The Historical Ksar of Nouakchott: A Journey Through Time

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeMa'a salama
  [mah ah sah-lah-mah]
• YesEey
  [ee-y]
• NoLa
  [lah]
• Please/You're welcomeAafak
  [ah-fahk]
• Thank youShukran
  [shook-rahn]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Kifash haluk?
  [kee-fash hah-loo-k]
• Fine. And you?Mzyan. O chhal?
  [mzee-yahn. o shah-l]
• Do you speak English?Tatkallam inglizi?
  [tat-kal-lahm ing-lee-zee]
• I don't understandMa fhemtsh
  [mah fehm-tsh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBghit nshuf lqima, min fadlik
  [b-ghit en-shoof l-kee-mah, meen fahd-leek]
• I don't eat meatMaakulch lahm
  [mah-ah-koolsh lahm]
• Cheers!Saha
  [sah-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBghit neda, min fadlik
  [b-ghit nee-dah, meen fahd-leek]

• Help!Aideeni!
  [a-ee-day-nee]
• Go away!Ruh!
  [roo-h]
• Call the Police!Sabb al-Darak!
  [sahb al-dah-rahk]
• Call a doctor!Sabb al-Tabib!
  [sahb al-tah-beeb]
• I'm lostGhadiin
  [gha-deen]
• I'm illAna mrid
  [ah-nah m-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Bghit nshri...
  [b-ghit en-shree]
• I'm just lookingAna fakar fakar
  [ah-nah fah-kahr fah-kahr]
• How much is it?Bshhal hadshi?
  [b-sh-hal had-shee]
• That's too expensiveHadshi ghali
  [had-shee ghah-lee]
• Can you lower the price?Makaynch tandif bi shwiya?
  [mah-ky-nsch tan-deef bee sh-wee-yah]

• What time is it?Shnu ssaa?
  [sh-noo s-sah]
• It's one o'clockSaa wahida
  [s-sah wah-hee-dah]
• Half past (10)Nus ghdaash
  [noos gh-dahsh]
• MorningSbha
  [s-b-ha]
• AfternoonDhor
  [thor]
• EveningLail
  [lah-eel]
• YesterdayMsaa
  [m-sah]
• TodayLyawm
  [lee-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dahn]
• 1Wahid
  [wah-heed]
• 2Juj
  [jooj]
• 3Tleta
  [t-leh-tah]
• 4Arba
  [ar-bah]
• 5Khamsa
  [k-ham-sah]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Tamania
  [tah-mah-nee-yah]
• 9Tissa
  [tees-sah]
• 10Ashara
  [ah-shah-rah]

• Where's a/the...?Washnou al...
  [wash-noo al]
• What's the address?Shnu l'adresse?
  [sh-noo la-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kadish turiini (ala lkhariita)?
  [ka-deesh too-ree-nee ah-lah l-kha-ree-ta]
• When's the next (bus)?Mata huwa alqarib (alutobis)?
  [mah-tah hoo-wah al-kah-reb al-oo-to-bees]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilbil (ila ....)
  [beel-beel ee-lah]

Ksar, the historic neighborhood of Nouakchott, has its roots in the 19th century, serving as a center for trade and cultural exchange. As Mauritania's capital began to take shape, Ksar emerged as a hub for various ethnic groups, particularly the Moors, who contributed significantly to the neighborhood's early development.

During the French colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ksar experienced infrastructural changes that influenced its cultural landscape. The French introduced new architectural styles, and many local artisans adapted their crafts, resulting in a blend of traditional Mauritanian design with European elements.

Following Mauritania's independence in 1960, Ksar continued to evolve as a vibrant neighborhood. The influx of people from rural areas seeking better opportunities contributed to Ksar's urbanization, enriching its cultural tapestry with diverse traditions, languages, and culinary practices, reflecting the broader changes in Nouakchott.

Ksar is renowned for its vibrant markets and cultural events. The neighborhood hosts various festivals that celebrate Mauritanian music, dance, and cuisine, maintaining the traditions of the past while adapting to contemporary influences. This cultural dynamism makes Ksar a vital part of Nouakchott's identity.

In recent years, Ksar has seen modernization efforts that aim to preserve its historical significance while improving living conditions. New infrastructure projects coexist with traditional mud-brick architecture, reflecting the balance between heritage conservation and urban development in Nouakchott.

Ksar is centrally located in Nouakchott and easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. From the airport, you can take a taxi directly to Ksar, which typically takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, if you're in other parts of the city, local taxis or shared taxis (clando) can be taken to reach Ksar. The shared taxis follow common routes and are a cost-effective option.

Ksar is a walkable neighbourhood, and exploring on foot is a great way to experience local life. For longer distances, taxis are widely available and can be hired easily. Local buses also operate, but routes and schedules may be less predictable. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, offering a unique way to navigate the streets.

Ksar is generally safe for tourists; however, it's advisable to take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Certain locations, such as the outskirts of Ksar, may have higher crime rates, particularly related to petty theft. Always keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, you can dial 17 for police assistance or visit the nearest hospital, which is located in Ksar. It is important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor ailments, local pharmacies are available to provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, adhering to local customs. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local traditions, especially when visiting mosques. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a warm smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offered by locals graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be seen as rude.

To experience Ksar like a local, visit the markets where fresh produce and traditional Mauritanian goods are sold. Engage with the friendly locals, who are often willing to share their knowledge about the area. Don't miss out on trying local dishes such as 'thieboudienne' (fish and rice) at small roadside stalls, which often serve the most authentic meals.