Setif: The Pearl of the High Plateaus

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Naam]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [Aathirana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bekheir. Wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الانجليزية؟
  [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
  [Aridu 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
  [Aridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Annajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [Ansurif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Ittasal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [Ittasal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [Laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [Aridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتصفح
  [Ana faqat atasafah]
• How much is it?كم هذا؟
  [Kam hatha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuka khafdh alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [Kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [Alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [Al'ashirah walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [Assabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [Al'asr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [Almasa']
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [Albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [Ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [Sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [Tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [Asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [Ayna ...?]
• 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 yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [Mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [Tathkirat (ila ....)]

Setif, originally known as Sitifis, was founded by the Romans in 97 AD under the reign of Emperor Nerva. The city served as a military outpost and later developed into a major center of trade and agriculture. Its strategic location on the route between Carthage and Hippo Regius facilitated its growth and prosperity.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sitifis came under the control of the Vandals in the 5th century. The city witnessed a period of decline until it was recaptured by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. Under Byzantine rule, Sitifis experienced a resurgence, with the restoration of many Roman structures and the construction of new churches.

In the 7th century, the Islamic conquest of North Africa reached Sitifis, marking the beginning of a new era. The city was renamed Setif and became an important center of Islamic learning and culture. During the medieval period, Setif was part of the Zirid and Hammadid dynasties, which contributed to the city’s architectural and cultural development.

Setif fell under French colonial rule in 1838, following the French invasion of Algeria. The city was modernized with European-style buildings, roads, and infrastructure. However, French rule was also marked by tension and resistance from the local population, culminating in the Setif Uprising of 1945, a significant event in Algeria's struggle for independence.

On May 8, 1945, the city of Setif became the epicenter of a major uprising against French colonial rule. The protests, which began as a celebration of the end of World War II, quickly turned violent. French authorities responded with brutal force, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Algerians. This event is considered a turning point in Algeria’s fight for independence, which was eventually achieved in 1962.

Today, Setif is a bustling city that blends its rich historical heritage with modern development. The city is known for its vibrant markets, cultural festivals, and historical sites such as the ancient Roman ruins, the Byzantine fortifications, and the Setif Museum, which houses artifacts from various periods of the city's history. Setif also serves as a commercial and educational hub in northeastern Algeria.

Setif is located in northeastern Algeria. The nearest international airport is Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, approximately 270 kilometers away. From Algiers, you can take a domestic flight to Setif Airport (Ain Arnat Airport) or opt for a train or bus service, which typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by road. Trains offer a scenic route through the Algerian countryside, while buses provide a cost-effective option.

Setif has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around the city. For public transportation, buses and minibuses (locally known as 'trams') operate within Setif and connect it to neighboring towns and villages. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Walking is a great way to see the city center and its main attractions.

The official currency in Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Setif, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand for convenience.

Setif is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious in the southern outskirts of the city, as these areas can have higher crime rates. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 14 for police assistance or 17 for medical emergencies. Setif has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Setif can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when 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 and use right hand or both hands. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Setif like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Algerian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Setif Archaeological Museum and the Roman ruins of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a stroll in Ain El Fouara Fountain, a popular local gathering spot.