Asilah: The Jewel of the Moroccan Atlantic Coast

• HelloSalam
  [sa-laam]
• GoodbyeBeslama
  [bes-la-ma]
• YesNaam
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeAfak
  [a-fak]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorrySmahli
  [sma-hli]
• How are you?Labas?
  [la-bas]
• Fine. And you?Labas. Wlak?
  [la-bas. w-lak]
• Do you speak English?Tehed Anglizi?
  [te-hed an-gli-zi]
• I don't understandMa fhemtch
  [ma fhemtsh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBghit nchuf lmenu, afak
  [b-ghit n-chuf l-me-nu, a-fak]
• I don't eat meatMa nklch lbahloul
  [ma nk-lsh l-ba-hloul]
• Cheers!Bssahtek
  [bs-sah-tek]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBghit n'dfa, afak
  [b-ghit n-dfa, a-fak]

• Help!Aidez-moi!
  [ai-dez-moi]
• Go away!Ruh!
  [ruh]
• Call the Police!Dkhoul l'barra!
  [dkhoul l-bar-ra]
• Call a doctor!Dkhoul t-tabib!
  [dkhoul t-ta-bib]
• I'm lostGhadi!
  [gha-di]
• I'm illAna mrid
  [a-na m-rid]

• I'd like to buy...Bghit nshri...
  [b-ghit n-shri]
• I'm just lookingAna ghir bghit nchuf
  [a-na ghir b-ghit n-chuf]
• How much is it?Chhal?
  [sh-hal]
• That's too expensiveHadshi ghali
  [had-shi gha-li]
• Can you lower the price?Wach t'khdem l'fouss?
  [wa-ch t-kh-dem l-fouss]

• What time is it?Chhal lwaqt?
  [sh-hal l-waqt]
• It's one o'clockSaa wahed
  [sa-a wa-hed]
• Half past (10)Saa w nos
  [sa-a w nos]
• MorningSbah
  [s-bah]
• AfternoonDohr
  [do-hr]
• EveningMassa
  [mas-sa]
• YesterdayHier
  [hi-er]
• TodayLyom
  [ly-om]
• TomorrowGhad
  [ghad]
• 1Wahed
  [wa-hed]
• 2Jouj
  [jouj]
• 3Tleta
  [t-le-ta]
• 4Arba
  [ar-ba]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Setta
  [set-ta]
• 7Sbaa
  [s-baa]
• 8Tmania
  [tma-ni-a]
• 9Ttes3a
  [t-te-sa]
• 103achra
  [3a-chra]

• Where's a/the...?Wash kayn...
  [wa-sh kayn]
• What's the address?Shno lwasfa?
  [sh-no l-was-fa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Wach t'3ni (3la lkhariita)?
  [wa-ch t-3-ni 3-la l-kha-rii-ta]
• When's the next (bus)?Meraycht khasni nqdm?
  [me-ra-ycht khas-ni n-qdm]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ila ....)
  [ti-ket (i-la)]

Asilah's history dates back to the Phoenician era, around the 10th century BCE, when it served as a trading post. The city later fell under Roman control, becoming a part of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana. Archaeological evidence, including remnants of fortifications and ancient coins, points to a bustling settlement engaged in trade across the Mediterranean.

In the 8th century, Asilah was incorporated into the expanding Islamic empire during the Islamic conquest of the Maghreb. It became an important site under the Idrisid Dynasty, which was the first Moroccan Islamic state. The city's strategic location along the Atlantic coast made it a key point for the spread of Islam and trade.

In 1471, Asilah was captured by Portuguese forces, marking the beginning of a significant European influence on the city. The Portuguese fortified Asilah, constructing robust walls and fortresses that are still visible today. This period saw the city becoming a crucial outpost for Portuguese maritime trade and military operations.

The Saadian dynasty reclaimed Asilah in 1549, after nearly a century of Portuguese control. The city was restored to Moroccan rule, and efforts were made to strengthen its defenses and revitalize its economy. Asilah played a pivotal role in the Saadian campaign against Portuguese enclaves in Morocco.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Asilah became a haven for pirates and corsairs, who used it as a base for raiding European ships. This period of lawlessness led to economic decline and depopulation, as the city struggled to maintain its former prosperity. The local population dwindled, and many of the city's structures fell into disrepair.

In 1912, Asilah became part of the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco. The Spanish administration invested in the city's infrastructure, building schools, roads, and modern amenities. This period also saw a cultural exchange between Spanish and Moroccan communities, influencing the city's architecture, cuisine, and daily life.

After Morocco gained independence in 1956, Asilah experienced a cultural and economic revival. The city underwent significant restoration efforts, particularly in its historic medina. The annual Asilah Arts Festival, established in 1978, has transformed the city into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting artists, scholars, and tourists from around the world.

Asilah is located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 40 kilometers south of Tangier. The nearest international airport is Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Asilah. The journey by taxi takes around 30-40 minutes, while the bus might take about an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from major Moroccan cities like Casablanca, Rabat, or Tangier directly to Asilah. The train station is conveniently located near the town center.

Asilah is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the town or to nearby areas, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There are also public buses that connect Asilah with other towns and cities. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a good option, but be mindful of local driving customs and traffic rules.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Asilah, and you can withdraw cash using international bank cards. Always have some smaller denominations for tips and small purchases.

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

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police assistance or 15 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Asilah. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always 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 light touch to the heart with your right hand after shaking hands is 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 Asilah like a local, visit the local souk (market) where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional Moroccan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the annual Asilah Arts Festival if you're visiting in August, which showcases local and international artists. For a unique experience, take a walk along the city walls and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.