Introduction
Morocco is a culturally prosperous country that enjoys an abundantly rich heritage. It is situated in the northern part of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. Morocco comprises Arab and Berber people, with a few other ethnic groups as well. It is one of the few countries to have a distinctive geography. It has the sea on one side and the great Sahara desert running along its perimeter on the other, in the south. Because of the gradation in climate, the country has many kinds of climatic conditions. This has led to a wide range of biodiversity, style of architecture, eating habits, and working. With the Sahara desert, one of the biggest in the world, and spread across eleven countries, the impact of arid climate can be felt across parts of Morocco.
Cities
Morocco is known to be home to many popular and admired cities. To name a few, Marrakech, Rabat, Fez, Meknes, etc. These cities are very peculiar within themselves and have their idiosyncratic identities. Rabat is the country’s capital and is well-known for its administrative buildings, Mahkama du Pacha being one of them, apart from having beautiful public spaces. Casablanca is the largest city in the country, and with time has become the economic and business center. The architectural influences on this city speak volumes about the cultures that have impacted the city in innumerable ways and left an ever-lasting impression of sublime magnificence. The cities in Morocco are very popular destinations for movie directors for the splendid landscapes that it offers. Tied by the beauty of colors and compositions, the country has seen many rulers come and go.
Architecture of Morocco
The Architecture of Morocco is very distinctive and easily differentiates it from other countries. The impact of so many cultures is morphed into a ball of design and is very clear from the locals’ monuments, way of living, and habits. The use of colors is fascinating and can be easily seen around. Patterns and textures on walls or even carpets are ubiquitous. Islam has had a very powerful influence on the country, and how buildings have been constructed precisely manifests the elements.
Islamic architecture is very well defined across the territory. Ceilings, floors, columns, gates, arches, etc., nothing is left untouched. Speechless is what the designers wanted the people to be and feel. The idea of losing in the mesmerizing beauty is unavoidable. Carving and etching are very prominent on the faces and corners of the structures. Even ceilings that are cast meters up from the ground are adorned with motifs. Moroccan architecture is very poetic. One feels lost in the spaces directed by the various civilisations that have come and perished, leaving behind only their identity.
Anywhere you look around, you will surely see something soothing to your eyes. From the minaret of a mosque pointing towards the sky to elegant restaurants constantly crowded and whatnot. Amidst all of this, there is so much to see and soak in. Of the countless many, Hassan II Mosque, located in Casablanca, is an outstanding and prominent mosque in the world and one of the many faces of the country. The volume is very soothing, and a huge space for people to come here for prayers. Horseshoe arches, wooden ceilings, glass floors, and a series of columns are just a few of the many sides of the mosque. Play of light and shadow, solid and void, color and monochrome setting, floral patterns, flat undisturbed walls, and tons of other aspects keep the monument on the top of many architects’ lists. The figurative display of the rudiments will just not let one leave this place.
Another wonder, this time the botanical gardens of Jardin Majorelle of Marrakech, is a French-inspired garden. It’s a collage of fountains, plants, and buildings, with color being the catalyst. The list of the many jewels and gems of Morocco includes the numerous medinas, mosques, and riads to visit and get lost in. One should take advantage of the desert. It is a piece of mystery by nature and is an exceptional canvas, revitalizing and stimulating your senses.
A myriad puzzle
Almost every structure in Morocco, from palaces, and religious places of worship to schools, is remarkable. The complexity with which the details have been planned out and designed gets one thinking. Marbles, stones, tiles, etc., have been used in very beautiful ways, and the compositions and arrangement of the design ingredients are majestic. The artistic perspective of these buildings is highly appreciated by artists and geniuse44s from around the globe. The skill and craft of the artisans has touched the resorts, hotels, and even local restaurants. There are tanneries to dye leather, with rhythmic settings, but the surroundings exude a very bad stench. Riads and hammams are aesthetic features in this land of sand. These are the souvenirs from the predecessors, and it feels like heaven on earth. These dazzling spaces are only peculiar to Moroccan architecture.
Carpets, tapestries, leather products, pottery, beauty products, fabrics, etc., are all features of the busy market squares in Morocco. Not only are they busy, but they have gradually become alluring tourist destinations. The feel of materials and the smell of food are hypnotic. The goods on offer and the wealth of colors are so dramatic and take one back in time. It’s a perfect movie-like setting. The urban landscape is communal and lively. Dance, music, and food take on another face in the evenings. Some of the shops are old and rustic. Fascinating stories keep revolving around them as testimonials to the legacy passed down. With time, many stores have started selling antiques, offering a window into the past.
Final Words
The intricacy and ornamentation have left many visitors speechless. Elements of design that have been carried forward for generations talk of the rich inheritance of Morocco. The use of hues, shapes, patterns, textures, materials, etc., are all whimsical and orchestrated in staggering ways. One should be observant enough to capture the intangible and be able to read between the lines of the daily hubbub. The architecture makes one pause and takes notice of the masterpiece that one gets to behold.
References:
- nomadsunveiled (2022). 20 Things Morocco Is Known And Famous For. [online] Nomads Unveiled. Available at: https://nomadsunveiled.com/what-is-morocco-known-and-famous-for/ [Accessed 21 Dec. 2022].
- klaus (2019). Political Map of Morocco – Nations Online Project. [online] Nationsonline.org. Available at: https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/morocco-political-map.htm.
- horizonguides.com. (n.d.). The Best Medinas In Morocco – Horizon Guides. [online] Available at: https://horizonguides.com/morocco/the-best-medinas-in-morocco [Accessed 21 Dec. 2022].
- Anon, (n.d.). Chouara Tannery: the Colorscape of Fez [Feel Morocco]. [online] Available at: https://www.feelmorocco.travel/destinations/fez/chouara-tannery/ [Accessed 21 Dec. 2022].
