Tlemcen: The Jewel of Algeria's Northwest

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wadaan]
• Yesنعم
  [Naam]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [Aathir]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bekheir. Wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• 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!صحتك!
  [Sahhtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [Awadu an adfa, min fadlik]

• Help!مساعدة!
  [Musaadah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [Ansurif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itsal bilshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [Itsal bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [Lakad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [Aridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [Ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?بكم ثمنه؟
  [Bikam thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuk kaff alsiar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [Kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Alssaa'a alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [Alssaa'a alaashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [Assabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [Adhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [Almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [Ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [Sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [Tas'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 yumkinuk an tareeni (ala alkharitat)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [Mata yaati alhafilat altalia?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [Tathkira (ila ...)]

Tlemcen, originally known as Pomaria, was founded by the Romans in the 4th century AD. It was initially a military outpost, but its strategic location soon made it an important commercial hub connecting the Mediterranean with the inner regions of North Africa.

In the 11th century, Tlemcen gained prominence under the Almoravid Dynasty, which established it as a crucial center for trade and scholarship. The city saw the construction of many key structures, including the Great Mosque of Tlemcen, which remains an architectural marvel.

Tlemcen reached its zenith during the reign of the Zayyanid Dynasty from the 13th to the 16th century. As the capital of the Kingdom of Tlemcen, it flourished economically and culturally. The city became renowned for its textiles, leatherwork, and especially its ivory and gold crafts. The Zayyanid kings also fostered a rich cultural life, attracting scholars, poets, and artists.

In 1299, the Marinid Sultanate of Morocco laid siege to Tlemcen, resulting in a prolonged conflict that lasted for several decades. Despite the siege, the city managed to resist and maintained its independence, thanks to its formidable fortifications and resilient inhabitants.

In the 16th century, Tlemcen fell under Ottoman control, becoming part of the Ottoman Regency of Algiers. During this period, the city experienced a decline as regional power shifted to Algiers. Nevertheless, Tlemcen continued to be a significant local center for trade and culture.

Tlemcen came under French colonial rule in 1842. The French administration undertook numerous infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads and railways, which modernized the city but also led to social and economic changes. The colonial period saw the introduction of European architectural styles, which blended with the city's traditional Islamic and Berber influences.

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, Tlemcen began to reclaim its historical and cultural heritage. The city has since invested in preserving its ancient monuments and revitalizing its cultural institutions. Today, Tlemcen is a vibrant city that proudly showcases its rich history through its well-preserved landmarks, museums, and bustling souks.

Tlemcen is accessible via Tlemcen Zenata – Messali El Hadj Airport, located approximately 22 km from the city center. This airport handles domestic flights and a few international connections. Alternatively, you can fly into Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport and take a domestic flight or travel by train or bus to Tlemcen. The train journey from Algiers to Tlemcen takes around 8 hours and offers scenic views of Algeria's landscape. Buses are also available and provide a more budget-friendly option.

Within Tlemcen, taxis and buses are the primary modes of transportation. Taxis are relatively affordable and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Public buses cover most parts of the city and are an economical way to get around. For more convenience, you can rent a car from local rental services, but be aware of local driving conditions and traffic rules.

The official currency in Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). Credit and debit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available in Tlemcen, but ensure you have some cash on hand for emergencies or in areas where card payments are not accepted.

Tlemcen is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid isolated areas after dark and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While Tlemcen does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 14 for police assistance or 16 for medical emergencies. Tlemcen has several hospitals and clinics, such as the Tlemcen University Hospital, which provides medical care. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and remove your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and allow priority to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Salam'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Tlemcen like a local, visit the city's souks, such as Souk El Khemis, where you can buy traditional crafts and local produce. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Great Mosque of Tlemcen and the ancient Mansourah ruins. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the Lalla Setti Plateau, which offers panoramic views of the city.