Splendours of the Atlas: About the Galleries

Faces of Morocco: Landscape and Society

Morocco, a kingdom endowed with a diverse population, cultural heritage, historical significance, and breathtaking landscapes, presents a colourful canvas for photographers attempting to capture its essence. This section features the works of renowned photographers Irving Penn, Bruno Barbey, and Harry Gruyaert, alongside the contemporary voices of Moroccan artists Lalla Essaydi, Mounir Raji, and Mous Lamrabat. Beyond visual documentation, photography is a channel for cultural transmission, in which landscapes and people intertwine, forming a visual testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving story of Morocco.

The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints and Scholars

Islam and power in Morocco are deeply intertwined, shaping the country’s historical narrative, spiritual identity, and religious practices. Since the Idrisid dynasty (788–974 CE), the first Islamic dynasty in Morocco, the sovereigns, including the current king, His Majesty Mohammed VI, have been descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his daughter Fatima al-Zahra’. This noble lineage characterizes Morocco’s rich cultural and architectural heritage and an enduring sense of religious devotion. The religious centres, such as mosques and madrasas, developed in Fez and Marrakech, were founded as spiritual hubs that fostered learning, community engagement, and significant scientific and intellectual advancements.

Faith and Power in Morocco

Mausoleums of sovereigns like Mulay Idris II in Fez, the Saadian tombs in Marrakech, and the Chellah necropolis in Rabat testify to the profound historical and religious connection of Morocco up to the present day. This section highlights a series of objects and photographs illustrating the significance of royal burial grounds commissioned by the rulers and the refined craftsmanship that accompanied them.

Fez, The Imperial City

Fez was Morocco’s first historical centre of learning and scholarship. Its famed Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 CE by female scholar Fatima al-Fihriya, is recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating university. The city's renowned medina includes some of the most iconic historical buildings of Morocco, such as the 14th century CE madrasas al-‘Attarin and Bu ‘Inaniyya. The objects shown in this section demonstrate the significance of the architectural, artistic and intellectual achievements in Fez and the historical and religious continuity from the 9th until the 19th century CE that has contributed in shaping Morocco’s identity.

Morocco's Scholarship and Manuscript Production

Morocco played a pivotal role in the development and dissemination of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, and science. Its scholars made significant contributions to the understanding of Islamic law (fiqh), theology (kalam), and religious sciences (‘ulum diniyya). Both Fez and Marrakech served as major centres of scholarship, attracting scholars, students, and visitors from around the world. As key sites of manuscript production, these two cities have housed libraries and institutions that continue today to safeguard this intellectual heritage.

Marrakech, City of Enlightenment

Marrakech was founded as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty in 1046 CE. The city remained the capital of the following Almohad dynasty until 1269 CE and was then again chosen as the centre of government during the Saadian period in the 16th-17th century CE. Marrakech boasts architectural marvels such as the 12th-century CE Kutubiyya mosque and the 14th-century CE Bin Yusuf Madrasa, which have served as both centres of worship and venues for intellectual discourse and education. Between the 11th and the 14th century CE, the city witnessed significant advancements, notably in theology, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.

Threads of Tradition: Morocco’s Artisanal Mastery

Moroccan craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences, including Amazighi, Arab and Andalusian traditions that have all contributed to Morocco’s unique artistic identity. Even today, this sphere has a remarkable economic impact and provides income for craftsmen throughout the country. It has also created a major touristic draw and has drawn global recognition that has served to preserve the traditional skills of many crafts, upholding historical techniques and revered traditions. The largest section of this exhibition highlights several aspects of Moroccan craftsmanship: ceramics, woodwork, leather work, carpets, textiles and jewellery, all of which are still celebrated for their refined artistry and historical significance.

From Earth to Art: Morocco’s Mastery in Ceramics and Woodwork

Historical records indicate the presence of approximately 180 ceramic workshops in the city as early as the 12th century CE. Fez boasted three distinct ceramic guilds: harrash (responsible for unglazed pottery), zlajiyya (dedicated to zillij tile making), and tulayya (focused on glazed ceramic production). The range of ceramic items produced includes bowls (zlafa), flat dishes (tubsil), deep dishes for couscous (makhfiyya), dishes with elevated feet (ghtar), soup tureens (jubbana), flower vases with broad bellies and wide openings (mzahriyya), large jars for candied meat, honey and cheese (khabiyya), storage pots (tanjiyya), bottles (matrab), water containers for keeping water fresh (barrada), churns (garba) and oil containers (batta).

From the 13th century CE, a significant innovation in woodworking emerged in Morocco with the introduction of cedar wood in architecture. These structures were adorned with geometric or floral decorations, with the use of muqarnas that marked the influence of Andalusian art on Moroccan woodworking. A significant shift occurred in the style of decoration after the 16th century CE, with a move away from sculpture and turned wood in favour of painted designs, including for furnishing objects. Despite this change, the craftsmanship has remained exceptional.

Artistry Underfoot: Moroccan Leather, Textiles and Carpets

Leatherwork, textile weaving and carpet-making have been fundamental to Moroccan culture for centuries, influenced by Andalusian techniques and motifs, while at the same time incorporating Amazighi motifs into the artistic production. Over centuries, Moroccan artisans have meticulously dyed leather and wool, maintaining a prestigious reputation for the quality of their products. The bustling medina of Fez still carries forward the traditions of leather tanning in the centuries-old Chouara tannery, where the stamping and sewing of leather also takes place.

Whether in the larger cities or rural villages, each region of Morocco has developed specific styles of textile and carpet weaving. The work of these local artisans has preserved ancient traditions and techniques while also adapting them to contemporary tastes, ensuring both the continuity and evolution of these crafts into the modern world.

Crafting Elegance: Moroccan Costumes and Jewellery

Costumes and jewellery in Morocco exhibit a wide variety, with designs reflecting Amazighi, Arab and Andalusian techniques and aesthetics. In Morocco, a distinction is made between gold jewellery, predominantly found in urban areas, and silver jewellery, more commonly produced and used in rural regions, though available throughout the country. The different shapes and designs form a significant part of Moroccan jewellery’s identity, the most iconic being the fibulas (khallalat in Arabic and tizerzai in Amazighi) and the hands of Fatima. Jewellery in Moroccan culture primarily forms part of the dowry (mahr) and is traditionally worn by women on their wedding day. Her garments, crafted from embroidered silk, velvets or linen, present vibrant colours that complement the jewellery ensemble, layered from head to chest.

Traditional Sounds of Morocco

Moroccan music uniquely blends Arabic, Amazighi, Andalusian, Mediterranean and African influences. The well-known Andalusian music, known as al-'ala, is popular in Fez, Meknes, Rabat-Salé, Tetouan and Tangiers. Rif music, played around Oujda, Taza and Al-Houceima, features the raggada dance performed by men with rifles. Folk music, played at weddings, circumcisions, religious events and social gatherings, showcases Amazighi singing and dancing ensembles: the ahwash and ahidus. The ahwash, involving both men and women, is common in the Anti-Atlas and parts of the High Atlas around Ouarzazate, Essaouira and Agadir. The ahidus, featuring the ‘shoulder-trembling’ raysat dance, is found in the Middle Atlas and southeastern High Atlas. In the Sahara, brotherhoods perform various styles such as the gnawa, hasaniyya and al-gadra.

Seven Dialogues: Noureddine Amir

The final part of the exhibition celebrates contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship through seven commissioned works by artist Noureddine Amir. This installation guides visitors through a path of suspended frames in dialogue with each other, intertwining artisanal techniques like embroidery and trimmings, reminiscent of the importance of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship to the artist. Enhanced by Sussan Deyhim’s original sound creation, Amir's work redefines utility, emphasising aesthetic brilliance over functionalism.

Born in Rabat in 1967, Noureddine Amir is a celebrated Moroccan designer known for his innovative approach to fashion and art. Graduating from ESMOD, Paris in 1996, Amir collaborated with Iranian artist Shirin Neshat and showcased his work in notable fashion shows and exhibitions worldwide. His creations, featured at institutions such as MoMu Fashion Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, the Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent Foundation in Paris and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary inspirations.