Mihrab motif on a mosaic floor

The focal point of every mosque is the mihrab, a niche positioned in the center of the wall that faces Mecca (al-qibla), which indicates the direction of prayer. Like the apses and Torah shrines in ancient churches and synagogues, the mihrab uses the form of a niche to symbolize sacred space. The mihrab mosaic displayed here is from the floor of a private house. It probably marked the area in which people prayed. This is the only known example of a mihrab motif appearing on a mosaic floor. It is reminiscent of designs commonly found on prayer rugs. Arabic inscriptions in kufic script: al-qibla and "and be not negligent" (Qur'an 7:205)