What you need to know about Mecca
Mecca, in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia, is Islam’s holiest city, as it’s the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the faith itself. Only Muslims are allowed in the city, with millions arriving for the annual Hajj (pilgrimage). Dating from the 7th century, the central Masjid al-Haram (Sacred Mosque) surrounds the Kaaba, the cloth-covered cubic structure that’s Islam’s most sacred shrine. coast. It is the holiest of Muslim cities. Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca, and it is toward this religious centre that Muslims turn five times daily in prayer . All devout and able Muslims attempt a hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Because it is sacred, only Muslims are allowed to enter the city.
People
The population density in Mecca is high. Most of the people are concentrated in the old city, while densities in the modern residential areas are the lowest in the city. During the month of pilgrimage the city is swollen with one to two million worshippers from other parts of Saudi Arabia and from other Muslim countries. Entrance into Mecca is permitted only to followers of Islam. Mecca is, however, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, containing people from various countries throughout the globe. People of the same national origin tend to live together in certain parts of the city.
Currency
Climate
Because of its relatively low-lying location, Mecca is threatened by seasonal flash floods despite the low amount of annual precipitation. There are less than 5 inches (130 mm) of rainfall during the year, mainly in the winter months. Temperatures are high throughout the year and in summer may reach 120 °F (49 °C).
Plant and animal life
Plants and animals are scarce and consist of species that can withstand the high degree of aridity and heat. Natural vegetation includes tamarisks and various types of acacia. Wild animals include wild cats, wolves, hyenas, foxes, mongooses, and kangaroo rats (jerboas).
Economy of Mecca
Arable land and water are scarce, and food must be imported. Vegetables and fruits are brought in daily from the surrounding wadis, such as Wadi Fāṭimah, from the area of Al-Ṭāʾif to the east-southeast, and from the southern agricultural areas, such as Bilād Ghāmid and Bilād Zahrān. Foodstuffs are imported from abroad mainly through the port of Jeddah, 45 miles (70 km) to the west on the Red Sea.
Manufacturing
Industry is limited and includes the manufacture of textiles, furniture, and utensils. The overall urban economy is commercial and service-oriented.
Transportation
Transportation and facilities related to the hajj are the main services. Mecca has no airport nor water or rail transportation. It is well served, however, by the Jeddah seaport and airport and by intercity truck, bus, and taxi services. A local bus system was established in 1979. Paved roads link Mecca with the main cities of Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.
Because of the improvement of services, the number of pilgrims has increased. This annual influx brings a good income to the city, but it also results in a temporary population of some two million or more, all of whom need accommodations, food, water, electricity, transportation, and medical services. To ease the problem of accommodations, the Saudi government has erected huge tent cities each year for the hajj, although sporadic fires in these camps have caused a number of deaths. In accordance with the prescribed route, all pilgrims have to be transported from Mecca to ʿArafāt, a distance of about 12 miles, during the early morning of the ninth day of the month of Dhū al-Ḥijjah. During the night of the same day, they must travel to Minā, which is almost two miles from Mecca; after three days, all are returned to Mecca. This problem has been met by the construction of a good road network, an adequate supply of vehicles, and traffic control.
The governor of the city is the emir of Makkah minṭaqah idāriyyah (administrative district), who is responsible for the maintenance of law and order in both the city and the administrative district; he is appointed by the king and is immediately responsible to the minister of the interior. The municipal council is responsible for the functioning of the municipality; the council was formed after World War II and has 14 members, who are locally elected and are then approved by the minister of the interior. Mecca is the capital of Makkah minṭaqah idāriyyah, which includes the cities of Jeddah and Al-Ṭāʾif.
Municipal services
Mecca depends on the surrounding wadis for drinking water. The waters of ʿAyn Zubaydah (Zubaydah Spring), built in the 8th century, flow through tunnels from Wadi Nuʿmān, about 20 miles to the southwest. Al-ʿAzīziyyah Spring sends its waters through pipelines from Wadi Al-Shāmiyyah, about 60 miles to the northeast. Water and electricity have reached almost all houses. Electricity is generated at an oil-fueled power station located on the road to Medina.
Education
Free education is provided for both girls and boys from primary to university level. The Umm al-Qura University (founded 1979) is located in Mecca, as are two university colleges—the Madrasat Ahl al-Hadith and the Saudi Arabian Institute for Higher Education.
Health
Health services and medical care are free and adequate. In spite of careful checking by officials, pilgrims may sometimes bring various illnesses, particularly cholera and cerebro-spinal infections, into the city; the health services, however, have been able to keep such problems under control.
