L'art du zellige marocain
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Moroccan Zellige: An Ancestral and Iconic Art

2025-08-21 16:21:30
 

Moroccan Zellige: An Ancestral and Iconic Art

Morocco boasts a rich cultural heritage, comprising various historical monuments, bustling medinas, and skilled artisans. The zellige, a form of decorative ceramic that has been adorning the walls and ceilings of buildings for centuries, stands out as one of the most recognizable symbols of Moroccan culture.

 

Moroccan Zellige

 

Artisans create zellige by cutting baked clay into small irregular tiles, arranging them in complex patterns to create unique designs. The patterns range from simple geometric shapes to complex designs featuring arabesques and flowers.

The colors of zellige range from pure white to emerald green, golden yellow to cobalt blue, and other vibrant shades. It has been used in Moroccan architecture for centuries, particularly in riads, traditional Moroccan homes with a central courtyard. Zellige tiles are often used to decorate bathrooms and terraces to offer privacy to residents.

 

Moroccan zellige is also an art in constant evolution

Moroccan artisans have developed new patterns and techniques to create more complex and detailed designs over time. They also continue to add new colors and textures to enhance the aesthetic appeal of zellige.

Although zellige is an integral part of traditional Moroccan architecture, it is also a popular choice today. Many tourists purchase zellige as a souvenir of their trip to Morocco, while architects and interior designers use it to give their projects an exotic touch.

In conclusion, zellige is an ancestral art that has been a significant symbol of Moroccan culture for centuries. With its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, it remains an inspiration to architects, interior designers, and art enthusiasts worldwide.

 

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