Brief Description
Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque) in Mecca is the largest and holiest mosque in the world. At its center is the Kaaba, the main sanctuary of Islam. The mosque is the most important place of worship and the central site for Muslim pilgrimage.
Location
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Country: Saudi Arabia
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Province: Mecca
Historical Background
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Founded: Construction began in 638 AD
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History: The current building is known from the 16th century and has been rebuilt multiple times. The original mosque was almost completely reconstructed.
Key Events:
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Initially six minarets were added, then a seventh was built by the order of Sultan Ahmed.
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Renovations took place in the late 1980s and between 2007–2012, expanding the mosque’s area and capacity.
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The mosque was seized by terrorists in 1979.
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A construction crane collapsed in 2015, causing many casualties.
Architecture and Infrastructure
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Area: Approximately 357,000 m² (over 700,000 m² after expansion)
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Minarets: 9 minarets, up to 95–98 meters high, with spiral staircases and gilded crescent moons
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Gates: 4 main gates and 95 additional entrances (including the gates of King Fahd, Abd al-Aziz, Abdullah, and others)
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Features:
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Over 500 marble columns
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7 escalators
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Modern air conditioning systems
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Separate ablution areas for men and women
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Capacity: From 800,000 to over 2.5 million people including the surrounding area (after recent expansions)
Religious Significance
Al-Masjid al-Haram is the holiest site in Islam and the center of Hajj — the mandatory pilgrimage for every Muslim.
The Kaaba inside the mosque symbolizes monotheism and is the direction of prayer (Qibla) for all Muslims worldwide.
There is a Hadith emphasizing that prayer in Al-Masjid al-Haram is greater in reward compared to the other two holy mosques (in Medina and Jerusalem).
Cultural and Tourist Importance
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Attracts millions of pilgrims annually during Hajj and Umrah.
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Holds immense historical and spiritual heritage.
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Renovations and infrastructure projects ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims.
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Nearby is the Abraj Al-Bait complex — one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
Current Status
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Continuously developing and expanding to accommodate the growing number of worshippers.
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Modern renovations include new minarets, gates, and facilities.
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Managed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supported by advanced technology and enhanced security.
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Regular maintenance and restoration works are carried out.
Important Historical Incidents
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1979: The mosque was seized by a terrorist group led by Juhayman al-Otaybi, resulting in a two-week siege and many casualties.
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2015: A construction crane collapse caused numerous fatalities inside the mosque.
