We wanted to walk around the Taman Botani Putrajaya or Botanic Gardens of Putrajaya (after Ebak's wedding reception), but by the time we got there, it was raining. It was just as well that by chance we'd parked in front of the Astaka Morocco or Moroccan Pavilion, and so we walked around it to gaze in awe at the fantastic architectural details of this beautiful complex of grand arches, wonderfully decorated walls and doors and a quite lavish garden of palms and fountains. A serendipitous encounter of the most awesome kind!
The dominant archways welcome visitors into the courtyards and gardens. The buildings are decorated with colourful tiles in geometric patterns and adorned with exquisite Islamic calligraphy. Even the door details warrant long lingering examination.
The architecture in Morocco is said to be 'a blend of Black African and Islamic design styles, with the Islamic styles dominating this combination'. Their artistic heritage had been 'enriched by the cultural contribution of Muslim Andalucia'. We'd never been to Morocco but you bet it is on my bucket list. This Moroccan Pavilion is but a tiny hint of the splendours of Moroccan architecture, I'm sure.
This one example of Moroccan architecture is indeed breathtaking. The water element in the garden courtyard runs straight through the complex ending in a beautiful fountain in the main building. Lovely brass lamps adorn the ceilings. Even the floor tiles are very admirable. But our harsh tropical climate has made it a challenge in the upkeep of this complex. We notice some broken tiles and the scaffolding around the archways into the grounds.
The scaffolding are but a minor distraction because nothing can detract from the beauty of the complex's architectural details. The exquisite door decorations of wood carving and brass knockers just warrant close-up pictures. As do the colourful tiles and other decorations of walls, ceilings and floors.
The Moroccan Pavilion exude breathtaking Moroccan architecture with its rich artistic and alluring decorations. But don't just take my word for it. Visit it the next time you find yourself in Putrajaya, and be prepared to be mesmerised. And feel as though you have been transported to Morocco. Enjoy the (vicarious) travel. 1 November 2014
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