mashrabiyas

Mashrabiyas are projecting windows enclosed by intricate wooden lattice screens that extend from a building's facade into the interior. They are a characteristic feature of Islamic architecture in the Middle East and North Africa and serve to filter light, promote ventilation, and provide privacy while adding decorative texture to facades.

The form originated in the medieval Islamic world, with early examples in Fatimid Cairo in the 10th to 12th centuries. From there it spread across the Levant, Mesopotamia, and North Africa, and later appeared in Iberian and Ottoman architecture. Mashrabiyas were commonly used on upper floors and along narrow streets where privacy and shade were priorities.

Construction typically uses wood such as cedar or teak, carved into geometric or vegetal latticework. The screen blocks direct sun, reduces glare, and channels breezes into the interior. A lower opening or slit in the screen allows inhabitants to observe street life while remaining unseen, a practical adaptation to social norms in many regions. The interior behind the mashrabiya often includes a window or balcony, and the screen can be combined with additional shading devices.

In modern times, mashrabiyas are preserved in historic districts and revived in contemporary architecture that seeks climate-responsive design and cultural heritage. Restoration projects emphasize mechanical stability, wood conservation, and the retention of traditional patterns as part of architectural identity.