The Enchanting Sidi El Bachir: Oran's Hidden Gem

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

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

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [iadhhab ba'eedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضاعت عني
  [laqad da'at 'anni]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awadu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatala]
• How much is it?كم سعرها؟
  [kam si'raha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid alsi'ra?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (العاشرة)
  [alnissf ba'd (alaa'sharah)]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsaabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [alzuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnaan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

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

Sidi El Bachir, like much of Oran, has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, which governed the region from the 16th century. During this period, the area became an important naval base and commercial hub. The Ottomans fortified the coastline, and Sidi El Bachir served as a strategic point for maritime activities, influencing the local economy and cultural exchanges.

In the 19th century, after France took control of Algeria, Sidi El Bachir was significantly transformed. The French colonial administration developed infrastructure, introducing new architectural styles and urban planning principles. This era saw the establishment of public buildings, schools, and roads that integrated Sidi El Bachir into the growing city of Oran.

Throughout the 20th century, Sidi El Bachir became a vibrant neighborhood characterized by a blend of cultures. The influx of immigrants from various regions, including Spain and Italy, enriched the local culture, evident in the diverse culinary offerings and communal practices. This multiculturalism is reflected in the local festivals and traditions that continue to honor the neighborhood's rich heritage.

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, Sidi El Bachir, like many neighborhoods in Oran, faced challenges related to urbanization and economic shifts. The government initiated housing projects and community development plans to address the needs of the growing population. These changes brought both opportunities and difficulties, impacting the social fabric of the area.

In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize Sidi El Bachir, focusing on preserving its historical sites and enhancing community spaces. Local organizations and government initiatives aim to promote tourism and cultural activities, showcasing the neighborhood's unique history and fostering a sense of pride among residents. This revitalization reflects a broader trend in Oran to celebrate and preserve its diverse cultural heritage.

Sidi El Bachir is accessible from various neighborhoods in Oran. From the city center, you can take a taxi or use the local bus services that connect to Sidi El Bachir. Buses are frequent and cost-effective, while taxis are readily available but may be more expensive. If you're coming from the Oran Es Senia Airport, a taxi ride will take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Sidi El Bachir is a relatively compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transport options include local buses that run regularly throughout the area. For a more leisurely experience, you can rent bicycles from local shops, which is a great way to enjoy the seaside views. Taxis are also available for longer distances.

Sidi El Bachir is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less populated areas. While violent crimes are rare, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure. Areas near the beach can sometimes attract unwanted attention, so remain cautious.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police assistance, 14 for fire services, and 03 for medical emergencies in Algeria. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, which is the CHU d'Oran. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and can provide over-the-counter medication.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting local markets or religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during prayer times. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers and mothers with children. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offers. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sidi El Bachir like a local, visit the local markets early in the morning for fresh produce and seafood. Engage with vendors, who are often eager to share culinary tips or local history. Don't miss the beach area in the evening, where locals gather for family outings and picnics. Sample street food from local vendors, but ensure they maintain hygiene standards to ensure a pleasant experience.

Understanding and respecting local customs is key to a positive experience in Sidi El Bachir. When visiting homes, it's customary to remove your shoes. During Ramadan, be mindful of fasting hours and avoid eating or drinking in public during the day. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases can also enhance your interactions with locals.

When dining with locals, it's polite to wait for the host to start the meal. It’s common to share dishes, so be prepared to taste a variety of foods. Always use your right hand for eating, as using the left hand is considered impolite. If invited for tea, it’s customary to accept, as it is a sign of hospitality.