Morocco, this African Islamic country, hides in its beauty and diversity a genius aspect of the building art, the Moroccan architecture. Influenced by different civilizations and taking only the best from each one, this art created wonders on the land.
The Moroccan architecture varies in its landmarks between the traditional Islamic techniques and European styles. For the most part, Islamic cultural heritage, take center stage in most fascinating interiors.
This great fusion of cultures molded with well-versed hands of the Moroccan craftsmen. The secrets of this art were inherited from their ancestors.
The Islamic Moroccan Architecture heritage
Differently from others, The elegance of Islamic features is remarkably represented in buildings and interior designs. The Moroccan architecture characteristics consist of Islamic geometrical aspects of shapes, floral motifs arches, patterns, decorative tile work, mosaic art, courtyards, and ornamental Moorish elements.
The Moroccan architecture is so rich and vibrant. The first to develop this art were the Berber tribes and the nomads, who inhabited the lands for centuries. Their techniques were distinguished by the mud building of Kasbahs with simple tools and materials. essentially making spacious rooms and high towers. The living proof of this art is the ait ben Haddou heritage.
Then after the immigration of the Jews, came the Moors, and they brought with them new skills and crafts. Also ever since and designs started focusing more on the aesthetic look of the interiors building houses and mosques with hug courtyards centred with fountains, open rooftop, tiled floors, and ornamented roofs with plaster inscriptions. They also build remarkable doors and entrances with amazing arches and decorative calligraphy. The Moorish builders were so focused on making the houses so spacious that they made the alleys narrower and tighter.
As part of their construction techniques, they also built defensive walls around the imperial cities like the Fez and Meknes.
At this point, Moroccan architecture was all in mixing different bits of knowledge and crafts. from Berber, Islamic, and Hispano-Moorish cultures in the ribs of its iconic cities.
The French occupation
Unfortunately, in the early 20th century, France occupied Morocco, under those circumstances; the French architectural elements were extruded into The Moroccan Architecture in some areas throughout Morocco.
Eventually and ever since the Moroccan architecture witnessed several modernizing waves the old Moorish spirit was always there in every inch of its landmarks.
Now Moroccan cities still hold great examples of Moroccan architecture without losing the richness and beauty of the past. Visitors from all around the world get amazed at the sight of the unique interiors of those age-old buildings.
