Islamic Art has tremendously influenced the western world by fostering the creation of a distinctive culture filled with poetry, art, and architecture. Amongst these is the masterpiece, the Iranian Mihrab with which its elaborate tile work has deemed it one of the most famous attractions in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its immense size, the museum displays this piece with justice because once one enters the exhibit for Islamic Art, the first thing one will notice is a gigantic, ornate tilework placed against the wall. Surrounding the qibla wall are artifacts of religious sermons with ornate Arabic calligraphy. In addition, a three-foot-tall Quran is placed right next to the Mihrab.

The Mihrab is a prayer niche which is a wall on the mosque that helps direct the Kaaba in Mecca which is where Muslims face when praying. The Mihrab is originally from a theological school in Isfahan, Iran, called Madrasa Imami, and was built right after the Ilkhanid Dynasty. The Mihrab was used for the public as theologians gathered around here to pray.