Tangier: The Gateway to Africa

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf haalak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. 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, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriid an araa 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, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uriid an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal bata'ib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalelt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

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

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'at alwahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد العاشرة
  [alnusf ba'd aleashirah]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn huwa/hiya...?]
• 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 alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhaafila altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkira (ila ...)]

Tangier's history dates back to the 5th century BC when it was first established as a Phoenician trading post. Later, it became part of the Carthaginian Empire. By the 1st century BC, Tangier was under Roman rule and known as Tingis, serving as a significant commercial hub in the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana.

Tangier became a major Islamic city in the 7th century when it was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate. It played a crucial role in the Islamic expansion into the Iberian Peninsula, serving as a departure point for the Muslim invasion of Spain in 711 AD, led by General Tariq ibn Ziyad.

In the 15th century, Tangier fell under Portuguese control after the conquest of Ceuta in 1415. The city was later handed over to Spain in 1580 as part of the Iberian Union. The Portuguese and Spanish influences left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture and fortifications.

In 1661, Tangier was gifted to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married King Charles II. The British invested heavily in the city’s defenses but eventually abandoned it in 1684 due to persistent attacks from local tribes. In the early 20th century, Tangier became an International Zone, governed by multiple European powers, which lasted until Morocco gained independence in 1956.

During the 20th century, Tangier became a haven for artists, writers, and expatriates. The city’s unique status as an International Zone attracted a diverse population, including famous figures like Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, and Henri Matisse. This period left a rich cultural legacy that continues to influence the city today.

Since Morocco’s independence in 1956, Tangier has grown into a bustling metropolis while retaining its historical charm. Modern infrastructure and economic development have transformed Tangier into a major port city and cultural center, yet its medina, kasbah, and colonial-era buildings ensure that the city's storied past remains ever-present.

Tangier is accessible via several modes of transportation. The Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG) is located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center and receives flights from major European cities and domestic flights from within Morocco. You can also reach Tangier by ferry from Spain; ferries operate regularly from Algeciras, Tarifa, and Barcelona, docking at the Port of Tangier Ville. Additionally, Tangier is well-connected by train, with the high-speed Al Boraq train linking it to major cities like Casablanca and Rabat.

Tangier has a variety of transportation options. Petit taxis (small blue taxis) are widely available for short distances within the city and are metered. For longer distances, grand taxis (usually white) are available and can be shared. The city also has an extensive bus network operated by ALSA, covering most areas of interest. For a unique experience, consider taking the Tangier-Casablanca high-speed train, which provides a fast and scenic journey along the coast. Car rentals are also an option for those looking to explore the surrounding areas independently.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Tangier, especially in the city center and tourist areas. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus. It is recommended to have some dirhams on hand upon arrival for immediate expenses.

Tangier is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like the medina. The neighborhoods of Boukhalef and Benkirane have reported higher crime rates, so it is advisable to be vigilant if visiting these areas. Stick to well-lit and populated areas and always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police assistance and 15 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Tangier is the Centre Hospitalier Régional Mohammed V, which provides emergency medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available across the city and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Men and women may greet with a kiss on each cheek, but it is best to follow the local's lead. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tangier like a local, visit the Petit Socco in the medina, where you can enjoy a coffee and people-watch. Try to engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Kasbah Museum for a glimpse into Tangier's rich past. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Corniche at sunset for stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Also, explore the local markets (souks) for fresh produce and traditional Moroccan goods.