MOROCCO AMAZIGH

Moroccan architecture

an introduction
The authentic Moroccan architecture is considered one of the manifestations of the ancient Moroccan Amazigh civilization and the nobility of Amazigh Morocco. This distinctive Moroccan architectural style originated in Morocco before the Islamic conquest and continued to flourish after the advent of Islam. It witnessed great prosperity in the Islamic era, especially during the rule of the Mauritanian state, the Almoravids, and the Almohads.

One of the key features of Moroccan architecture is its internal engineering design, which is characterized by great simplicity on the outside while being a complex architectural masterpiece on the inside. Moroccan architecture has undergone significant transformations since the first century BC, during the era of the Mauritanian state, up to the twenty-first century, not only in the materials used in construction but also in the techniques applied.

The materials used in the construction

sandstone
stone
Mud bricks
mud with hay
plaster
colored marble
mosaic
the wood

The history of Moroccan architecture

1st century BC [Before the Islamic period]

That period was the period of the rule of the Mauritanian state (Mauritania-Tangiers). It was the most prosperous stage of Moroccan and Amazigh architecture, as the Moroccan Amazighs experienced a great cultural exchange with the Romans during that period. Moroccan architecture was influenced by Roman architecture, and this is clearly evident in the effects left by the Mauritanian kingdom during that time.

Archaeological site {Volubilis} Morocco
The capital of the Mauritanian state

The city of Volubilis is one of the ancient Amazigh cities that witnessed the architectural revolution during the Mauritanian period. You can also greatly notice the Roman influence on Moroccan Amazigh architecture during that period. Mauritania had a large population, as described by the Greek historian Strabo, who lived in the same period.

A text by the Greek historian Strabo, who lived in the first century BC, in which he talks about the Amazighs of present-day Morocco (Moors):

{The Moors were the most numerous and wealthiest among the Berbers of North Africa. They lived a wonderful life that was not without luxury and cared a lot about their grooming. They were distinguished by their curly hair, wore beards, and adorned themselves with gilded ornaments. They also brushed their teeth and clipped their nails. They seldom touched each other when they met. They were careful not to shrink their hats. They used the furs of lions and predatory animals as sleeping covers. The Mauritanian army was made up of knights who tied the horses to bridles made of ropes and a tie made of wood or hair. They rode horses without saddles. They generally armed themselves with a sword and a spear to fight. The army also consisted of an infantry division, which usually wore an integrated military uniform made of the skin of lions, bears, or leopards, as chest protectors or covers behind the back. They were armed with shields made of elephant skin, swords, and spears to shoot or stab invaders.}

With this text, the writer shows us that the Moors (Amazighs) had a very large civilization and were very wealthy.

Source: Strabo, Geographica, Book 17.

Pausanias - Description of Greece: In his book Description of Greece, Pausanias spoke about the Moors in North Africa. He described them as a strong and courageous people who lived a simple life but enjoyed military power. He also mentioned that the Moors were known for their good appearance, paying attention to their grooming and weapons, and that they were respected by their neighbors.

Book: Description of Greece, Volume 2, Chapter 10.

Pliny the Elder - Natural History: In his famous work Natural History, Pliny the Elder discussed various aspects of the lives of peoples in North Africa, including the Moors. He described them as tough and wise, tending to live an orderly and disciplined life. He also referred to their military strength and their primitive lifestyle, such as riding horses without saddles.

Book: Natural History, Volume 5, Chapter 1.

Herodotus - The Histories: Herodotus is considered one of the earliest historians to speak about the Moors in a broader historical context. In The Histories, he refers to the Moors as a group of tribes who possessed wealth and the ability to fight, and mentioned that they lived in lands rich in natural resources. He also referred to their primitive way of life and military style.

Book: The Histories, Book 4, Chapter 180.

Moroccan architecture in the Islamic period

Moroccan Amazigh architecture did not undergo a major change during the Islamic period, other than the influence of the Moroccans and the special touch of the Arabic language. However, Moroccan Amazigh decoration has remained a distinctive civilization, and foreigners find it easy to distinguish between Moroccan Amazigh architecture and Oriental architecture.

The stages of development of Moroccan Amazigh architecture went through several Amazigh Islamic empires, such as the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties, where each Amazigh dynasty left its mark, reflecting one of the stages of its prosperity. There was a strong connection between Morocco and Andalusia, as Andalusian architecture was an extension of the Moroccan Amazigh influence on Andalusia, serving as evidence of the presence of Moroccans in Andalusia through many historical landmarks, such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Palace of the Rian and other landmarks that embody the Amazigh architectural style. Additionally, there are several palaces and historical monuments from the Almoravid period, such as the Royal Palace in Marrakech and the ancient city walls, as well as from the Almohad period, such as the Jilali Palace and the Great Mosque in Fez.

Here are some sources that explain the Amazigh influence on the design of the Alhambra in Granada and how it was inspired by Moroccan Amazigh architecture:

Book "The Architecture of Al-Andalus" - Jean-Michel Vallas: The book discusses the Moroccan and Amazigh influences in Andalusian architecture and explains how Moroccan Amazigh architecture significantly impacted the design of the Alhambra. It points out that many of the decorations and geometric patterns used in the palace are inspired by Moroccan Amazigh architectural traditions, such as intricate carvings and interwoven patterns similar to those found in the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech or the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez.

Article "The Influence of Moroccan Architecture on the Alhambra in Granada" - Dr. Ahmed Zakaria: This article specifically addresses the connections between Moroccan Amazigh architecture and the Alhambra, noting that the palace was the result of multiple influences, including strong Moroccan elements. Advanced construction techniques such as reinforced vaults and carved walls, characteristic of Moroccan architecture at the time, were used. These architectural styles were transmitted through the Amazigh conquest of Andalusia and are prominently featured in the Alhambra.

Book "Islamic Art in Morocco and Andalusia" - Frederic Frey: This book discusses how Amazigh architectural art was notably influenced by Islamic culture, including the transmission of decorations and architectural concepts from Morocco to Andalusia. The book mentions that certain architectural elements, such as open arcades, geometric decorations, and calligraphic inscriptions, show direct influences from Moroccan Amazigh architecture, which had developed during the Almoravid and Almohad periods.

Article "Amazigh Architecture in Andalusia: From Morocco to Granada" - Moussa Ali: This article explores the interaction between Moroccan Amazigh architecture and Andalusian architecture. It explains how the Alhambra contains many architectural elements reminiscent of Moroccan buildings, such as decorated arcades, beautiful mosaics, and plant and geometric decorations. It also notes that the Alhambra is an example of how Amazigh architectural elements were integrated with Islamic architectural art in Andalusia.

"The landmarks of Amazigh civilization in the Alhambra Palace are best represented in the Court of the Lions, which reflects one of the symbols of Amazigh-Maghreb culture: the Barbary lion."