centres of moroccan muslim art: fes & meknes
part of the series “mahendra’s morocco“
© mahendra myshkin 2025
These two imperial cities embody the height of Moroccan Islamic art and architecture, from scholarly traditions to grand royal visions.
Of course the artesans had to follow the global islamic rules which forced them to forgo concrete figurative representation. Islamic art developed a highly complex geometric language by repeating, interlacing and radiating basic shapes. Just like their colleagues in India, Persia, Turkey, or Spain they developed incredibly elaborate designs, a form of sacred geometry that still influences artists around the world.
In the case of Morocco the Islamic design was additionally influenced by the rich artwork of the Berber tradition.
Fes
Founded in the 9th century, the city soon became a major center of learning and craftsmanship under successive dynasties. The city’s madrasas, mosques, and palaces showcase intricate tilework (zellij), carved plaster, and finely worked wood. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meknes
Not far from Fes another royal city developed in the 17th century under Sultan Moulay Ismail, which is primarily known for monumental gates, expansive granaries, and stables designed to house thousands of horses.
Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif (1645 – 1727) was the second ruler of the Alawi dynasty. He managed the longest reign of any Sultan of Morocco from 1672 to 1727. Known as the “Warrior King” he expanded the Alawi empire ruthlessly fighting the Europeans and the Otomans. In addition to his military successes, he also managed to establish a harem of over 500 women with more than 800 confirmed biological children, making him one of the most prodigious fathers in recorded history. His Mausoleum in Meknes is one of the most remarkable creations of Moroccan art and architecture.
