Tyre Coast: Jewel of the Mediterranean

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك / على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlik / ala alrahb wasa'ah]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• 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 allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahhtayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atasil baltabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

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

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaeah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [alashirah walnasf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baed aldhohr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyaum]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arbahah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sitah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabahah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tisah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayna...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'unnwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yati alhafilah altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirah (ila ...)]

Tyre, originally known as 'Sour,' was one of the most important cities of the ancient Phoenician civilization. Founded around 2750 BCE, it became a major maritime and trade center. The Phoenicians were known for their seafaring skills and established trade routes across the Mediterranean, trading goods such as purple dye, glass, and timber.

In 332 BCE, Tyre faced one of the most famous sieges in history by Alexander the Great. The city, originally an island fortress, withstood a seven-month siege. Alexander's forces built a causeway to reach the island, ultimately breaching its defenses and capturing the city. The siege marked a significant moment in Alexander's campaign to conquer the Persian Empire.

Under Roman rule, Tyre flourished as a significant urban center. The Romans constructed many impressive structures, including the Roman Hippodrome, which could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators, and the Al-Bass Tyre Necropolis. These architectural marvels are a testament to the city's historical importance and engineering prowess during the Roman period.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Tyre became part of the Byzantine Empire. The city continued to thrive during the Byzantine period, but eventually fell to Arab Muslim forces in 635 CE. Under Islamic rule, Tyre remained an important port and commercial hub, contributing to the cultural and economic exchanges in the region.

In the 12th century, Tyre was captured by the Crusaders and became part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The city was fortified with massive walls and became a key stronghold in the Crusader states. Tyre played a significant role in the Crusader economy due to its strategic location and prosperous trade.

In 1516, Tyre came under Ottoman rule, which lasted until the end of World War I. During the Ottoman period, the city experienced periods of decline and revival. In the 20th century, Tyre began to modernize, and archaeological excavations uncovered many of its ancient treasures. Today, Tyre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and vibrant culture.

Tyre Coast is located in southern Lebanon along the Mediterranean Sea. The nearest major airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, approximately 80 kilometers to the north. From Beirut, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tyre. The journey by road typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also private car services available for a more comfortable trip.

Within Tyre, you can get around using taxis, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses also operate in the area, connecting different parts of the city. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the coast and its attractions at your own pace. Car rentals are available for those who prefer to travel further afield or explore the surrounding regions.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), although US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tyre, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, but it's a good idea to have enough cash on hand, especially if you plan to visit remote areas.

Tyre is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Tyre does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Tyre has local police stations and medical facilities available to assist tourists. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

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 and other religious sites. 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 bow 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 Tyre Coast like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Lebanese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the history and culture of Tyre. Don't miss visiting the ancient ruins of Al-Bass and the Roman Hippodrome, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to explore the coastline and its hidden gems.