There is a growing shadow being cast over Islam's holiest site. Only a few metres from the walls of the Grand Mosque in Mecca skyscrapers are reaching further into the sky, slowly blocking out the light. These enormous and garish newcomers now dwarf the elegant black granite of the Kaaba, the focal point of the four million Muslims' annual Haj pilgrimage, Writes Daniel Howden
For the Indipendent
The Ottoman castle that was destroyed to make room for these new 5-star facilities
Abraj Al-Bait - Towers funded by the Saudi Bin Laden GroupRecently there have been some major developments in the mecca area with the intention of accommodating the huge number of pilgrims.
There are several major skyscrapers going up immediately next to the Kaaba. Debates are raging as to if these are appropriate, particularly given many historic sites have been destroyed over the years to make room for such structures. The other aspect of concern relating to 'Islamic Architecture' is building in a way that is appropriate to the area's context. The Saudi's have not consulted with the broader Muslim community on such construction.
A video detailing Atkins’ proposal to transform the Haram Mosque, one of the world’s holiest sites in the city of Mecca, has been leaked.
There are several major skyscrapers going up immediately next to the Kaaba. Debates are raging as to if these are appropriate, particularly given many historic sites have been destroyed over the years to make room for such structures. The other aspect of concern relating to 'Islamic Architecture' is building in a way that is appropriate to the area's context. The Saudi's have not consulted with the broader Muslim community on such construction.
A video detailing Atkins’ proposal to transform the Haram Mosque, one of the world’s holiest sites in the city of Mecca, has been leaked.
5 comments:
It's such a shame. They are destroying many priceless pieces of Islamic history.
However on the other hand if it means more people can perform Hajj each year, that is a good thing.
So it's good and bad. More bad though.
MaSHALLAH, I salute to the King of Saudi Arabia & all his kingdom for doing this wonderful developments in the holy mosque KAA'BA for the betterment of the people perform UMRAH & HAJJ. I belive that none other than KING OF SAUDI ARABIA can do that. MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM & HIS KINGDOM.
High rise building needs a lot of maintenance. For buildings so big the task to maintain it well is a huge challenge.
It is hard to imagine the buildings will be as good as new after 100 years.
I`m not sure what the Prophet would say... How can skyscrapers, the symbols of money and capitalism share that land with the Holy Kaba? I`m surprised some muslims think this is great.
i agree with you. it seem that "they" start creating "the gate". stay alert, brother...
quote:
`m not sure what the Prophet would say... How can skyscrapers, the symbols of money and capitalism share that land with the Holy Kaba? I`m surprised some muslims think this is great.
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