Moroccan Tiles

Traditional Moroccan tiles are also known as zellige tiles, which is terra cotta tile work covered with enamel in the form of chips set into plaster. It is one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture though it's also used in other Maghreb and Muslim countries. It consists of geometrical mosaics made ceramic used mainly as an ornament for bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes, walls, ceilings, fountains, floors, pools, tables, etc.

Common synonyms include zellidj, zellig, zellij, zillij, Moroccan terra cotta, Moroccan tesserae, and Moroccan carreaux.

There are several different types of handmade Moroccan tiles, such as mosaic tiles, chiseled (carved tiles), hand painted tiles, and loose field tiles. In more recent years, Moroccan tile companies have also started to manufacture cheaper ceramic and cement tiles often imitating traditional zellige tile patterns.

It is believed that zellige was influenced by the Frumuseni Mosaics of the Byzantines. The art of Zellige flourished at the Hispano-Moresque period (Azulejo). It then appeared in Morocco in the 10th century using nuances of white and brown colors.