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A mashrabiya or mashrabiyya (Arabic: مشربية) is an architectural element which is characteristic of traditional architecture in the Islamic world and beyond.[1][2] It is a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood latticework located on the upper floors of a building, sometimes enhanced with stained glass. It was traditionally used to catch wind and for passive cooling. Jars and basins of water could be placed in it to cause evaporative cooling.[3]: Ch. 6 It is most commonly used on the street side of the building; however, it may also be used internally on the sahn (courtyard) side.[4] The term mashrabiya is sometimes used of similar lattices elsewhere, for instance in a takhtabush.[3]: Ch. 6 It is similar to Indian jali.[5]
It has been used since the Middle Ages, reached a peak during the Ottoman period, but fell into decline in the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. However, interest in sustainable architecture has contributed to a revival of the mashrabiya and other elements of vernacular architecture.
- ^ Petersen, A (1996). Dictionary of Islamic Architecture. London: Routledge. p. 177-178. ISBN 0-415-06084-2.
- ^ Fathy Ashour, Ayman (2018). "Islamic Architectural Heritage: Mashrabiya". In Passerini, G. (ed.). Islamic Heritage Architecture and Art II. WIT Press. pp. 245–254. ISBN 9781784662516.
- ^ a b Fathy, Hassan. "The wind factor in air movement". Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture.
- ^ Mohamed, Jehan (2015). "The Traditional Arts and Crafts of Turnery or Mashrabiya" (PDF). Rutgers. In partial fulfillment of M.A.: 1–33.
- ^ Azmi, Feza Tabassum (20 September 2022). "How India's lattice buildings cool without air con". www.bbc.com.