View through a window into the interior of Riad Al Makan in Fez. Close to Fez's medina, you can relax without being disturbed by the sounds outside. The concept of a riad focuses on privacy and protection from the weather. The building is built around an atrium and usually has two floors. There is often a gallery around this courtyard on each floor. The rooms are grouped around the atrium. The walls are covered with tadelakt plaster, zellige mosaic and/or Islamic calligraphy. The courtyard often features plants, trees and a fountain. The outer walls of the riad have only small windows. The floor plan of a riad is derived from that of the Roman villa. The first riad was probably built in the 9th or 10th century in the city of Volubilis. This was originally a Roman city but was ruled by the Islamist Idrisids at the time. When the Almoravids conquered Spain in the 11th century, many artists (often Jews or Christians) were sent to Morocco to decorate palaces and riads. This created the eventual typical way in which atriums were decorated. Many riads in Marrakech, Fez and Essaouira are now used as hotels or restaurants.
I am a cityscape photographer who captures the beauty of the city from the moment the sun begins to go down till sunrise. My passion lies in photographing the city in the evening, night and dawn. My photos are colorful, panoramic and are characterized by the use of.. Read more…