Final answer:
Muqarnas are decorative architectural elements found in Islamic art and architecture, often resembling a honeycomb and usually non-structural. They are particularly significant in embellishing transitional areas in buildings, such as the transition to domes. Muqarnas are commonly found in mosques, accentuating the qibla wall around the mihrab, as seen in the Sultan Hasan Mosque.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muqarnas are an architectural and decorative element in Islamic art and architecture, serving to transition between different levels or surfaces, particularly from a flat plane to a dome or semi-dome. This decorative system is comprised of small, niche-like components that come together to create a surface that can appear similar to a honeycomb structure. The muqarnas is generally ornamental and does not play a structural role but is integral to the aesthetic appeal of Islamic buildings.
For example, in the Sala de los Mocárabes or Muqarnas Chamber of the Alhambra, the vaulted ceiling is supported by intricately carved muqarnas bringing a stunning visual impact that complements the room's function as an antechamber.
In mosques, muqarnas are often found in the qibla wall, especially surrounding the mihrab—a niche indicating the direction of Mecca—which is given special attention with elaborate decorations. This can be seen in mosques like the Sultan Hasan Mosque in Cairo, where muqarnas embellish the area above the mihrab, contributing to the rich ornamentation of the wall that is the focal point of Islamic religious practice.