Bizerte: The Hidden Gem of Tunisia's North Coast

• Helloالسلام عليكم
  [assalamu alaykum]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب و السعة
  [min fadlik/ala alrahb wasa'ah]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. و أنت؟
  [bi khayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriidu 'an 'ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakulu allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu 'an 'udfi', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [an najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insiraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atasil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laday dallalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uriidu 'an 'ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatalla']
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jidan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsu'ur?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaeat?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaeat alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة و النصف
  [al'asharah wanisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adhuhur]
• 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 هو/هي...؟
  [ayn huwa/hy...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'awn?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tarini (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'ti alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirat ('iilaa ....)]

Bizerte, originally known as Hippo Diarrhytus, was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BCE. It served as an important maritime hub due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast. The city's early prosperity was driven by its role in trade and communication across the Mediterranean basin.

In 146 BCE, Bizerte fell under Roman control after the Third Punic War. The Romans renamed the city to Hippo Diarrhytus and developed it further, constructing roads, aqueducts, and public buildings. The city became a vital part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Bizerte came under Byzantine rule in the 6th century CE. The Byzantines fortified the city, recognizing its strategic importance for controlling the Mediterranean Sea. Bizerte remained a key defensive outpost against the expanding Arab forces.

In the 7th century, Arab forces conquered Bizerte, integrating it into the rapidly expanding Islamic Caliphate. The city was renamed Banzart and became an important naval base and commercial center in the region. The Islamic influence introduced new architectural styles and cultural practices that continue to shape the city.

In the 16th century, Bizerte became part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans fortified the city further and used it as a naval base to control the western Mediterranean. The city's strategic importance grew, and it attracted various European powers' attention, leading to several conflicts and skirmishes.

In 1881, Bizerte became part of the French Protectorate of Tunisia. The French developed the city's infrastructure, including the construction of the Bizerte Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea to Lake Bizerte, significantly enhancing the city's maritime capabilities. Bizerte served as a crucial naval base during both World Wars.

The Bizerte Crisis occurred in 1961, a pivotal event in Tunisian history. Following Tunisia's independence from France in 1956, French forces remained in Bizerte. Tensions escalated, leading to a violent confrontation between Tunisian and French troops. The crisis resulted in significant casualties and ultimately led to the withdrawal of French forces from Bizerte.

Today, Bizerte is a vibrant city that reflects its rich historical tapestry. The city's architecture, including the Kasbah and the Old Port, showcases a blend of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman, and French influences. Bizerte's cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals, museums, and historical sites, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

Bizerte is located in northern Tunisia, approximately 65 kilometers from Tunis, the capital. The nearest international airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN). From the airport, you can take a taxi, hire a private car, or use public transportation to reach Bizerte. The journey by taxi or car typically takes around one hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from Tunis to Bizerte, which offers a scenic route through the Tunisian countryside.

Bizerte is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and affordable. Public buses and minibuses (louages) operate within the city and connect to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car is also an option for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in local markets. ATMs are widely available in Bizerte, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue.

Bizerte is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 197 for police assistance or 190 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Bizerte. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in the city where you can purchase 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 cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In some cases, a slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bizerte like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Tunisian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Bizerte Medina, the Kasbah, and the Old Port for a taste of the city's rich history. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Corniche, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.