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Mecca (/ ˈ m ɛ k ə /; officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, [a] commonly shortened to Makkah [b]) is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia and the holiest city according to Islam. [4]
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Mecca, city, western Saudi Arabia, located in the Ṣirāt Mountains, inland from the Red Sea 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 (see qiblah). 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.
In the 20th and 21st centuries the city underwent vast improvements. The area around the religious shrines was cleared, the mosque enlarged, housing and sanitation improved, and transportation facilities enhanced. As a result, Mecca can accommodate the continually increasing number of pilgrims, or hajjis. Area 10 square miles (26 square km). Pop. (2010) 1,534,731.
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 perm...
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The prophet Mohammed's birthplace is Islam's spiritual center and is strictly off-limits to non-Muslims. The pillars of Islam state that all Muslims with the means must undertake Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Mecca, which include: Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal TowerMakkah TowersPullman ZamZam Makkah...
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Mecca include: AlbaikAl TazajAl ShorfaThe OasisGurkan Şef Steakhouse
- Mecca is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Haramain High Speed RailwayMakkah MallJabal al-NourGreat Mosque of MeccaMakkah C...
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Mecca: Umrah GuideMakkah Holy Places / Ziyarat: PrivateMakkah's H...
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Mecca between December and February, when hotel prices are g...
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Aug 20, 2024 · Kaaba, shrine located near the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and considered by Muslims everywhere to be the most sacred spot on Earth. Muslims orient themselves toward this small shrine during the five daily prayers, bury their dead facing its meridian , and cherish the ambition of visiting it on pilgrimage, or hajj , in ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Places to Visit in Mecca. Check out must-see sights and activities: Great Mosque of Mecca, Safa to Marwa, Sacred & Religious Sites, Cultural Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product. Build your trip. Powered by AI. BETA. Explore popular experiences.
Explore Makkah, the pivotal city in Islam where the Prophet Muhammad was born and the Quran was revealed. Experience serenity in this holy city year-round.
Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the most sacred city in Islam. Learn about its history, pilgrimage, culture, and attractions in this comprehensive travel guide.
