaköy, and Beşiktaş.

Where is the İZBAN train platform for Selçuk (Ephesus)?

Selçuk (Efes) için İZBAN tren peronu nerede?

/sel-CHOOK ee-cheen eez-BAHN tren peh-roh-noo neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Transfer at Tepeköy station on İZBAN from İzmir Airport (ADB) to Selçuk.

Does this Antray tram go directly to Antalya Airport (Havalimanı)?

Bu Antray tramvayı doğrudan Havalimanı'na (T1A) gidiyor mu?

/boo ahn-trahy trahm-vah-yuh doh-roo-dahn hah-vah-lee-mah-nuh-nah gee-dee-yor moo?/

💡 Check the front sign for 'Havalimanı' (T1A) vs 'Expo' (T1B).

Does this rental car have an active HGS highway toll sticker?

Bu kiralık araçta aktif HGS otoyol etiketi var mı?

/boo kee-rah-luhk ah-rahch-tah ahk-teef heh-geh-seh oh-toh-yol eh-tee-keh-tee vahr muh?/

💡 Mandatory for Turkish motorways, Bosphorus bridges, and Eurasia Tunnel.

Full tank of unleaded petrol (Kurşunsuz Benzin) / diesel (Motorin), please.

Depoyu kurşunsuz benzin / motorin ile doldurur musunuz lütfen?

/deh-poh-yoo koor-shoon-sooz ben-zeen / moh-toh-reen ee-leh dohl-doo-roor moo-soo-nooz?/

💡 Turkish highway stations are full-service; attendants pump fuel and bring the mobile card reader.

Which bay (peron) does the bus to Göreme (Cappadocia) leave from?

Göreme (Kapadokya) otobüsü hangi perondan kalkıyor?

/gur-reh-meh oh-toh-bew-sew hahn-gee peh-rohn-dahn kahl-kuh-yor?/

💡 Turkish intercity Otogar terminals number every bus bay ('Peron').

Can I pay the highway bridge toll by credit card?

Köprü ve otoyol geçiş ücretini kredi kartıyla ödeyebilir miyim?

/kurp-rew veh oh-toh-yol geh-cheesh ewj-reh-tee-nee kreh-dee kahr-tuhy-lah ur-deh-yeh-bee-leer mee-yeem?/

💡 Important if driving a rental car across the 1915 Çanakkale or Osmangazi Bridge.

How long does the drive to Kayseri / Nevşehir Airport take?

Kayseri / Nevşehir Havalimanı'na yolculuk ne kadar sürüyor?

/kahy-seh-ree / nev-sheh-heer hah-vah-lee-mah-nuh-nah ne kah-dahr sew-rew-yor?/

💡 Nevşehir (NAV) is 40 min from Göreme; Kayseri (ASR) is 60–70 min.

Please take us to the Upper Gate (Üst Kapı) of Ancient Ephesus.

Bizi lütfen Efes Antik Kenti Üst Kapı'ya (Magnesia Kapısı) götürün.

/bee-zee lewt-fen eh-FESews-t kah-puh-yah gur-tew-rewn/

💡 Starting at the Upper Gate lets you walk gently downhill past the Library of Celsus.

Nice to meet you!

Memnun oldum!

/mem-NOON ohl-doom!/

💡 Polite response when introduced to someone.

Enjoy your meal! (Bon appétit)

Afiyet olsun!

/ah-fee-YET ohl-soon!/

💡 Waiters say this when serving food; you can also say it to fellow diners.

Have a good journey! (Bon voyage)

İyi yolculuklar!

/ee-YEE yol-joo-look-lahr!/

💡 Heard on every train, ferry, and flight in Türkiye.

Get well soon / May it pass!

Geçmiş olsun!

/gech-MEESH ohl-soon!/

💡 Used whenever someone is unwell or experiences a minor inconvenience.

Excuse me, may I pass?

Pardon, geçebilir miyim?

/pahr-DOHN, geh-cheh-bee-leer mee-yeem?/

💡 Useful in crowded bazaars, trams, and ferries.

Could you speak a little more slowly, please?

Biraz daha yavaş konuşabilir misiniz lütfen?

/bee-RAHZ dah-hah yah-vahsh koh-noo-shah-bee-leer mee-see-neez lewt-fen?/

💡 Helpful when learning Turkish numbers and directions.

Could you take our photo here, please?

Burada fotoğrafımızı çekebilir misiniz lütfen?

/boo-rah-dah foh-toh-rah-fuh-muh-zuh cheh-keh-bee-leer mee-see-neez lewt-fen?/

💡 Handy at Cappadocia viewpoints and Hagia Sophia square.

Goodbye! (Said by the person leaving / staying)

Hoşça kalın! / Güle güle!

/hosh-CHAH kah-luhn! / gew-LEH gew-leh!/

💡 The person leaving says 'Hoşça kalın' (Stay well); the person staying replies 'Güle güle' (Go smilingly).

We have a reservation under the name...

... adına bir rezervasyonumuz var.

/... ah-duh-nah beer reh-zer-vahs-yo-noo-mooz vahr/

💡 Show your passport at hotel check-in.

What time is breakfast served on the terrace?

Teras kahvaltısı saat kaçta başlıyor?

/teh-RAHS kah-vahl-tuh-suh sah-aht kahch-tah bahsh-luh-yor?/

💡 Cappadocia and Sultanahmet hotels serve rooftop breakfast from ~07:30–10:30.

Does this ticket include the Harem at Topkapı Palace / Terrace Houses at Ephesus?

Bu bilete Topkapı Sarayı Harem Dairesi / Efes Yamaç Evler dahil mi?

/boo bee-leh-teh hah-REM / yah-mahch ev-ler dah-heel mee?/

💡 Both are covered by the official Museum Pass!

Is this handmade in Türkiye (el yapımı)?

Bu Türkiye'de el yapımı mı?

/boo tewr-kee-yeh-deh el yah-puh-muh muh?/

💡 Ask this when shopping for Iznik ceramics, copperware, or kilim rugs.

Is this 100% pure silk / wool / cotton?

Bu %100 saf ipek / yün / pamuk mu?

/boo yewz-deh yewz sahf ee-PEK / yewn / pah-MOOK moo?/

💡 Essential when buying Bursa silk scarves, Turkish carpets, or peştemal towels.

Can you vacuum-seal this Turkish delight (lokum) and spice box for our flight?

Bu lokum ve baharatları uçak için vakumlayabilir misiniz?

/boo loh-KOOM veh bah-hah-raht-lah-ruh oo-chahk ee-cheen vah-koom-lah-yah-bee-leer mee-see-neez?/

💡 Spice Bazaar vendors vacuum-pack fresh lokum, saffron, sumac, and apple tea for free.

We would like to book the traditional kese & foam hammam package.

Geleneksel kese ve köpük hamam paketi yaptırmak istiyoruz.

/geh-leh-nek-sel keh-SEH veh kur-pewk hah-mahm pah-keh-tee yahp-tuhr-mahk ees-tee-yo-rooz/

💡 Standard 45–60 min Turkish bath ritual.

Where do we remove our shoes for the Pamukkale travertines?

Pamukkale travertenleri için ayakkabılarımızı nerede çıkarıyoruz?

/pah-mook-kah-leh trah-ver-ten-leh-ree ee-cheen ah-yahk-kah-buh-lah-ruh-muh-zuh neh-reh-deh chuh-kah-ruh-yo-rooz?/

💡 Walking barefoot is mandatory on the white calcium pools to protect the travertines.

Is the tandem paragliding flight from Babadağ mountain open today?

Bugün Babadağ yamaç paraşütü uçuşları açık mı?

/boo-gewn bah-bah-dah yah-mahch pah-rah-shew-tew oo-choosh-lah-ruh ah-chuhk muh?/

💡 Fethiye Ölüdeniz paragliding runs from April to November.

Does this boat tour stop at Butterfly Valley and Blue Lagoon?

Bu tekne turu Kelebekler Vadisi ve Ölüdeniz'de yüzme molası veriyor mu?

/boo tek-neh too-roo keh-leh-bek-ler vah-dee-see-nde yewz-meh moh-lah-suh veh-ree-yor moo?/

💡 Confirm swimming stops before boarding in Fethiye, Kaş, or Bodrum.

Could you call a registered taxi via BiTaksi for us, please?

Bizim için BiTaksi ile resmi bir taksi çağırabilir misiniz lütfen?

/bee-zeem ee-cheen bee-tahk-see ee-leh res-mee beer tahk-see chah-uh-rah-bee-leer mee-see-neez?/

💡 Hotel receptionists happily dispatch metered taxis.

Where is the Tax-Free Customs Stamp desk at the airport?

Havalimanında Tax-Free Gümrük Onay noktası nerede?

/hah-vah-lee-mah-nuhn-dah Tax-Free gewm-rewk oh-nahy nohk-tah-suh neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Get your invoice stamped before checking luggage at IST, SAW, or AYT.

Can we leave our bags at reception until our evening flight?

Akşam uçuşumuza kadar valizlerimizi resepsiyona bırakabilir miyiz?

/ahk-shahm oo-choo-shoo-moo-zah kah-dahr vah-leez-leh-ree-mee-zee reh-sep-see-yo-nah buh-rah-kah-bee-leer mee-yeez?/

💡 Standard courtesy at Turkish boutique hotels.

I have a fever / sunburn / insect bite.

Ateşim var / Güneş yanığım var / Böcek ısırdı.

/ah-teh-sheem vahr / gew-nesh yah-nuh-uhm vahr / bur-jek uh-suhr-duh/

💡 Show at any green/red 'E' Eczane pharmacy.

I am allergic to penicillin / aspirin.

Penisiline / aspirine karşı alerjim var.

/peh-nee-see-lee-neh / ahs-pee-ree-neh kahr-shuh ah-ler-zheem vahr/

💡 Show to doctors or pharmacists before taking medication.

Do you have motion sickness tablets for the boat / winding road?

Tekne turu veya virajlı yol için mide bulantısı hapınız var mı?

/tek-neh too-roo ee-cheen mee-deh boo-lahn-tuh-suh hah-puh-nuhz vahr muh?/

💡 Helpful before gulet boat trips or driving coastal Route D400.

Do you have blister plasters (band-aids) and antiseptic cream?

Su toplaması için yara bandı ve antiseptik krem var mı?

/yah-rah bahn-duh veh ahn-tee-sep-teek krem vahr muh?/

💡 Useful after walking 15,000+ steps across Istanbul hills and Ephesus ruins.

Where is the nearest international hospital with an English interpreter?

İngilizce tercümanı olan en yakın özel hastane (Acıbadem / Amerikan / Memorial) nerede?

/en yah-kuhn ur-zel hahs-tah-neh neh-reh-deh?/

💡 Major private hospital groups in Türkiye have 24/7 international patient desks.

Could you give me an itemized medical receipt for my travel insurance?

Seyahat sigortam için ayrıntılı tıbbi fatura ve rapor verebilir misiniz?

/seh-yah-haht see-gohr-tahm ee-cheen fah-too-rah veh rah-pohr veh-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez?/

💡 Required for travel insurance reimbursement.

My credit card was swallowed by the ATM.

Kredi kartımı ATM yuttu.

/kreh-dee kahr-tuh-muh ATM yoot-too/

💡 Use ATMs physically attached to an open Ziraat Bankası, İş Bankası, or Garanti BBVA branch during banking hours.

I would like to file a lost property report for my insurance.

Sigortam için kayıp eşya tutanağı almak istiyorum.

/see-gohr-tahm ee-cheen kah-yuhp esh-yah too-tah-nah-uh ahl-mahk ees-tee-yo-room/

💡 Tourism Police in Sultanahmet, Antalya, and Bodrum issue English reports.

Is tap water safe to drink here, or should I use bottled water?

Burada musluk suyu içilir mi yoksa kapalı şişe su mu almalıyım?

/boo-rah-dah moos-look soo-yoo ee-chee-leer mee?/

💡 Tap water is chlorinated for brushing teeth, but locals and visitors drink bottled spring water ('kapalı su').

Thank you for helping me—I really appreciate your kindness.

Yardımınız için çok teşekkür ederim, çok naziksiniz.

/yahr-duh-muh-nuhz ee-cheen chok teh-shek-kewr eh-deh-reem, chok nah-zeek-see-neez/

💡 Polite expression of gratitude.