 The plan and decoration of Fatimid mosques reflect Shiite doctrine and that the mosques were often used for royal ceremonial purposes . The characteristic architectural styles of Fatimid mosques include portals that protrude from the wall , domes above mihrabs and <unk> , porches and arcades with keel @-@ shaped arches supported by a series of columns , façade ornamentation with iconographic inscriptions and stucco decorations . The mosques followed the hypostyle plan , where a central courtyard was surrounded by arcades with their roofs usually supported by keel arches , initially resting on columns with Corinthian capitals . The arches held inscription bands , a style that is unique to Fatimid architecture . The later columns often had a bell @-@ shaped capital with the same shape mirrored to form the base . The prayer niche was architecturally more elaborate , with features such as a dome or transept . The Fatimid architects built modified versions of Coptic keel @-@ arched niches with radiating fluted hoods , and later extended the concept to fluted domes . The woodwork of the doors and interiors of the buildings was often finely carved . 
