Mecca
Mecca or Makkah (in full:(مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah), located in western Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam.
Culture and History
A pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and one of the ten Branches of Religion in Shi'a Islam, and thus obligatory for all Muslims with the physical and financial ability to make it. Over three million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah yearly. Visits outside this month are known as minor pilgrimages or Umrah, and while not compulsory are strongly encouraged.
Travel to Mecca, visa requirements
The government of Saudi Arabia issues special visas for those making the pilgrimage. Most pilgrims opt to use a specialist travel agency, which will handle the considerable paperwork for them, but detailed information on the strict requirements is available at the Ministry of Hajj [1]. As usual in Saudi Arabia, women must travel together with a male guardian (Mahram), unless they are over 45, travelling with a group and have their guardian's signed consent.
Visas are assigned to countries on a quota basis according to the number of Muslims they have. Recently, those who have previously been to Mecca have had additional restrictions placed on their entry, in an effort to discourage overcrowding while still accommodating those who have not yet made the pilgrimage. If the applicant was not born a Muslim, they must present a certificate testifying so, which has been notarized by an Islamic center. Usually your mosque will be able to arrange this or at least point the way.
Flights to Mecca, airtickets
Most pilgrims use direct charter flights to Jeddah.
By car
There is an excellent modern multi-lane highway from Jeddah. During the Hajj pilgrimage season it is jammed with American-style yellow school buses full of pilgrims. At any other time, trafiic is extremely light for the size of the road.
A few miles outside Mecca, there is a cutoff referred to as the "Christian bypass". Turn along this highway to drive another 50 miles out of the way to reach the lovely mountain town of Taif. Taif, at 5000 feet elevation, was the former summer palace of the Saudi Kings. If you remain on the main highway, there is a police checkpoint just after the exit, where non-Muslims are kept out of the holy city.
Buses to Mecca
Get around
Mecca attractions and sightseeing
Most visitors to Mecca follow the set itinerary of the Hajj. Major sites include:
- Sacred Mosque (al-Masjid al-Haram). The holiest site in Mecca and Islam.
- Kaaba. At the center of the sacred mosque is this building, said to have been built by Abraham (Ibrahim) himself. Covered in black cloth, it is circled seven times by pilgrims.
- Mina. The site of the symbolic stoning of the Devil.
- Hill of Arafat. The site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon.
- Jabal Al Noor (lit. The Mountain of Light). While its not part of the Hajj ritual this is still an important site; since atop this mountain is the famous Her'aa grotto, where Muslims believe Muhammed first had the Quran revealed to him.
- Jabal Al Sur.
- Ja'aronah.
- Tanaem.
- Hudaibiyah.
City tours
Learn
Work
Shopping, Mecca souvenirs
Gold souqs/other shopping is available throughout Mecca for the millions of religious tourists that come to Mecca every year.
Tamar (dates), praying mats, Makkah souvenir etc.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
There are many types of food from all over the world available in Mecca, from the Middle Eastern Arab food to Southeast Asian food. There are also American fast food chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dunkin Donuts. No type of pork, ham, etc. is served in Saudi Arabia.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Mecca nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and not tolerated in Mecca.
There are many tea shops that serve tea and snacks. Also many juice vendors right outside the Mosque.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Mecca is full of hotels, from the Hilton to unknown hotels with practically no facilities. The price varies according to the hotel's distance from the Holy Mosque. Some of the worlds greatest hotels are situated in Mecca, and full year-round. Make sure to book early.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
The Inter-Continental: Expect to spend about 200 Riyals per person.
Contact
Stay safe
Also, during the Hajj crowds pickpockets are not uncommon. Avoid having any valuables on your person when traversing through the crowds.
Cope
Get out
Most pilgrims also visit Medina, the second holiest city of Islam.
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