Practical Functions of Moroccan Tiles

Moroccan tile products are traditionally used in all kinds of living spaces. If you have ever stayed at a Riad in Marrakech or a Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains for example, than chances are that you have seen first hand how many possible applications there are for these types of products. One can literally find them in every room imaginable. One of the reasons why Moorish zillij tiles are so widespread in Morocco and other Arabic countries certainly has to do with their aesthetic qualities and their historic significance. However, there are also several practical reasons, including insulation, fortification, and cleanliness.

The overall climate in Morocco can be described as very hot and dry. In this sense it is sort of like living in Arizona or California, minus air-conditioning in most cases. Therefore, Moroccans go to great lengths to achieve hospitable room temperatures when building and designing their homes. Insulating floors and walls thoroughly, among other things, is of utmost importance. A zillij tile installation will add a layer of several centimeters to the surface it is applied to, thereby aiding in keeping interiors cool in the summertime. With rising energy costs and increasing efforts towards more environmental sustainability, people in other countries are also starting to choose building materials in more conscious ways.

Fortification still plays an important role today. Even though the more violent times in Moroccan history, such as tribal wars and the spread of the Moorish Empire are long gone, the sense of being able to find refuge in one’s own four walls from the oftentimes tumultuous outside world remains very much alive. A solidly built structure also shields against noise and creates tranquility and a laid back atmosphere on the inside, which is something Moroccans in particular appreciate. Finally, people in this part of the world value durability and longevity. A home with a strong foundation and proper fortifications will not only weather any sand storm, but it will also be there for future generations to enjoy. To this day the Alhambra and Alcazar palaces in Spain serve as artistic monuments of the Moors, housing mosaic creations from the 14th Century that are still perfectly intact.

For cultural and religious reasons cleanliness is of the highest order in this part of the world. Spaces covered with Moroccan tiles are generally easy to clean and maintain. The glaze is water resistant and, therefore, makes these surfaces easy to wipe. Moroccans, just like Turks and other Muslims, like to frequent hammams, which are public baths, where people go to deep-cleanse. The idea is that spiritual purity starts with physical purity. Coincidentally, in many cases these hammams are also outfitted with beautiful tile work. Today there is a growing trend among sophisticated Westerners to turn ordinary bathrooms into cozy hammams.
With Moroccan zillij tiles there is a lot more than initially meets the eye. It might be hard to look past the stunning appearance and the hypnotizing patterns, but if one does one will discover that this type of product serves many very practical purposes. For more information visit our website http://www.lemosaiste.com

The Ultra Custom Design Qualities of Moroccan Mosaic Tiles

This article opens with the cultural, historical, and spiritual aspects of Moroccan mosaic tiles. It then discusses what makes zellige tiles so unique by focusing on their ultra custom qualities and their elevated place in interior design.

Moroccan tile craft is considered an art form by many and is primarily known for its majestic mosaics, which are typically comprised of a series of patterns utilizing colorful geometric and/or floral shapes. This framework of expression arose from the need of Islamic artists to create spatial decorations that avoided depictions of living things, consistent with the teachings of Islamic law. Being limited in their choice of subject for centuries to only working with geometric and floral shapes, Moorish artisans became extremely creative and managed to elevate this craft into an art form.

From its ancient roots dating back to the Frumuseni Mosaics of the Byzantines a thousand years ago, to the assiduous attention to detail employed in the creation of complex geometries and floral patterns, Arabesque zellige (=zillij) tile patterns have steadily evolved into some of the most spectacular masterpieces ever conceived in ceramics and therefore take their rightful place as one of the defacto staples of Mediterranean culture and design.

Dignitaries and patrons of the art have been using zellige tiles among other design elements when decorating their palaces and estates to make a statement about their sophistication and status. From the ancient kings of the Moorish Empire to the Sultans of the Middle East, zellige tiles have always played a key role in creating distinguished and lavish surroundings.

The reason one can also find some of the most spectacular examples of Arabesque mosaics in mosques and other religious places has to do with the idea that these types of elaborate patterns will aid in inspiring a sense of spirituality, tranquility, humility and a general awe of higher powers in their followers.

What sets zellige tiles apart from any other type of tiles is the combination of mesmerizing patterns, vibrant colors (earth tones) and rugged surfaces. A big part of the unique appeal and brilliance of Moroccan mosaic tiles lies in what at first may seem like a contradictory combination of primitive crafting techniques and very skillfully arranged geometric designs. However, upon further study one realizes the cultural and historical significance behind it.

In addition, it becomes clear that the very imperfections that are due to the hand made nature of this product contribute to a certain charm and warmth that cannot be duplicated by any other materials. This fact coupled with the sheer endless ways in which one can customize colors and shapes are the reasons one can literally create one-of-a-kind bathrooms, court yards, kitchens, pools etc. These ultra custom qualities of zellige tiles inspire truly personalized living spaces, especially in the context of Mediterranean architecture. For more information visit: http://www.lemosaiste.com