Mecca

In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, extensive maintenance and polishing of the Kaaba's outer walls have commenced following the early removal of its iconic silk covering ahead of the Hajj season. Workers using specialized equipment have set…

A 74-year-old retired bus driver from Bursa, western Türkiye, traveled to Mecca for Umrah by converting his van into a campervan and driving through Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Osman Nuri Özgür completed the roughly…

Around 1.8 million international pilgrims and 100,000 local worshippers performed key Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia. After standing at Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims moved to Muzdalifah, then proceeded to Mina to stone the…

In Mecca, pilgrims who perform the Umrah Tawaf and Say are required to cut their hair and exit ihram. Traditionally, this was done with personal scissors or mobile barbers (hallaks) charging around 5 rials. This…

Two new digital museums have opened in Mecca’s Haram Sharif, showcasing the life of Prophet Muhammad and the history of the Kaaba. The Biography Museum, located in the Zamzam Tower, uses LED and hologram…

Hajj pilgrims are flocking to Jannat al-Mu'alla Cemetery, just 2 km from the Kaaba, ahead of the Arafat. Known as Mecca’s largest historical cemetery, it holds the graves of many companions and relatives of the Prophet Muhammad,…

Over 4 million Muslims performed Eid prayers at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca as the month of Ramadan ended.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathered at the Kaaba in Mecca to mark the sacred Miraj Night. Worshippers performed tawaf and prayers following the night prayer at Masjid al-Haram, filling the holy site with devotion. Many…

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathered in Mecca for Umrah have performed prayers by circumambulating the Kaaba. Pilgrims, visiting the first mosque built on earth, strive to touch the Black Stone and the Kaaba while…