In Islamic thought and practice, epigraphy and geometry are the official means of artistic expression. It is the case for public, religious, and even private buildings. Through time, it became a standard of the architectural tradition and took the specific characteristics of each region. However, many exceptions exist in architectural ornamentation, ceramics, and miniature objects. The intention is to not rival with God’s creation in representing zoomorphic or anthropomorphic figures. Instead the artisans focus on diversifying the motifs based on the circle. A geometrician-artisan can use a sheet of paper, a pen, a compass, and a ruler to base the design for intricate motifs.

Such creations are present in Merinid Shallah, on the door of the medersa, its minaret, and what remains of the funerary complex.