The Coastal Charm of El Mina in Nouakchott

• HelloSalam
  [sa-laam]
• GoodbyeMa'a salama
  [ma-a sa-la-ma]
• YesEey
  [ee-y]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlik
  [min fa-dlik]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorryAasif
  [aa-sif]
• How are you?Kifash haluk?
  [ki-fash ha-luk]
• Fine. And you?Bikhayr. Wa ant?
  [bi-khayr. wa ant]
• Do you speak English?Tatakallam al'injiliziya?
  [ta-ta-kal-lam al-in-ji-li-zi-ya]
• I don't understandAna la afham
  [a-na la af-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseUrīd an ará al-qāʾimah, min faḍlik
  [u-rid an a-ra al-qa-i-ma, min fa-dlik]
• I don't eat meatAna la akl laḥm
  [a-na la a-kal la-hm]
• Cheers!Fi ḥubk!
  [fi hub-k]
• I would like to pay, pleaseUrīd an adfaʿ, min faḍlik
  [u-rid an ad-fa, min fa-dlik]

• Help!Musāʿadah!
  [mu-saa-ah-dah]
• Go away!Irjāʿ!
  [ir-ja]
• Call the Police!Itniʿ al-shurtah!
  [it-ni al-shur-tah]
• Call a doctor!Itniʿ al-ṭabib!
  [it-ni al-ṭa-bib]
• I'm lostDhaʿaftu tariqī
  [dha-aftu ta-ri-qi]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Urīd an ashtari...
  [u-rid an ash-ta-ri]
• I'm just lookingAna faqat atabathath
  [a-na fa-qat a-ta-ba-thath]
• How much is it?Kam yaksi?
  [kam yaks-i]
• That's too expensiveHadha ghaali jiddan
  [ha-dha gha-li jid-dan]
• Can you lower the price?Hal tastatiʿan tanzil al-siʿr?
  [hal tas-ta-ti-an tan-zil al-si-r]

• What time is it?Kam alwaqt?
  [kam al-waqt]
• It's one o'clockHuwa alwaḥidah
  [hu-wa al-wa-hi-dah]
• Half past (10)Nisf sāʿah ʿala alʿasharah
  [nisf sa-a-a ala al-a-sha-rah]
• MorningSabaah
  [sa-baah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• EveningMasaa
  [ma-saa]
• YesterdayAl-bareh
  [al-ba-reh]
• TodayAl-yawm
  [al-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Wahid
  [wa-hid]
• 2Ithnayn
  [ith-na-yn]
• 3Thalāthat
  [tha-la-tha-t]
• 4Arba'a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sab'a
  [sab-a]
• 8Thamānia
  [tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis'a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashara
  [a-sha-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Ayna...
  [ay-na]
• What's the address?Ma huwa al-`anwan?
  [ma hu-wa al-a-nwan]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Hal tastatiʿan lituriyani (fi alkhariṭah)?
  [hal tas-ta-ti-an li-tu-ri-ya-ni (fi al-kha-ri-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Mata al-autobis alqadima?
  [ma-ta al-au-to-bis al-qa-di-ma]
• A ticket (to ....)Tadhkirah (ila ....)
  [tadh-ki-rah (i-la)]

El Mina, a neighborhood in Nouakchott, emerged prominently after the establishment of Nouakchott as the capital of Mauritania in 1960. The city was founded due to its strategic location along the Atlantic coast, which made it an ideal hub for trade and administration. El Mina developed as a vital area for fishing and maritime activities, reflecting the region's economic reliance on the sea.

During the French colonial period, the layout of El Mina was influenced by colonial urban planning. The neighborhood saw the construction of various infrastructures, including roads and public buildings, which facilitated trade and communication. The French presence brought changes to local customs and introduced Western education systems, although the impact was met with resistance from local traditions.

El Mina has a rich history tied to fishing, which remains a cornerstone of its economy. The neighborhood is home to numerous fishing families and markets, where local fishermen bring their daily catch. This aspect of El Mina's culture underscores the community's reliance on the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.

El Mina is characterized by its cultural diversity, reflecting various ethnic groups within Mauritania, including the Moors, Wolof, and Soninke. This diversity is evident in the neighborhood's vibrant markets, festivals, and daily life. The blending of different cultural practices has enriched the community, fostering a unique identity within Nouakchott.

In recent years, El Mina has faced challenges related to urbanization, such as overcrowding and infrastructure strain. Efforts to improve living conditions and promote sustainable development are ongoing, as the neighborhood seeks to balance modernization with the preservation of its cultural heritage. Community initiatives and local governance are crucial in addressing these issues.

El Mina is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Nouakchott. The most common way to reach El Mina from the city center is by taxi or a shared taxi (called 'clando'), which is an affordable option. Public buses also operate routes to El Mina, but schedules may be irregular. If you're coming from the airport, a taxi is the most convenient option, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

El Mina is best navigated by foot or by bicycle, as many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, shared taxis and regular taxis are readily available. Buses also serve various routes in and out of the neighborhood, but they may not run frequently. Renting a bicycle can be a great way to explore the area at your own pace while enjoying the local scenery.

El Mina is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Areas near the beach can sometimes attract petty crime, so it is advisable to stay alert. Avoid displaying valuables and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 17 for police assistance or 18 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available, but it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical needs. For minor health issues, pharmacies can be found throughout El Mina. Always carry a basic first-aid kit for minor injuries.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should wear long skirts or trousers and cover shoulders. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly during prayer times; refrain from taking photos in mosques. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Salam' and a handshake; it is polite to ask about their well-being. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings; don't waste food as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience El Mina like a local, visit the bustling markets where you can find fresh produce, spices, and traditional crafts. Engage with local vendors; they often enjoy sharing stories about their products. Attend local festivals if your visit coincides, as they offer a window into the culture and traditions of the area. For a unique experience, take part in local cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Mauritanian dishes.