The Vibrant Heart of Morocco: Casablanca

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaea]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bkheir. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatلا آكل اللحم
  [la aakol allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [aitisal bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [aitisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostضاعت الطريق
  [daeat altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarg]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam hu thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfiz alsaeir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaaah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaaah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baed aldhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn hu/hi...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu alaunwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tazkirah (ila ....)]

The area around Casablanca has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Archaeological findings suggest that early humans settled here due to its strategic coastal location. Over the centuries, the region was influenced by various cultures, including the Phoenicians, who established trading posts along the Moroccan coastline.

During the early medieval period, the area that is now Casablanca was part of the Berber Kingdoms. The Berbers, indigenous people of North Africa, established a series of small, fortified settlements. These settlements served as important centers for trade and cultural exchange.

By the 10th century, the city of Anfa had emerged as a significant port town. Anfa was known for its prosperity and was a center for pirates who plagued European shipping routes. In the 15th century, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa due to its pirate activities, but they later rebuilt it and named it Casa Branca, meaning 'White House'.

The Portuguese occupied the rebuilt Casa Branca from 1515 to 1755. During this period, the city served as a key Portuguese trading port. However, frequent conflicts with the local Berber population and natural disasters, such as the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, led to the Portuguese abandoning the city. The Spanish briefly took over before it fell under the control of the Alaouite dynasty of Morocco.

In 1907, French forces occupied Casablanca, marking the beginning of a significant transformation. Under French colonial rule, Casablanca grew rapidly into a major port and economic hub. The French introduced modern infrastructure, including wide boulevards, public buildings, and residential neighborhoods, which laid the foundation for the city's contemporary urban landscape.

Casablanca played a crucial role during World War II. In 1942, the city was the site of the Casablanca Conference, where Allied leaders, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, planned the next phase of the war. The city's port and strategic location made it an essential base for Allied operations in North Africa.

Following Morocco's independence from France in 1956, Casablanca continued to thrive as the country's economic heart. The city experienced rapid urbanization and industrial growth, attracting people from across Morocco and beyond. It became a melting pot of cultures, blending traditional Moroccan elements with modern influences.

Casablanca is home to some of Morocco's most iconic landmarks. The Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, stands as one of the largest mosques in the world and showcases exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship. The city's Art Deco architecture, a remnant of the French colonial era, and the bustling medinas offer a unique glimpse into its diverse cultural heritage.

Casablanca is served by Mohammed V International Airport, located about 30 kilometers south of the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a train, or a shuttle bus to reach the city center. The train service is frequent and takes around 45 minutes to reach the Casa Voyageurs station in central Casablanca.

Public transportation in Casablanca includes trams, buses, and taxis. The tram system is modern and covers most of the city. Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and less reliable. Petit taxis (small red taxis) are a convenient way to get around the city for short distances, while grand taxis (larger white taxis) can be used for longer trips. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also available.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Casablanca, and you can withdraw cash using international debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus.

Casablanca is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in busy areas such as the Old Medina, the Central Market, and around major tourist attractions. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure. It is advisable to avoid the Derb Sultan and Sbata neighborhoods, which have higher crime rates.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police, 15 for medical emergencies, and 15 for fire services. Major hospitals like Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Rochd provide emergency medical care. Pharmacies are abundant and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police station can assist with any security issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer 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 Casablanca like a local, visit the Marché Central where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Moroccan goods. Enjoy a stroll along the Corniche for scenic ocean views, and visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to try authentic Moroccan cuisine at local eateries.