Algiers: The White City of the Mediterranean

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaan]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhra]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara al-qaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakol al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassil bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• How much is it?كم ثمنه؟
  [kam thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid al-siir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-saaah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-saaah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (العاشرة)
  [al-nisf baad (al-aashirah)]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baad al-thuhr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisaa]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn huwa/hiya...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-anwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata al-qadim (al-hafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Algiers, known as El-Djazair in Arabic, was founded by the Berber people around 944 AD. The city's name means 'The Islands,' referring to the four islands that lay off its coast before becoming part of the mainland. Algiers quickly grew into a significant hub for trade and culture in the Mediterranean region.

In 1516, the famed corsair brothers Aruj and Hayreddin Barbarossa captured Algiers and established it as a base for their operations. By 1529, Algiers had become part of the Ottoman Empire. Under Ottoman rule, Algiers flourished as a center of commerce and piracy, becoming one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean.

In 1830, the French launched an invasion of Algiers, marking the beginning of over 130 years of colonial rule. The city became the capital of French Algeria, and its architecture and urban planning were significantly influenced by French styles. During this period, Algiers saw the construction of many iconic buildings, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Afrique.

The struggle for Algerian independence began in earnest in the mid-20th century. Algiers was a focal point of the Algerian War for Independence (1954-1962), which saw fierce battles and political turmoil. The war culminated in Algeria achieving independence from France in 1962. Algiers played a crucial role as the heart of the independence movement.

Post-independence, Algiers evolved into a vibrant, modern capital. The city has seen significant development and modernization efforts while retaining its rich historical and cultural heritage. Key landmarks like the Martyrs' Memorial, built to commemorate the war for independence, and the Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlight the city's blend of history and contemporary life.

Algiers is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting its diverse history. The Casbah of Algiers, with its labyrinthine streets and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into the city’s Ottoman past. The city also hosts numerous festivals, museums, and cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Bardo Museum, showcasing Algeria's rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Algiers is accessible via Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG), which is approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. Several international airlines operate flights to this airport from major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Once at the airport, you can take a taxi or use the airport shuttle service to reach the city center. Alternatively, there are bus services connecting the airport to various parts of the city.

Algiers has a variety of transportation options. The city's metro system, Algiers Metro, covers key areas and is a convenient mode of travel. Public buses and trams are also available and cover extensive routes throughout the city. Taxis are widely available but ensure to negotiate the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter. Ride-hailing services like Yassir are also an option. Car rentals are available but driving in Algiers can be challenging due to traffic.

The official currency in Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Algiers, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in the city. Currency exchange services are offered at the airport, banks, and many hotels.

Algiers is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Areas such as Bab el Oued and some parts of the Casbah can have higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. Avoid walking alone at night in these areas and keep your belongings secure. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so remain cautious.

In case of emergency, dial 14 for the police and 17 for medical emergencies. The main hospitals in Algiers include Mustapha Pacha Hospital and Bab El Oued Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. During prayer times, avoid loud behavior near mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. For men, a light kiss on both cheeks can also be a greeting among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Algiers like a local, visit the local markets (souks) such as Souk El Fellah and Souk El Harrach where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Spend time at a local café and try the mint tea and pastries. Exploring the Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Algiers' culture and history.