maqṣūrah
Quick Summary
The term "Maqsurah" refers to an architectural feature in Islamic architecture, specifically a screened-off or enclosed space, often located near the mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca) in a mosque. Historically, the maqsurah was designed to protect a ruler or caliph during prayer from potential assassins. While not a constant fixture in all mosques, its typological significance lies in its protective function for important figures. The concept of a protected space within a place of worship highlights the intersection of religious and political life in early Islamic societies.1
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mosqueOccasionally there is also a maqsūrah, a box or wooden screen near the miḥrāb, which was originally designed to shield a worshipping ruler from assassins. Mats or carpets cover the floor of the mosque, where the ritual prayer (ṣalāt) is performed by rows of men who bow and prostrate themselves…
Read MoreOccasionally there is also a maqsūrah, a box or wooden screen near the miḥrāb, which was originally designed to shield a worshipping ruler from assassins. Mats or carpets cover the floor of the mosque, where the ritual prayer (ṣalāt) is performed by rows of men who bow and prostrate themselves…
Read More
Islamic artsEarly religious buildings…exception is that of the maqṣūrah (literally “closed-off space”), an enclosure, probably in wood, built near the centre of the qiblah wall. Its purpose was to protect the caliph or his replacement, for several attacks against major political figures had taken place. But the maqṣūrah was never destined to be…
Read More…exception is that of the maqṣūrah (literally “closed-off space”), an enclosure, probably in wood, built near the centre of the qiblah wall. Its purpose was to protect the caliph or his replacement, for several attacks against major political figures had taken place. But the maqṣūrah was never destined to be…
Read More