Mecca

Quick Facts: Who was Mecca?

Subject:

Mecca

Known for:

The holiest city in Islam, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and site of the Kaaba.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia and is the capital of Mecca Province. Mecca is considered the birthplace of Islam and the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as being the holiest city in Islam. It is located 70 km (43 mi) inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea in a narrow valley 277 m (909 ft) above sea level. Its metropolitan population in 2022 was 2.4 million, making it the third most populated city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. The Cave of Hira atop the Jabal al-Nour just outside the city is where Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad.

Career & Major Achievements

The Great Mosque of Mecca, known as the Masjid al-Haram, is home to the Kaaba, believed by Muslims to have been built by Abraham and Ishmael. It is the direction of prayer (qibla) for all Muslims worldwide. Around 44.5% of the population are Saudi citizens and around 55.5% are Muslim foreigners from other countries. Pilgrims more than triple the population number every year during the Ḥajj pilgrimage, observed in the twelfth Hijri month of Dhūl-Ḥijjah as an obligation for all Muslims at least once in their lives. With over 19.3 million international visitors in 2024, Mecca was one of the five most visited cities in the world.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Muslim rulers from in and around the region long tried to rule the city, and thus, much like most of the Hejazi region, has seen several regime changes. The city was most recently conquered in the Saudi conquest of Hejaz by Ibn Saud and his allies in 1925. Since then, Mecca has seen a tremendous expansion in size and infrastructure, with newer, modern buildings such as The Clock Towers, the world's fourth–tallest building and fifth–largest by floor area, towering over the Great Mosque. The Saudi government has also carried out the destruction of several historical structures and archaeological sites, such as the Ajyad Fortress. However, many of the demolitions have officially been part of the continued expansion of the Masjid al-Haram at Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina and their auxiliary service facilities in order to accommodate the ever-increasing number of Muslims performing the pilgrimage.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1925: 1925 Milestone — The city was most recently conquered in the Saudi conquest of Hejaz by Ibn Saud and his allies in 1925.
2. 2022: 2022 Milestone — Its metropolitan population in 2022 was 2.
3. 2024: 2024 Milestone — 3 million international visitors in 2024, Mecca was one of the five most visited cities in the world.

Notable Quotes by Mecca

“Indeed the first House [of worship], established for mankind was that at Bakkah.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mecca

True or False: “The Great Mosque of Mecca (Masjid al-Haram) is the direction of prayer (qibla) for all Muslims worldwide.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This directional significance makes it a central point of focus and worship for the global Muslim community.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mecca