Meknes: The Imperial Jewel of Morocco

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhiran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhair. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an araa alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la aakul allahum]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bilshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [iatisil batabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [lakad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد شراء...
  [uriid shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم الثمن؟
  [kam althaman?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsaeer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [alashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهيرة
  [alzuhurah]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

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

Meknes, originally founded in the 10th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, quickly grew in importance due to its strategic location. It was named after the Miknasa, a Berber tribe that dominated the region during that period.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Meknes flourished under the rule of the Almohad and Marinid dynasties. The city saw the construction of grand mosques, madrasas, and palaces as it became a cultural and religious hub in Morocco.

Meknes reached its zenith in the late 17th and early 18th centuries under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who declared it the capital of Morocco. He embarked on an ambitious building campaign, constructing monumental gates, elaborate palaces, and extensive fortifications, including the famous Bab Mansour gate.

Sultan Moulay Ismail's vision transformed Meknes into a city of architectural splendor, featuring the Heri es-Souani granaries, the Dar El Makhzen royal palace, and the sprawling Agdal Basin. His reign left a lasting imprint on the city’s urban landscape.

Following the death of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Meknes experienced a period of decline. However, the city witnessed a revival in the 19th century as the Alaouite dynasty undertook restoration projects, preserving its historical monuments and heritage.

During the French Protectorate from 1912 to 1956, Meknes underwent significant modernization. The French administration developed new infrastructure, blending traditional Moroccan and European architectural styles, which can still be seen in the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) area.

In 1996, the historic city of Meknes was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted its exceptional examples of Islamic architecture and urban planning, ensuring the preservation of its cultural and historical patrimony for future generations.

Meknes remains a vibrant cultural center in Morocco, hosting numerous festivals and events such as the Moussem of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and the International Festival of Mediterranean Cinema. These celebrations reflect the city's rich traditions and diverse heritage.

Meknes, located in northern Morocco, is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Fès-Saïs Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to Meknes, which typically takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Fès directly to Meknes. The train journey from Fès takes about 45 minutes, while from Casablanca, it takes around 3 hours.

Meknes is well-served by public transportation, including buses and taxis. Petit taxis are convenient for short trips within the city, while grand taxis can take you to nearby towns and cities. Buses are also an affordable option for getting around the city. For a more personalized experience, you can rent a car, but be prepared for local driving conditions. Walking is a great way to explore the medina and its narrow streets.

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 readily available throughout Meknes. It's a good idea to exchange some money at the airport or in major cities before arriving in Meknes.

Meknes is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places, particularly in the medina. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the Bab el-Mansour area and the busy markets. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police assistance or 15 for medical emergencies. The local hospital, Hôpital Mohammed V, is equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact numbers.

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. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Salam Alaykum' (peace be upon you). Handshakes are common, but always 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 Meknes like a local, visit the bustling medina and explore its souks where you can buy traditional Moroccan goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historical sites such as Bab el-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. For a unique experience, visit the Heri es-Souani granaries and take a stroll around the Agdal Basin.