Hypostyle hall

In classical architecture, a hypostyle hall is characterised by columns which support a roof. The name means ‘under pillars’ and it was used as a means of constructing large spaces in buildings such as temples, palaces and public buildings.

Hypostyle halls were commonly built in ancient Egypt and Persia. They were also one of the main types of mosque architecture, often which a combination of columns and arches.

One of the finest examples of hypostyle mosque is the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia (see image above).

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