The Timeless Allure of Old Medina, Casablanca

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeaan]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [azraan]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriidu an araa alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا أكل اللحوم
  [ana la aakulu allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!مساعدة!
  [musaeadah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bilshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil biltabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [liqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uriidu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم يكلف؟
  [kam yaklaf?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka takhfeed alsu'ar?]

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

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkhariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادمة (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadimah (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tazkirah (ila ....)]

The Old Medina of Casablanca dates back to the late 18th century, specifically established in 1770 by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah. It was designed as a fortified port and trading hub, reflecting the architectural and cultural influences of the time. The walls built around the Medina served both defensive and administrative purposes, marking the beginning of Casablanca's transformation into a significant urban center.

Throughout the 19th century, the Old Medina became a bustling marketplace, attracting traders from various regions, including Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Goods such as textiles, spices, and crafts were exchanged, making the Medina a melting pot of cultures and contributing to the economic growth of Casablanca. This period laid the groundwork for Casablanca's future as a commercial powerhouse.

The arrival of the French protectorate in 1912 marked a pivotal change in the Old Medina's landscape. While the French aimed to modernize the city, they also preserved certain elements of the Medina's heritage. The contrast between the colonial architecture and the traditional structures within the Old Medina highlights the complex interplay between modernity and tradition during this period.

The Old Medina served as a center for resistance against colonial rule, particularly during the nationalist movements of the mid-20th century. It became a symbol of Moroccan identity, with local leaders and activists using its narrow streets to organize protests and rallies. This historical significance has solidified the Old Medina's role in the country's struggle for independence.

In recent decades, there has been a concerted effort to preserve and revitalize the Old Medina as a cultural heritage site. Restoration projects aim to maintain its historic architecture and promote local artisanship. The Medina now hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate Moroccan traditions, drawing both locals and tourists to its vibrant atmosphere and rich history.

Old Medina is centrally located in Casablanca and can be easily accessed from other neighborhoods by various means of transport. From the Hassan II Mosque, you can walk to Old Medina in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take tram line T1 towards the 'Casa Voyageurs' station and get off at the 'Place des Nations Unies' station, which is a short walk from the Medina. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked via ride-sharing apps.

The best way to explore Old Medina is on foot due to its narrow and winding alleys. Public transport options like trams and buses are available to reach the outskirts, but within the Medina, walking is the most enjoyable and practical method. Bicycle rentals are also available, but maneuvering through the crowded streets can be challenging.

Old Medina is generally safe, but tourists should remain vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It's advisable to avoid alleyways that are less frequented by tourists, particularly after dark. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious when approached by overly friendly strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police assistance or 15 for ambulance services. The nearest hospital is the Hôpital 20 Août, located a short distance from the Medina. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; if entering a mosque, ensure to cover your head and shoulders. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake; a light kiss on both cheeks is also common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially street food. Don't refuse food or drink offered to you, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Old Medina like a local, visit the souks early in the morning when they are less crowded. Engage with shopkeepers, who often welcome conversation and will share stories about their products. Be sure to try traditional Moroccan pastries at local bakeries and sip mint tea at cafes. Don't miss the chance to watch artisans at work, especially in areas known for leather goods and traditional crafts.