A mosque, also called a masjid, is a place of worship for Muslims. The term usually refers to a covered building, but can be any place where Islamic prayers are performed, such as an outdoor courtyard.
Aerial view of the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām) of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the largest mosque and holiest site in Islam, with the Kaaba in the center (2010 photo)
The Prophet's Mosque (al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina, Islam's second holiest site
Masjid al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the two Qiblahs) in Medina
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Islam's third holiest site
Islamic architecture comprises the architectural styles of buildings associated with Islam. It encompasses both secular and religious styles from the early history of Islam to the present day. The Islamic world encompasses a wide geographic area historically ranging from western Africa and Europe to eastern Asia. Certain commonalities are shared by Islamic architectural styles across all these regions, but over time different regions developed their own styles according to local materials and techniques, local dynasties and patrons, different regional centers of artistic production, and sometimes different religious affiliations.
Image: Great Mosque of Cordoba, interior, 8th 10th centuries (38) (29721130342)
Image: 20180301124354 IMG 4179And 6more Interior 3
Image: Selimiye Mosque, Dome
The Mosque of the Prophet, standing on the site of Muhammad's first mosque in Medina. The present-day building is the result of many reconstructions and expansions up to modern times.