Islamic architecture developed from the 7th century onwards, drawing on earlier Roman, Byzantine, and Persian traditions.

The mosque is the most important building type, with key features including a prayer hall, a courtyard, a mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and a minaret (tower for the call to prayer).

A key characteristic is the use of arches, particularly the horseshoe arch and the pointed arch.

The use of large, often ornate domes is another prominent feature.

Because of the Islamic prohibition on depicting human or animal figures in religious art, decoration is focused on other forms.

These decorative forms include intricate geometric patterns (tessellations), stylized vegetal patterns (arabesque), and Arabic calligraphy.

Elaborate tilework, known as 'zellige' or 'qashani,' is a hallmark of Islamic architecture, especially in Persia, Central Asia, and Spain.

The 'muqarnas,' a complex, honeycomb-like vaulting, is a unique and distinctive decorative element.

Major examples of Islamic architecture include the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and the mosques of Isfahan in Iran.

The style varies across different regions but is united by these common principles and decorative forms.