Bobo-Dioulasso: The Heartbeat of Burkina Faso's Culture

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loo]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zeh mwah]
• How are you?Ça va?
  [sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Ça va bien. Et vous?
  [sah vah byen. Ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-leh voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dreh vwahr luh meh-noo seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dreh peh-yeh seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-leh voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-leh lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-leh uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dreh ash-tey]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhew-stuh]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bey-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees uhr eh deh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-preh mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl eh la-drehss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-treh (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shang (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yeh (poor)]

Bobo-Dioulasso, often referred to as Bobo, was founded in the 15th century. The name itself is derived from the Bobo and Dioula ethnic groups who originally settled in the area. The Bobo people, known for their rich cultural heritage, were the primary inhabitants, while the Dioula were traders who brought Islam and commerce to the region.

During the height of the Mossi Empire, Bobo-Dioulasso was an important trade hub due to its strategic location. The city connected various trade routes extending from the gold mines of the Sahel to the coastal regions. The Mossi, who were skilled horsemen and warriors, exerted influence over the city, ensuring its prosperity and integration into larger trade networks.

In the late 19th century, Bobo-Dioulasso came under French colonial rule. The French recognized the city's strategic importance and invested in its infrastructure. They built roads, railways, and administrative buildings, transforming Bobo-Dioulasso into a key administrative and economic center in Upper Volta, the former name of Burkina Faso.

The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, constructed in 1880, stands as a testament to the city's Islamic heritage. Built by the city's Muslim community, the mosque is an architectural marvel featuring traditional Sudano-Sahelian style with its distinctive mudbrick minarets and wooden beams. It remains a central place of worship and cultural identity for the city's inhabitants.

Bobo-Dioulasso is renowned for its vibrant cultural life, particularly its music and dance. The city is home to the Bobo and Dioula ethnic groups who celebrate various festivals such as the Semaine Nationale de la Culture (National Culture Week). This festival showcases traditional music, dance, art, and crafts, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

Today, Bobo-Dioulasso is Burkina Faso's second-largest city and remains a cultural and economic hub. The city blends its rich historical legacy with modern development. Markets, such as the Grand Marché, and attractions like the Dafra River and the Kibidwé Artisan Village, continue to draw tourists, reflecting the city's enduring significance in the region.

Bobo-Dioulasso is located in the southwestern part of Burkina Faso. The nearest international airport is Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY), which is well connected to major cities in West Africa. Alternatively, you can fly into Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, and take a domestic flight or a bus to Bobo-Dioulasso. The bus trip from Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso typically takes around 5-6 hours and is operated by several reputable companies.

Getting around Bobo-Dioulasso is relatively easy. Taxis are widely available and affordable; just make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Moto-taxis (motorbike taxis) are another popular mode of transport. For those who prefer public transportation, minibuses and buses connect various parts of the city. Car rentals are also available for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

The official currency in Burkina Faso is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Bobo-Dioulasso, but ensure you have enough cash for your needs as ATM availability can sometimes be unreliable.

Bobo-Dioulasso is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. Some neighborhoods, such as Tiefora and Farakan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided after dark. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 17 for police assistance, 18 for the fire department, and 15 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso is the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou, which provides medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos in religious places. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate of others. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bonjour' (Hello) is always appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bobo-Dioulasso like a local, visit the Grand Marché for a taste of local life and to buy traditional crafts. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the chance to visit the beautiful Bobo-Dioulasso Mosque and the Dafra sacred fish pond. For a unique experience, attend a live performance of traditional music and dance, which is an integral part of Bobo-Dioulasso's cultural heritage.