ISLAMIC ART: Morrocan Zillij Tiles & Mosaic

Adorning your interior or exterior spaces with Moroccan designs can be exciting in a number of ways. Moroccan theme is very versatile in terms of colors, textures and several other design elements. This level of flexibility & customizability lets you add an exclusive style persona to any area you like according to your personal taste. This flamboyant reflection of Moroccan heritage echoes in various mediums and artistic expressions including textiles and interior décor. Moroccan themed Tile Mosaic is unarguably the best example that truly and most authentically reveals the beauty of the remarkable antique Moroccan patterns.

"Zillij Mosaic" Photo Credit: Dongyi Liu - Flickr

"Zillij tile cutting close up"
Photo Credit & Rights: DAR Interiors

The history behind Moroccan designs and tiles is a fascinating one. Centuries ago, the traditional master craftsmen of Morocco, also known as “Maalem Ferach”, excelled in this distinct skill of tile-making and they passed their extraordinary methods and craft secrets from generation to generations. In the 8th century AD the Moors (medieval Muslim inhabitants of the Maghreb/Morocco) conquered Spain and with them they brought artistic techniques that consisted of complex geometrical forms which were rather new to Europe. The art style further gained popularity during 13th-15th century in Morocco during the Marinid Dynasty. During this period the art became very popular and was used everywhere from fountains to tabletops, ceilings and even whole mosques. Some believe that the origin of these intricate geometrical themed design were a result of the limitation for Muslims in Islam that prohibited completely the depiction of living beings, like human and animal forms, in art. Therefore, the Muslim artists became extra creative with what they had; geometry and shapes.

"Zillij Making" Photo Credit: Dongyi Liu - Flickr

"Zillij Fountain" Photo Credit: moresque.com

The Moroccan design became the symbol of sophistication and prosperity over time. The style has had its highs and lows however it has truly proven itself against the test of times and never seized to exist at any point in time. Recently, the Moroccan themed design has made a huge comeback in the world of architecture and interior design internationally.

If you’re looking to bring your flooring, walls or even the overall home design to life with colorful creative Moroccan tile display, then adding MEC’s high-quality & handcrafted products to your interior (or exterior) can be the perfect embellishment. We have mastered the methods of making and customizing Moroccan tiles over decades.

You can expect to receive a top quality product given the level of attention to details our superbly skillful designers and artisans. The designs, patterns and colors are completely customizable and can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. Special attention is given to each tile we produce and every order is totally crafted by hand. The special variation in texture and the authentic luxurious feel in our Moroccan designs is not a result of any special machines and can only be truly achieved by manual finishing. The end product we deliver is guaranteed to delight you and last you a lifetime.