Moroccan architecture: a detailed overview of Moroccan styles.

Due to its unique location, Morocco has been influenced by many cultures over the years. Over the centuries, the country has been shaped by a mixture of African tribes from the Sahara, the Islamic traditions of its Arab neighbors and European colonies. All of these influences have resulted in a culture unlike any other, which has manifested itself in the country’s unique architectural style.

Today, a wide variety of design elements can be found in buildings throughout Morocco, but the strongest influence on the country’s architecture (both past and present) is Islam. Indeed, for centuries, Islamic decorative rules have been used in the construction and decoration of Moroccan buildings. In addition to Islamic influence, Spanish-Moorish architecture (a style characteristic of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula) also took root in Morocco during the Almoravid era. Today, a combination of these two architectural styles can be found throughout Morocco. Sorting out the wide variety of buildings in Morocco, their architectural styles and elements can be difficult.

Design Elements of Moroccan Architecture

Morocco is often spoken of as a land of charm, mystery and beauty, and this is certainly due to its unique architecture. Despite the country’s sometimes troubled history, much of its artistic heritage has survived to this day.

The design elements of Moroccan architecture have also been heavily influenced by Islam. These include intricate geometric patterns, decorative Islamic calligraphy of passages from the Koran, and colorful zeries (ceramic tile mosaics). At the center of most buildings are open courtyards with ornate gardens. They were built for privacy and relaxation.

The Spanish-Moorish style is another characteristic feature of Moroccan architecture. Its main elements include crisp white walls, stucco roofs between arches and large domes. The beauty of Moroccan architecture is that these elements harmonize with Islamic-style buildings such as mosques and medersas (Quranic schools).

Different structures, different designs Moroccan architecture is distinguished not only by the perfect combination of different design elements, but also by the unique character of each traditional building. Mosques, riads, souks, fortress walls, kasbahs, palaces, medersas and many other types of buildings can be found throughout Morocco, each with a different purpose and architectural design. Some of them are listed below.

Mosque. The mosque is perhaps the most important structure in Morocco. Every small town, village or township has at least one mosque with a towering minaret. With walls and fountains covered in green and white jelly, beautifully decorated with stucco and marble mirrored stupas (niches pointing in the direction of Mecca), it is no wonder that tourists consider the Moroccan mosque to be the epitome of Moroccan architecture. An example of the most exquisite Moroccan mosques is the spiritual city of Fez, particularly the Al-Qaraouine Mosque. Only the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the Tin Mor Mosque in the High Atlas Mountains can be visited from the inside without being a Muslim.

Riad. Traditional Moroccan mansions and palaces are called riads. Being private residences, they are built with the expectation of privacy. They are centered inward around a central courtyard to protect the family’s privacy and the Moroccan weather. All rooms face the courtyard, and windows are directed only towards this central space. The courtyard is often decorated with a fountain and orange or lemon trees. Depending on the wealth of the family, the riad may be decorated with magnificent jellies or moldings. In Marrakech and Essaouira, many old riads have recently been restored and converted into hotels and restaurants.

Kasbah.

A type of medina, a kasbah is a fortified city built for defensive purposes. Apart from their enormity, kasbahs look very impressive and are usually built in harmony with their surroundings. The massive outer walls and all the buildings within them, with brown outer walls, blend easily into the surrounding background. Simple building materials make the interiors warm in winter and cool in summer. The Kasbah de Udayas in Rabat is a particularly interesting landmark.

Merdasa.

Merdasa was not just a religious school, but a thriving center of learning in law, philosophy, and astrology. Its architectural design contrasted with the extremely small and simple wooden dormitories of the students, which featured incredibly ornate gates and vast courtyards with arches magnificently decorated with intricate moldings. The mosques, surrounded by high school walls, were also skillfully decorated with large Islamic calligraphy and intricate geometric patterns on green and white zeris. It is difficult to convey the striking contrasts in the decoration of these schools, so be sure to visit Medersa Bou Inania in Fez to see one of the finest examples in the country.

Apart from the specific places already mentioned in this article, Morocco has many other cities and regions where you can see the country’s beautiful architectural style in all its splendor.

The cities of Marrakech and Fez are often chosen by travelers as the main places to visit. In Marrakech, these include the Bahia Palace and the tombs of the Saadid dynasty, while in Fez it is the Andalus Mosque and the Museum of Moroccan Art. However, the oldest examples of Moroccan architecture can easily be found in the Atlas Mountains, namely in the ancient kasbahs and old villages.

Morocco’s capital Rabat also has many architectural gems, such as the mausoleum of King Mohammed V and the aforementioned Kasbah de Oudayas.

Getting to know Moroccan architecture is not difficult in other places as well. Walking along any street, you can simply admire the magnificent government buildings with majestic facades, pass through the ancient city gates with smooth U-shaped arches or admire the towering minarets of the nearest mosque.

Morocco is full of architectural gems that testify to the country’s interesting history of diverse cultures, lifestyles and beautiful designs.

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