The Timeless Medina of Sousse: A Journey through History and Culture

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeمع السلامة
  [ma'a assalama]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqa'ima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab ba'eedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atasil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarruj]
• 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 خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsu'ur?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'at alwaahida]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'at al'ashira walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [ala'sr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albariha]
• 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'uanan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureenii (ala alkhuritah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilah altalia?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirah (ila ...)]

The Medina of Sousse was established in the 9th century when the Abbasids founded the city, originally known as 'Hadrumetum.' Its strategic coastal position made it a vital hub for trade and maritime activities in the Mediterranean, fostering early economic growth and cultural exchange.

In the 12th century, Sousse came under the control of the Almohad dynasty, which fortified the Medina with impressive walls and gates. This period marked a significant architectural and cultural flourishing, with the construction of the Great Mosque and the Ribat, a military fortress that served both defensive and religious purposes.

During the Middle Ages, the Medina of Sousse became a prominent center for trade, connecting North Africa with Europe. The bustling souks (markets) were filled with goods from various regions, including textiles, spices, and ceramics, reflecting the diverse influences and interactions of the time.

In the 16th century, Sousse fell under Ottoman rule, which further enriched the region's cultural tapestry. The Ottomans implemented new administrative structures and enhanced the city's defenses, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful architecture, including mosques and public baths that can still be seen today.

The French protectorate established in 1881 brought modernization to Sousse, impacting its urban landscape. While traditional elements of the Medina were preserved, new infrastructures such as roads and schools were introduced, setting the stage for the city's contemporary developments while still honoring its historical roots.

The Medina of Sousse is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Sousse. If you're coming from the Sousse city center, you can walk to the Medina in about 15 minutes. Local taxis are also an option; just ensure to negotiate the fare beforehand or use a taxi app. For those arriving from the Sousse railway station, a short taxi ride will get you there in approximately 10 minutes. Buses are available as well, with routes that frequently service the area.

The Medina of Sousse is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it ideal for walking. Most attractions are within a short distance from each other. There are no trains within the Medina, but local buses and taxis can be used for longer distances if needed. Bicycle rentals are available, and cycling can be a pleasant way to explore the surrounding areas outside the Medina.

The Medina of Sousse is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded markets and tourist hotspots. It’s advisable to avoid poorly lit areas at night and to keep valuables secure. Areas such as the outskirts of the Medina may have higher crime rates, so it's best to stick to well-trafficked streets.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police assistance or 190 for ambulance services in Tunisia. The local hospital in Sousse can provide medical help, and it’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the Medina for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques or religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when entering religious sites, be prepared to cover your head. Public Transport: Do be courteous to locals and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salam' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be polite when offered food. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be seen as disrespectful.

To experience the Medina like a local, visit the bustling souks (markets) for authentic Tunisian goods and local produce. Engage with shopkeepers, as they can offer fascinating insights into the culture and history of the area. Try traditional street food at local stalls, and don’t miss the opportunity to sample local pastries like makroud. For a unique experience, participate in a local cooking class or take part in a cultural event if available during your visit.