The Enchanting Medina of Marrakech

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la 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 aakol allaham]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab ba'eedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialsurata!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atasil baltabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• 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 khafdh alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assaabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• 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 alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirah (ila ...)]

Marrakech was founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty, and the Medina, or old city, was established shortly thereafter. This period marked the beginning of Marrakech as a significant political, economic, and cultural center in Morocco. The city was designed with the Medina at its core, featuring a dense network of narrow streets, vibrant souks, and stunning architecture that reflects Islamic design principles.

During the 16th century, the Saadian dynasty ruled Marrakech and significantly contributed to the city's architectural heritage. The Medina became a canvas for exquisite mosques, palaces, and gardens. Notable structures such as the Saadian Tombs and the Badi Palace were built during this time, showcasing intricate tilework and elaborate stucco designs that define the aesthetic of the Medina.

In the early 20th century, Morocco became a French protectorate, and the Medina faced various challenges as colonial authorities sought to modernize the city. While the French developed the modern parts of Marrakech, the Medina retained its historical charm, although it experienced neglect. The colonial period also saw the establishment of new trade routes and the introduction of modern amenities, which began to influence the traditional lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Following Morocco's independence in 1956, efforts were made to restore and preserve the Medina's historical sites. The Medina has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its cultural significance. Today, the area is a bustling hub for artisans, merchants, and tourists, continuing to showcase traditional Moroccan crafts, cuisine, and hospitality.

In recent years, the Medina faces challenges such as urbanization, tourism pressure, and the need for sustainable development. Various organizations and local authorities are working to balance modernization with the preservation of the Medina's rich cultural heritage, ensuring that this historical neighborhood remains a vibrant part of Marrakech's identity.

Medina is centrally located in Marrakech and easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From the modern Gueliz area, you can take a taxi or a local bus, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. If you are coming from the airport, a taxi ride to Medina will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a pre-arranged shuttle service or a private transfer for convenience.

The Medina is a maze of narrow streets, best explored on foot. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, local shops, and historical sites. While bicycles are available for rent, they are not recommended due to the crowded and winding streets. For longer distances, small taxis (petit taxis) are a convenient option. Avoid using larger buses within the Medina, as they do not operate in the narrow alleys.

Medina is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa and souks. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep your belongings secure. Areas to be cautious in include the outskirts of the Medina, particularly around the less frequented alleys after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police or 15 for medical assistance in Morocco. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. The nearest hospital is the Hôpital Ibn Tofail, which is equipped to handle urgent medical needs. For minor medical issues, there are pharmacies scattered throughout the Medina.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably; lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are ideal. Avoid wearing overly revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites; women should cover their heads when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful, keep your voice down, and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a firm handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drink mint tea when offered. Don’t refuse food or drink, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Medina like a local, visit the local markets early in the morning for fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with shopkeepers and artisans to learn about their crafts. Attend a local cooking class to discover Moroccan culinary traditions. Explore hidden riads and less-traveled alleyways for authentic experiences, and don’t hesitate to get lost in the Medina's charm.

Understanding local etiquette is key to a respectful visit. When invited into a home, it’s customary to remove your shoes. If you're visiting a mosque, be sure to ask for permission if you're unsure about entering. Always use your right hand for eating and passing items, as the left hand is considered unclean in Moroccan culture.

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It's advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases in local markets. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger shops, but not everywhere. ATMs are available throughout the Medina, but be cautious when withdrawing cash, and use machines located in well-lit areas.