Definition and Etymology
Makkah (مكة): Also spelled as Mecca, Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and serves as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. The name “Makkah” finds mention in ancient texts, where it was also referred to as “Bakkah.” The name’s etymology in Arabic (مكة) has several interpretations, including “congregation,” aligning with its significance as a gathering place for Muslims during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Translations:
- Arabic: مكة (Makkah)
- Turkish: Mekke
Historical and Geographical Context
Located at approximately 21° 30′ N latitude and 40° 20′ E longitude, Makkah is situated about 70 miles from the Red Sea. The city lies in a sandy valley surrounded by rocky hills that range from 200 to 500 feet in height. These hills are barren and lack vegetation, which contrasts starkly with the bustling life within the city during the pilgrimage season.
Spiritual Significance
Makkah holds unparalleled spiritual importance in Islam. It is home to the Kaʿbah, the most sacred site where Muslims around the world direct their prayers. It is also the destination for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Prophet Muhammad expressed his deep bond with the city, as noted in hadiths from the Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ, emphasizing its divine sanctity and protection for its residents.
Urban Structure and Public Services
The city is largely built within the valley, with some parts stretching onto the hillsides. The architecture mainly features tall, stone buildings with multiple stories, and the layout allows for broader streets to accommodate the intensive foot traffic from pilgrims during the Hajj season. Despite its developed urban structure, Makkah faces issues with water scarcity. The Zamzam well, although copious, is not widely preferred due to its taste, and the best quality water is supplied via an aqueduct from the vicinity of ʿArafah.
Key Features:
- The Kaʿbah: The Sacred Cube located within the Masjid al-Haram, the most significant mosque in Islam.
- Zamzam Well: A well within the Masjid al-Haram whose water is famous but brackish.
- Aqueduct: Supplies water from the area around ʿArafah to Makkah.
Governance and Economy
The city is governed by a Sharīf, traditionally chosen from the Saiyids (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad) in the Ḥijāz. The Sharīf holds authority granted by the Ottoman Sultan. Makkah’s economy thrives during the Hajj season, turning into a major international fair with merchants and traders from around the world. The primary sources of income include trade, temple services, and provision of food and supplies for pilgrims.
Cultural Aspects and Housing
The houses in Makkah are generally built to accommodate pilgrim lodgers, divided into various apartments. The local craftsmanship includes pottery and bead manufacturing, coupled with some dyeing houses. Public squares are sparse, with the main square being the large courtyard of the Masjid al-Haram, especially lively during the pilgrimage season.
Suggested Books for Further Reading
- “Mecca: The Sacred City” by Ziauddin Sardar
- “Mecca and Eden: Ritual, Relics, and Territory in Islam” by Brannon M. Wheeler
- “The Hajj: Pilgrimage in Islam” by F. E. Peters
Takeaways and Conclusion
Makkah’s blend of spiritual significance, historical depth, and vibrant socio-economic activities make it a unique focal point in the Muslim world. Its sacred sites, especially the Kaʿbah and the Masjid al-Haram, underscore its importance in Islamic rituals and theology. Despite its geographical challenges such as water scarcity, Makkah remains an unparalleled hub for Muslim devotion and cultural convergence, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Understanding Makkah’s historical, spiritual, and socio-economic dimensions offers a comprehensive view of its everlasting significance in Islam and the broader Islamic world.
