The horseshoe arch (Arabic: قوس حدوة الحصان; Spanish: arco de herradura), also called the Moorish arch and the keyhole arch, is a type of arch in which the circular curve is continued below the horizontal line of its diameter, so that the opening at the bottom of the arch is narrower than the arch's full span.

Jan 17, 2002 · A symbol of sainthood and holiness, the horseshoe arch provided a better advantage allowing more height then the classical (semi-circular) arch as well as better aesthetic and decorative use. Muslims used this curve form to develop their famous ultra-semicircular arch around which the whole of Muslim architecture evolved [1].

Dec 16, 2024 · The horseshoe arch is a distinctive architectural design that is well-known for its unique horseshoe shape. This structure was first found in Persia’s monumental architecture around 879 CE and later, in the 12th to 16th century CE.

From the bold horseshoe arch to the layered beauty of multifoil designs, these arches are more than just structural—they help shape the character and feel of a building. Let’s break down some of the most iconic types of arches in Islamic architecture and what makes each one unique.

The basic elements of the mosque are the regularly repeating bays of double arches: the upper ones, which are structural and support the roof, are semi-circular (of Roman origin) and the bottom ones, which act as structural ‘ties’ are horseshoe-arches (of Visigothic origin).

Oct 27, 2024 · Horseshoe arches hold symbolic meaning in Moroccan design, believed to provide protection against the evil eye and bring good fortune. The versatility of arch forms, from pointed to scalloped, adds to the rich tapestry of Moroccan architectural styles.

The focal point in the prayer hall is the famous horseshoe arched mihrab or prayer niche. A mihrab is used in a mosque to identify the wall that faces Mecca—the birth place of Islam in what is now Saudi Arabia.

Horseshoe arches are a type of arch commonly found in Islamic architecture, characterized by their rounded shape that resembles the curve of a horseshoe. They were popular during the Islamic period and can be seen in structures such as mosques and palaces.

Sep 18, 2024 · Those in the Western Islamic world mainly developed the horseshoe arch. Sometimes referred to as the “Moorish arch”, this arch followed the same pattern as other arches, but the two sides pinch together towards the top-middle section in the shape of a horseshoe before continuing straight forwards.

Jan 17, 2002 · Perhaps no culture mastered the design and use of the arch more than the Muslims. Inheriting earlier arch forms from the Greeks and the Romans, Muslims developed a variety of new shapes including the horseshoe, multi-foil, pointed and the ogee arches.