This Glossary is a guide to the terms, derived from the different languages used in the Islamic world, that broadly relate to the subject of this website. Some of the terms used apply to the same, or similar, objects and techniques. On the other hand, the cultural cohesiveness of Islam has always meant that many expressions, particularly in the religious sphere, have a widespread usage.
(Ar.) = Arabic; (Gen.) = General usage throughout the Islamic world; (Ind.)= Indian; (Per.) = Persian; (Sp.) = Spanish; (Tur.) = Turkish
Ablaq
(Ar.) Term used to describe alternating light and dark courses of masonry
Ajimez
(Sp.) A pair of windows sharing a central column
Akhi
(Ar.) Guilds of artisans and craftsmen, sometimes living and working in communities
Alicatado
(Sp.) Ceramic mosaic, particularly that using geometric decorative motifs
Al-Fann
(Ar.) Art
A.H.
Anno Hegira, the Muslim lunar calendar, dating from 622 C.E.
Artesonado
(Sp.) Wooden panelled ceiling
Ataurique
(Sp.) Arabesque decoration using abstract vegetal elements
Azulejos
(Sp.) Decorative ceramic tiles
Band-i-rumi
(Per.) Geometric interlace pattern
Banna'i
(Per.) Decorative brickwork, including that using glazed bricks
Bayt al-mal
(Ar.) Treasury; in Friday mosques a room raised on columns in the courtyard
Caravanserai
(Gen.) combined hostel and trading centre, providing accommodation for travellers, merchants and animals, found both in towns and along major trade routes
Eslimi
(Per.) Arabesque decoration using abstract vegetal elements
Fatiha
(Ar.) Book illumination, particularly of Qur'an
Funduq
(Ar.) Caravanserai
Gunbad
(Per.) also Gumbaz(Ind.) Dome; domed Tomb
Hakkaki
(Ar.) Ceramic inlay
Hazar Baf
(Per.) Decorative brickwork
Hammam
(Gen.) Bath House (public or private)
Han
(Tur.) Caravanserai
Haram
(Gen.) Private quarters of house; sanctuary of Mosque
Haveli
(Ind.) Residential building complex, often multi-storied
Hazarbaf
(Per.) Decorative brickwork
Hegira
(Gen.) The Muslim lunar calendar, dating from 622 C.E.
Imamzadeh
(Per.) Tomb of saint or holy man
Iwan
(Per.) (Tur.) Vaulted hall, walled on three sides, with one end open
Jali
(Ind.) Lattice; pierced stone screen
Jami Masjid
(Gen.) Friday, or congregational Mosque
Karkhana
(also Khitabkhan) (Pers.) Royal workshops for the applied arts
Kashi
(Per.) Ceramic architectural decoration
Khan
(Per.) Caravanserai
Khanqah
(Gen.) Sufi convent
Kulliyat
(also Kulliye) (Ar.) Architectural complex, usually including Mosque, Hospital, School etc.
Lazo
(Sp.) Interlaced geometrical pattern
Madrassa
also Madrasah, Medresse(Gen.) Educational institutions, usually with sleeping and working accommodation for students
Maristan
(Ar.) Hospital
Mashrabiyya
(Ar.) Wooden screen covering windows or balconies
Masjid
(Gen.) Mosque
Mihrab
(Gen.) Niche used to indicate the direction of prayer in Mosques
Minar
(Gen.) Minaret; tower-like structure associated with Mosques, used for the adhan, the call to prayer
Minbar
(Gen.) Pulpit
Mishkah
(Ar.) Niche for a lamp
Moarraq
(Per.) Ceramic mosaic
Mu'arraq kari
(Ir.) Glazed tile-mosaic
Muqarnas
(Gen.) System of niches and projected 'stalactites', used as a transitional and decorative device in architecture
Naqqash
(Gen.) Designer of architectural decoration
Nakkashkhan
(Tur.) Royal workshops for the applied arts
Pishtaq
(Per.) Monumental panels framing arch-front of Iwan
Qal'a
(Ar.) Castle, fortress or citadel
Qashani
(Ar.) Ceramic tiling
Qasr
(Ar.) Palace or mansion
Qibla
(Gen.) Wall indicating the direction of Mecca, hence of prayer
Qubba
(Ar.) Dome; shrine
Rahlah
(Ar.) Folding stand for holding the Qur'an
Riwaq
(Ar.) Arcade or portico, open on one side
Rumi
(Tur.) Arabesque decoration using abstract vegetal elements
Sabil
(Tur.) Drinking fountain
Sahn
Courtyard of Mosque
Serai
(Ar.) Palace
Taq
(Per.) Arch
Tawriq
(Ar.) Arabesque decoration using abstract vegetal elements
Turbe
(also Turba) (Gen.) Mausoleum
Ulu Cami
(Tur.) Friday, or congregational Mosque
Wakala
(Ar.) Urban complex, combining Caravanserai, warehouse and market
Waqf
(Ar.) Pious architectural foundation of public utility (i.e. of Mosques, Hospitals, Baths, Fountains etc.}
Zanana
(Ind.) Women's quarters in a palace or house
Zilij
(also Zellij) (Ar.) North African term for glazed tiles