A look at Islamic architecture and craftsmanship around the red city.
The beautiful Islamic architecture found in Marrakech is a testimony to its wealth of history and culture.
From beautifully carved wooden doors to geometric mosaic tiles and tadelakt, Marrakech has some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco.
You can’t help but be impressed by the intricacy and attention to detail as you wonder around the medina.
Large wooden doors exquisitely carved out of Cedar wood appear out of nowhere as you pass through the winding alleyways.
Zellige tiles originating from the 10th century form geometric mosaics decorating the floors, walls, and fountains.
A skill which has passed down from generation to generation.
Islamic architecture in Morocco follows the spiritual principle of Tawhid, the unity of God.
Handcarved stucco panels with expertly applied fine details, including floral motifs and calligraphy from Nakshi and Kufic Arabic scripts, are set against a backdrop of peace and tranquillity.
The use of symmetry, repeated geometric patterns, and balanced proportions reflect divine order and infinity.
The use of geometry and proportion symbolizes universal harmony.
Calligraphy enshrines verses from the Qur’an, which merges both word and form together.
Light also plays a sacred role. As it filters through lattice screens called mashrabiyas and central courtyards, it evokes the essence of divine presence.
Islamic architecture blends together Arab, Amazigh, Andalusian and Sub Saharan influences.
Perfect examples of Islamic architecture can be seen at the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youseff Madrasa, Bahia Palace, Saadian tombs, and El Badi Palace.
Bab Agnaou gate is one of 19 splendid arched gates into the city showcasing intricate carvings.
Hammams, which were constructed centuries ago, reflect the scale of precision and sheer brilliance of Islamic architecture.
Exploring these beautiful places is a journey through the history and culture of Marrakech.
I was completely spellbound by the beauty of the tiled fountains with their original zellige tilework in the courtyards of riads and around the medina.
I learnt the significance of having two knockers on the magnificent wooden doors. One which is strictly for family use and one for male guests to use in order to shield and protect the women of the household from the gaze of strangers.
There are hundreds of places around Marrakech where you will want to stop and take photographs of the beautiful work that local artisans left the world as their legacy.
The remarkable skills of trained craftsmen are evident inside traditional riads with unique pieces of handmade furniture, beautifully painted wardrobe doors, and splendid ceilings.
You can still find people creating things in Marrakech using the same techniques that generations before them used.
At Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex near Cyber Park, you can see the artisans busy at work, teaching young apprentices the art passed down by their ancestors.
Around the medina, you can find intricately designed wooden chess sets and wooden boxes ornately inlaid with Mother of pearl.
In Tinsmiths Square, metal workers are carefully crafting traditional Morroccan lamps and mirrors.
As you wander through the maze of alleyways in the souks, you are presented with examples of excellent craft work for sale.
The amount of work that has gone into creating it all is phenomenal.
The roots of Moroccan architecture originate from the Amazigh and Arab culture.
Styles have evolved from one dynasty to the other, including the Almoravids, the Almohads, and the Marinids.
Nowadays, architects are using both old and modern designs in the construction of buildings.
This has led to a new style, still characteristic of the old medina, yet introducing new, environmentally friendly buildings.
They continue to incorporate beautiful zellige tilework in order to pay homage to the history and culture of the city.
Riads are renovated and restored as close to their original appearance as possible. Some are modern with a contemporary style, which some tourists visiting Marrakech find appealing.
I personally love the rustic charm of the old riads that still hold their original appearance and character.
The ones that evoke images of a world gone by, clinging to remnants of the past and telling the story of a fascinating culture that, if you look closely, is still very much alive today.
The Sound Of The Souks 