Moulay Idriss in Black and White [WebProject].

Hello! I’m Omar, the founder of VisitZerhoun. I hope you’re enjoying your time in Moulay Idriss, our beloved small town. If you haven’t visited yet, what are you waiting for? You’re welcome anytime!

Every time I walk through the old alleys of Moulay Idriss, with their beautifully preserved traditional architecture, I can’t help but wonder how our ancestors lived. I’m curious about their daily lives, the appearance of the original buildings, and the important events that shaped the town’s history.

Fueled by this curiosity, I embarked on an in-depth search for old photos captured with black-and-white cameras. Fortunately, I discovered many images in postcards, old books, magazines, and even online. To my surprise, Moulay Idriss was quite renowned in its day!

Through this project, I’m thrilled to share these photographs with you, offering a journey back in time to the “Old Moulay Idriss.” I’ve carefully categorized the images and provided detailed captions, inspired by the stories my grandparents and elders shared with me during my childhood. I hope you enjoy this project as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Old Architecture

A closer high angle view of Moulay Idriss captured from the small town's terrace.
A high angle view of Moulay Idriss from the town's big terrace, with a view of the mausoleum and the landscape of Mount zerhoun.- 1941
A low angle south view of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
An old lamp overlooking the old city of Moulay Driss Zerhoun
An old picture of the main square of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which was called “Souk Dakhlani” at the time, which means the inner market.
A picture showing old shops located near the entrance of the mausoleum. These shops are called “ Saf Ahl Fes ” because they were exploited by merchants from the city of Fez. It still exists today, but with a new look.
A picture showing the main entrance to the old Medina of Moulay Idriss, to the left of which is a water fountain decorated with Moroccan zellige mosaics, which was used by local residents and visitors for drinking.
A neighborhood in the old Medina of Moulay Idriss on the eastern side of the shrine , it's called “El Hofra”
The old appearance of the " Bab El Hajar " neighborhood, which is located on the western side of the old city of Moulay Idriss
The old look of " Bab Kasbah " neighborhood , which is located exactly at the center of the town.
An old picture showing the unique minaret of its kind in Morocco, the “Sentissi Round Minaret” which is one of the town’s most famous landmarks. It still exists today in the "Laaouina" neighborhood.
the big gate "Bab el Hadjar" , was the main entrance of Moulay Idriss town , it was located in the western side and it's still exist today with a different look.
Another Big gate in Moulay Idriss called " Bab bou fnadja " , unfortunately it no longer exists today.
An old picture of the " oualili valley Bridge" , which was crossed the Khoumane Valley and connected the town to the olive groves. It still exists today and is the only way that connect Moulay Idriss to the Bab Rmila forest.
"Sidi Saber" Bridge, the southern entrance to the city, it still exists to this day.
"Haroune Aqueduct , it was a supply water to the town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun from the source of Ain Chanch, which is located in a nearby village. it still exist today and it's a famous landmark in moulay idriss.

Old Lifstyle

A picture showing how young men dressed in the past in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, it's a one-piece dress called the "Djellaba".
A picture showing the movement of local residents inside the town in their modest traditional clothing, and they use the donkey as a means of transporting their goods.
A picture shows a circular gathering of people in the main square of Moulay Idriss, which was called at the time “The Souk Dakhlani”. This gathering appears to be the “Halqa”, which is an entertainment show in which stories are told and juggling games are presented.
The worshipers leave the mosque to the square in their uniform white clothing. It appears that it is Friday prayer or Eid prayer.
Two pictures show the simple appearance and the minimalist look of coffee shops at that time, where people would lie on carpets, drink cups of tea, and discuss town matters.
A picture showing a local traditional music band in its traditional dress, using drums and flutes in its entertainment show.
A picture shows a little girl carrying a bag of flour, after returning from one of the traditional mills, which were operated by donkeys, mules, or by the movement of water.
A picture shows a local horseman with his horse inside a building called the " Foundouk ” which is a place where people used to put their horses and donkeys for a small fee.
A picture shows a unique character who was famous in Morocco in general. He is “Al-Garab”, a man who sells cold water to passerby, and which he puts in a bag made of goat skin.
A man from Moulay Idriss prepares a type of street food in called “sfenj” and cooks it in oil using local firewood. It is a type of delicious Moroccan doughnuts served hot with a cup of tea or coffee.
People gather at the weekly market "Souk" held every Saturday near the town
A picture shows a type of handmade product that was made from local plants. called “Tila ” and used for sifting flour. This product still exists today, but it has become little used.

Old Events

Visitors to Moulay Idriss pitch their tents during the "Moussem", an annual cultural festival held to commemorate Idriss I.
Fantasia in moulay idriss Zerhoun during the "Moussem".
Fantasia in moulay idriss Zerhoun during the "Moussem".
Fantasia in moulay idriss Zerhoun during the "Moussem".
A convoy of Amazigh women riding on mule backs, coming to Moulay Idriss during the “Moussem” festival , to commemorate idriss 1.
The visit of the Sultan’s son, the son of the King of Morocco at the time, to the town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
Visit of General Lyautey, Resident General of Morocco during the French protectorate, to the town of Moulay Idriss.
General Lyautey's wife during her visit with her husband to the Town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
General Lyautey's convoy during his visit to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
Visit of the President of the French Republic to the town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun during the French protectorate period.
French artillery bombardment of the Kasbah of the village of Beni Ammar, which is located on the outskirts of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, and which was resisting for independence.
A picture of an old car in front of a panoramic view of Moulay Idriss, dating to the first presence of cars in the town.

Other Projects

zerhoun in motion
MLY IDRISS IN A PAINTING
Zerhoun Gallery