Mihrab is next to the minbar and mahfil the most known element of any mosque interior. All three elements have a functional and aesthetic role. Mihrab is a semi-circular niche set into the middle of the 'qibla wall' to indicate Mecca's direction.

This architectural element did not exist in the time of Prophet Mohammed and was introduced at a later date, indicating the central place from which the imam leads the prayer. In this sense, mihrab has also a symbolic meaning.

Each period of development of Islamic architecture produced differences in the appearance of the mihrab. The Ottoman period takes on a standardized and highly recognizable shape. The upper part of a mihrab is the most characteristic since it is usually done in the form of plastic stalactites, or muqarnas. This decoration is a trademark of Islamic architectural sculpture, and in fact, the best examples of such art can be seen in an Ottoman mihrab.

Here are the ten beautiful examples of Ottoman mihrab in Istanbul:

Atik Ali Pasha Mosque

image Mihrab at the Atik Ali Pasha Mosue in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Molla Celebi Mosque

image Mihrab at the Molla Celebi Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Murat Pasha Mosque

image Mihrab at the Murat Pasha Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

image Mihrab at the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Rustem Pasha Mosque

image Mihrab at the Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Sehzade Mosque

image Mihrab at the Sehzade Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Yavuz Selim Mosque

image Mihrab at the Javuz Selim Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Dolmabahce Mosque

image Mihrab at the Dolmabahce Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Ortakoy Mosque

image Mihrab at the Ortakoy Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Nusretiye Mosque

image Mihrab at the Nusretiye Mosque in Istanbul / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine


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