Country | Saudi Arabia |
Population | 2385509 |
Area | 1,200 km2 (500 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (AST) |
Coordinates | 21.42664, 39.82563 |
Highest elevation | 277 m (909 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Mecca, officially known as Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia and holds the distinction of being the holiest city in Islam. Situated 70 km (43 miles) inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, Mecca lies in a narrow valley 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level. As of 2022, the city’s population was recorded at 2,385,509, with the metropolitan area housing around 2.4 million people, making it the third-most populous city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah.
Mecca’s demographic makeup is quite diverse, with approximately 44.5% of the population being Saudi citizens and the remaining 55.5% comprising foreigners from various Muslim countries. The city’s population significantly swells during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty that more than triples its population each year in the twelfth Hijri month of Dhūl-Ḥijjah. In 2023, Mecca welcomed over 10.8 million international visitors, ranking it among the ten most visited cities in the world.
The city is revered in Islam as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the location where Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to him in the Hira cave atop the Jabal al-Nur (“Mountain of Light”). The Great Mosque of Mecca, or Masjid al-Haram, houses the Ka’bah, the holiest site in Islam, believed to have been built by Abraham and Ishmael. This mosque is the focal point for the Hajj pilgrimage and the direction of prayer (qibla) for Muslims worldwide.
Throughout history, Mecca has been a coveted city for Muslim rulers due to its religious significance. It has witnessed numerous regime changes, with the most recent conquest occurring in 1925 during the Saudi conquest of Hejaz by Ibn Saud. Since then, Mecca has undergone extensive expansion and modernization, including the construction of the Abraj Al Bait, the world’s fourth-tallest building and third-largest by floor area, which looms over the Great Mosque.
The Saudi government has also undertaken the controversial demolition of several historical structures and archaeological sites, such as the Ajyad Fortress, to facilitate the expansion of the Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. These expansions aim to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims each year. It is important to note that non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the city.
Mecca is governed by the Mecca Regional Municipality, a municipal council comprising 14 locally elected members and headed by the mayor (Amin in Arabic), who is appointed by the Saudi government. As of January 2022, Saleh Al-Turki serves as the mayor of the city. The city is also the capital of the Mecca Province, which includes the neighboring cities of Jeddah and Ta’if. Despite Jeddah’s larger population, Mecca holds administrative precedence as the provincial capital. Prince Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud has been the provincial governor since May 16, 2007.
Geographically, Mecca’s location in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky hills provides a unique landscape. The city’s climate is characterized by scorching summers and mild winters, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the peak of summer. This harsh climate has shaped the city’s architecture and lifestyle, with buildings designed to provide relief from the intense heat.
Culturally, Mecca is a melting pot of Islamic traditions and practices. The city bustles with activity year-round, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons when millions of Muslims from around the world converge to perform their religious duties. The spiritual atmosphere is palpable, with the call to prayer echoing through the streets and the sight of pilgrims clad in white ihram garments.
Economically, Mecca’s economy is heavily reliant on the religious tourism industry, which generates significant revenue for the city and the broader region. The influx of pilgrims has spurred the development of numerous hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers catering to visitors. Additionally, the city has seen investment in infrastructure projects to improve transportation and accommodation facilities for pilgrims.
Human resources in Mecca are focused on supporting the vast number of visitors the city receives annually. The local workforce is involved in various sectors related to religious tourism, including hospitality, transportation, and retail. The city also hosts several educational institutions, including the Umm Al-Qura University, which offers courses in Islamic studies, engineering, medicine, and more, contributing to the city’s intellectual and professional development.
In summary, Mecca is a city of profound religious significance and a bustling hub of activity, attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors each year. Its rich history, cultural heritage, and ongoing modernization efforts make it a unique and dynamic city in the heart of Saudi Arabia. As Mecca continues to evolve, it remains a central pillar of the Islamic world and a symbol of faith for Muslims worldwide.
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