Aden: The Ancient Port City of Yemen

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injiliizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

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

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassil bitalib!]
• 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 atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم الثمن؟
  [kam althaman?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsiar?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [kam alwaqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssa'at alwaahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alssa'at alashirah wannisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [aleasar]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 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/hiya...?]
• 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 alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkirah (ila...)]

Aden's history dates back to antiquity, with evidence suggesting it was a hub for maritime trade as early as the 7th century BCE. Its strategic location on the Arabian Peninsula made it a natural harbor for ships navigating the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The city is mentioned in ancient texts, including those by the Greek geographer Ptolemy.

In the 6th century CE, Aden became an important port for the Islamic world. It flourished under the rule of the Umayyad and later the Abbasid Caliphates. The city's prosperity continued as it became a key stop on the route for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Islamic scholars and traders from across the Muslim world frequented Aden, contributing to its cultural and economic development.

The 13th century saw Aden come under the control of the Rasulid Dynasty, which ruled Yemen and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. During this period, Aden became a major center for trade, dealing in goods like spices, textiles, and precious metals. The Rasulids invested in the city's infrastructure, building mosques, schools, and other public amenities.

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese attempted to control Aden as part of their efforts to dominate the spice trade routes. However, they were soon expelled by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Aden from 1538 to 1630. Under Ottoman rule, Aden continued to be a strategic naval base and a bustling port city.

In 1839, the British East India Company seized Aden to establish a coaling station for ships en route to India. Aden became a British Crown Colony in 1937, and its port was developed into one of the busiest in the world. The British era saw significant modernization, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure.

Aden played a crucial role during the Yemeni Civil War, which began in 1962. It became the capital of the newly formed People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) in 1967. The city was a focal point of conflict and political change until the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990.

In recent years, Aden has been at the center of Yemen's ongoing conflict, suffering from political instability and economic challenges. However, it remains a city of historical significance and cultural richness. Efforts are being made to preserve its heritage sites and revitalize its economy, ensuring that Aden continues to be a symbol of Yemen's storied past.

Aden is accessible via Aden International Airport (ADE), which has flights connecting to major cities in the Middle East and Africa. Alternatively, you can arrive by sea through the Port of Aden, a significant maritime hub. Overland travel from other Yemeni cities is possible, though it is essential to check current travel advisories and local conditions due to security concerns.

In Aden, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are relatively affordable. You can also rent a car, but it is advisable to hire a local driver familiar with the area. Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'dabbabs') operate within the city and are an inexpensive way to travel, though they might be crowded. Walking is feasible in some neighborhoods, but be cautious of traffic.

The official currency in Yemen is the Yemeni Rial (YER). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, cash is preferred in most places. ATMs are available but not widespread, so carrying sufficient cash is advisable. Ensure you have smaller denominations, as larger bills can be difficult to change.

Aden, like much of Yemen, has areas with elevated security risks. It is crucial to stay updated with travel advisories from your government. Avoid neighborhoods such as Crater and Al-Mualla after dark, where crime rates targeting tourists can be higher. Always travel with a local guide or trusted contact, and avoid displaying valuables in public.

In case of an emergency, dial 199 for police assistance and 191 for medical emergencies. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Major hospitals in Aden include Al-Jumhouriya Hospital and 22 May Hospital. Pharmacies are available but may have limited supplies, so carry essential medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts. Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs, especially during prayer times and Ramadan. Public Transport: Do be patient as buses and taxis can be crowded and schedules unpredictable. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use the right hand. Avoid using the left hand for eating or greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't eat in public during daylight hours in Ramadan.

For an authentic experience, visit the local souks (markets) such as the Al-Mansoura Market to buy traditional Yemeni goods and spices. Engage with locals who are generally welcoming and can offer rich insights into the city's history and culture. Don't miss the Sira Fortress and the Aden Tanks for historical exploration. Enjoy local dishes like mandi and fahsa at traditional restaurants for a true taste of Yemeni cuisine.