7/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go LANGUAGE LEARNING 30 awesome Turkish expressions to know before you go Bi sponsoredby (BIE Photo: Andrew Czap Sevil Delin December 21, 2016 Photo: Andrew Czap TURKS HAVE A SAYING FOR EVERY OCCASION. These expressions serve as bookends to each conversation, providing a handy and automatic beginning and end to every human interaction, They're adages that serve as social glue, meaning you'll never find a Turk who's lost for words, even in the most unexpected circumstances. hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 128entozo17 30 awesome Tush expressions to know bears you 90 Many of these sayings are known as ata sézii, which literally translates to “words of our ancestors” (As a half-Turkish, half-American child who was raised outside Turkey, I used to think the word ata referred to the idolized founder of the Turkish Republic, Atatiirk, and was amazed that he'd been able to create so many sayings in his relatively short life.) Today, I know many more expressions than I used to, but I'm still delighted when I discover a new one. Here are some of my favorites. 1. Hos geldiniz "Your arrival is lovely” Said as a greeting to visitors to make them feel at home. 2. Seytan tiyui “The devil’s feather” What seems like an insult is actually a compliment used to describe someone who has a mysterious, devilish charm. 3. Tas atti da kolu mu yoruldu? “Did he throw a stone so his arm got tired?” Said to berate someone who's being lazy. 4. Bir yastikta kocasinlar “May they grow old with one pillow” Kind of like telling couples to never go to bed angry, this is said to newlyweds who traditionally share a single, long pillow in a marital bed. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 21287/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism 5. Etekleri zil galiyor “The bells on their hems are ringing” I recently learned this evocative saying used to describe someone who's very excited. 6. Pabucu dama atildi “His shoe has been thrown onto the roof” Often said of a father when a new baby monopolises the mother’s attentions, or by anyone who has been passed over in favour of another. 7. Balik etli “Fish fleshed” Turkish men usually like women with a bit of meat on their bones. and this is a hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 37237/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go 8. Havadan sudan “Of the air and water” Turks love to chat, often at length, and about nothing in particular. This is a great way of describing idle chatter — a lot like Irish craic. 9. Elini sallasa elli “If he waves his hand fifty will come” A great way to comfort a friend after a breakup, it means there are plenty more fish in the sea. 10. igerimin késesi “The corner of my liver” This anatomic description is actually used to describe someone who is very precious to you. You might hear it featured as a lyric in love songs. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions!7/10/2017 ‘30 awesome Turkish expressions fo know before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism @ More like this 12 extraordinarily useful Turkish phrases Tl. Armut pis agzima dis “May the pear be cooked on the tree and fall into my mouth” This describes a person who doesn't like to work, to whom everything comes ready and done — or falls literally in their lap. 12.1 ki dogdun hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 529omtorot7 2 amesorne Turkish expressions a know befor you go ‘Turkish for Happy Birthday. I think this expression is a lot more meaningful than the English version, and I even use the literal English translation on my non-Turkish friends’ birthdays. 13. Bosver “Give empty” Perhaps my favorite saying, Bosver means “let it go,’ a la Frozen. 14. El elden ustindir “A hand is superior to another person's hand” Said to show that there's always someone who can do a better job. 15. Batti balik yan gider “A sunken fish goes sideways” This one's pretty hard to parse, but it means that the worst-case scenario has already happened (the fish has sunk), so you might as well stop worrying and have some fun! 16. Ates almaya gelmek “Coming over just for a light” You can cheekily accuse a visitor of this when you want them to stay a while longer. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 6237/10/2017 ‘30 awesome Turkish expressions fo know before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism 17. Cami yikilmis ama mihrab yerinde “The mosque is a ruin but the mihrap is standing” One of my personal favorites, this phrase describes an older woman who retains her charms. It's like saying a church is in ruins but the pulpit is standing. Basically, it's the opposite of “mutton dressed as lamb” 18. Gegmis olsun hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 71297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go “May it be the past” Said when someone is sick or has had a bad experience. I love how it recognizes someone's pain, but also expresses the hope that it will soon be behind them. 19. Nazar degmesin “May you not be touched by the evil eye” Said after giving a compliment, particularly to a child, Although I'm a pretty rational person, I do believe in the power of the evil eye and use this saying a lot. 20. Hayirli olsun “May it be auspicious” Said whenever someone has a new undertaking, such as a new job. More like this: 17 facts about Turkey that will surprise you 21. Allah anali babali biyiitsiin “May God let him/her grow up with both a mom and dad” Perhaps the most meaningful thing you could wish for a newborn child. 22. Kolay gelsin "May it be easy for you” ‘This is a great way to acknowledge another person's labors, even a stranger on the street, who has a difficult task at hand. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 87237/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism 23. Cok yasa “May you live long” Turkish for “bless you? cok yasa is said after someone sneezes. The sneezer then replies sende gér (may you also see my life) or hep beraber (may we all have many more years to live). 24. Kafay! Gstitta f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 97297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go “They've caught a cold in their head” Turks have a congenital fear of catching a chill, which can strike any part of your body. If you've caught a cold in your head, it means you've gone crazy. 25. Sihhatler olsun “May it bring your health” Older generations who grew up before hot running water in homes, and who only had baths once or twice a week, will say this when you come out of the shower in -ase you catch a chill (see above). 26. Basiniz sagolsun “May your head stay healthy” A thoughtful way of wishing someone condolences when they are grieving the loss of a loved one. 27. (Benim) ilk g6z agrim “The first pain of my eye” This is s; feel very jealous when my grandmother said this to my brother, her oldest grandchild.) aid to a first love or first child to avoid giving them the evil eye (I used to 28. Ellerine saglik “Health to your hand” Said to someone who has created something beautiful with their hands, particularly toa cook or a Turkish mom after she’s cooked up a feast for her family. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 107297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism 29. Bir musibet bin nasihatten iyidir “One bad experience is worth a thousand warnings” No explanation needed. 30. Giile gille gidin “May you go laughing” hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 1197/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go This is said to departing visitors to help take the edge off sad goodbyes. @ axey HOME ‘This post is proudly produced in partnership with Turkey Home. Posted In Language Learning Destinations Turkey Series Turkey: Turquoise Hunt ® View 56 comments SUBSCRIBE Sign up for our newsletter and get emails of great stories like this. Enter Your Email 1M IN [Bl agree to the Terms of Service f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 12787/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go PHOTO + VIDEO + FILM Turkey’s Turquoise Coast from the air Pace im partnership with {OME Matador Media House July 31, 2015 stretches EDITOR'S NO’ he Mediterranean section of Turk Purquois from Marmaris eastward to Antalya and beyond, a relatively short dis ‘ance — that you could feasibly spend a whole summer exploring. The immediate highlights are the beaches, the arcs of powdery sand and gentle pebbles meeting the namesake turquoise waters at iztuzu, Oliideniz, and Kas. These are punctuated by dramatic mountain peaks and valleys. And dotted within this incredible terrain are some truly old, and truly impressive, ruins: Tlos, Myra, Kekova. hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 1323oris0r2017 230 awasome Turkish expressions to know before you go When the Matador crew visited last month, they experienced all this and more while enjoying the hospitality and adventure opportunities that await tourists in this part of Turkey. Follow along as they trace the Mediterranean and bring back a unique perspective: Turkey's Turquoise Coast, from the air. ® weet, HOME This video is proudly produced in partnership with Turkey Home. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 147297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Destinations Series ® View1 comment TRIP PLANNING 9 adventures you didn’t know were possible in Turkey ee in partnership with {OME hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 15297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Leeann Murphy September 8, 2015 BEYOND THE EVER POPULAR HOT AIR BALLOONS of moonscape Cappadocia, below the dizzy heights of paragliding over the blue lagoon of Oliideniz, Turkey's menu of exciting experiences caters to all interests, ages, and budgets. Here are 9 incredible adventures you might be surprised to know were possible in Turkey. 1. Dive down to a Dakota DC-3 aeroplane on the Mediterranean seabed. hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 1627/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism Submerged in the azure waters of the Mediterranean and just a 10-minute boat ride from Kas, one of Turkey's premier diving destinations is the intact, 65ft, fixed-wing Dakota DC-3 aircraft — complete with twin engines, propellers, landing gear, and cockpit instruments. Manufactured during WWII, and deliberately sunk here in 2009, the 12.25-ton aircraft with its 95ft wingspan was once used by the Turkish Air Force to transport paratroopers. Now, some 70 feet undersea, the wreck is host to a variety of marine life including stingrays, loggerhead turtles, and octopuses, as well as scuba divers f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 1728entozo17 30 awesome Tush expressions to know bears you 90 seeking subaquatic adventures. Divers perched skyward as if ready for another takeoff. ‘an enter the cargo hold of the plane, eerily 2. Ride the winds and surf of the Gesme Peninsula. Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism An hour's drive west of cosmopolitan izmir lies Turkey's greatest destination for kite and windsurfers seeking high speeds on the Aegean Sea. The Poyraz and Lodos winds that once aided (and hindered) trade to ancient Anatolia make the Cesme Peninsula one of the world’s top destinations for wind-powered surf enthusiasts. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 18297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go can take to the calmer seas and shallow waters Beginner and intermediate surfer: of Alagati Bay and Urla, while more experienced kite surfers should seek out the strong winds and white caps of Pirlanta Beach. And, when the sails come down, there’s plenty to explore in the up-market boutiques, swanky bars, and gourmet restaurants that line the narrow cobbled streets of Alagati, an inland town of vine- clad greystone houses dating back to the 19th century that also happens to host the annual PWA Windsurfing World Cup. 3. Make “yakamoz angels” on a blue cruise during a new moon. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 197297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go “Yakamoz,” voted the world’s most beautiful word in 2007, is “phosphoresci Turkish, It mainly means “moonlight on water,” but also refers to another marine experience when floating phytoplankton illuminate the sea, leaving a trail of twinkling light in their wake when disturbed. Mother Nature's psychedelic show is best seen on a Mediterranean blue cruise during a new moon, when the lunar light is low. Passengers can plunge into the waters to wade on their backs and make “yakamoz angels” 4. Get a bird’s-eye view of Ephesus. Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 2029oris0r2017 230 awasome Turkish expressions to know before you go Most visitors spend hours scouring the remnants of the Roman Empire's Ephesus (designated a World Heritage Site just this year), its towering Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seat Great Theatre. But they often miss the vast array of vestiges outside the ticketed area dating back to the Hellenistic and Neolithic periods. And of the millions of tourists who tread the marble floors of Ephesus every year, very few have marveled at the city’s expansive splendour from the air. The best way to appreciate the size and breadth of the city’s historical footprint is from one of the airborne adventures offered from nearby Selcuk. Microlight, ultralight, and skydiving flights will have adventurers soaring above the Roman ruins, the remains of the Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — and more. Keep an eye skyward too for the new International Turkey Balloon Fiesta, which may in the future provide another aerial view of Ephesus. 5. Sea kayak over a sunken Lycian city. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! ane7/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo: @acargulcan Concealed in the depths of the Mediterranean between Kekova Island and Kalekby are the foundations of a sunken Lycian urban center. In the 2nd century AD an earthquake shook the city, pulling its buildings below the water's surface. Today, the remnants of residential houses, staircases, and shipyards can be seen above and below water as they seemingly slide down the side of Kekova Island. ‘Travelers can either motor past the sunken city with the throngs of day-trippers on all-inclusive cruises, or opt for a self-paced, more intimate view by kayaking over the submerged ruins. f © = + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! ne7/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go 6. Take a wild family adventure in Dalyan. Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism Perhaps one of Turkey's most underrated coastal retreats is the eco-friendly town of Dalyan, situated in a Special Environmental Protection Area between hedonistic Marmaris and Fethiye. The outdoor adventure factor for families here is second to none. The town has coastal wetlands; the freshwater Kéycegiz Lake; the Dalyan River, which connects to the Mediterranean; and iztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for endangered loggerhead turtles. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 23109oris0r2017 230 awasome Turkish expressions to know before you go ‘Take a rowboat over the river and walk past the pomegranate groves to the ancient Carian city of Kaunos, linger in the mud baths and hot springs that line the Dalyan River and Kéycegiz Lake, and cruise on a riverboat past some of Turkey's most impressive cliff-face Lycian tombs. Journeys come with the added chance of spotting land and marine wildlife like wild goats, donkeys, turtles, blue crabs, grey mullet, and sea bass. Head further along the river to iztuzu Beach to swim and sunbathe, and visit the Kaptan June Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation to see injured sea turtles being nursed back to health and learn about the conservation efforts going on in the area. 7. Hike the gastro-trekking trails of the Kizilirmak River Basin. f © mx + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 2097/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo: Tim Lucas Most experienced trekkers have heard of Turkey's long-distance Lycian Way that traces the Mediterranean Coast, but just one look at the Cultural Routes Society website and you'll see there's plenty more trekking to choose from throughout the country. To mix hiking with adventures of the gastronomic kind, look no further than Corum Province's self-guided Gastronomy Route, northeast of Ankara, This route is the first of its kind in Turkey and follows the ancient trading and migration routes largely centered around the Kizilirmak River Basin. Best explored between April and November, the route consists of 25 walking trails, seven cycling trails, and a 702km vehicle route for travelers on four wheels. The assortment of itineraries leads through the highlands and river basin past the waterfalls, forests, castles, bridges, and lakes of northern Central Anatolia while giving access to the unique culture, crafts, and farm-to-table delicacies of the villages en route. 8. See a different side (and season) of Turkey at Kartalkaya. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 257297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism Turkey's adventure options may be synonymous with summer, surf, and beaches, but from December to April, the mountains are most definitely where it’s at. Local snowboarders and skiers know to get their ride on at Kartalkaya resort — 3 hours from Istanbul and 1,500 meters above sea level in the Kéroglu Mountains, this is a sweet winter esacpe. Good to know: Dorukkaya Snowpark is the place to drop in for snowboarders. It’s Turkey's only snowpark. And it's amazing. 9. Take on the Goruh River's Class 5 rapids. f © mx + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 281297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism Touted as one the top whitewater rafting destinations in the world, the fast-flowing Goruh River runs 272 miles from northeast Turkey's Mescit Mountains right down to the Black Sea coast of Georgia. It's a remote river that hurtles rafters and extreme kayakers through deep gorges and green valleys, past rice paddies, orchards, villages, and ruined fortresses in an area that’s been left relatively untouched by tourism. The best — and most challenging — time of year to go is from May to June, when the mountain snowmelt flows in abundance to feed the fury of those mighty rapids. f © x + hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 2797/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go ates HOME This post is proudly produced in partnership with Turkey Home. Posted In lanning Destinations Turkey Series urkey: Turquoise Hunt ® View1 comment travelstoke Be a local. Wherever you go. SUBSCRIBE Fearless travel in your inbox. uM + f © hitps:matedometwork.comiabroad/30-awesome-turkish-expressions! 281297/10/2017 ‘30 awasome Turkish expressions fo knaw before you go [B | agree to the Terms of Se FOLLOW US Join our tribe of millions. SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO MATADOR! 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