Vicariously Travel

  • Home
  • Explore
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • About
  • Prev
  • Next

Design of Morocco

June 22, 2020July 18, 2020

Morocco is a country in North Africa; it has Spain to it’s north, Mauritania and Western Sahara to the south, Algeria to the east. It is the European gateway to Africa with a large history of imports and exports between Europe, Morocco, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The location of Morocco is undoubtedly a reason that the design within the country is so unique, however there are also other reasons as well.

Morocco has a blending of different cultures; Arabs, Berbers, Spanish, and French- each contributes it’s own flavor to the eclectic and colorful design that is so noticeable within the country.

Moorish Influence

The term Moor relates to people that are indigenous to North Africa and originally traces back to indigenous Maghrebine Berbers, however it is also used to describe Arabs as well. The term Moorish, in relation to design and architecture, is used to describe what originated from the western Islamic world. This brought rise to the style of Moorish arches and intricate, colorful tile work called zellij (mosaic) or azulejo (tin glazed ceramic).

Typical mosaic tiles common in Morocco

Another aspect of Moroccan design is a type of marquetry which is heavily influenced by the Islamic world. Marquetry is a specific wood inlay type of design.

Moorish/ Islamic influences are the most noticeable aspects of Moroccan interior design and architecture.

Moorish arch (also known as keyhole/horseshoe arch) in the medina of Fes

What you will first notice upon entry into a hotel, or even the home of a local, are the bright colors and patterns, mosaic tiles, pillows and furniture with contrasting colors, extravagant rugs, silk fabrics, and intricate wood inlay- all at once. It seems like too much for the eyes to take in, yet somehow they do, and once your brain is done processing the colors and detail you are left in a comfortable daze. Welcome to the design of Morocco.

Typical textiles and fabrics of Morocco
Rugs and fabrics at a Souk in Agadir
Typical fabric pattern in Morocco

Spanish Influence

The Spanish influence is noticeable in the north and coastal cities in Morocco with the main feature being white stucco walls. Sidi Ifni is a good example of the Spanish architectural influence in Morocco; it is full of Spanish protectorate era buildings with flat white walls and art-deco design.

Spanish style architecture and white stucco in Sidi Ifni (Location on map)

We’ve discussed some of the components of Moroccan design, but not the whole picture. What makes Moroccan design so unique is the way it is carefully put together; an eclectic mix of patterns, color, and arches that somehow form a united and aesthetically pleasing effect when combined.

This entry was posted in Explore, Morocco
  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Morocco
  • Textiles
Share

Related Posts

  • Djellebas of Morocco

    Djelleba of Morocco

    September 14, 2020September 14, 2020
  • Tagines for Sale in Tiznit

    Food of Morocco

    September 1, 2020September 1, 2020
  • Climbing Imja Tse

    Summit Imja Tse (Island Peak)

    August 21, 2020August 25, 2020

Post navigation

Killing Fields of Siem Reap  A Brief History of Cambodia
Explore Hampi Ruins Water TankExplore Hampi  

4 thoughts on “Design of Morocco”

  • Joel Franklin August 5, 2020 at 12:30 am Reply

    Just showed Ariella your website! It is so cool!

    • Vicariously Travel August 5, 2020 at 7:25 pm Reply

      Awww thank you. I appreciate it =)

  • Kristel Marquez August 13, 2020 at 5:53 pm Reply

    Hi,

    I hope you are safe and healthy 🙂

    I’m reaching to write a guest article on your own website and will send you some topics for that.

    In case my ideas interest you, then I will send a post on any one of the topics chosen by you. The article is going to be of terrific quality and is free of cost.

    I’d just need you to provide me a backlink within the article. Looking forward to a reply.

    Thank you!

    Regards.

    Kristel Marquez

    • Vicariously Travel August 14, 2020 at 6:20 pm Reply

      Hi Kristel,

      I also hope you are well. Yes, feel free to email me your ideas at vicariouslytravel@protonmail.com.

      I will be looking forward to your ideas and content.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About This Site

Explore: Vicariously travel to any destination marked by an icon on the map.  Learn about the history, geography, cuisine, architecture, and more of each country.

 

Recent Posts

  • Djellebas of Morocco

    Djelleba of Morocco

    September 14, 2020
  • Tagines for Sale in Tiznit

    Food of Morocco

    September 1, 2020
  • Fire Weed of Bulgaria

    Flowers and Plants of Bulgaria

    August 25, 2020
  • Climbing Imja Tse

    Summit Imja Tse (Island Peak)

    August 21, 2020
  • Summit of Jebel Toubkal

    Summit Jebel Toubkal

    July 30, 2020
  • Mount St. Helens Summit

    Summit Mount St. Helens from the Ptarmigan Trail and Monitor Ridge

    July 25, 2020
  • Explore the Cá»§ Chi Tunnels in Vietnam

    July 17, 2020
  • Nightscape of Ho Chi Minh City

    A Brief History of Vietnam

    July 16, 2020
  • Landscape View of Iceland

    A Brief History of Iceland

    July 10, 2020


Vicariously Travel 2020