Essaouira: The Enchanting Wind City of Morocco

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassal bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassal bithibib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalet altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatlau]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd als'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walinisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالليل
  [allayl]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• 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 alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata ya'ti alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

The earliest known settlers of Essaouira were the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, who established trading posts along the coast of present-day Morocco around the 5th century BCE. The strategic location of Essaouira made it an ideal stopover for their maritime trade routes, linking the Mediterranean with sub-Saharan Africa.

By the 1st century CE, the Romans had established a presence in Essaouira, which they called 'Tamuziga.' The Romans were attracted by the rich resources, particularly the purple dye extracted from the Murex sea snail, which was highly prized across the Roman Empire.

During the medieval period, the Berber tribes took control of Essaouira. The region became part of the Berber kingdom of the Sanhaja and later the Almoravid dynasty. The Berbers utilized Essaouira as a vital port for exporting goods such as grains, ivory, and gold.

In 1506, the Portuguese occupied Essaouira and established a fort called 'Castelo Real de Mogador.' This marked the beginning of European interest in the region. However, the Portuguese faced continuous resistance from the local Berber tribes and eventually abandoned the fort in 1510.

The modern city of Essaouira was founded in 1764 by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah. He commissioned the French engineer Théodore Cornut to design the city, aiming to create a thriving port to facilitate trade with Europe. The city was then known as 'Mogador,' and its layout included wide streets, public squares, and fortifications.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Essaouira became a melting pot of cultures, including a significant Jewish population. The Jewish quarter, known as the Mellah, was established, and Jews played a crucial role in the city's commerce, particularly in the trade of textiles and spices.

In 1912, Morocco became a French Protectorate, and Essaouira came under French administrative control. The city experienced modernization efforts, including infrastructure development and the introduction of new architectural styles. However, the traditional Moroccan culture remained largely intact.

Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, and Essaouira began to experience a resurgence in cultural significance. The city became a hub for artists, musicians, and writers. The annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, established in 1998, attracts international attention and celebrates the rich musical heritage of the region.

In 2001, Essaouira's Medina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition highlighted the city's historical and cultural importance, preserving its unique architecture and urban planning. The UNESCO status has helped boost tourism, bringing global attention to Essaouira's rich heritage.

Essaouira is accessible via several modes of transport. The nearest international airport is Essaouira-Mogador Airport, situated about 16 kilometers southeast of the city. Seasonal flights operate from various European cities, and domestic flights are available from Casablanca. Alternatively, you can fly into Marrakech Menara Airport or Agadir Al Massira Airport and take a bus or taxi to Essaouira. The bus journey from Marrakech or Agadir takes approximately 3 hours, with services provided by companies such as Supratours and CTM.

Getting around Essaouira is relatively easy. The city is compact and walkable, making it ideal for exploring on foot. For longer distances, grand taxis are available and can be shared or hired privately. Petit taxis are also a convenient option for shorter trips within the city. Additionally, bicycles can be rented for a more leisurely exploration of the area. Public buses connect Essaouira to nearby towns and cities, although schedules can be irregular.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Essaouira, and currency exchange services can be found in banks and exchange offices. Tipping is customary in Morocco, typically around 10% in restaurants.

Essaouira is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places such as markets and bus stations. The Medina is safe to explore, but it is always wise to stay alert. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police assistance, 15 for medical emergencies, and 15 for fire services. Essaouira has a hospital (Hôpital Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah) located near the city center, as well as several pharmacies that can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, many locals speak some English or French, which can be helpful in communicating your needs.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of prayer times and avoid interrupting. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salam Alaykum' (Peace be upon you). Handshakes are common, but wait for the other person to initiate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Essaouira like a local, visit the bustling Medina and its vibrant souks, where you can find handmade crafts, spices, and local produce. Take a stroll along the picturesque Skala de la Ville, a historic fortress with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy fresh seafood at the port, where you can select your meal directly from fishermen. For a unique experience, visit during the Gnaoua World Music Festival, held annually in June, which showcases a blend of traditional Moroccan and international music.