Architecture of Fez

Zellige tilework forms eccentric, colourful patterns

The use of zellige tiling has become integrated into the architecture as a result of Islamic influence.[11] In Arabic, zellige translates to “little polished stone”. Zellige tiling is a technique where individual glazed terracotta tiles are organised to form a composition of geometric patterns, in order to create unique spatial decorations. Blue, green and yellow colours were used with zellige tiling during the Marinid dynasty. Red was introduced in the 17th century, whilst natural colours did not become integrated until the 20th century.[12]

The Islamic belief that art, architecture or any functional mediums should not incorporate figures of living creatures resulted in the development non-figurative art techniques, such as geometric patterns. Geometric patterns are formed by a series of basic structural shapes and rhythmic linear designs to produce one larger, overarching tessellated pattern. This is a type of arabesque style and is common in architecture in Fez due to the Islamic influence.[13]

Arabesque decorations are formed by rhythmic linear patterns

Fountains have also evolved to become an integral component of architecture in Fez due to the Islamic influence. This is because water is used in ritual ablation for Islamic's, which is conducted prior to prayer, and also as it is considered to be a depiction of paradise.[14]

As France invaded Morocco in 1912, the architecture was also strongly affected by their style. Due to this encroachment, the French protector asserted a series of guidelines that architectural structural types should be committed to conform to. For instance, buildings should not be higher than four storeys, roofs were meant to be flat, and 20% of any estate was required to form a courtyard or garden.[14]

Elements of Moorish architecture, which was derived in the Maghreb region and the Iberian Peninsula, have also been employed within the architecture in Fez. For instance, Moorish arches are integrated into the design of many different architectural features, such as doors, entrances and windows. There are two different shapes that archways commonly adopt. The first being a clover shape, resembling the shape of a horseshoe, and the second being a cusped shape, resembling a keyhole.

The exposure to Moorish influences has also prompted the architecture in Fez to integrate voussoirs and muqarnas, which are applied to the surfaces of domes and arches. A voussoir is a wedge-shaped feature applied to archways, in order to avoid the use of a rectangular opening to form a lintel. A voussoir is used most often when archways are made of stone.[15] A muqarna is a type of ornamented vaulting, which forms a type of cellular structure that resembles a honeycomb.[16]

Mosques are one of the most prominent architectural structures in Fez. The purpose of a mosque is multifaceted, as it serves as a place for worship and prayer, but at the same time is also considered an important centre for education and learning. As such, mosques are an indispensable component of the urban fabric of the Medina, as it brings the community together in order to act as a social, community centre and educational centre.

The Mosque of Al Qarawiyin is renowned as the largest mosque in Northern Africa. The sharp rise in the population due to the congregation of Arab immigrants from Qayrawân to the eastern bank of Oued Fez, increased the demand for a place of worship. Consequently, the mosque was constructed by Fatima Al-Fihri, a wealthy immigrant from Qayrawân, who used her inheritance to execute this project. As the Medina of Fez continued to grow, the mosque underwent multiple additions between the 12th and 18th centuries, such as elaborate ornamentation, prayer inscriptions and dome constructions.

Although the mosque was first established as a place of worship, teaching lessons were also conducted within the mosque, as it evolved to become a place for spreading awareness and knowledge of Islamic traditions. Thus, it has simultaneously developed into a major educational institution with scholarly status.[17]

A madrasa essentially functions as a congregational mosque for religious teaching, whilst also are important educational institutes for studies of law and philosophy. Madrasas have a large open courtyard positioned in the centre of the structure, which are enclosed by towering walls, containing elaborate ornamentations of Islamic calligraphy and zellige tiling.[4]

The interior of the Bou Inania Madrasa

Constructed in the 14th century, the Bou Inania Madrasa in Fez is the second largest madrasa in Morocco. The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the finest examples of daring craftsmanship due to its zellige tilework that forms intricate geometric designs and stunning floral patterns.[18] The large, marble courtyard is surrounded by two large hallways, forming an entry point to an oratory on either side. Another exquisite feature of the madrasa is the domed-shaped archways and carved cedar beams. It is also the only madrasa in Fez with a minaret, which is a conical-shaped crowned tower, attached to the mosque that is used to perform the call to prayer.[18]

As a public bathing space, hammãms are a crucial hygiene facility. Hammãms are often located adjacent to mosques, as hygiene and prayer are two essential constituents of Islamic rituals. Out of the total 5000 hammãms in Morocco, 120 of them are located within Fez. A hammãm consists of three rooms that can be differentiated by their varying temperatures: cold room (called the frigidarium), warm room (called the tepidarium) and hot room (called the calidarium).

Hammãms are distinct from other structural types due to their modest and sober architectural qualities. Internal bathing areas are characterised by a series of long and narrow vaulted spaces, which are often interrupted with a dome in order to generate an arena of tranquillity. Instead of using zellige tiling to create eccentric patterns, wall rendering is used with Tadlakt to smoothen the wall surfaces and also to resist high humidity.[9]

A typical Moroccan riad with an inward focus

A riad is an example of domestic architecture, as it is a type of traditional house generally consisting of a garden or courtyard. The word "riad" derives from the Arabic term for garden. Historically, a riad was considered a city home only for wealthy citizens, such as merchants and courtiers. Today, many riads have been converted into guesthouses and act as a place for accommodation for tourists and visitors.

A typical Moroccan riad has two or more storeys, whilst having an inward focus with a centrally positioned courtyard and balconies positioned highly to overlook this courtyard. The courtyard of a traditional riad contains a fountain and four orange or lemon trees. Generally, riads are open roof in order to allow air, sunlight and rain to enter the courtyard. Today, some riads have employed a glass layer over the roof or have pitched roof edges to prevent an excess of rain to enter.

Riads also consist of very few windows on the exterior walls, in order to allow for privacy. The walls often consist of clay or mud brick, whilst are also adorned with tadelakt plaster and zellige tile work.[19]