mosque [2]

Place of worship in the Islamic religion.

door

Muslims remove their shoes before entering the mosque and always enter right foot first.

central nave

The mosque’s principal nave; it adjoins the Mihrab.

Mihrab dome

Dome decorating the back of the central nave near the Mihrab.

direction of Mecca

Mecca: the religious capital of Islam is located in Saudi Arabia; Muslim prayers are always performed facing Mecca.

fortified wall

Fortification that once protected inhabitants seeking refuge inside the mosque during conflicts.

courtyard

Uncovered space bordered by the shady arcades; the ablutions fountain is located in the center of it.

ablutions fountain

Fountain that Muslims use to wash and symbolically purify certain parts of their bodies before entering the prayer hall.

reception hall

Large room used to greet visitors.

shady arcades

Gallery made up of a series of arches supported by columns.

minaret

Tower from which the call to prayer is made five times per day.

service room

porch

Covered entrance to the central nave.

prayer hall

Area made up of several naves and covered with rugs; Muslims remove their shoes to pray.

porch dome

Decorative dome atop the central nave porch.

Minbar

A pulpit at the head of a staircase; the Prophet and the first caliphs preached from the Minbar but many imams preach from one of the steps as a sign of respect.

Mihrab

Empty niche in the Qibla wall indicating the direction of Mecca.

Qibla wall

The wall that faces Mecca, the direction Muslims face to pray.