Mecca Map

Description:

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Description:

Mecca (also spelled Makkah) is a city in western Saudi Arabia, located in the Makkah Region. It is the holiest city in Islam and serves as the capital of the Makkah Province. The city has a population of approximately 2 million people, which can swell to over 3 million during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season.

The city's religious significance stems from being the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site where the Quran was first revealed to him. The Great Mosque of Mecca (Al-Masjid al-Haram), which houses the Kaaba - Islam's most sacred shrine, is located in the heart of the city. This cubic structure is the direction (qibla) that Muslims face during their daily prayers. Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering Mecca, making it a unique city exclusively preserved for Islamic worship.

The city's economy is heavily dependent on religious tourism, particularly during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Modern Mecca has undergone significant development, featuring contemporary architecture, luxury hotels, and shopping centers. The Abraj Al-Bait complex, featuring the Clock Royal Tower Hotel, stands as one of the world's tallest buildings and overlooks the Great Mosque.

Mecca's climate is characterized by hot desert conditions, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F) in summer months. The city receives minimal rainfall throughout the year. The topography includes the mountains of Al-Nour and Thawr, which hold historical significance in Islamic tradition.

The Saudi government has invested heavily in infrastructure to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit annually. The city features modern transportation systems, including the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro, specifically designed to transport pilgrims between holy sites. Recent developments also include the expansion of the Great Mosque, which can now accommodate up to two million worshippers simultaneously.

The Facts:
Région: Mecca.
Population: ~ 2,385,509 (2022 census).
Metropolitan population: ~ 2,427,924.

Map of Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque of Mecca)

Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca, is the largest mosque in the world and the holiest site in Islam. Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it surrounds the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, toward which all Muslims pray.

The mosque complex covers an area of approximately 356,800 square meters (88.2 acres) and can accommodate up to two million worshippers during the Hajj period. The current structure is the result of numerous expansions and renovations throughout history, with the most recent major expansion completed in 2019. The mosque features multiple minarets, with the tallest reaching a height of 89 meters (292 feet), and has 7 minarets in total.

Key features within the mosque complex include the Black Stone (Al-Hajar al-Aswad), the Station of Abraham (Maqam Ibrahim), and the Well of Zamzam. The mosque has multiple gates for entry, with the most famous being the King Fahd Gate. The building is equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning, escalators, and wheelchair accessibility.

The mosque operates 24 hours a day and hosts continuous prayer services. During the annual Hajj pilgrimage, it becomes the focal point for millions of Muslims performing their religious duties. The building features extensive use of marble, modern lighting systems, and advanced sound systems that carry the call to prayer throughout the complex. The mosque's courtyard is covered with special heat-resistant marble to protect worshippers from the extreme desert heat. The entire complex is monitored by an advanced security system and staffed by thousands of employees who maintain its facilities and assist visitors.

Hajj Map

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all able-bodied and financially capable adult Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place during Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

During the Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of rituals that commemorate the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family. These rituals include circling the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf), walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times (Sa'i), standing in prayer on the plain of Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah, and symbolically stoning the devil in Mina. The ritual of animal sacrifice marks the completion of the pilgrimage.

The Saudi government manages the massive logistical challenge of hosting approximately 2-3 million pilgrims annually. A special Hajj visa is required for international pilgrims, and strict quotas are maintained for different countries. The kingdom has developed extensive infrastructure, including transportation systems, accommodation facilities, and healthcare services, specifically for managing the Hajj crowds.

Male pilgrims wear two white seamless sheets (Ihram) during the pilgrimage, while women wear modest clothing that covers everything except their faces and hands. This uniform dress symbolizes equality before Allah and the removal of worldly distinctions. The completion of Hajj is marked by Eid al-Adha, one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide.

Umrah Map

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended in Islam and is often referred to as the "minor pilgrimage" or "lesser pilgrimage." The word Umrah comes from the Arabic word "to visit" or "to inhabit."

The ritual consists of four main elements: entering a state of Ihram (ritual purity), performing Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba seven times), completing Sa'i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times), and concluding with Taqsir or Halq (cutting or shaving of the hair). The entire ritual can typically be completed in a few hours, though many pilgrims choose to stay longer for additional prayers and worship.

Unlike Hajj, Umrah does not require traveling to Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat. The Saudi government issues special Umrah visas throughout the year, except during the Hajj season. Modern facilities and services have been developed to accommodate the millions of Muslims who perform Umrah annually, including dedicated transportation systems and accommodation options near the Grand Mosque.

Pilgrims must follow specific dress codes during Umrah: men wear two white seamless sheets, while women wear regular modest Islamic clothing. The ritual can be performed multiple times, and many Muslims combine it with visits to other holy sites in Medina. During Ramadan, performing Umrah is considered especially rewarding, leading to increased visitor numbers during this month.