The Geometry
of Zellige

Six-Pointed Star

نجمة سداسية

6-fold symmetry

Bou Inania Madrasa (Fes), Saadian Tombs (Marrakech)

Two overlapping equilateral triangles inscribed in a circle

The simplest star in zellige. Formed by overlapping two equilateral triangles — the same geometry as the Star of David, but predating that association in Islamic art. Based on the hexagonal grid, which is one of three regular tessellations. Each star generates six surrounding hexagons. Common in early Moroccan tilework.

Eight-Pointed Star

نجمة ثمانية

4-fold symmetry

Everywhere. Hassan II Mosque, Alhambra, Ben Youssef Madrasa

Two squares, one rotated 45° relative to the other, inscribed in a circle

Two interlocking squares create the octagram — the khatam or "seal." Produces 4-fold rotational symmetry. The gaps between stars form crosses and smaller squares. The 8-pointed star is the single most common motif in Moroccan zellige, found on virtually every significant building.

Ten-Pointed Star

نجمة عشرية

5-fold symmetry

Darj wa ktaf motifs, advanced Marinid compositions

Two regular pentagons, one rotated 36° relative to the other, inscribed in a circle

Introduces 5-fold symmetry — which cannot tile the plane periodically. This is the gateway to quasi-periodic patterns. In 2007, physicists discovered that 15th-century Iranian girih tiles formed Penrose-like non-repeating patterns with 5-fold rotational symmetry — 500 years before Roger Penrose described them in 1973. Ten-pointed stars are less common in Moroccan zellige than in Persian tilework.

Twelve-Pointed Star

نجمة اثنا عشرية

6-fold symmetry

Al-Attarine Madrasa (Fes), Bahia Palace (Marrakech)

Three squares at 30° intervals, or four equilateral triangles at 30° intervals

The most complex star in Moroccan zellige. Based on the 12-fold division of the circle — the same geometry governing clock faces and the zodiac. Produces intricate surrounding polygons: hexagons, squares, and triangles interlock in patterns of remarkable density. The key generative motif for some of the most elaborate Marinid-era compositions.

Sixteen-Pointed Star

نجمة ستة عشرية

4-fold symmetry

Saadian Tombs (Marrakech), select royal commissions

Four squares at 22.5° intervals inscribed in a circle

The apex of complexity in zellige. 16-point stars emerged in the 16th century, at the height of Saadian power. The surrounding fill shapes become so small and numerous that a single panel can contain hundreds of hand-cut pieces. These are the showpieces — commissioned by sultans, executed over months. Extremely rare.