church and mosque terminology

The central, long aisle of a church where the congregation sits. It leads from the entrance to the altar.

Nave

The "arms" of a cross-shaped church plan. They cross the nave at a right angle, creating the Cruciform (cross) shape

Transept

The semicircular or polygonal protrusion at the end of the church, usually situated behind the altar.

Apse

The entrance hall or porch area at the western end of the church, opposite the main altar.

Narthex

A tall, slender, pointed structure on top of a church tower, intended to symbolize reaching toward heaven.

Spire

The decorative semi-circular space above an entrance/doorway, bounded by a lintel and an arch, often containing sculpture.

Tympanum

The delicate, decorative stone stonework inside a window that holds the stained glass in place

Tracery

A narrow gallery or passage built into the wall of the nave, located above the side aisles and below the Clerestory windows.

Triforium

An underground chamber or vault, usually located beneath the floor of the church, used for burials or as a chapel.

Crypt

An ornate partition (usually made of wood or stone) that separates the Nave (where people sit) from the Choir/Chancel (the sacred area)

Rood screen

A bell tower, usually one that is freestanding and not physically attached to the main church building

Campanile

A small, pointed ornament (looks like a mini spire) used to top off buttresses or corners of towers to add weight and stability.

Pinnacle

The open courtyard of a mosque. It usually has a fountain in the center for ablutions.

Sahn

The main prayer hall. Unlike a church nave, it is usually a wide, horizontal space to accommodate rows of worshippers.

Haram

An arcade or portico (a roofed walkway supported by columns) that surrounds the Sahn

Riwaq

The wall in a mosque that faces Mecca. All worshippers face this direction during prayer

qibla wall

semicircular niche set into the Qibla wall. It indicates the direction of Mecca and is often the most decorated part of the mosque.

Mihrab

A raised platform or pulpit located to the right of the Mihrab, where the Imam stands to deliver the sermon (Khutbah). It usually has steps leading up to it.

Minbar

A rectangular hall or space, usually vaulted, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open. It is a hallmark of Persian Islamic architecture.

Iwan

A fountain or pool, usually located in the Sahn, used for ritual washing before prayer.

Wudu area (Hauz)

Stalactite" vaulting. It is a complex, honeycomb-like decorative transition used in domes and niches.

Muqarnas

An enclosed area or wooden screen near the Mihrab, originally designed to protect the Ruler/Caliph during prayer from assassination attempts.

Maqsura

An architectural style involving alternating rows of light and dark stone (usually red and white or black and white).

Albaq masnory eg cordoba mosque in spain