Zellige

Zellige is a Moroccan form of mosaic tilework consisting of individually hand-cut ceramic tiles, known as zellij, assembled into intricate geometric patterns. The name derives from the Arabic zillij, meaning mosaic. Zellige has long been a hallmark of Islamic architecture in the Maghreb, especially in cities such as Fez, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech.

Tiles are made from clay, fired, and glazed in a range of colors, with blue, turquoise, green, white, and yellow most common. Craftsmen cut the glazed tiles into various shapes—triangles, diamonds, hexagons, and stars—and carefully assemble them on a plaster or lime-based substrate. The gaps are filled with plaster to create a continuous surface.

Patterns are predominantly geometric, relying on tessellation to create complex designs rather than figurative imagery. The work requires precise planning and measurement, often drawn on the substrate before placement. Zellige adorns walls, fountains, floors, pools, and architectural details such as mihrabs and door surrounds.

Traditionally, zellige is produced by specialized workshops. Master artisans, called maâlems, guide tile cutting and setting, while apprentices learn through hands-on training. In modern practice, zellige is still made by craftspeople for restoration and new projects, though some production has shifted to factories offering wider color ranges and patterns.

Zellige is valued for its precision, color, and the play of light on its glossy surfaces, and it remains a defining element of Moroccan architectural heritage.