Sahn

[1][2][3][4] Most traditional mosques have a large central sahn, which is surrounded by a riwaq or arcade on all sides.

[7][1] Most mosque courtyards contained a public fountain where Muslims performed wudu, a ritual ablution (purification) required before prayer.

[7] Historically, because of the warm Middle Eastern climate, the courtyard also served as overflow to accommodate the larger number of worshippers that came during Friday prayers.

[1] Initially, some of these courtyards – including those in the mosques of Cordoba, of Kairouan, and of Tunis – were not lined with riwaqs (roofed arcades), but these soon became a standard feature for shade.

The major domed mosques of Ottoman architecture from the 15th century onward also feature arcaded courtyards preceding their prayer halls.