Khalwa (structure)

A khalwa (also "bayt al-khalwa", literally "place of seclusion"), is an Islamic solitary space or cell (zawiya) set aside as a place for retreat and spiritual exercise.

A considerable number of small khalwa structures were built on the esplanade of Al-Aqsa from 956 onwards, many founded by local Ottoman dignitaries and echoing a similar vaulted form supporting one or two domed chambers.

The underground prayer chambers in the traditional mosques of central Arabia (Najd) are also called khalwa, while among the Druze, a prayer house is known as a Khalwat al-Bayada.