Essaouira Region: Morocco's Coastal Gem

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• 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, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [izhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [lqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam siroh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafdh alsir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشر والنصف
  [al'ashar walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [ala'sr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمنية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• 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 yumkinuk 'an turyani (ala alkhariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafila)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ila ....)]

Essaouira, originally known as Mogador, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as the 7th century BC. The Phoenicians were among the first to establish a trading post here, leveraging the strategic location along the Atlantic coast.

During the Roman era, the region continued to thrive as a trading hub. The Romans called it 'Cessaria' and it became an important link in their trade routes, with goods such as purple dye, produced from local mollusks, being highly prized across the empire.

In the medieval period, Essaouira was an important outpost in the trans-Saharan trade routes. The Berber tribes, who controlled the region, facilitated the exchange of goods such as gold, salt, and slaves between sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the Mediterranean world.

In the 16th century, under the Saadian Dynasty, the Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur recognized the strategic importance of Mogador. He commissioned the construction of a fortification, which laid the groundwork for the town’s later development. This period also saw increased European interest in the region.

Modern Essaouira was officially founded in 1764 by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah. The Sultan hired the French architect Théodore Cornut to design the city, aiming to create a fortified port that could compete with European trading posts. The star-shaped layout and robust fortifications are indicative of this period.

During the colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Essaouira became a focal point of European interest. The French, in particular, established a significant presence, and the city saw an influx of European architecture and cultural influences.

For centuries, Essaouira has been a melting pot of cultures, including a significant Jewish population. By the late 19th century, Jews made up a substantial portion of the city's population and contributed significantly to its economic and cultural life. The Mellah, or Jewish quarter, remains a testament to this rich heritage.

Following Morocco's independence in 1956, Essaouira began to develop as a cultural and tourist hub. The city's unique blend of Moroccan, French, and Jewish influences, along with its well-preserved medina, earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001.

In recent decades, Essaouira has experienced a cultural renaissance, becoming known for its vibrant arts scene. The city hosts the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, which attracts artists and visitors from around the globe, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the region.

Essaouira Region is accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest international airport is Essaouira-Mogador Airport, which is about 17 kilometers from the city. You can also fly into Marrakech Menara Airport and take a bus, taxi, or rental car for a 2.5-hour drive to Essaouira. CTM and Supratours buses operate regular services from major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir to Essaouira. If you prefer driving, rental cars are available at airports and in major cities.

In Essaouira, most attractions are within walking distance in the medina area. For longer distances, you can use petit taxis, which are relatively inexpensive. Grand taxis are available for trips outside the city. Renting a bicycle or scooter is another popular option for exploring the region. Public buses are limited but can be used for travel within the region. For a unique experience, consider riding a camel or horse along the beach.

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 available throughout Essaouira, but it’s a good idea to have sufficient cash on hand, especially if you plan to visit rural areas. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices.

Essaouira is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the medina and markets. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. The local police are helpful and can be contacted in case of any issues.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police assistance or 15 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Essaouira is Hôpital Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, which provides emergency medical services. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of prayer times. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It is polite to use your right hand for greetings and exchanges. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid using your left hand for eating or passing food.

To experience Essaouira like a local, visit the fish market early in the morning and enjoy freshly grilled seafood. Take a stroll along the ramparts of the Skala de la Ville for stunning ocean views. Engage with local artisans in the medina, where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival if you visit in June, which features traditional and contemporary music performances.