Mashrabiya

Maschrabiyya (Arabic مشربية, DMG mašrabīya ) is called in the traditional Arabian architecture decorative wood lattice as windows of the houses and palaces.

They are usually composed of carved or turned-wood pieces, arranged in geometric patterns. They are used for sun protection and exposure, the ventilation of the home and privacy. In houses, they are used from the second floor. Like a blind they allow the view outside without letting the viewer even be recognizable. The frequently occurring training as bay window favors the view. The open design allows a cooling breeze in the interior occur.

Another, in the Arab widely used term is Roshan ( Rushan, Rawashin ), which also specifically the bay window are referred to the trading houses of the port cities of Jeddah and the Red Sea as Sawakin. In Iraq, they are called Shanashil, Syria Koshke. Similar architectural elements can be found in India as Jali.

Maschrabiyya as a bay window at the Gayer Anderson Museum in Cairo