Madaba: The Mosaic City of Jordan

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaan]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al ingilizia?]
• 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 al lahme]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sihatik]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfaa, min fadlik]

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

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallaa]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'aruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsa'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشر و النصف
  [al'ashir wa alnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assaabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالليل
  [allayl]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'ainwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Madaba, known as Medeba in ancient times, was a significant settlement in the Moabite kingdom. Historical records and archaeological findings date its origins back to the Bronze Age. The city's mention in the biblical account of the Moabite Stone, which commemorates the victories of King Mesha of Moab, underscores its historical importance.

During the Byzantine era, Madaba flourished as a center of Christianity. The city is renowned for its impressive collection of mosaics from this period, particularly the Madaba Mosaic Map, which is the oldest known geographic floor mosaic in art history. This map, found in the Church of St. George, provides a detailed depiction of the Holy Land and its surroundings during the 6th century.

With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, Madaba came under the control of the Umayyad Caliphate. The city continued to thrive, serving as a key location along trade routes. The Islamic influence brought new architectural styles and cultural elements, blending with the existing Byzantine heritage.

Under Ottoman rule, Madaba experienced a period of decline, but the 19th century saw a revival with the resettlement of Christian Arab tribes from Karak. This resettlement brought about a resurgence in the city's population and a renewed interest in its ancient heritage. Many of the current inhabitants can trace their ancestry back to this period.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Madaba has grown into a vibrant city that attracts tourists and scholars alike. Extensive archaeological excavations have uncovered significant historical artifacts, further highlighting its rich past. The city's cultural fabric is a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, making it a unique destination in Jordan.

Madaba is conveniently located about 30 kilometers southwest of the capital, Amman, and is easily accessible via Queen Alia International Airport, which is approximately 25 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle service. Additionally, public buses and private minibuses (known as 'servees') operate between Amman and Madaba, providing a cost-effective travel option.

Madaba is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances within the city or to nearby attractions, taxis are readily available and generally inexpensive. Public buses and servees also connect Madaba with other cities and towns in Jordan. Renting a car is another viable option, offering greater flexibility to visit nearby sites like Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Madaba, but it is advisable to carry cash for purchases in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for withdrawing cash.

Madaba is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Madaba has several medical facilities and pharmacies where you can seek help for health-related issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police station is also available to assist in other types of emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering mosques or churches, dress conservatively and women should cover their heads. 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 slight nod 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 Madaba like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Jordanian 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 famous Madaba Map at St. George's Church and the Madaba Archaeological Park. For a unique culinary experience, try the traditional Jordanian dish 'Mansaf' at a local restaurant.