The Blue Pearl of Morocco: Chefchaouen

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعفوا
  [afwan]
• 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 ingiliyziya?]
• 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 fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakol allaham]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [idhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt 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 خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsaeir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaeah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة واحدة
  [alsaeah wahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة والنصف
  [alsaeah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [alduhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaneya]
• 9تسعة
  [tisa]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'uanan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tareeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yati alhafilah altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkarah (ila ...)]

Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. Initially, it served as a small fortress to defend against Portuguese invasions in northern Morocco. The city was strategically located in the Rif Mountains, providing natural defense and a vantage point over the surrounding area.

In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Chefchaouen became a haven for Muslims and Jews fleeing persecution during the Reconquista in Spain. The influx of Andalusian refugees significantly influenced the city's culture, architecture, and way of life, blending North African and Andalusian traditions.

In 1920, during the Rif War, Spanish forces occupied Chefchaouen. The occupation lasted until 1956 when Morocco gained independence. The Spanish influence is still evident in the city's architecture, language, and cultural life. Many buildings from this period reflect a blend of Spanish and Moroccan styles.

Chefchaouen is renowned for its distinctive blue-washed buildings, a tradition that started in the 1930s. The choice of blue is believed to symbolize the sky and heaven, and it has become a hallmark of the city's identity. The medina, with its narrow, winding streets, showcases traditional Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, attracting visitors from around the world.

Today, Chefchaouen is a vibrant city that attracts tourists with its unique charm and historical significance. The city has managed to preserve its rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern times. It is also known for its artisan crafts, including weaving and leatherwork, which continue to thrive in its bustling markets.

Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. The nearest international airports are Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport and Tetouan Sania Ramel Airport. From Tangier, it is approximately a 2-hour drive to Chefchaouen, and from Tetouan, it takes about 1.5 hours by car. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these cities. CTM and other local bus companies operate regular services to Chefchaouen from major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez.

Chefchaouen is a small, walkable city, especially within the medina (old town). For longer distances, taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. There are no public buses within the city, but you can use grand taxis for intercity travel. Car rentals are available, but driving in the narrow streets of the medina can be challenging. Walking is often the best way to explore the charming streets and alleys of Chefchaouen.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Chefchaouen, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before entering the medina, where ATMs might not be as accessible. Currency exchange services are also available in the city.

Chefchaouen is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets. Chefchaouen does not have any specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft and scams can occur, so be cautious.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police assistance and 15 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Chefchaouen. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Ensure you have the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Morocco.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques and religious sites, dress conservatively and remove your shoes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Salam Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). Handshakes are common, but use your right hand. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Chefchaouen like a local, visit the vibrant markets (souks) where you can buy traditional Moroccan goods such as rugs, pottery, and spices. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the panoramic views from the Spanish Mosque, a short hike from the medina. For an authentic experience, try dining at local eateries serving traditional Moroccan cuisine like tagine and couscous.