Riwaq (arcade)

Clothing Genres Art music Folk

Fictional Arab people South Arabian deities A riwaq (or rivaq, Arabic: رواق riwāq or ruwāq[1]) is an arcade or portico (if in front of entrances) open on at least one side.

As portico or arcade structure, it provides shade and adjustment to sunlight in hot climates, and cover from rain in any locale.

As an arcade element the structure is often found surrounding and defining the courtyards (sahn) of mosques and madrasas, and used for covered circulation, meeting and rest, and ritual circumambulation.

The arcade element is also found along principal walkways of larger bazaars.