Like many cities in the world, Makkah has transformed over the last decades; however, Makkah is not like other cities in the world. It is the holiest site for Muslims around the world. With the recent appearance of large buildings in the vicinity of the Kaaba, many are sad to see that the holiest place in the world is starting to get a name for being the Las Vegas for pilgrims. And the massive construction projects don’t look to be slowing down any time soon as the Saudi government is spending billions of dollars to commercialize Makkah into a modern, extravagant religious tourist hub.
Here is a look at how Makkah has transformed over the years:
Year 185
Year 1920
Pilgrims performing Hajj at Kabbah which looks very different from today.
Year 1922
Although this is a painting it give a somewhat accurate feel of that era.
Year 1935
An aerial view of Makkah almost a century ago
Year 1941 – The Floodings of Makkah
Due to Makkah being in a valley, flooding used to be an issue; however, with the new architecture this isn’t an issue anymore.
Year 195
Year 1967
We can start seeing some of the changes in the construction.
Year 1979
A huge difference from how it looked a century ago.
Year 1988
Year 2000
An aerial view which shows the massive changes Makkah has undergone over the years.
Year 2001
Year 2004
Year 2005
Year 2008
Year 2010
Year 2012
Year 2013
Year 2015
Year 2020?
The future of Makkah
Do you think Makkah 2020 is a good project even though it means destroying the valuable heritage of the city?
