Anfa: The Elegant Heart of Casablanca

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathirana]
• 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'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqaimah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfaa, min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atassal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• 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 atafaraj]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khaafid alsir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [alnusf ba'd (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهيرة
  [alzuhurah]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arbahah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayna hu/hya...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yatee alhaafilat altalyiah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى....)
  [tadhkirah (ila...)]

Anfa, known as a coastal settlement, has roots that trace back to the Phoenician era around 1000 BC, serving as a vital trading post. The name 'Anfa' is believed to derive from the Berber word for 'the place of the wind,' reflecting its geographic significance along the Atlantic coast.

In the 12th century, Anfa gained prominence during the Almohad dynasty, which expanded its influence over the region. The Almohads fortified the area, and Anfa became an important harbor for trade and military expeditions, linking Morocco with other Mediterranean cultures.

By the end of the 15th century, Anfa faced decline due to attacks by Portuguese forces and subsequently fell into ruin. The area was largely abandoned, and its strategic importance was overshadowed by the nearby city of Casablanca, which emerged as a more significant urban center.

The early 20th century marked a resurgence for Anfa when French colonial authorities began developing the area into an affluent suburb of Casablanca. This transformation included the construction of luxurious villas and the establishment of elite neighborhoods, reflecting European architectural influences.

Today, Anfa stands as one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Casablanca, characterized by its upscale residences, green spaces, and cultural institutions. The area is a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, making it a focal point for both residents and visitors seeking a taste of Casablanca's rich heritage.

Anfa is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Casablanca. From the city center, you can take a taxi or a tram to Anfa. The tram network is efficient, with Line 1 connecting you to various parts of the city. If you are coming from the Hassan II Mosque or the Old Medina, consider a taxi for convenience, which typically costs around 30-60 dirhams depending on traffic.

Anfa is a relatively upscale area with numerous attractions within walking distance. For further exploration, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. Public buses also operate, but they may not be as convenient for tourists. Bicycles can be rented at various spots, offering a scenic way to explore the neighborhood's parks and beachfront.

Anfa is generally considered a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas. Areas near the outskirts can be less safe, so it's best to stick to main streets and popular venues.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police assistance, 15 for fire, and 19 for ambulance services in Morocco. The nearest hospital is the Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, located in the nearby neighborhood of Ain Diab. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local markets and public spaces. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting mosques, women should wear headscarves. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly people. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is considered respectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan.

To experience Anfa like a local, visit the local cafes and bakeries in the morning to enjoy freshly baked Moroccan pastries with mint tea. Engage with local artisans in the area, especially those selling traditional crafts. Don't miss the Anfa Place shopping mall for a mix of local and international brands, and make sure to stroll along the beachfront promenade, especially at sunset.