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Mosque
/mɒsk/
HISTORY & CULTURESbeginner
Definition
The principal building type of Islamic worship — a place of prayer oriented towards Mecca (the qibla direction). The key elements of a mosque are the prayer hall, the mihrab (niche indicating qibla), the minbar (pulpit), and typically a minaret (tower from which the call to prayer is broadcast). Mosques reflect an enormous variety of regional styles.
Example
The Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain (begun 785 AD) is one of architecture's treasures — its forest of double-arched columns, alternating in red brick and white stone, creates an endlessly repeating interior of hypnotic beauty.