Tunis: The Jewel of North Africa

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeمع السلامة
  [maa as-salama]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlik/ala ar-rahb was-sa'a]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghab fi ru'yyat al-qa'imah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [an-najda!]
• Go away!امش غير!
  [imsh ghayr!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassil bish-shurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassil bittabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [lakad dalalt at-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [urghab fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا أتفرج فقط
  [ana atfarij faqat]
• 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 تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid as-sa'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam as-sa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [as-sa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [as-sa'ah al-'ashirah w-an-nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [as-sabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adh-dhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 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/hi...?]
• 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 yumkinuk an tureeni (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يكون الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yakoon al-hafilah al-qadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkirah (ila...)]

Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, has a rich and diverse history that begins with its foundation by the Berber people around the 9th century BC. It was originally a small settlement strategically located near the Mediterranean Sea, which later became a significant trade hub due to its proximity to Carthage.

During the Carthaginian era, Tunis served as a satellite to the mighty city of Carthage. It played a crucial role in the economic and military strategies of the Carthaginian Empire from the 6th to the 2nd century BC. The remnants of this era can still be seen in the ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside modern-day Tunis.

After the defeat of Carthage in the Third Punic War in 146 BC, Tunis came under Roman rule. The Romans transformed it into a prosperous city known as 'Tynes'. Roman architecture and urban planning left a lasting imprint, with ruins such as the Antonine Baths and the Roman Amphitheatre in nearby Carthage.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Tunis came under Byzantine control in the 5th century AD. The city experienced significant changes with the arrival of Arab-Muslim conquerors in the 7th century, who introduced Islam and laid the foundation for the city's Islamic culture and architecture, including the construction of the Al-Zaytuna Mosque.

The Hafsid Dynasty, ruling from the 13th to the 16th century, marked a golden age for Tunis. The city became the capital of a flourishing kingdom and a center of learning and culture. This period saw the construction of many significant buildings and the expansion of the medina, which remains a focal point of Tunis today.

In the late 16th century, Tunis fell under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans established the city as the capital of the Regency of Tunis. This period saw the blending of Ottoman architectural styles with existing local traditions, resulting in the unique and distinctive appearance of the city's historic buildings.

In 1881, Tunis became part of the French Protectorate of Tunisia. This era brought about significant changes, including modernization efforts, the introduction of European architectural styles, and the expansion of the city beyond its traditional medina. The French influence is still evident in the wide boulevards and colonial buildings of the Ville Nouvelle.

Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956, with Tunis as its capital city. Since then, Tunis has grown into a vibrant metropolis, blending its rich historical heritage with modern development. The city has witnessed significant political and social changes, particularly during the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, which sparked the wider Arab Spring movement.

Tunis is renowned for its cultural heritage, including its music, cuisine, and festivals. The medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow streets, bustling souks, and historic buildings that reflect the city's diverse influences. The city's cultural life is further enriched by its museums, such as the Bardo National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts.

Tunis is served by the Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), which is located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of the city center. Several international airlines operate flights to and from major European, African, and Middle Eastern cities. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, which is the most convenient option, or use the airport shuttle service to reach the city. It is also possible to arrive in Tunis by ferry from various Mediterranean ports, including Marseille and Palermo.

Tunis offers a variety of transportation options. The city boasts a reliable and affordable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the TGM suburban train connecting Tunis to the northern suburbs. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive but make sure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car, although traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Biking is not very common in Tunis due to the lack of dedicated bike lanes.

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 some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Tunis, and you can withdraw cash using international debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange offices throughout the city.

Tunis is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any large urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as the Medina, while rich in history and culture, can be hotspots for pickpocketing. Neighborhoods like Ettadhamen and Douar Hicher have higher crime rates and are best avoided by tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 197 for the police, 198 for the ambulance service, and 190 for the fire department. Tunis has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care, including the Charles Nicolle Hospital and the Rabta Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and traditional areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress modestly and remove your shoes. 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 may place their hand over their heart as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Tunis like a local, visit the bustling Medina and explore its narrow streets, souks, and historic sites. Enjoy a coffee or mint tea at a traditional café and engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share their culture. Don't miss the Bardo National Museum, home to one of the world's most significant collections of Roman mosaics. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the city's main thoroughfare, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.