In 1549, Jafar founded Kudus Mosque and fastened the rock in its mihrab, a niche in the mosque wall facing Mecca. |
A mihrab, showing the direction of Mecca, was built in the Bel temple, indicating that for a time it was a mosque. |
The square area defined by arches in front of the mihrab is covered by a dome supported on pendentives. |
Wispy-bearded men prayed before the mihrab, an extravagance of inlaid, multicoloured stone. |
The opening is in the shape of the mihrab, and it is covered with Arabic script and flower patterns. |
Inside the mosque, a niche called mihrab orients the worshippers toward Mecca. |