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Facing northeastward and looking at the side portal adjacent to the Bab Oudaya.
For the list of my primary sources for this series, see the bottom of the Part 1 essay.
In 1976 this relatively modest arched passage was the main entrance to the Kasbah. And it still is. But half a century ago, as this photo shows, it was in sore need of a substantial amount of restoration work. Not only had some of the arch-supporting stones of the doorframe fallen away; much of the rest of the rock was badly weathered.
This was especially evident in the whitened surfaces, which appear to be heavy deposits of salt-compound efflorescence that were leached out of the rock’s interior. That’s a plausible hypothesis, anyway, given the proximity of the saline Bou Regreg tidal estuary and the North Atlantic itself.
However, if you take a look at the modern version of this spot on Google Earth Street View, you’ll find that the locally quarried Salé Calcarenite used here has indeed been lovingly cleaned and restored. This distinctive if less than enduring stone, now once again sporting its original Earth-toned tints, began its career as shoreline bedrock located just across the mouth of the river. It ranges in age from the Pliocene to the present Quaternary period.
When I first started to research the Salé and its widespread use in Rabat, I was excited to find a second calcarenite in architectural use. The first I’d known of was southern Indiana’s redoubtable Salem Limestone. That Mississippian (Lower Carboniferous) selection, which since the latter part of the nineteenth century has been produced in huge quantities, is undoubtedly America’s most common building stone.
Calcarenite is perhaps the oddest form of limestone, and one that because of its granular texture is often mistaken for sandstone. It’s composed of calcareous fossil fragments glued together with still more calcite. There’s something about this composition that makes it a mason’s dream. It is handily sawn into sections of whatever size you wish, and it’s almost as easy to carve into finely wrought detail as a bar of soap.
Interestingly, since I began my Rabat album, I’ve come across two other examples of this offbeat sedimentary rock type that have been extensively utilized by Old World builders. The first of these, taken from the Pleistocene Agrigento Formation, was used for the incomparable complex of Doric temples erected by the Greek colonists of Akragas, Trinacria —now Agrigento, Sicily. In fact, those beautiful structures stand directly on the bedrock from which their stone was quarried.
The other calcarenite is the Miocene-epoch Marés Stone found on two Balearic isles, Mallorca and Menorca. It has been employed there for everything from the magnificent Palma Cathedral to simple farm-field walls. And in true calcarenite fashion, the Marés and the Agrigento are both renowned for their buff-to-golden coloration, and for their superb workability.
As I continue my rambling researches here and there, I wouldn’t be surprised if I stumble across still other architecturally significant varieties of this fascinating, fossil-rich rock.
To see the other photos and descriptions in this set, visit my my Architectural Geology of Rabat album..
A sunny day at the seaside in Essaouira, Morocco. Seagulls fly overhead and rest on the rocks and shoreline. People are strolling along the beach and the ancient city walls, which run along the water's edge. The scene shows a blend of nature, history, and human activity.
A beautifully ornate arched doorway, likely part of a mosque, is featured. The intricate stonework, with detailed carvings and patterns, showcases Islamic architectural design. The dark-colored, intricately patterned doors are a striking contrast to the light beige stone of the building. The decorative elements, including the hanging lantern, further emphasize the building's religious significance. No specific people are visible in the image.
A narrow alleyway, lined with whitewashed buildings, is the scene. Two people, a woman wearing a hijab and a man, are walking down the center of the passageway. The alley is paved with light brown bricks and is flanked by planters filled with various greenery, including plants and cacti, in vibrant blue pots. The buildings showcase traditional architectural details, including arched windows and decorative elements. The scene suggests a quiet, perhaps touristy, area in a North African city, likely in Tunisia or Morocco, given the architectural style.
A high-angle view of a hillside town, likely in Morocco, showcasing a dense collection of buildings in various colors, including shades of blue, red, and beige. The buildings are nestled into the hillside, with varying heights and architectural styles. The terrain is hilly, with patches of vegetation and some bare earth. The image suggests a typical urban landscape in a mountainous region, with the buildings appearing to be residential and possibly some commercial structures. No specific events or actions are visible in the image, just the general scene of the town.
A beautifully carved stone sarcophagus, likely from a historical Islamic period, is on display within a museum. The intricate, decorative patterns on the walls of the building, including arches and decorative panels, are a testament to the artistry of the time. The sarcophagus, with its detailed carvings, is a significant artifact, showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region.
A detailed view of the intricate ceiling and arches of a historical building, likely a mosque. The ornate, decorative patterns on the ceiling, featuring repeating circular motifs, are carved into the light beige stone. The arches, also constructed of the same light beige stone, create a sense of depth and grandeur. The image showcases the architectural artistry and craftsmanship of the building, highlighting the beauty of Islamic design.
I don't know if the area we were in had a specific name, like a named gate. But, this was just outside of the medina, in the direction we first arrived at, first entered.
A courtyard within the Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco. The intricate tilework on the floor and the arched, blue and cream-colored colonnades are visible. A person, likely a tourist, is taking a photo of the courtyard. The overcast sky suggests a potentially cool or cloudy day. The black tarp on part of the roof suggests ongoing maintenance or restoration work.
Cold waves of Atlantic wash over beautiful Hassan II Mosque towering above the city
Casablanca, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, stands majestically under a clear, partly cloudy sky. Tourists, likely from various parts of the world, are walking around the expansive courtyard, taking in the intricate architecture and design of the mosque. The mosque's grandeur and historical significance draw visitors to experience its beauty and cultural importance.