Monastir: The Jewel of the Tunisian Coastline

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• 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
  [uriidu 'an 'ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la aakul alluhum]
• Cheers!صحتين
  [sahhtayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu 'an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [arhul!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atasil bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mariid]

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

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningصباح الخير
  [sabah alkhayr]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd althuhr]
• Eveningمساء الخير
  [masa' alkhayr]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• 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 yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkhuraytah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkarah (ila ...)]

Monastir, originally known as Ruspina, was founded by the Phoenicians around the 4th century BCE. Situated on Tunisia's central coast, it served as a significant trading post. The city's strategic location made it a bustling center for maritime trade and cultural exchanges between various Mediterranean civilizations.

During the Roman era, Monastir flourished as a crucial part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. The city was fortified and saw the construction of many public buildings, including baths, forums, and amphitheaters. The region thrived under Roman rule, becoming an important administrative and commercial hub.

Monastir's significance grew with the advent of Islam in the 7th century. The city was transformed into a ribat (fortified monastery) to defend against Byzantine and Christian incursions. The Ribat of Monastir, constructed in 796 CE by the Abbasid governor Harthama ibn A'yan, remains one of the most well-preserved ribats in North Africa and a testament to the city's historical military importance.

The Ottoman Empire took control of Monastir in the 16th century, and the city became part of the Ottoman Beylik of Tunis. During this period, Monastir experienced significant architectural and cultural developments, with the construction of mosques, madrasas, and other public buildings. The city also served as a base for naval operations in the Mediterranean.

In 1881, Tunisia, including Monastir, fell under French colonial rule. The French Protectorate period brought modernization to the city, with the introduction of new infrastructure, education systems, and administrative reforms. Monastir's port was expanded, further boosting its economic significance.

Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956, and Monastir played a pivotal role in the country's post-independence development. The city is the birthplace of Habib Bourguiba, the first President of Tunisia, who initiated numerous social and economic reforms. Monastir has since developed into a popular tourist destination, renowned for its historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.

Monastir's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous historical landmarks and traditions. The city hosts various festivals, such as the International Festival of Monastir, celebrating local music, dance, and crafts. The Medina of Monastir, with its narrow alleys and traditional markets, offers a glimpse into the city's storied past and vibrant present.

Monastir is located on the central coast of Tunisia. The nearest international airport is Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR), which is just a few kilometers from the city center. The airport has regular flights from major European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) and take a train or bus to Monastir, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours by road.

Monastir offers various transportation options including taxis, buses, and trains. Taxis are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around the city. The local bus system connects Monastir to other cities in Tunisia, and the train service is also efficient for longer distances. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city for those who prefer to drive.

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Monastir for cash withdrawals.

Monastir is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. While Monastir does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 197 for police assistance or 190 for medical emergencies. Monastir has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan.

To experience Monastir like a local, visit the local markets (souks) where you can purchase fresh produce and traditional Tunisian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture. Don’t miss visiting the Ribat of Monastir, a historical fortress with stunning views of the Mediterranean. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Corniche, a waterfront promenade that is popular with locals.