Tyre: A Journey Through Time

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaaan]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadraan]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriid an araa al-qa'ima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakol al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uriid an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal bitalib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daa'i]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uriid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatlal]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruhu?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jidan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd al-sa'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-sa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'at al-wahida]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-ashirah wal-nusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-subah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [al-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayna...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata al-haflah al-taliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ila ....)]

Tyre, known as 'Sūr' in Arabic, was founded around 2750 BCE. It became a major Phoenician port city and a hub for maritime trade across the Mediterranean. Its strategic location made it a key player in the ancient world, fostering connections with Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

By the 10th century BCE, Tyre had established itself as a powerful city-state. It was known for its production of a rare and highly prized purple dye, made from the murex snail. This 'Tyrian purple' became a symbol of royalty and wealth.

Tyre's prosperity attracted the attention of various empires. It fell under the control of the Assyrians in the 8th century BCE and later the Babylonians. Despite these conquests, Tyre maintained a degree of autonomy and continued to flourish.

One of the most famous historical events in Tyre's history was the siege by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE. Determined to capture the island city, Alexander constructed a causeway to breach its defenses. After a seven-month siege, Tyre fell to Alexander, marking a significant moment in his campaign to conquer the Persian Empire.

Under Roman rule, Tyre became a prominent city in the province of Syria. It prospered as a center of commerce and culture. The city continued to thrive during the Byzantine period, with significant contributions to early Christianity, including the construction of numerous churches.

In 636 CE, Tyre was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate. It later became part of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates. During the Crusades, Tyre was an important stronghold and changed hands multiple times between Crusader and Muslim forces.

Tyre became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and remained under Ottoman control until the end of World War I. During this period, the city experienced relative stability and continued to serve as a regional trading center.

Following the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Tyre came under French mandate before becoming part of the independent state of Lebanon in 1943. In recent decades, Tyre has faced challenges due to regional conflicts but remains a vital cultural and historical site.

Tyre is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including its Phoenician, Roman, and early Christian sites. The ancient ruins, such as the Roman Hippodrome and Al-Bass Archaeological Site, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting visitors from around the world.

Tyre is accessible from Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, which is approximately 83 kilometers away. The nearest international airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. From Beirut, you can take a taxi, rental car, or a bus to Tyre. The bus service, operated by Connex, offers a cost-effective way to travel, with buses departing from the Cola Transport Hub in Beirut and taking about two hours to reach Tyre.

Within Tyre, you can easily get around by walking, as many of the city's attractions are within close proximity. For longer distances, taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. There are also 'service' taxis (shared taxis) which operate on fixed routes and are a budget-friendly option. Car rentals are available in Tyre for those who prefer to explore the region at their own pace.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), also known as the Lebanese Lira. US Dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Tyre, but it is wise to have some local currency on hand.

Tyre is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is recommended to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not displaying valuables, and being cautious in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. The old city and the port area are popular tourist spots and usually safe during the day.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Tyre has a local police station and several medical facilities including hospitals and clinics. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English or French, making it easier to communicate your needs.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, cover your head and remove your shoes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A polite 'Marhaba' (hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tyre like a local, visit the local souks (markets) where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Tyre’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the ancient ruins and the Roman Hippodrome. For a unique experience, enjoy a traditional meal at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.