Moulay Idriss is a small town in Morocco. It sits on a mountain called Jebel Zerhoune. It is a very holy place for Muslims. Before, only Muslims could go there. Now, everyone can visit. The town is full of colours and old traditions. It is quiet and peaceful.
In the morning, the roosters crow. People wake up early. The sun is hot in the day, so people walk early. The streets go between old buildings. The walls are mint, coral, lemon, violet, and green. These soft colours are beautiful. The town is not famous like Chefchaouen, but it is also very pretty.
A Place of History
A long time ago, in 786 CE, a man named Idris I came here. He was the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad. He wanted to teach people about Islam. He lived near old Roman ruins called Volubilis. When he died in 791, people built homes near his grave. This became Moulay Idriss town.
Today, people can still see the old Roman baths and buildings. Yellow flowers grow in the fields. There are olive trees and vineyards around.
A Holy City
Moulay Idriss is the most important Muslim town in Morocco. People say if you visit five times, it is like visiting Mecca. This is a big honour in Islam. For many years, non-Muslims could not visit. In 2005, the king allowed them to sleep in the town. But only Muslims can go inside the mosque and the tomb of Idris I.
Many houses are white and green. These are colours of Islam. Green means paradise. White means purity. But some houses are pink, yellow, or blue. People paint their homes with the colours they like. Every street looks like a painting. The colours are soft and lovely.
Cats and Donkeys
There are many cats in the streets. In Islam, cats are clean and loved. The Prophet Muhammad liked cats. People in Morocco take care of them.
Donkeys also live in the town. They help people carry food and things up the hills. Donkeys are very helpful here. They are not for tourists.
Life in the Town
In the evening, people go to the main square. They drink tea and coffee. Children play football. Women draw henna on hands and feet. Men wear long clothes called “djellaba”. They walk and talk together.
In the market, people sell fruit and food. There are peaches, herbs, and plums. You can eat grilled meat and corn on the street.
Before sunset, you can walk to the hills. You pass rivers, trees, and sheep. Then you sit under an olive tree. You see the colourful town below. The sky is orange and red. It is quiet and beautiful.
People in Moulay Idriss are kind. They may invite you for tea. The town is peaceful. It is a good place for slow and calm travel.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Travel – Going to another place.
Example: I like to travel to new cities.
Map – A picture of a place that shows roads and cities.
Example: I look at the map to find the hotel.
Ticket – Something you need to travel.
Example: I buy a train ticket online.
Hotel – A place to sleep when you travel.
Example: We stay in a small hotel near the beach.
Luggage – The bags you take on a trip.
Example: My luggage is very heavy.
Guide – A person who shows you around.
Example: The guide tells us about the old city.
Passport – A book that lets you travel to other countries.
Example: I show my passport at the airport.
Beach – A place near the sea with sand.
Example: We play games on the beach.
Plane – A big machine that flies in the sky.
Example: I go to Paris by plane.
Airport – A place where planes arrive and leave.
Example: My dad works at the airport.
Camera – A tool to take pictures.
Example: I use my camera on holiday.
Bus – A large vehicle that takes people places.
Example: I go to school by bus.
Train – A long vehicle that runs on tracks.
Example: The train is fast and comfortable.
City – A large place where many people live.
Example: New York is a big city.
Country – A large area with its own government.
Example: France is a beautiful country.
Visit – To go and see someone or something.
Example: I visit my grandma on Sunday.
Museum – A place with old or special things to see.
Example: We go to the museum on Saturday.
Souvenir – A small thing you buy on a trip.
Example: I buy a souvenir for my friend.
Vacation – Time to relax and not work or study.
Example: We go on vacation in July.
Flight – A trip on a plane.
Example: Our flight leaves at 9 in the morning.