Peshtak

(also pishtak), a portal characteristic of Middle Eastern public and religious buildings of the Middle Ages. A peshtak is usually rectangular and taller than it is wide. A large arch, pointed at top, serves as an entrance. The peshtak has been known in Middle Asia since the 11th century, attaining its greatest development between the 14th and 17th centuries. At that time, the peshtak was an independent part of a building. It was often richly decorated with carved terra-cotta or majolica and was frequently much taller than the building.