Damietta: Egypt's Hidden Gem by the Nile

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'iinjilia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu 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
  [uridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana da'ie]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraq]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bikam 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'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnusf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd althuhr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn hu/hy...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'ainwan?]
• 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 يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'ti alhafilat altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ila ....)]

Damietta, known as Tamiat in ancient Egyptian times, has a rich history that dates back to ancient Egypt. It was a significant city during the Pharaonic times, serving as a key port for trade and commerce along the Nile River. Archaeological findings in the area suggest that Damietta was an essential hub for the exchange of goods and culture between Egypt and other civilizations.

The city of Damietta played a pivotal role during the early Islamic period. In 642 AD, it was captured by the Muslim Arab forces under the leadership of Amr ibn al-As. The city's strategic location and its bustling port made it a valuable asset for the Islamic Caliphate, facilitating trade and military expeditions.

Damietta's strategic importance was highlighted during the Crusades. In 1218, during the Fifth Crusade, Crusader forces aimed to capture Damietta to use it as a base for further operations into Egypt. The city was besieged and eventually fell to the Crusaders in 1219. However, it was recaptured by the Ayyubid Sultan Al-Kamil in 1221, marking a significant victory for the Muslim forces.

Under Ottoman rule from the early 16th century, Damietta continued to flourish as a vital trade center. The Ottomans recognized the city's strategic importance and maintained its status as a key port. Damietta was known for its production of textiles, especially Damask fabric, which was highly prized throughout the Ottoman Empire and beyond.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Damietta underwent significant modernization efforts under Muhammad Ali Pasha and his successors. The construction of infrastructure, including roads and canals, helped to enhance the city's connectivity and economic potential. Damietta's port facilities were expanded, solidifying its position as a crucial node in Egypt's maritime trade network.

Damietta is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, blending ancient traditions with modern influences. The city is famous for its handcrafted furniture, particularly the intricate inlay work that reflects the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans. Additionally, Damietta's local cuisine, characterized by fresh seafood and traditional Egyptian dishes, offers a culinary experience that reflects the city's coastal identity.

Damietta is located in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. The nearest international airport is Cairo International Airport, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Cairo, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi to Damietta. The journey by road typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, there are trains available from Cairo to Mansoura, from where you can take a bus or taxi for the remaining 60 kilometers to Damietta.

Damietta has a range of transportation options. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There are also public buses that connect different parts of the city. For a more local experience, you can use microbuses, which are a popular mode of transport among locals. Renting a car is another option, but be prepared for traffic and local driving habits.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Damietta, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.

Damietta is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 122 for police assistance and 123 for medical emergencies. Damietta has local police stations and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Damietta like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Egyptian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the old mosques and the beautiful Corniche along the Nile. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on the Nile to see the city from a different perspective.