Zliten: The Hidden Gem of Libya

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Na'am]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [Aathir]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bikhayr. Wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatahadath al'iinjleeziya?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [La afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [Arghab fi ru'ya alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [Ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأرغب في الدفع، من فضلك
  [Arghab fi aldaf', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Alnajda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [Insaraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Atasal bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [Atasal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [Lakad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [Arghab fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [Ana faqat atatallaa]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [Kam sairuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuk khafdh alsair?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [Kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Alsaa'a alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [Alsaa'a al'ashirah walnasf]
• Morningالصباح
  [Alsubah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [Alzohr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [Almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [Ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [Sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamaneya]
• 9تسعة
  [Tas'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [Ashrah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [Ayna huwa/hya...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuk an tureenii (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [Mata alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [Tazkirah (ila...)]

Zliten, a city with roots stretching back to antiquity, was an important settlement during the Roman Empire. The area is renowned for the Roman Villa of Dar Buc Ammera, which boasts impressive mosaics depicting scenes of hunting, gladiatorial combat, and daily life. These mosaics are a testament to the affluent lifestyle and the cultural significance of the region during Roman times.

In the Middle Ages, Zliten became an important center of Islamic learning and trade. The city was established by Arab settlers and quickly grew due to its strategic location along trade routes. The influence of Islam is still evident today in the city’s architecture and the prominent presence of mosques.

Zliten is renowned for its association with Sufism, a mystical form of Islam. The city houses the Mausoleum of Sidi Abdul-Salam Al-Asmar, a revered Sufi saint. The shrine and the adjoining mosque and Islamic university attract pilgrims and students from across the Islamic world, making Zliten a spiritual hub.

During the Ottoman Empire, Zliten was a part of the Tripolitania Province. The Ottomans left a lasting architectural legacy in the city, with notable structures such as the Ottoman-era mosques and public baths. These buildings reflect the city's historical significance and the blending of different cultural influences over the centuries.

Zliten, like the rest of Libya, fell under Italian colonial rule in the early 20th century. The Italian administration built infrastructure, including roads and public buildings, some of which still stand today. This period also saw the introduction of modern agricultural techniques, which significantly impacted the local economy.

Following Libya’s independence in 1951, Zliten experienced significant growth and modernization. The city developed economically and socially, with improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Today, Zliten is a vibrant city that balances its rich historical heritage with contemporary advancements.

Zliten is located in the northwestern part of Libya, along the Mediterranean coast. The nearest international airport is Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Tripoli, you can take a taxi or rent a car to drive to Zliten. The journey typically takes around 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Tripoli to Zliten, which offers a more economical option.

Within Zliten, taxis are the most common mode of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. There are also local minibuses that operate within the city and connect to nearby towns. Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan to explore more remote areas at your own pace. Be sure to have an international driving permit if you choose to rent a car.

The official currency in Libya is the Libyan Dinar (LYD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Zliten, but ensure you have enough cash on hand as not all machines may be operational.

Zliten is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on 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 193 for police assistance or 190 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Zliten. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in 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. Always 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. 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 Zliten like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Libyan 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 Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, which is a short drive from Zliten. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or celebration to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.