Mythology: In mosques the "mihrab" — a niche in the wall — points…

Question

Did you know? In mosques the "mihrab" — a niche in the wall — points toward Mecca, so Muslims know which way to pray. But due to Earth's curvature the exact direction from distant countries is often surprising: from the Netherlands Mecca is NOT southeast, but 4° south of southeast.

Accepted Answer

In mosques the "mihrab" — a niche in the wall — points toward Mecca, so Muslims know which way to pray. But due to Earth's curvature the exact direction from distant countries is often surprising: from the Netherlands Mecca is NOT southeast, but 4° south of southeast.

In moskeeën wijst de "mihrab" — een nis in de muur — naar Mekka, zodat moslims weten welke kant ze op moeten bidden. Maar door de aarde-kromming wijst de exacte richting vanuit verre landen vaak verrassend: vanuit Nederland is Mekka NIET zuidoost, maar 4° ten zuiden van zuidoost.

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