MeccaTraveller.info

Mecca City Guide

admin — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:20:20 +0000

A pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and one of the ten Branches of Religion in Shi’a Islam, and thus obligatory for all Muslims with the physical and financial ability to make it. Over three million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah yearly. Visits outside this month are known as minor pilgrimages or Umrah, and while not compulsory are strongly encouraged.

The government of Saudi Arabia issues special visas for those making the pilgrimage. Most pilgrims opt to use a specialist travel agency, which will handle the considerable paperwork for them, but detailed information on the strict requirements is available at the Ministry of Hajj. As usual in Saudi Arabia, women must travel together with a male guardian (Mahram), unless they are over 45, travelling with a group and have their guardian’s signed consent.

Visas are assigned to countries on a quota basis according to the number of Muslims they have. Recently, those who have previously been to Mecca have had additional restrictions placed on their entry, in an effort to discourage overcrowding while still accommodating those who have not yet made the pilgrimage. If the applicant was not born a Muslim, they must present a certificate testifying so, which has been notarized by an Islamic center. Usually your mosque will be able to arrange this or at least point the way.

Souvenirs

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:42:16 +0000

Many retail shops sells small souvenir for you to take,toys,perfumes,praying carpets,bags……ect. Most of the shops are located within few steps outside the Holy Mosque.

Street Salesman

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:41:43 +0000

In Mecca you will find many salesman(and saleswomen)that sell many item,,this one was selling a local tree branch that is used to clean the teeth(it`s called Miswak)The tree is called Arak in arabic. Miswak or Siwak is Made from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree. We (Muslims)follow the Prophet Mohammad(peace be upon him)by using this to keep our teeth healthy and clean,one small branch costs one Riyal(USD=3.75 Riyals). You may use it even when you are fasting during the day of Ramadan….it gives your mouth a very fresh smell. The WHO(World Health oranization) recommended the use of the miswaak in 1986. Recent studies discovered great positive effect on immunity system.

When you want to buy a Miswak,,make sure to pick a soft one,,this means it`s freshly cut. Also make sure that it has a strong nice smell.

Khalid Ibn Al Waleed St

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:39:30 +0000

Most pilgrims pass this street on their way to the grand mosque. you can buy al most everything you need,from prayer carpets to sandwiches and juices. This picture was taken on a Ramadan night right after night prayers.(sorry it`s a bit blurry it was taken by my mobile cam) cheap,,really cheap stuff,all made either in china or india.

Back Street Bazaars

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:38:40 +0000

There is an abundance of market traders in Makkah. They are everywhere! Remember you must bargain with all traders whether in large stores or small stalls. They usually add about 20% to 35% on to their prices. If you look or act European or American dont be surprised if you start haggling from 200 Riyals when in fact the product is locally sold for 50-100 Riyals!

The best things to buy from market traders, especailly near the Harem, are 1) Miswak - Very fresh and bendy. 2) Roseary Beads 3) Prayer Hats 4) Watches 5) Perfume 6) Woven prayer Mats 7) Flip Flops

Items that are around 7 Riyals - bargain down to 5 or 6. Items that are 50 Riyals bargain down to 40! If you spend enough time you will usually get to see locals paying the correct price so use that as a base line.

Bin Dawood

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:37:43 +0000

The Bin Dawood shopping complex is 1 minutes walk from the main gate of the Harem. Its housed in the Hilton hotel ground and 1st flooors. What can you get there? EVERYTHING! Everything from dates, sports wear, expensive swiss watches, KFC, Rugs and the list goes on. This really is the only place you need to know, it houses a dozen eateries and tons of different speciality shops. Theres even an auction house here! (but dont waste too much time in shops - my advise is to make a list of people you need to get gifts for before you leave your home country and write down what you might get them - be objective and dont waste time because its easy to get distracted once you are in these large complex shopping centres.)

Al Andalus

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:36:26 +0000

This Asian restaurant serve different kinds of food and you are free to opt from any of these. Be it biryani, kabsa, kebab or spiced lamb, you will get it all here. This Restaurants in Mecca have an Oriental décor. You can round off your meals with Arabian coffee called ‘qahwah’.

Shahed

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:35:30 +0000

Shahed serves Asian food and Rand serves Arabic cuisines. To enjoy snacks, tea or coffee there is the Mazaj café. This hotel too is located near the holy Haram. Such Restaurants at Mecca will compel you to return to the city time and again.

Bin Dawood DateCentre

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:31:58 +0000

The middle east is famous for its dates, especially Ajwa. These are in contrast very expensive to other dates. There are many stores and outlets like the one in the picture that offer fresh or packed dates. There are also many different varieties, you can even get stuffed dates, which come with a nut or other filling instead of the original stone/seed. You can usually bargain with these guys. So make sure you get a good deal. My preference however, is not to buy from the date factory, but instead buy from a store in one of the larger centres.

Ajwa Kajoor, (Date), is the one that was recommended by the Prophet, as it contains special healing powers. As a result it is also one of the most sought after too! They are smaller, quite black and taste quite sweet.

Al Baik

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:31:24 +0000

At the Makkah Towers you can find many restaurants,it is within walking distance from the Holy Mosque. My personal faivourate is the AL-Baik chain. It offers deep fried chicken served with garlic sauce and bread.

This chain is only found in the west provence of Saudi Arabia. Half a chicken with french fries and bread costs about 2 $.