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Bible Dictionaries
Mosque
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary
or A temple or place of religious worship among the Mahometans. All mosques are square buildings, generally constructed of stone. Before the chief gate there is a square court paved with white marble, and low galleries round it, whose roof is supported by marble pillars. In these galleries the Turks wash themselves before they go into mosque. In each mosque there is a great number of lamps: and between these hang many crystal rings, ostrich's eggs, and other curiosities, which, when the lamps are lighted make a fine show. As it is not lawful to enter the mosque with stockings or shoes on, the pavements are covered with pieces of stuff sewed together, each being wide enough to hold a row of men kneeling, sitting, or prostrate. The women are not allowed to enter the mosque, but stay in the porches without. About every mosque there are six high towers, called minarets, each of which has three little open galleries one above another: these towers as well as the mosques are covered with lead, and adorned with gilding and other ornaments; and from thence, instead of a bell, the people are called to prayers by certain officers appointed for that purpose. Most of the mosques have a kind of hospital, in which travellers of what religion soever are entertained three days. Each mosque has also a place called tarbe, which is the burying-place of its founders; within which is a tomb six or seven feet long, covered with green velvet or satin; at the ends of several seats for those who read the Koran, and pray for the souls of the deceased.
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Buck, Charles. Entry for 'Mosque'. Charles Buck Theological Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/cbd/m/mosque.html. 1802.
