Legendary cities like Atlantis and Babylon have always sparked the curiosity of researchers and enthusiasts eager to uncover the mysteries of the past. Yet, within the pages of living history, we find cities and neighborhoods that once existed, then disappeared or transformed, remaining as witnesses to their enduring identity and rich cultural legacy. In this context, we shed light on the old neighborhoods of Mecca, which carry deep architectural and social memories.
Mecca, a city that combines sanctity and history, has long been a testament to unique architectural development that reflects cultural diversity and artistic innovation over the centuries. A hundred years ago, Mecca’s narrow alleys and traditional houses told stories of building techniques shaped by harsh climatic conditions and limited resources, resulting in an architectural style that still resonates with the spirit of that era.
In 2015, an architectural office in Mecca published a satellite image illustrating the current state of the Grand Mosque’s expansion. This image highlights the remarkable evolution of Meccan architecture to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for the Grand Mosque as the most significant religious site in the world, a process that began with Prophet Ibrahim and continues to this day.
Join us on this journey to uncover the fascinating architectural past of Mecca, a city where history still resonates in its present.
Section One: The Architectural and Cultural Evolution of Mecca
In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula lies Mecca, one of the oldest cities in Islamic history, which experienced profound architectural and cultural transformations during the 18th and 19th centuries. This era marked a time of cultural fusion and diverse architectural styles, giving the city its unique and distinctive character.
Cultural and Commercial Influences
With the increasing numbers of pilgrims and traders arriving in Mecca from across the Islamic world, the city became a hub of cultural and commercial exchange. This continuous influx brought with it diverse architectural influences, blending Ottoman, Indian, and Yemeni styles, which enriched the city’s designs and ornamentation.
Mecca’s Architectural Character
Buildings in Mecca were characterized by the use of local materials such as stone and clay, with wooden roofs and intricately decorated windows. Houses typically consisted of multiple floors, reflecting the family’s social and economic status. The narrow, winding alleys showcased traditional urban planning, giving the city an intimate and interconnected atmosphere.
The Old Neighborhoods of Mecca
Among the notable neighborhoods during that period:
Harat Al-Shamiyah: Home to many wealthy families and prominent merchants.
Harat Al-Shubaikah: Known for its markets and ornate houses.
Jabal Hindi: Named after the Indian community that settled there, bringing distinctive cultural and architectural influences.
Prominent Meccan Families
Many distinguished families resided in Mecca, playing pivotal roles in the city’s social and economic life. Among these families:
Al-Yamani: Resided in Harat Al-Misfalah, recognized as a prominent family in Meccan society.
Al-Shibli: Also from Harat Al-Misfalah, with significant contributions to social life.
Al-Abi Rziza: Known for their trade and economic activities.
Al-Qurt: A family with a rich history in Harat Al-Misfalah.
Al-Bin Khalid: A family with a strong presence in Meccan society.
Al-Mahmoud: Contributed to Mecca’s cultural and social life.
Al-Mufti: Renowned for their religious and scholarly roles in Mecca.
Al-Jawharji: A prominent trading family.
Al-Malloush: A family with a long-standing history in Mecca.
Al-Attas: Played a vital role in Mecca’s economy.
Al-Aydarus: Known for their cultural and religious contributions.
Al-Bakri Nouri: Resided in Harat Al-Misfalah, with notable social influence.
Al-Assas: Played a role in Mecca’s social life.
Al-Kushk: A well-known trading family.
Al-Du’ajani: A family with a presence in Meccan society.
Al-Rashid: Contributed to Mecca’s economic life.
Al-Ramdani: Known for their social contributions.
Al-Sanoud: Resided in Harat Al-Misfalah, with a historical presence in Mecca.
Al-Khairu: A family with societal influence.
Al-Banani: Contributed to Mecca’s cultural life.
Al-Banwir: Known for their social role in Mecca.
Al-Imam: Resided in Harat Al-Misfalah, known for their religious influence.
These families and others shaped the social and economic fabric of Mecca during this period and were integral to the community, particularly in Harat Al-Misfalah.
Wealth and Social Influence
Mecca thrived as a commercial and religious hub. Wealthy families invested in building luxurious homes that reflected their status. These homes featured spacious courtyards and intricate artistic decorations, providing both privacy and comfort.
The primary source of income for many Meccan families was tawafah (guiding and hosting pilgrims), where a mutawwif would host and care for pilgrims until they completed their Hajj rituals. This practice, combined with the blessings of Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication, as mentioned in the Quran:
“And [mention] when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits – whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.'” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:126)
This prayer was a key factor in ensuring a decent livelihood for the people of Mecca, which was reflected in their previous architectural styles and homes.
Mecca: The Sacred Mountainous City
If Monaco is renowned for its mountainous cityscape overlooking the sea, Mecca stands out for its mountains embracing the Holy Kaaba. This unique geographical setting imparts a spiritual and architectural character to the city, where nature and structures blend in harmonious coexistence.
Meccan Architecture in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Section Two: The Architectural Style of Mecca – Patterns and Details
In Mecca, the wonders of Islamic architecture are evident, reflecting a unique fusion of cultural, environmental, and social influences. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Meccan architecture developed distinct characteristics that catered to the needs of its residents and visitors while accommodating the region’s climate and available resources.
General Characteristics of Meccan Architecture
Materials Used: Builders relied on locally available materials such as stone and clay for walls, while imported woods like fani and qandil were used for roofs and rawashin (decorative wooden lattices).
Climatic Design: Buildings adapted to the hot climate with natural ventilation designs and architectural solutions to minimize heat.
Ornamentation and Artistic Details: Structures were adorned with wooden decorations and Quranic inscriptions, adding spiritual and aesthetic value to the architecture.
Architectural Styles in Meccan Neighborhoods
- Harat Al-Shamiyah:
Location and Name: Situated northwest of the Grand Mosque, named for its direction toward Greater Syria (Bilad Al-Sham).
Architectural Style: Characterized by multi-story homes with intricately decorated wooden rawashin, reflecting Ottoman influences.
Prominent Families: Prestigious merchant families like Al-Kurdi and Al-Baghdadi resided here, contributing to Mecca’s economic life.
- Harat Al-Shubaikah:
Location and Name: Situated west of the Grand Mosque, the neighborhood was named “Shubaikah” due to its interwoven roads and alleys.
Architectural Style: Known for its houses adorned with geometric decorations and Islamic motifs, featuring extensive use of rawashin (decorative wooden lattices) that provided ventilation and shade.
Prominent Families: Notable residents included the Al-Saggaf and Al-Zawawi families, who played significant roles in religious and commercial activities.
- Jabal Hindi:
Location and Name: Located southeast of the Grand Mosque, the area was named “Jabal Hindi” after the Indian community that settled there.
Architectural Style: Indian influences were evident in the design of the houses, which featured vibrant colors and floral patterns, blending local architectural elements with Indian styles.
Prominent Families: Indian Muslim families, such as Al-Rahman and Al-Ahmad, settled in the area, bringing their traditions and cultures, which enriched Mecca’s cultural diversity.
- Harat Al-Bab
Location and Name: Situated near Bab Al-Umrah, one of the gates of the Grand Mosque.
Architectural Style: Characterized by closely built homes with internal courtyards (hosh) that provided privacy and comfort for residents. The homes also featured intricately decorated rawashin (wooden latticed windows).
Prominent Families: The neighborhood was home to families such as Al-Baashen and Al-Bafeel, known for their commercial and charitable activities.
Distinctive Architectural Features
Rawashin: One of the most prominent architectural elements in Mecca, these wooden lattice windows provided ventilation and shade while adding a unique aesthetic to the buildings.
Internal Courtyards: Many homes featured central courtyards (hosh), which served as family activity hubs and helped regulate indoor temperatures.
Decorative Friezes: These decorative bands encircling walls often bore Quranic verses or poetic lines, adding a spiritual and artistic dimension to the structures.
The buildings were constructed using:
Stone: Quarried from nearby mountains for the main structure.
Lime: Sourced from distant hills for plastering.
Imported Wood: Such as fini for shutters and qandil for ceilings.
This combination of local resources and external influences ensured thermal comfort inside homes while adhering to the unique aesthetic of Meccan architecture.
Planning and Materials
The homes were designed with a focus on safety, functionality, and beauty, balancing economic and geographic considerations. Construction relied on heat-resistant materials such as clay, adobe bricks, and wood, ideal for the region’s hot climate. The layouts were carefully planned to respect privacy and social norms.
Key features included:
Intricate Wooden Rawashin: These latticed facades ensured proper ventilation and light while maintaining the privacy of neighboring homes.
Cultural Sensitivity: The arrangement of spaces within homes adhered to social and cultural expectations, creating a harmonious living environment.
This thoughtful architectural approach reflected both the environmental and cultural needs of Mecca, showcasing a unique blend of form and function.
This style of construction was overseen by the “Qarari” or “Reis,” who, despite lacking formal architectural training, relied on intuitive and traditional methods to design homes that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while adhering to social etiquette. Spaces were thoughtfully allocated to accommodate different genders and social functions, with meticulous attention given to the placement of windows and doors to maintain decorum and aesthetic appeal.
The use of space and materials in traditional Hijazi architecture not only fulfilled practical needs but also adhered to ethical standards. This approach made the buildings more than mere shelters; they became integral parts of the cultural fabric, respecting and enhancing communal life.
Cultural and Commercial Influences:
Due to its status as a religious and commercial hub, Makkah’s architecture was influenced by various cultures. Pilgrims and merchants brought diverse architectural styles, enriching the city’s architectural heritage with variety and depth.
Today, Jeddah’s old town, Al-Balad, stands as a cultural and architectural symbol of the city’s heritage. However, a fair historical assessment suggests that the financial and commercial prowess of Makkah’s residents in earlier times surpassed that of Jeddah. This wealth and influence spurred growth and expansion that eventually extended to Jeddah. The nature of Makkah’s residents, shaped by frequent interactions with pilgrims, tended to be more austere and disciplined compared to the easy-going and relaxed coastal demeanor of Jeddah’s people. Additionally, Makkah’s mountainous terrain influenced its inhabitants, fostering a stricter and more resolute character.
Section III: The Legacy and Enduring Spirit of Makkah’s Architecture After Its Disappearance
Although much of Makkah’s traditional architecture has vanished due to successive expansions of the Holy Mosque, its impact and historical essence remain alive in collective memory and local culture. These buildings left an indelible mark on Makkah’s identity, making their remembrance an essential part of understanding the city’s history and development.
Expansions and Modernization:
Throughout history, the Holy Mosque underwent multiple expansions to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. In modern times, Saudi expansions began under King Abdulaziz Al Saud and continued through his successors. These projects added significant areas to the Holy Mosque, necessitating the removal of historic neighborhoods like Al-Shamiyah, Al-Shubaikah, and Harat Al-Bab.
Preserving Historical Memory:
Despite the disappearance of these neighborhoods, Makkah’s cultural memory still retains vivid details of life in these areas. Stories passed down through generations reflect the simplicity of life and the strong social bonds among residents.
Reviving Historic Names:
As part of efforts to preserve heritage, the Makkah Municipality renamed several new neighborhoods in southern Makkah after the old ones removed during the mosque expansions. Names like “New Al-Naqa,” “New Al-Ghazza,” and “New Al-Shubaikah” reflect a commitment to linking the past with the present and honoring historical identities.
Cultural and Architectural Impact:
Makkah’s traditional architecture, with its unique artistic details and ornate decorations, has significantly influenced Islamic architecture in the region. Features like intricately carved wooden rawasheen (projecting windows), interior courtyards, and distinctive architectural patterns inspire contemporary architects seeking to integrate heritage into modern designs.
Spaces and Architectural Designs:
- Traditional Houses:
Total Area: Traditional homes in Makkah ranged from 100 to 250 square meters, typically spanning two to three floors.
Interior Design:
Courtyards: Featured an internal courtyard (~25 square meters) for ventilation and natural lighting.
Rooms: Room sizes varied between 12 and 20 square meters, with ceiling heights up to 3.5 meters to promote air circulation.
- Alleys and Streets:
Width: Alleys ranged from 2 to 4 meters wide, providing shade and natural ventilation.
Layout: Streets were irregular and winding, giving the city’s urban fabric its distinct character.
Materials Used in Construction:
- Stones:
Types: Local stones, such as limestone and granite, were sourced from nearby mountains for walls and foundations.
Sizes: Stones measured 30–50 cm in length, 20–30 cm in width, and 15–25 cm in height.
- Wood:
Types:
Imported teak wood from India was used for doors and windows.
Local tamarisk wood was utilized for roofs and beams.
Dimensions:
Wooden columns were 3–4 meters long with a diameter of 20–25 cm.
Wooden planks for roofs were 5 cm thick and 30 cm wide.
- Clay and Mud Bricks:
Uses: A mixture of clay and straw was used to create adobe bricks for interior walls and partitions.
Dimensions: Each brick measured 25×25×7 cm.
Construction Techniques and Steps
- Foundations
Excavation and Preparation:
Foundations were dug to a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters with a width of 80 cm to ensure the stability of the structure.
Stone Placement:
Large stones were carefully arranged in the foundation, bound together with a mortar made of clay and lime.
- Walls
Stone Construction:
Exterior walls were built with 50 to 60 cm thickness using local stones, providing natural thermal insulation.
Mud Brick Construction:
Interior walls were constructed using mud bricks with a thickness of 20 to 30 cm, reducing the overall weight and simplifying the building process.
- Roofs
Installation:
Wooden beams (trunks) were placed at equal intervals of 80 to 100 cm, covered with wooden planks. A 10 cm-thick layer of clay mixed with straw was added on top for insulation.
- Finishes
Plastering and Whitewashing:
Lime and sand mortar was used for plastering, and walls were then coated with a white lime solution for whitening and disinfection.
Flooring:
Floors were covered with compacted clay. In some luxurious homes, polished stone tiles were used.
Conclusion:
Despite the significant urban transformations Makkah has undergone, the essence of traditional Makkah architecture remains alive in collective memory and heritage. Reflecting on and celebrating this era enhances our understanding of the history of the holy city and helps preserve its cultural and architectural identity for future generations.
