Tripoli: The Hidden Gem of Lebanon

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathir]
• 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'iinjilizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatein]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uriid an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajdah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassil bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatala]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam hu thamanuhu?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafdh alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)نصف العاشرة
  [nisf al'ashirah]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 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 hu al'unnwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an tarini (ala alkharee'tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يصل الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yusal alhafilah alttaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ila ....)]

Tripoli, known as Trablous in Arabic, was founded in the 9th century BCE by the Phoenicians. It became a significant city-state due to its strategic coastal location and proximity to major trade routes. The city's name, which means 'Three Cities' in Greek, reflects its origins as three separate settlements established by the Phoenician cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Arwad.

During the Hellenistic period, Tripoli fell under the control of the Seleucid Empire and later the Roman Empire. The city flourished as a center of commerce and culture. Roman architecture, including aqueducts and temples, left a lasting mark on the city's landscape.

In the 4th century CE, Tripoli became part of the Byzantine Empire. The city remained an important commercial hub. With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Tripoli was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate, which introduced Islamic culture and architecture to the region.

Tripoli was a focal point during the Crusades in the 12th century. The Crusaders, led by Raymond IV of Toulouse, captured the city and established the County of Tripoli, one of the four major Crusader states in the Levant. The Crusader castle, known as the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, still stands as a testament to this era.

In 1289, the Mamluks captured Tripoli and destroyed much of the Crusader city. They rebuilt it closer to the sea and introduced significant architectural developments, including mosques, madrasas, and khans. Tripoli became a major center for Islamic learning and commerce during the Mamluk period.

Tripoli came under Ottoman control in the early 16th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. The Ottomans further enhanced the city's infrastructure, adding hammams (public baths), souks (markets), and other civic buildings. The city's economy thrived due to its role as a key port and trade center.

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Tripoli was placed under French Mandate. The city witnessed significant modernization and growth during this period. Lebanon gained independence in 1943, and Tripoli continued to develop as a major urban center in the newly formed nation.

In the modern era, Tripoli has faced various challenges, including political instability and economic difficulties. However, the city remains a vibrant hub of culture, history, and commerce. Its rich tapestry of historical sites, such as the Great Mosque, the Citadel, and the bustling souks, attracts visitors from around the world.

Tripoli, Lebanon, is accessible via Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, which is approximately 85 kilometers south of Tripoli. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus (service) to Tripoli. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Additionally, there are bus services that operate between Beirut and Tripoli, providing a more budget-friendly option for travelers.

Within Tripoli, you have several transportation options including taxis, shared minibuses (services), and rental cars. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through a phone call. Shared minibuses are a common and inexpensive way to travel within the city and to nearby areas. For more flexibility, renting a car can be a good option. Walking is also feasible for exploring the historical parts of the city.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), but US Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Tripoli, where you can withdraw both LBP and USD.

Tripoli is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods, such as those near the Syrian border or areas with political tensions, should be avoided. Always stay informed about the current local situation by checking travel advisories.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, 140 for medical emergencies, and 175 for the fire department. Tripoli has several hospitals and clinics where you can receive medical care. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies 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; for example, remove your shoes and 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 or a nod. Using Arabic phrases like 'Marhaba' (hello) can be appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tripoli like a local, visit the traditional souks (markets) where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Engage with the local vendors and try some street food like 'Kaak' (sesame bread) or 'Falafel.' Don’t miss visiting the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles and the Al-Mina area for a walk along the Mediterranean coast. Participate in local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture.