# First steps in Istanbul Turkish

**Language:** Turkish  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Master conversational Turkish by listening to Mehmet and Büşra's conversation about navigating the streets, cafés, and ferries of Istanbul. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** Set in Mehmet's historic kahvehane in Beyoğlu and around the ferry docks of Istanbul, where Büşra has traveled from Antalya to deliver fresh herbs and source heirloom seeds. Their daily conversations over glasses of Turkish tea and ferry rides across the Bosporus bring the sounds of the city to life.

## Lessons

### 1. Welcoming guests and offering drinks

Mehmet welcomes Büşra and asks about the fresh herbs she brought, before offering her a cup of tea to help her relax after her long journey.

### 2. Discussing travel and transportation

Mehmet asks Büşra about her difficult journey from Antalya, and she explains how she took both a bus and a ferry to get to Istanbul.

### 3. Suggesting a shift to informal language

Mehmet suggests that they stop speaking formally and use informal address, leading to a lighthearted agreement on friendly nicknames.

### 4. Talking about drinks and daily plans

Büşra compliments the Turkish tea Mehmet served and shares her plans to visit the local market later to buy spices.

### 5. Discussing shopping destinations

Mehmet and Büşra talk about her plans to visit the Spice Bazaar, and Mehmet warns her about the local custom of bargaining.

### 6. Expressing hesitation about bargaining

Büşra explains that she is too shy to negotiate prices, while Mehmet gives her a quick tip on how to bargain.

### 7. Using useful shopping phrases

Mehmet suggests a simpler phrase for Büşra to use while browsing, which she finds much easier to practice.

### 8. Asking about distances and directions

Büşra asks for directions to the ferry pier, and Mehmet reassures her that it is only a short walk away.

### 9. Inquiring about ticket prices

Büşra asks Mehmet about the cost of tickets, and she shares her plans to eat at a restaurant afterward.

### 10. Expressing food preferences

Mehmet asks Büşra what kind of food she likes, and she explains that she is craving kebab instead of her usual favorite, fish.

### 11. Recommending a nearby restaurant

Mehmet offers to take Büşra to a great local spot, leading to a conversation about how long he has lived in the changing city.

### 12. Discussing language learning challenges

Büşra talks about her difficulties with learning Turkish letters, while Mehmet reassures her that she will soon adapt to the rules.

### 13. Offering encouragement to someone

Mehmet reassures Büşra when she admits that certain Turkish letters intimidate her, reminding her that anyone can master them.

### 14. Thanking a host before leaving

Büşra thanks Mehmet for the tea as she prepares to leave, and they make plans to meet up again after her trip to the market.