The Enchanting Kasbah of Tangier

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhraan]
• 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 understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqa'imah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!نبيه
  [nabiha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansiraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana dhaa'i]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallu]
• 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 تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشر و النصف
  [al'ashir wa alnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [aldhuhr]
• 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
  [tasia'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• 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 yumkinuk 'an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم؟
  [mata alqadim?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirah (ila ...)]

The Kasbah of Tangier, located at the highest point of the city, has its origins dating back to the establishment of Tangier itself in the 5th century BC. Initially a Phoenician trading post, the area evolved through various dominions, including the Romans and the Byzantines. The Kasbah, as a fortified citadel, played a pivotal role in protecting the city from invasions and served as the seat of power for various rulers throughout its history.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Kasbah experienced significant development under the Almohad and later Merinid dynasties. These dynasties reinforced the fortifications and expanded the area, establishing the Kasbah as a center of political and military power. The intricate design and architecture of the Kasbah reflect the grandeur of Islamic architecture during this period, showcasing beautiful arches and elaborate tile work.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tangier's strategic location attracted European powers, leading to the establishment of an international zone in 1923. The Kasbah served as a focal point for diplomatic missions and foreign consulates, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Tangier. This period saw the infusion of various European architectural styles into the Kasbah, blending with its traditional Moroccan elements.

The Kasbah of Tangier played a notable role during Morocco's struggle for independence in the mid-20th century. As a center of political activism and cultural exchange, the Kasbah became a meeting point for nationalists and intellectuals. The iconic Kasbah Mosque and the surrounding areas were often venues for gatherings and protests, contributing to the broader movement that ultimately led to Morocco's independence in 1956.

In recent decades, the Kasbah has undergone revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its rich cultural heritage. Restoration projects have focused on maintaining the historic architecture and promoting local crafts, which are showcased in the artisan shops and galleries within the Kasbah. This area now attracts tourists eager to experience its vibrant culture, history, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Kasbah is located in the heart of Tangier, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the Medina, it's a short 15-minute walk. If you're coming from the train station, you can take a taxi or a local bus, which takes approximately 20 minutes. For those arriving from the ferry terminal, it's about a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride.

Kasbah is a compact area best explored on foot. The narrow, winding streets are pedestrian-friendly. Local taxis are available for longer distances, while buses and shared taxis can take you to other parts of Tangier. Bicycles can be rented in the city, but be cautious of traffic and road conditions.

Kasbah is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised, especially at night. Areas around the port and certain back alleys can experience petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Avoid displaying valuables and remain vigilant in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police, 15 for ambulance services, and 19 for fire services in Morocco. The nearest hospital is the Centre Hospitalier, located a short taxi ride from Kasbah. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should consider wearing long skirts or trousers. Don’t wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting mosques, dress appropriately and remove shoes. Public Transport: Do be courteous; offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Salam' and a handshake; a smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and share meals; don’t refuse food offered by locals, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Kasbah like a local, visit the vibrant local markets, such as the Souk el Hed, where you can find fresh produce and artisan goods. Join a cooking class to learn about Moroccan cuisine or take a guided tour to understand the rich history of the area. Engage with local artisans in the narrow streets and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations on hidden gems in the neighborhood.