An iwan is a rectangular-shaped, vaulted space with one open side, often found in Islamic architecture. It serves as an entrance or a central hall within a building.
Imagine an iwan as a grand doorway to a magnificent palace. Just like how the open side of the iwan invites you into the building, the grand doorway welcomes you into the palace.
Mihrab: A mihrab is a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca for prayer.
Hypostyle Hall: A hypostyle hall is a large interior space with rows of columns supporting its roof, commonly seen in ancient Egyptian and Islamic architecture.
Qibla Wall: The qibla wall is the wall in a mosque that faces Mecca and contains the mihrab.
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