The hypostyle plan was used widely in islamic lands prior to the introduction of the four iwan plan in the twelfth century see next section.
Hypostyle floor plan.
They were also built as an entry way to inner sanctuaries.
In many mosques especially the early congregational mosques the prayer hall has the hypostyle form.
One of the finest examples of the hypostyle plan mosques is the great mosque of kairouan also called the mosque of uqba in the city of kairouan tunisia.
The hypostyle plan s characteristic forest of columns was used in different mosques to great effect.
The word means literally under pillars and the design allows for the construction of large spaces as in temples palaces or public buildings without the need for arches.
It was used extensively in ancient.
With a combination of columns and arches the hypostyle hall became one of the two main types of mosque construction.
Hypostyle definition having many columns carrying the roof or ceiling.
One of the most famous examples is the great mosque of cordoba which uses bi color two tier arches.
This type of architecture is featured in various buildings such as mosques waiting halls and several indian architectures.