Socco Chico: The Heartbeat of Tangier

• Helloسلا
  [sala]
• Goodbyeواعرف
  [waʿraf]
• Yesآيو
  [ayu]
• Noماشي
  [mashi]
• Please/You're welcomeبركة
  [barka]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryسمحلي
  [smahli]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?تحكي إنجليزية؟
  [tahki ingiliziya?]
• I don't understandما فهمتش
  [ma fahamtsh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseندير نشوف لقاء القائمة، من فضلك
  [ndir nshuf laqa alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatما ناكلش لحم
  [ma naklsh lahmm]
• Cheers!صحة!
  [saha!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseندير ندفع، من فضلك
  [ndir ndafaa, min fadlik]

• Help!العون!
  [alaoun!]
• Go away!روح!
  [ruh!]
• Call the Police!استدعي الشرطة!
  [astadi alshurta!]
• Call a doctor!استدعي طبيب!
  [astadi tabib!]
• I'm lostضايع
  [daye']
• I'm illمريض
  [mariid]

• I'd like to buy...ندير نشري...
  [ndir nshri...]
• I'm just lookingكنتفرج فقط
  [kantfarg faqat]
• How much is it?كم ثمنها؟
  [kam thamnha?]
• That's too expensiveهادي غالية جدا
  [hadi ghaliya jdida]
• Can you lower the price?تقدر تخفض الثمن؟
  [tqdr tkhfd athmn?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam assa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة وحدة
  [assa'a wahda]
• Half past (10)نص العشرة
  [nus alashra]
• Morningالصباح
  [assaabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [al'asr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayالبارح
  [albarih]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2إثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thlatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?وين ال...
  [wayn al...]
• What's the address?شنو العنوان؟
  [chno alanwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?تقدر توريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [tqdr tawrini (ala alkharyta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?واش الباشا كيجي؟
  [wash albash kiji?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkira (ila ...)]

Socco Chico, known for its vibrant markets and intimate streets, has roots tracing back to the early days of Tangier’s establishment as a trading post. Its location near the port made it a crucial hub for merchants and travelers, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Socco Chico became significantly influenced by European colonial powers, particularly during the period of international administration in Tangier. This era brought an influx of foreign nationals, traders, and artists, contributing to the eclectic cultural fabric of the neighborhood.

Socco Chico was home to a vibrant Jewish community that played a pivotal role in the economic and cultural life of Tangier. The presence of synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses in the area reflects the historical significance of this community, particularly before the mid-20th century when many emigrated due to changing political climates.

During the 1950s, Socco Chico attracted a host of writers and artists associated with the Beat Generation, including William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac. This artistic influx led to a creative renaissance in the neighborhood, where cafes and bars became venues for literary discussions, music, and art, cementing Socco Chico's place in the cultural history of Tangier.

In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize Socco Chico while preserving its historic charm. This includes the restoration of traditional buildings and promotion of local crafts, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. The neighborhood continues to thrive as a center of cultural exchange, reflecting the dynamic history of Tangier.

Socco Chico is centrally located in Tangier and can be easily reached from various neighborhoods. From the Medina, you can take a short walk or a taxi, which should take around 10-15 minutes. If you're coming from the Tangier Ville train station, taxis are available, or you can take a local bus that services the area. Buses departing from the station frequently connect to various parts of the city, including Socco Chico.

Socco Chico is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked via mobile apps. Buses also serve the area, connecting to other parts of Tangier. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, allowing for a leisurely ride along the coast or through nearby streets.

Socco Chico is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded markets. Be cautious around the outskirts of the neighborhood, where petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police and 15 for medical services in Morocco. There are local clinics in Tangier that can provide assistance. It's advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Socco Chico, where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; when visiting mosques, women should cover their heads. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept offers of food graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience Socco Chico like a local, visit the local cafes and tea houses where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan mint tea. Explore the vibrant souks and markets where you can interact with artisans and buy handcrafted goods. Try to learn a few basic Arabic or Berber phrases, as locals appreciate the effort. If you have the opportunity, attend a local festival or event to immerse yourself in the culture.