Where the story begins

Zellige is not just a word; behind “zellige” lies deep meaning, knowledge, and understanding of this material. There is an art to it. Genuine zellige is made by the hands of Master Craftsmen, called Mâalems, who have passed down the secrets of this art through the ages. To protect this know-how, the Moroccan Ministry of Artisanat created the label “Zellige de Fez.” We are committed to respecting this culture and, therefore, this material, which is why we are proud to produce our zellige in accordance with the specifications of this demanding label.

So, how can you recognize true zellige? This know-how has existed since the 12th century and is a legacy of the great Al-Andalus period, transmitted orally over the ages. All our production is done by hand: from drying to enameling, including cutting with a marteline. This seemingly simple and somewhat intimidating tool is an ode to delicacy in the hands of Moroccan Mâalems. In the ateliers, magic floats in the air…

The singularity of genuine zellige is also attributed to the wood-fired oven. This capricious and captivating cooking method reveals what no gas oven can ever achieve: an absolutely unique sensitivity to the material. Today, zellige is well-known and desired because of its vibrancy. However, not all zellige is genuine; some only mimic nuances and irregularities. Thus, it is important for us at Ateliers Zelij to tell its story and uphold its true nature.