Marrakech: The Jewel of Morocco

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aatharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'iinjlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid 'an 'ara alqa'imat, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل لحما
  [ana la aakul lahman]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid 'an 'udfi', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasl bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atasl baltabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mariid]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid 'an 'ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khifd alsi'ru?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة واحدة
  [alssa'ah wahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [alnisf ba'd (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [assaabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniyah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayn...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'ainan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an turiini (ealaa alkhariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkarat ('iilaa ....)]

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, a chieftain and cousin of the Almoravid king Yusuf ibn Tashfin. The city quickly grew into a significant political, economic, and cultural center under the Almoravid Dynasty. The red walls of the city and various structures built by the Almoravids, and later the Almohads, gave the city its nickname, the 'Red City'.

In 1147, the Almohads, a Berber Muslim dynasty, conquered Marrakech from the Almoravids. They embarked on a campaign to destroy the Almoravid architectural legacy and establish their own. The Almohads constructed the Koutoubia Mosque, which remains one of Marrakech's most iconic landmarks.

The Saadian Dynasty brought a golden age to Marrakech in the 16th century. Under Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur, the city flourished as a hub of wealth, culture, and architectural innovation. The Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace are enduring legacies of this prosperous period.

In 1912, Morocco became a French Protectorate, significantly influencing Marrakech's development. The French established the modern quarter of Gueliz, introducing new architectural styles and urban planning concepts. This period also saw the preservation and restoration of many historical sites.

Following Morocco's independence in 1956, Marrakech continued to grow and modernize while preserving its historical heritage. The city has become a major tourist destination, celebrated for its vibrant souks, historic palaces, and gardens. Modern Marrakech seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a unique cultural experience.

In 1985, the medina of Marrakech was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted the city's rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural significance. The designation has helped to ensure the preservation and promotion of Marrakech's unique heritage.

Marrakech is served by Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), located about 6 kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport has flights from major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or pre-arranged hotel transfer to the city center. Alternatively, you can arrive by train from other Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes, with Marrakech being the southern terminus of the ONCF rail network.

Marrakech has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive; 'petit taxis' are for short trips within the city, while 'grand taxis' are used for longer distances and can be shared. Public buses operated by ALSA are a budget-friendly option, and the city's new tramway system covers key areas. Renting a car is an option, but driving can be challenging due to traffic and narrow streets. For a more authentic experience, consider taking a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) ride around the city.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and in markets. ATMs are abundant in Marrakech, especially in tourist areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa and Gueliz. Currency exchange can be done at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels.

Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advised. Be cautious in crowded areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks, as pickpocketing can occur. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Neighborhoods such as Medina can be maze-like and confusing; consider hiring a guide or using a reliable map app. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police assistance, 15 for medical emergencies, and 15 for fire services. Hospitals and clinics are available in Marrakech, with the Mohamed VI University Hospital being a major facility. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and traditional areas. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow. In traditional settings, it's appropriate to greet with 'Salam Alaikum.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Marrakech like a local, visit the local souks where you can haggle for goods and interact with merchants. Try traditional Moroccan street food such as tagine and pastilla. Spend an evening in Jemaa el-Fnaa to enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performers and food stalls. Take a stroll in the Jardin Majorelle or the Menara Gardens for a peaceful retreat. Engaging with locals can provide deeper insights into the city's culture and traditions.