Sidon: The Ancient Pearl of the Mediterranean

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• 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 تتكلم الانكليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-injiliziya?]
• 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-qa'imah, 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!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bil-shurtah!]
• 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 أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd al-si'ru?]

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

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayn...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-'unwan?]
• 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 الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata al-hafilah al-qadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkirah (ila...)]

Sidon, one of the oldest cities in the world, was a prominent city-state of the ancient Phoenicians. It was founded before 4000 BCE and quickly became a leading maritime and trade center due to its strategic coastal location. The Phoenicians of Sidon were known for their skills in shipbuilding, navigation, and glass-making, and they established trade networks that spanned the Mediterranean.

During the second millennium BCE, Sidon came under the influence and control of ancient Egypt. This period saw a blend of Egyptian and Phoenician culture, as evidenced by archaeological finds such as Egyptian-style artifacts and inscriptions. Sidon's allegiance to Egypt helped it gain protection and further its economic prosperity.

In the 8th century BCE, Sidon came under the control of the Assyrian Empire, which imposed heavy tributes on the city. After the fall of the Assyrians, Sidon fell into the hands of the Babylonians. During these periods, Sidon experienced moments of rebellion and destruction but ultimately remained an important city in the region.

Sidon flourished under the Achaemenid Persian Empire from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE. The city was granted a high degree of autonomy and became a vital part of the Persian naval fleet. Sidon's shipbuilders were renowned, and the city's influence extended throughout the Mediterranean.

Following Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire in 333 BCE, Sidon became a part of the Hellenistic world. The city's culture and architecture were significantly influenced by Greek traditions. It enjoyed a period of relative peace and prosperity under the rule of the Ptolemies and later the Seleucids.

Sidon was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 64 BCE. Under Roman rule, the city retained a degree of autonomy and continued to prosper as a major center of commerce and culture. Roman architecture, including temples, amphitheaters, and baths, left its mark on Sidon's landscape.

During the Byzantine era, Sidon remained an important city, but it faced challenges from natural disasters and invasions. In the 7th century, Sidon was conquered by Muslim Arab forces and became part of the early Islamic Caliphates. The city experienced a period of decline but remained a significant port and trade hub.

In the 12th century, Sidon was captured by Crusader forces and became part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Crusaders fortified the city, but it was later recaptured by the Muslim forces of Salah ad-Din. In the 13th century, the Mamluks took control of Sidon, and the city experienced a revival with new construction and trade activities.

Sidon was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The city functioned as an important administrative and commercial center within the empire. The Ottoman period saw the construction of significant buildings, including mosques, khans, and souks, many of which still stand today.

In the 20th century, Sidon became part of the newly established state of Lebanon. The city has witnessed significant growth and modernization while preserving its rich historical heritage. Today, Sidon is a vibrant city that blends ancient history with contemporary culture, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Sidon is located approximately 40 kilometers south of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The nearest international airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. From Beirut, you can reach Sidon by taking a taxi or a bus. Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a direct route to Sidon, taking around 45 minutes. Alternatively, buses operated by the Lebanese Commuting Company (LCC) run regularly from Beirut to Sidon, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers.

Sidon's city center is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, taxis are a convenient and widely available option. It is advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Public minibuses (known locally as 'service') also operate within Sidon and connect to nearby towns. These are an affordable way to get around but can be crowded. Renting a car is another option, though navigating the local traffic can be challenging for first-time visitors.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). US dollars are also widely accepted in Sidon. Credit cards can be used in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Sidon, allowing you to withdraw local currency or US dollars as needed.

Sidon is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Be cautious with your belongings in crowded places such as markets and tourist attractions. Some areas in Sidon, particularly those on the outskirts, may have higher crime rates. It is best to stay in well-populated and well-lit areas, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, 140 for medical emergencies, and 175 for the fire department. Sidon has several medical facilities, including the Hammoud Hospital University Medical Center. It is advisable 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. Women should consider covering their heads 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 or the local custom of cheek kisses among close acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sidon like a local, visit the Sidon Souks, where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Sidon Sea Castle and the Debbane Palace. For a unique culinary experience, try the local seafood at one of the coastal restaurants. Additionally, consider taking a stroll along the Corniche, especially at sunset, to enjoy the scenic views and local atmosphere.