Moroccan architecture is best seen when looking at mosques or medinas. Mosque literally means “place of prayer.” In Morocco, the main religion is Islam. Thus, mosques are a very prevalent aspect of the culture. Medina, meaning “old city,” are the tight-quartered places of living in the cities. Medinas have many buildings closely places alongside one another. The roads between them were not intended to accommodate vehicles. In fact, depending on the road, it is either wide enough to fit one or two camels through; they are very tight and narrow! This is where you can find the traditional suq, or open air market.
Mosques are not only a place for prayer, but they are also a place for social gathering. Many families with gather and eat at mosques. They are a place for unity, and are the most open place in the city. Mosques have an outdoor court with a fountain that is either open or enclosed in a small building. The fountains, or sabil, are used to cleanse yourself before prayer. There are one or more minarets, which are tall towers that are used to call for prayer. Every mosque has a mihrab, which is a small niche in a wall where people pray towards; it is in the direction of Mecca. There is also a mimbar, which is an elevated platform that the prayer leader stands on. Mosques use geometrically complex designs rather than human idols.
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