User:Anthropro/sandbox
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Minaret (/ˌmɪnəˈrɛt, ˈmɪnəˌrɛt/; Persian: مأذنة 'ma'thena', Azerbaijani: minarə, Turkish: minare,), from Arabic: مئذنة 'mi'thana', also known as Goldaste (Persian: گلدسته), is a distinctive architectural structure akin to a tower and typically found built into or adjacent to mosques. Minarets serve multiple purposes. While they provide a visual focal point, they are primarily used for the Muslim call to prayer (Adhan). The basic form of a minaret includes a base, shaft, and gallery. Generally a minaret has a tall spire with a conical or onion-shaped crown. It can be either free-standing or taller than the associated support structure. The architecture, function, and role of the minaret vary by region and time period.