Kurban: An animal sacrificed to God at the religious festival of Eid, also used as a term of endearment.

Kızılırmak: The longest river in Turkey, the “red river” or Halys river that runs to the Black Sea.

Meyhane: A tavern serving traditional Turkish food and drink.

Feth-i Kabir: A postburial autopsy issued by court order in relation to a suspicious death.

Hoca: A religious official such as a priest or an imam, also a title used to show respect to an elder or craftsman.

Musalla: The altar on which a coffin is placed during the religious ceremony preceding burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Somya: A small, single bed with an iron frame.

Parka: A dark green military overcoat commonly worn by leftists in late 1970s Turkey.

Abi: An older brother, also used to lovingly or respectfully address an older friend.

Pekmez: A traditional molasses made from boiled-down grape juice.

Anadol: A Turkish car produced in the 1970s, the name alluding to its birthplace, Anatolia.

Kaymakam: The highest-level state official serving in towns, the equivalent to a city governor.

Ebe: A midwife who personally oversees a birth or assists women specialists in large hospitals, also the title used to address a wise woman.

Tafana: A pantry in the houses in the old district of Avanos, near Cappadocia, where food is prepared and stored, sometimes used as a place to sleep.

Valla: A common exclamation meaning, “I swear,” or “for the life of me.”

Kadayıf: A traditional oven-baked sweet made of shredded pastry and pistachios.

Gasılhane: The place where a body is cleansed before burial in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Usta: The title for a master craftsman, also used to address a revered friend.

Yilmaz Güney: (1937–1984) Turkish actor, director and screenplay writer, known for such films as The Herd, The Road and Hope.

Hacı: The title used for those people who have made the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.

Prafa: A common card game played in rural teahouses.

Tandır: An oven in a hole in the ground, also a lamb dish slowly cooked over embers.

Tatlık: The cloth wrapped over the mouth of a tandır and which is often placed over a baby.

Hıdrellez: The holy day of dancing and feasting to mark the advent of spring on the 5th or 6th of May.

Kısır: A cold dish made of bulgur, also meaning, infertile.

Şekerpare: A small oven-baked sweet in thick syrup.

Ayran: A salted yoghurt drink.

Mantı: Traditional Turkish ravioli filled with ground beef and served with yoghurt and melted butter.

Yenge: The title of a sister-in-law, also commonly used to address a close female friend or relative.

Tava: A broad low-rimmed pan, also a dish of sautéed onion, peppers, tomatoes and lamb cubes.

Çiğ köfte: A traditional raw dish popular in eastern Anatolia, bulgur, ground beef and spices mashed over several hours.