Islamic art: Maghreb

   

Recently, I was fortunate to have a few long work layovers in the North African cities of  Casablanca, Morocco and Algiers, Algeria.   As in all muslim countries, the Islamic  architecture, art and design is always amazing to me.  I love the intricate geometric shapes and lines either  in marble, wood or on paper.  As well, the calligraphy of Koranic verses, carved or painted  add a fluid shape and contrast to the mathematical geometric forms. 

   

There is a distinct Maghrebi style of Islamic art and architecture, often referred to as Moorish art/architecture, that developed in the western Islamic world (in Andalucia and North Africa). This style has a remarkable unity and is characterized by unique features that set it apart from Islamic art further east.  (the following from AI) 

Key characteristics:

The Maghrebi/Moorish style is known for its intricate surface decoration and specific architectural elements, many of which became classic paradigms that have persisted for centuries. 

Arches:  The horseshoe arch is a ubiquitous and characteristic feature, often wider than its supporting columns. Other common arch types include the polylobed (scalloped) and lambrequin arches.

Calligraphy:  A unique and celebrated form of Arabic script, known as Maghrebi script, developed in the region. It is recognized by its strokes of uniform thickness, rounded letter forms and looped descenders.

Geometric and Vegetal Motifs:  Intricate geometric patterns and arabesque (vegetal/foliate) designs are fundamental elements, often used in telework, carved stucco and wood. 

Zelliji Tilework:  This distinctive style makes extensive use of cut-tile mosaics, know as zelliji, which form  complex geometric arrangements used to adorn walls, floors and ceilings. 

Muqamas:  The use of muqamas (stalactite or honeycomb vaulting) developed in the region under the Almoravids and became a regular decorative feature in domes and arches.

Square Minarets:  Unlike the round or pencil-shaped minarets found in the Ottoman style, those in the Maghreb are typically square or cuboid. 

Riad Gardens:  A traditional architectural element, riad gardens are interior courtyards with a symmetrical four part division, offering a focus on the interior of buildings. 

Major centres of artistic development included cities like Fes, Marrakesh, Granada and Cordoba, where a shared style was synthesized and spread across North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. 

The following photos are from the famous 14th century Ben Youssef Madrasa (Medersa) in the medina of Marrakesh.  It was once the largest Islamic college in North Africa and is now a historical monument and museum and is considered a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. 

 

  

  

 

  

  

Back in the narrow alleys of the Medina, I met Sharif, an artisan, is his tiny
studio, who carved these beautiful motifs in plaster. For like 20$ I had 
to get one. 

  

Everywhere in the Medina, amazing doors.

This was inside a local hammam I went to for a scrub down and wash.

 

Once back in Casablanca, I spent the  day exploring the old part of the city after  having visited the spectacular  Hassan II Mosque,  on the corniche, overlooking the Atlantic.   It's the second largest mosque in Africa with a capacity of just over 100 000 worshipers, 25 000 inside and another 80 000 on the huge outdoor grounds of the mosque.  The minaret stands at 60 stories.  

   

    

  

 

  

Underground of the main hall, where worshippers wash themselves before prayers.

  

    

     

A small section of a lower ceiling, all intricately carved in wood
and painted.

  

Six thousand traditional Moroccan artisans worked for five years to create the abundant and beautiful mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings and carved and painted wood ceilings. 

   

There was a museum attached where you see examples of the workmanship up close, with detailed explanations of the different materials as well as the techniques involved in the process. 

 

  

  

 

  

Also displayed were many pieces of arabic calligraphy on paper.

   

My work layover in Algiers was also a great experience.  A bonus too was that there are almost no tourists in Algeria. For reasons  known to the government, the country does not promote tourism and it is quite complicated to get a visa.   A welcomed contrast to say, the hordes of tourists meandering in the souk of Marrakesh.   

   

The most famous mosque in Algiers is the Ketchaoua Mosque, a historic landmark known for its mixture of Islamic / Byzantine architecture as well as its conversion to a Catholic Church during the French colonial period and converted back again to a mosque after Algerian independence. It's at the foot of Algiers'  world heritage Casbah. 

    

The Djamaa Sidi Ramdane Mosque, a Sunni mosque and mausoleum in the 
casbah dates back to the 11th century. 

    

  

There were many of these small alcoves in walls with painted
local  scenes on tiles. 

     

    

  

Moorish influence on older government buildings. 

  

Central Post Office

  

   

a public fountain

   

A watercolour I painted from a cafe of a few more mosques
 in the Casbah. 

  

The next few photos are from the Alhambra, in Grenada,  Spain, where I visited several years before. It is a fortress complex representing the pinnacle of Moorish architecture during the Nasrid dynasty (13th - 15th century) as the last Muslim stronghold in Spain before the Reconquista. Now a Unesco World heritage site, it features intricate tile work, calligraphy, courtyards and gardens and showcasing Islamic artistry, geometric mastery and advanced engineering. It was later used as a fortified citadel and a royal city under Christian rulers.  

  

  

  

  

  

    

Islamic influence in the architecture in the streets of Grenada.