Eclectic Moorish Architecture Defines the Marrakesh Cityscape

 Moorish house architecture, history and charm

Iconic elements that make up the Moorish or Moroccan architecture of this thousand-year-old city — symmetrical geometric patterns, colorful ceramic tile mosaics, open courtyards with gardens, private spaces for relaxation and contemplation The tiled fountain that serves as a sanctuary — has a distinctly Islamic style. talent.

However, the city's architectural influences are far more varied and complex, creating a style that is eclectic, opulent, complex, and distinctive enough to be called Moroccan.

The Moroccan style is characterized by carved and molded stucco decorations on walls and ceilings with various painted patterns, including flowers, geometric patterns, calligraphy, and muqarnas, the style's characteristic three-dimensional honeycomb decoration.

The lower walls and floor are covered with colorful mosaic tiles called zellij. The hand-cut tiles are assembled into various predetermined shapes like a jigsaw puzzle. The most common design is the shining star design that makes a dynamic statement. Metal ornaments, especially bronze and copper, often adorn the doors. Their glossy surfaces usually display calligraphy and other intricate motifs.

The most iconic features of Marrakech's Moorish architecture are the towering arches of various styles, especially the horseshoe shape.

Decoration means using any structure, not just decoration. For example, mosques have a mihrab, a niche that describes the Qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca that Muslims face when praying. The mihrab is usually semi-circular or domed. Kasbahs, or fortified plots within cities, were designed to protect the inhabitants and keep out invaders from sea and land. It generally contained everything necessary for survival: mosques, public baths, schools, wells, and ovens for baking bread.

A madrasah, or religious boarding school, usually features an open courtyard, purposeful wooden dormitories for students, and a large ornate mosque.

The most common accommodation option in Marrakech is the riad, which most people associate with the city.

Arranged around open courtyards with fountains, fruit trees or gardens, the riads are designed for the greatest possible seclusion for their owners. Some of the larger ones have been converted into hotels and restaurants.

“The riads in the historic center of the city called the Medina are at least 100 years old,” said Alex Peto, partner at Kensington Luxury Properties, many of which have been adapted for the 21st century. He added that it has been significantly modernized or remodeled. luxury lifestyle.

Begin noted that the arrangement around the courtyard "offers a striking contrast between the loud and agitated Medina and the stillness and tranquility that comes as soon as you enter his one of these houses."

Beautifully grounded villas in traditional Moorish or more contemporary style are the main options outside the medina. Most of them were built in the last 30 years.

Begin said it is untraditional, but uses "very Marrakech-style subtle touches that give the whole thing a nice signature" in a way that "you hardly think you're not in Marrakech."

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