mihrab

(noun)

a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque, that indicates the qibla (direction of Mecca), and into which the imam prays

Related Terms

Examples of mihrab in the following topics:

  • Architecture of Djenne

    • In the prayer hall, each of the three towers in the qibla wall has a niche or mihrab.
    • The imam conducts the prayers from the mihrab in the larger central tower.
    • A narrow opening in the ceiling of the central mihrab connects with a small room situated above roof level in the tower.
    • To the right of the mihrab in the central tower is a second niche, the pulpit or minbar, from which the imam preaches his Friday sermon.

  • Islamic Architecture

    • Dome of the mihrab (9th century) in the Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, in Kairouan, Tunisia