Mecca facts for kids
Mecca (officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, often called Makkah) is a very important city in western Saudi Arabia. It is considered the holiest city in Islam. Mecca is about 70 kilometers (44 miles) inland from Jeddah, a city on the Red Sea.
In 2022, about 2.4 million people lived in Mecca, making it the third-largest city in Saudi Arabia. However, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the city's population can become three times larger! Millions of visitors come to Mecca each year.
Mecca is special because it is believed to be the birthplace of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Near the city, there's a cave called Hira cave on Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light). Muslims believe that the Quran (the holy book of Islam) was first revealed to Muhammad there.
Visiting Mecca for the Hajj is a duty for all Muslims who are able to travel. The Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as the Masjid al-Haram, is home to the Kaaba. Muslims believe the Kaaba was built by the prophets Abraham and Ishmael. It is the holiest place in Islam and the direction Muslims face when they pray all over the world.
Over time, many rulers wanted to control Mecca. The city has changed hands several times. In 1925, Ibn Saud and his allies took control. Since then, Mecca has grown a lot, with new, modern buildings like the Abraj Al Bait towers, which are some of the tallest in the world. The Saudi government has also expanded the Grand Mosque to make space for more pilgrims. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city of Mecca.
Mecca is managed by the Mecca Regional Municipality. The provincial governor is Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud.
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Understanding Mecca's Names
Mecca has been called by many names throughout history. The exact meaning of some of these names is not fully known.
Bakkah: An Ancient Name
The Quran mentions the city as Bakkah in a verse that says: "Indeed the first House [of worship], established for mankind was that at Bakkah." This name is believed to have been used for the city during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
Makkah al-Mukarramah: The Official Name
The official name used by the Saudi government is Makkah al-Mukarramah, which means "Makkah the Honored." The name Makkah is closer to how it sounds in Arabic. The word Makkah is also used in the Quran.
The English word "Mecca" is often used to describe any place that attracts many people. Some Muslims find this use offensive because of the city's holy status. However, "Mecca" is the common English way to say the city's name.
Other Historical Names
Another name for Mecca in the Quran is Umm al-Qurā, which means "Mother of all Settlements." Historically, it was also called Tihamah. Some believe that the name Fārān, mentioned in the Old Testament, might also refer to Mecca.
Mecca's Past: A Journey Through Time
Early History and Islamic Beginnings
The early history of Mecca is not fully clear from old records. However, Islamic stories say that the city's beginnings are linked to the prophets Adam, Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael. It is believed that Adam built the first house of God in Mecca, but it was later destroyed.
Later, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) left his son Ismāʿīl (Ishmael) and wife Hājar (Hagar) in the valley of Mecca. Some people from the Jurhum tribe settled with them. Ismāʿīl and his father are said to have rebuilt the Kaaba. This event was very important for the area's social, religious, and political future.
Under the Quraish Tribe
Around the 5th century, the Quraish tribe took control of Mecca. The Kaaba was a place where different pagan gods were worshipped by Arabian tribes, including Hubal, the main god of the Quraish. This continued until Prophet Muhammad conquered Mecca.
The Quraish became skilled merchants. In the 6th century, they joined the profitable spice trade. Trade routes were shifting from dangerous sea paths to safer land routes, making Mecca an important trading hub. Goods from Africa and the Far East, like spices, leather, and cloth, passed through Mecca on their way to Syria and Iraq. In return, Mecca received money, weapons, and food.
The harsh desert conditions often led to conflicts between local tribes. But once a year, they would agree to a truce and gather in Mecca for a pilgrimage. This journey was for religious reasons, to honor their gods, and to drink from the Zamzam Well. It was also a time to settle arguments and trade at Meccan fairs. These yearly events helped unite the tribes and made Mecca a central place in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Year of the Elephant (Around 570 CE)
Islamic history calls the year around 570 CE the "Year of the Elephant." This was when Abraha, a leader from Yemen, marched towards Mecca with a large army, including elephants. He wanted to destroy the Kaaba. According to Islamic tradition, this was also the year Prophet Muhammad was born.
The people of Mecca, led by Abdul Muttalib (Muhammad's grandfather), sought refuge in the hills. When Abraha's army tried to enter Mecca, their lead elephant, Mahmud, stopped and refused to move. The Quran says that small birds sent by Allah appeared and dropped tiny stones on Abraha's army, defeating them.
Prophet Muhammad and the Conquest of Mecca
Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 CE. When he was 40, he began receiving messages from God through the angel Gabriel in the Hira cave on Jabal al-Nour. Muhammad taught about believing in one God (Allah), which was different from the pagan beliefs in Mecca.
After facing difficulties from the pagan tribes for 13 years, Muhammad and his followers moved to Yathrib (later renamed Medina) in 622 CE. This journey is known as the hijrah. The conflict between the Quraish and the Muslims continued.
In 628 CE, Muhammad and his followers wanted to visit Mecca for pilgrimage but were stopped. They made a peace agreement called the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which was supposed to last for 10 years. However, two years later, an ally of the Quraish broke the truce.
In 630 CE, Muhammad and 10,000 followers marched into Mecca and conquered the city peacefully. The pagan idols in the Kaaba were removed, and the site was rededicated to the worship of Allah alone. Mecca was declared the holiest site in Islam and the center for the Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj).
Muhammad then returned to Medina. His actions helped unite the Arabian Peninsula under Islam. After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, Islam spread widely. Mecca continued to attract pilgrims from all over the world for the annual Hajj.
Medieval and Modern Times
Mecca was never the capital of any major Islamic empire. However, Muslim rulers always helped maintain the city and the Grand Mosque. For example, during the reigns of 'Umar and 'Uthman ibn Affan, Christian engineers were brought in to build defenses against flooding around the Kaaba.
In the 14th century, the famous traveler Ibn Battuta visited Mecca and described it as a holy place with humble and kind people.
In 1517, the Ottoman Empire took control of Mecca, but the local leaders kept some power. In 1803, the city was captured by the First Saudi State, which destroyed some historical tombs. The Ottomans regained control in 1813.
During World War I, the local leader, Hussein bin Ali, revolted against the Ottoman Empire with British support. Mecca was the first city captured in this revolt in 1916. Hussein declared a new state, the Kingdom of Hejaz, with Mecca as its capital.
In 1924, the Saud family took over Mecca, and it became part of Saudi Arabia. Under Saudi rule, many historic buildings in Mecca have been removed to make way for new hotels, apartments, and facilities for the increasing number of Hajj pilgrims. This expansion helps accommodate the millions of Muslims who visit each year.
Mecca is not served by an airport directly. Pilgrims usually fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (about 70 km away) or Ta'if Regional Airport (about 120 km away). The city is connected by major highways and a high-speed railway that links it to Medina, Jeddah, and other cities.
Grand Mosque Incident (1979) On November 20, 1979, a group of armed people took over the Grand Mosque. They claimed the Saudi royal family no longer represented true Islam. The siege lasted two weeks and resulted in some damage to the mosque. Since then, the Grand Mosque has been expanded many times.
Future Solar Eclipse Mecca will experience a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will last for over 5 minutes.
Mecca's Importance in Islam
Mecca is extremely important in Islam and is considered the holiest city for all Muslims. Its importance comes from its role in the Hajj and 'Umrah pilgrimages and because it is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad.
The Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)
The Masjid al-Haram is where two key parts of the Hajj and Umrah take place: walking around the Kaaba (called tawaf) and walking between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa (called sa'ee). The mosque also contains the Zamzam Well. Muslims believe that praying in this mosque is worth 100,000 prayers compared to any other mosque in the world.
The Kaaba
The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building inside the Grand Mosque. Islamic scholars have different ideas about who first built it, some say angels, others say Adam. But it was rebuilt many times before reaching its current form. The Kaaba is the direction (qibla) that all Muslims face when they pray. The area around the Kaaba where Muslims walk in circles is called the Mataf.
The Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad)
The Black Stone is a special stone, possibly a meteorite, believed by Muslims to be from heaven. It is placed in the eastern corner of the Kaaba. It is a tradition (Sunnah) to touch and kiss this stone. The area around it is usually very crowded. Islamic tradition says the stone was originally white but turned black over time due to human sins.
Maqam Ibrahim
This is a stone that Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) stood on while building the higher parts of the Kaaba. It has two footprints that are larger than average human feet today. The stone is kept in a golden, hexagonal chamber next to the Kaaba.
Safa and Marwa
These are two small mountains mentioned in the Quran as symbols of God's power. Walking between Safa and Marwa seven times is a required part of the 'Umrah pilgrimage.
Hajj and 'Umrah Pilgrimages
The Hajj, or greater pilgrimage, brings millions of Muslims to Mecca from all over the world. It happens for one week in the twelfth Islamic month, Dhu al-Hijjah. In 2019, over 2.4 million pilgrims came for Hajj. The 'Umrah, or lesser pilgrimage, can be done at any time of the year.
Every adult Muslim who is healthy and can afford it must perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Umrah is not required but is recommended. Besides the Grand Mosque, pilgrims also visit nearby towns like Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat for other Hajj rituals.
Jabal an-Nur (Mountain of Light)
This mountain is located at the eastern entrance of Mecca. Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad spent time here in quiet reflection away from the city. It is the highest point in the city, at 642 meters (2,106 feet).
Hira'a Cave
Inside Jabal an-Nur is the Hira'a Cave. This is where Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad received his first message from Allah through the angel Gabriel when he was 40 years old.
Mecca's Location and Environment
Mecca is in the Hejaz region, a strip of mountains that separates the desert from the Red Sea. The city is in a valley about 70 kilometers (44 miles) east of Jeddah. Mecca is one of the lower cities in the Hejaz, sitting at 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level.
The city is built around the Grand Mosque. The area around the mosque is the old city, including the famous Ajyad district. The main street leading to the Grand Mosque is Ibrahim al-Khalil Street, named after Prophet Ibrahim. Traditional homes made of local rock can still be seen in the central area, alongside modern hotels and shopping centers. The total area of modern Mecca is over 1,200 square kilometers (463 square miles).
Climate of Mecca
Mecca has a hot desert climate. Even in winter, temperatures are warm to hot, ranging from 19°C (66°F) at night to 30°C (86°F) in the afternoon. Summer temperatures are extremely hot, often above 40°C (104°F) in the afternoon, but the air is usually dry. Rain is rare, mostly falling in small amounts between November and January.
Mecca's Economy
Mecca's economy relies heavily on the pilgrims who come for Umrah and Hajj. The money generated from pilgrims has always been important for Mecca and the entire Arabian Peninsula. This income comes from various sources, including services provided to pilgrims. For example, the Saudi airline, Saudia, earns a significant part of its income from the pilgrimage. Hotels, lodging companies, and transportation also benefit greatly.
The city earns over $100 million from the Hajj, while the Saudi government spends about $50 million on services for pilgrims. While there are some factories, Mecca is not a major industrial center in Saudi Arabia, which mainly relies on oil. Most of Mecca's economy is based on services.
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However, many businesses have been set up in Mecca, including textile factories, furniture making, bakeries, and banking. The city has grown a lot in recent times because it's easier and cheaper to travel by plane, bringing more pilgrims. Thousands of Saudis work year-round to manage the Hajj and serve pilgrims, which also creates demand for housing and other services. The city now has many highways, shopping malls, and tall buildings.
A new industrial area is being built in the Al Akashiya district of Makkah, covering a large area.
Education and Healthcare in Mecca
Education in Mecca began to develop more formally in the late Ottoman period. The first major school, Madrasat al-Falāḥ, was founded in 1911–12. Today, Mecca has many public and private schools for both boys and girls. In 2005, there were 532 public and private schools for boys and 681 for girls. Arabic is the main language of teaching, with English as a second language.
For higher education, Mecca has one university, Umm Al-Qura University, which started as a college in 1949 and became a public university in 1981.
Healthcare is provided for free by the Saudi government to all pilgrims. Mecca has ten main hospitals and many smaller clinics for residents and pilgrims. During the Hajj, several temporary clinics are also set up to help pilgrims.
People of Mecca
Mecca is a very crowded city. Most long-term residents live in the Old City, near the Grand Mosque. Many of them work in the Hajj industry, helping pilgrims. The Saudi Arabian Minister for Hajj once said, "We never stop preparing for the Hajj."
Millions of pilgrims visit Mecca throughout the year for Umrah, and even more come for the Hajj. These pilgrims come from many different countries and backgrounds, especially from South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa. Many pilgrims have stayed and become residents of the city. By the 19th century, people of South Asian origin made up 20% of the population. The discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia also brought many working immigrants to the city.
Under Saudi law, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mecca. However, some non-Muslims have visited the city in the past, often disguised. The first recorded non-Muslim to enter was Ludovico di Varthema in 1503. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is also said to have visited in 1518.
Mecca's Culture and Landmarks
Mecca's culture is greatly influenced by the large number of pilgrims who visit each year. This makes Mecca one of the most diverse cities in the Muslim world.
Al Baik, a local fast-food chain, is very popular with both pilgrims and locals. Until 2018, it was only available in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.
Sports in Mecca
In the past, common sports in Mecca included wrestling and foot races. Today, football (soccer) is the most popular sport. Mecca is home to some of Saudi Arabia's oldest sports clubs, like Al Wahda FC, founded in 1945. The King Abdul Aziz Stadium is the largest stadium in Mecca, holding 38,000 people.
Famous Buildings
The Abraj Al Bait Complex stands next to the Grand Mosque. It is a group of seven buildings, with the central clock tower being 601 meters (1,972 feet) tall, making it one of the world's tallest buildings. The entire complex is also one of the largest buildings by floor area.
The Mecca Gate, also known as the Quran Gate, is at the western entrance of the city, on the road from Jeddah. It marks the boundary of the holy area where non-Muslims are not allowed to enter. The gate was designed in 1979 and looks like a book (representing the Quran) resting on a bookstand.
Getting Around Mecca
Air Travel
Mecca does not have an active airport within the city. Most international and regional flights for pilgrims arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This airport has a special Hajj Terminal that can handle thousands of pilgrims per hour during the Hajj season. Some regional flights also use Ta'if Regional Airport.
Roads
Mecca is located at the meeting point of two major highways in Saudi Arabia. Highway 40 connects it to Jeddah in the west and the capital, Riyadh, in the east. Highway 15 connects Mecca to Medina (about 400 km north) and continues to Jordan. To the south, it connects to Abha and Jizan. Mecca has four busy ring roads and many tunnels to help manage traffic.
Public Transportation
Al Masha'er Al Muqaddassah Metro This metro line in Mecca opened in 2010. It is 18.1 kilometers (11.2 miles) long and carries pilgrims to the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. It helps reduce road traffic during the Hajj season and only operates at that time. It has nine stations.
Mecca Metro A larger metro system for the city, called the Mecca Metro (or Makkah Mass Rail Transit), is being planned. It will have four lines and will be in addition to the existing metro for pilgrims.
Rail Travel
Haramain High-Speed Railway In 2018, a high-speed train line called the Haramain high-speed railway began operating. It connects Mecca and Medina through Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. This railway has 35 electric trains that can travel up to 300 km/h (190 mph). It can carry 60 million passengers each year and reduces travel time between Mecca and Medina to less than two hours.
Images for kids
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Mecca mentioned in a Quranic manuscript (Codex Arabe 331)
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A 1787 Ottoman Turkish map of Al-Haram Mosque and related religious sites
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Panorama of Mecca, 1845, from the Khalili Collection of Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage
See also
In Spanish: La Meca para niños
