Djerba: The Island of Dreams

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [udhur]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akul allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين
  [sahatayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bilshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil bittibib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mariid]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallu']
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsu'ru?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'atul waahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah wan nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adhdhuhur]
• 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
  [tasi'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'unnwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an turini (ala alkhariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Djerba, known as the 'Island of the Lotus-Eaters' in Homer's Odyssey, has a history that dates back to ancient times. The island was first settled by the Berbers and later became a prominent Phoenician trading post. Evidence of this early history can be seen in the ruins of Meninx, an ancient Phoenician and Roman settlement.

Under Roman rule, Djerba flourished as a vital commercial hub. The island was known for its production of purple dye, a luxury item in the ancient world. Roman influence is still evident today, particularly in the archaeological site of Meninx which features remnants of Roman baths, temples, and a theatre.

Djerba came under Islamic influence in the 7th century during the early Islamic conquests. The island became an important center for the Ibadi sect of Islam, a branch distinct from Sunni and Shia Islam. The oldest mosque in North Africa, the Mosque of Sidi Jmour, is located here and remains a significant religious site.

In the 16th century, Djerba became a haven for pirates and corsairs who preyed on Mediterranean shipping routes. The most famous of these was Dragut, an Ottoman admiral and pirate. The island’s strategic location made it an ideal base for piracy, leading to numerous conflicts with European powers.

One of the most significant historical events on the island was the Battle of Djerba in 1560. This naval battle saw the Ottoman fleet defeat a combined force of Spanish, Venetian, and Papal States ships. The victory solidified Ottoman control over the island and had lasting implications for the balance of power in the Mediterranean.

Djerba is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The El Ghriba Synagogue, founded over 2,500 years ago, is a testament to this long-standing heritage. The synagogue is a place of pilgrimage for Jews from around the world, especially during the annual Lag BaOmer festival.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Djerba fell under French control as part of the French Protectorate of Tunisia. This period brought modernization to the island, including infrastructure improvements and educational reforms. However, it also led to tensions between the local population and colonial authorities.

Following Tunisia's independence from France in 1956, Djerba underwent significant development. The tourism industry began to flourish, attracting visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Today, Djerba is known for its luxurious resorts, traditional markets, and rich cultural heritage.

Djerba is accessible via the Djerba-Zarzis International Airport (DJE), which is located about 9 kilometers from the island's main town, Houmt Souk. The airport receives flights from major cities in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Alternatively, you can reach Djerba by road from mainland Tunisia via the El Kantara causeway or by ferry from the city of Ajim.

Getting around Djerba is fairly straightforward. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. There are also shared taxis, known as 'louages,' which operate on fixed routes and are a cost-effective option for traveling between towns. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or scooter. Car rentals are also available, but driving can be challenging due to local traffic customs.

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Djerba, especially in tourist areas like Houmt Souk and Midoun. It is recommended to exchange some money at the airport or in major cities before arriving on the island.

Djerba is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The neighborhoods of Houmt Souk and Midoun are popular with tourists and generally safe, but it's always best to stay vigilant. Be cautious in more remote areas, as petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur.

In case of an emergency, dial 197 for police, 190 for medical assistance, and 198 for the fire department. The main hospital in Djerba is the Sadok Mokaddem Hospital in Houmt Souk, which offers emergency medical services. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

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 and other religious sites. 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. A smile and a nod of the head are also signs of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Djerba like a local, visit the weekly markets (souks) in Houmt Souk and Midoun, where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the world, and the Djerbahood street art village in Erriadh. For a unique experience, take a ride on a traditional fishing boat or visit the Guellala Museum to learn about the island's pottery-making traditions.