A thousand and one doors: the oriental doors of Marrakech
A trip to Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Colourful ornaments made of glass and mosaics adorn houses and doors. Every corner reveals a new world - with new smells, colours and sounds.
As the former capital of the Moroccan empire, Marrakech is now an important cultural and economic centre. The old town in particular - the medina - attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a walled medieval city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Artistic doors with a history
Oriental doors, such as those found in Marrakech, are far more than just functional elements. They are an expression of craftsmanship, symbolism and cultural heritage. Often intricately carved and decorated with filigree patterns, they lend even simple houses a mystical character.
Many of these doors are large in size and framed with tiled mosaics. The ornamental carvings are often inspired by Islamic art and tell stories of origin, faith or status. Blue is one of the dominant colours: from turquoise to indigo - a symbol of the sky, water and spiritual purity.
These doors are not just entrances, but are also used as decorative elements in courtyards or gardens.
Small doors, big gesture
An architectural detail that often comes as a surprise: in Marrakech you will find many doors that only reach up to shoulder height. The reason for this is symbolic. Due to the low height, every visitor had to bow slightly when entering - a sign of respect for the family of the house.
A second, smaller door was often set into a larger one. The outer door was only opened on special occasions or when transporting larger goods. Today, these double doors have become rarer - but many small entrances have survived to this day.
Door knocker with its own language
Another fascinating element of Moroccan doors are the door knockers. The "Hand of Fatima" - a symbolic sign of protection in the form of an upturned palm - is particularly widespread. It symbolises blessing, protection and hospitality.
In the past, many doors even had two knockers with different sounds - one for men and one for women. This made it possible to recognise who wanted to enter the house. In modern times, this tradition has largely disappeared, but many of the old door knockers have been preserved - as both cultural heritage and design objects.
Oriental door design meets modern living worlds
Doors like those in Marrakech tell stories - through form, structure and symbolism. Oriental style elements can also be interpreted in a modern way in today's interiors. Particularly popular: elegant surfaces, textured door leaves, targeted lighting accents and high-quality decorations.
The Arbonia Group's world of doors includes numerous models that reflect this design language. Doors with a cassette look, vertical glass inserts or accentuating stainless steel pilaster strips bring visual depth and an individual touch to every home.
