El Hamri: The Heartbeat of Oran

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaan]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bkheir. want?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [ureed an araa alqa'ima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allaham]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahhtain!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [ureed an adfaa, min fadlik]

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

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [ureed an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfaraj]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bi kam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk kaffat alsaeer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'at alwaahida]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'at al'ashra wannahf]
• Morningصباحا
  [sabahan]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd aldhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

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

El Hamri, located near the coastal city of Oran, has roots that trace back to the Berber tribes who inhabited the region long before the arrival of Arab influence. The area's strategic location along the Mediterranean made it an important point for trade and interaction among various cultures.

During the 16th century, El Hamri came under the influence of Spanish colonial powers, who fortified the area and established a presence in Oran. This period saw the construction of defensive structures that would later impact the neighborhood's architectural landscape.

The French colonization of Algeria in the 19th century brought significant changes to El Hamri. The neighborhood experienced urban development, with new infrastructure and housing being introduced. The influence of French architecture can still be seen in some of the buildings that remain today.

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, El Hamri underwent substantial social and economic changes. The neighborhood became a hub for many returning Algerians, who contributed to its cultural diversity. The legacy of colonialism and the fight for independence shaped the community's identity.

In recent years, El Hamri has seen a revival of cultural activities, with efforts to promote local traditions and heritage. Festivals celebrating music, art, and cuisine have become more common, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the neighborhood over centuries.

El Hamri is accessible from various parts of Oran. The most convenient way to reach El Hamri is by taxi, which are readily available throughout the city. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from the city center to El Hamri; buses 25 and 14 frequently service this route. If traveling from the Oran train station, taxis are available outside, and the journey should take about 15-20 minutes.

El Hamri is a relatively compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. However, for longer distances, local buses and taxis are your best options. Buses run frequently, and taxi fares are generally affordable. Bicycles can be rented in nearby areas, promoting a more eco-friendly way to navigate the streets.

El Hamri is considered a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. While violent crime is uncommon, petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded places. It is advisable to avoid the outskirts of the neighborhood at night and to stay vigilant with your belongings in public spaces.

In case of an emergency, dial 17 for police assistance or 14 for ambulance services in Algeria. Hospitals and clinics are available in El Hamri, including the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Oran. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices, especially during prayer times. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do taste local dishes and accept offers of food, but don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience El Hamri like a local, visit the local markets for fresh produce and traditional Algerian goods. Engage with local vendors, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture. Don't miss out on trying the local cuisine at family-run restaurants, where you can enjoy authentic dishes at reasonable prices. Additionally, taking a stroll along the waterfront can provide beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.