Top Ten Reasons to Know Turkish in Istanbul

10

Find out what those fortune-telling rabbits are really saying.
All over greater Istanbul, bunnies are heralded as prognosticators and placed on small crates along with bowls filled with prophecies. For about 20 Turkish Lira, you can have your fortune written in English translation and picked out of the bowl, but wouldn’t you rather hear it first hand?

9

Haggle at the Grand Bazaar.
The grand bazaar is probably the world’s most famous covered market, selling everything from magic lamps to carpets to Turkish delight. The Bazaar consists of more than 1,200 shops and sees anywhere from 250,000 to 400,000 visitors a day. And, as with every country, it’s better to haggle in the native tongue.

8

Translate prayer over the loudspeakers.
There is something mysteriously beautiful about the daily prayer which echoes throughout Istanbul on localized loudspeakers. It’s even more breathtaking to visit the Hagia Sofia or the Blue Mosque during prayer time. If you’re looking to experience something between the terrestrial and the divine—try learning the prayer as it was meant to be understood.

7

Find that perfect cockatoo.
The Pet Bazaar might be lesser known than the Grand Bazaar, but it’s just as intriguing. With a huge array of birds, snakes, rabbits, cats, dogs, as well as every conceivable trinket to keep them entertained, the Pet Bazaar should fit all your animal needs. Just make sure you know which rabbit to pick.

6

Get street corn.
Istanbul is known for its kebab, oysters, popcorn, and stretchy ice cream, all sold on the street; but nothing seems more original or delicious than a fresh corn on the cob. Sold all over the city, (particularly on the Galata Bridge where hungry fishermen often snack on the treat) street corn is a great introduction into the quirky, eclectic metropolis that is Istanbul.

5

Ask for directions during blackouts.
Rolling blackouts are common in Istanbul – so common, in fact, that restaurant and bar owners have turned it to their advantage, setting nearly every establishment to romantic candlelight. For several moments at a time, the entire city is transported into a more simple and serene time. The only problem? Getting back to your hotel without streetlamps – unless you know Turkish, that is.

4

Find the real whirling dervishes.
A lot of travel agencies and guidebooks claim to know where to find whirling dervishes, but the true Dervishes are initiates of the Sufi path. Their spinning “dance,” called Sema, represents a mystical journey of spiritual ascent through mind and love to what they call "Perfect.” That said, if you talk to the locals, maybe you’ll find the true Dervishes instead of some ex-ice skating actors.

3

Ask the belly dancers.
One of the most sensual and captivating acts in all of Istanbul is belly dance. The origins of belly dancing are debatable, but its draw and mystique are hardly that. Maybe if you talk to the performer after her show, you can get more information in Turkish on the power of the dance.

2

Talk your way into Reina.
Reina is the hottest club since, well, maybe ever. Made specifically for the young and beautiful (and rich), this extremely exclusive venue sits on one of the most picturesque spots on the Bosphorus. Under one roof, this establishment boasts the top restaurants, bars, and club entertainment in the city. So, unless you have a few extra mil lying around, learning how to talk to the muscular bouncers in their own language might be a good start.

1

Learn the secrets of Topkapi Palace.
Probably the most intriguing destination in all of Istanbul, Topkapi once housed the Ottoman Sultans. Among its many treasures, this palace includes the rod of Moses, Mohammed’s footprint, and an 18th century gilded wooden cradle embedded with 2,000 gems. For some reason it seems like those English guidebooks aren’t going to do the trick.

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