The mihrab shows the direction
The most striking place in the prayer hall is the mihrab: a niche in the wall, framed in our mosque with finely carved wood. It indicates the direction of prayer, the qibla – the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. From Frankfurt it lies roughly to the south-east. In congregational prayer the imam stands in front of the mihrab and the congregation in rows behind.
The minbar: the pulpit
Next to the mihrab stands the minbar, a raised pulpit with a narrow staircase. This is where the imam gives the sermon at Friday prayer and on the two Eid festivals.
Writing as decoration
In mosques it is mainly writing, not pictures, that decorates the walls. Above our mihrab runs a band of Arabic calligraphy, and next to it hang framed panels bearing the names “Allah” and “Muhammad”. The blue-and-white patterned wall cladding recalls the tile art for which Ottoman mosques are famous.
Carpet, light and calm
Prayer takes place on the soft carpet; worshippers stand in straight rows, shoulder to shoulder. A large chandelier hangs above. And because the prayer hall is a place of calm: shoes off, phone on silent. Feel free to come by and see it all for yourself.
