Annaba: The Jewel of Algeria's East Coast

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaean]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlek/ala ar-rahb was-sa'a]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlek]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfae, min fadlek]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bilshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atassil biltabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daa'ie]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafdal sa'ra?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam assaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [assaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahed]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tisa'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'unaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirah (ila ...)]

Annaba, formerly known as Hippo Regius, was an important city in the Roman Empire. Founded in the 4th century BC by the Phoenicians, it later became a major center of Christianity. The city is famous for being the home of Saint Augustine, one of the most influential Christian theologians, who served as the bishop of Hippo Regius from 396 AD until his death in 430 AD.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Hippo Regius came under the control of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. The city retained its importance as a religious center and saw the construction of several significant churches and fortifications. However, it was eventually captured by the Vandals in the 5th century before being reconquered by the Byzantines.

In the 7th century, the region, including Hippo Regius, was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate during the Islamic expansion. The city was renamed Annaba, which means 'Place of Jujubes' in Arabic. Under Islamic rule, Annaba flourished as a trading hub and saw a blend of Arab and Berber cultures.

In the 16th century, Annaba came under Ottoman control and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for over 300 years. During this period, the city became an important port and trading center in the Mediterranean. The Ottomans built forts and other structures that still stand today, contributing to the city's rich architectural heritage.

Annaba fell under French colonial rule in the 19th century, becoming part of French Algeria. The French developed the city's infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals. However, colonial rule also brought significant social and economic changes, and the city became a focal point for nationalist movements seeking independence.

After Algeria gained independence from France in 1962, Annaba became an important industrial center. The port of Annaba is one of the largest in Algeria, facilitating the export of minerals and other goods. The city has continued to grow and modernize, while also preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Annaba, located in northeastern Algeria, is accessible via Rabah Bitat Airport (AAE), approximately 9 kilometers from the city center. International flights from Europe and domestic flights from major Algerian cities such as Algiers and Oran connect to this airport. Alternatively, the city can be reached by train from Algiers, with services operated by the National Company for Rail Transport (SNTF). Buses and taxis are also available for travel from other Algerian cities.

Public transportation in Annaba includes buses, taxis, and shared taxis known as 'clandos'. Buses are the most budget-friendly option, with routes covering the main parts of the city. Taxis are more convenient and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Shared taxis offer a middle-ground solution, providing faster service than buses but at a lower cost than private taxis. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to drive themselves.

The official currency in Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available, especially in the city center. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash, particularly if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Annaba is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuables openly and be cautious in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. Certain neighborhoods, like El Hattab and the area around the train station, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of emergency, dial 14 for police, 16 for emergency medical services, and 19 for the fire department. The main hospital in Annaba is the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, which offers comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering 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. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Annaba like a local, visit the city's bustling markets such as the Souk El-Hattab, where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional Algerian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their city. Don't miss visiting the ancient ruins of Hippo Regius, a testament to the city's rich Roman history. For a unique experience, enjoy a stroll along the scenic Corniche or relax at one of the city's beautiful beaches like Ain Achir Beach.