Tanta: Egypt's Hidden Gem of Culture and History

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك / على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlak / 'ala al-rahb was-sa'ah]
• 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-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid ru'ya al-qaimah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [an-najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bish-shurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد شراء...
  [urid shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatalla]
• How much is it?بكم؟
  [bi kam?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid as-sa'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam as-sa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [as-sa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)نصف العاشرة
  [nisf al-ashirah]
• Morningالصباح
  [as-sabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adh-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-‘anwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (‘ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'ti al-hafilat al-taliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirah (‘ila...)]

Tanta, known in ancient times as Sebennytos, was a prominent town during the Greco-Roman period. It was an important center of administration and commerce due to its strategic location in the Nile Delta.

During the Islamic conquest of Egypt in the 7th century, Tanta became an integral part of the newly formed Islamic state. The city saw the construction of mosques and madrasas, establishing its importance as a religious and educational center.

In the 13th century, Tanta gained significant religious importance with the arrival of Al-Sayyid Ahmad al-Badawi, a revered Sufi saint. His tomb in Tanta became a major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Under Ottoman rule, Tanta continued to thrive as a regional center. The city was known for its bustling markets and vibrant trade. Ottoman architecture, including mosques and public baths, dotted the cityscape.

Tanta is renowned for its annual Moulid of Ahmed al-Badawi, one of the largest religious festivals in Egypt. The festival features Sufi dancing, traditional music, and a large market, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the city.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Tanta underwent significant modernization. The introduction of railways and other infrastructure developments boosted the city's economy. Tanta University, established in the mid-20th century, became a major educational institution in the region.

Tanta is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Tanta Museum, which houses a collection of antiquities and artifacts from various periods of Egypt's history. The city also boasts beautiful gardens and parks, offering a glimpse into its rich cultural fabric.

Tanta is located in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt, approximately 94 kilometers north of Cairo. The nearest international airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI). From Cairo, you can take a train from Ramses Station to Tanta, with the journey typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a taxi for a more direct route.

Tanta has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around. There are also public buses and minibuses (microbuses) that operate within the city and connect to nearby towns. For a more local experience, you can use tuk-tuks for short distances. Renting a car is another option but be prepared for congested traffic and local driving habits.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases, especially in local markets. ATMs are widely available in Tanta, so you can withdraw cash as needed.

Tanta is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods, such as those near the railway station, may have higher crime rates targeting tourists. It is advisable to stay vigilant and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of an emergency, dial 122 for the police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for the fire department. Tanta has several hospitals and medical facilities that can provide emergency care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city 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. 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. A friendly 'As-Salamu Alaykum' (peace be upon you) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tanta like a local, visit the local markets (souqs) where you can buy fresh produce 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 the annual Moulid of Sayid Ahmed Al-Badawi, a significant religious festival that attracts visitors from all over Egypt. For a unique experience, visit the Tanta Museum to learn about the city's rich history and archaeological finds.