History of Mecca in Timeline

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, located in western Saudi Arabia, 70 km inland from Jeddah. In 2022, its population was 2.4 million, making it the third-most populated city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. A significant portion of the population consists of Muslim foreigners. The city's population more than triples annually during the Hajj pilgrimage. With over 10.8 million international visitors in 2023, Mecca is a major global destination.

1911: Madrasat al-Falāḥ Founded

In 1911, Muhammad ʿAlī Zaynal Riḍā, a Jeddah merchant, founded the Madrasat al-Falāḥ in Mecca.

November 1916: Hajj Free of Extortion

In November 1916, news reports stated that the Hajj of 1916 was free of extortion and monetary demands previously made by Ottoman Turkish authorities.

1924: Mecca Incorporated into Saudi Arabia

Following the Battle of Mecca in 1924, the Sharif of Mecca was overthrown by the Saud family, and Mecca was incorporated into Saudi Arabia.

1925: Saudi Conquest of Hejaz

In 1925, Mecca was conquered by Ibn Saud and his allies during the Saudi conquest of Hejaz. Since then, Mecca has experienced significant expansion and infrastructure development, including modern buildings like the Abraj Al Bait.

1929: Establishment of Wireless Stations

In 1929, wireless stations were set up in various towns in the region of Mecca, creating a communication network.

1930: Cholera Outbreaks

Between 1830 and 1930, Mecca was regularly hit by cholera outbreaks with 27 outbreaks among pilgrims.

1932: Wireless Network Fully Functional

By 1932, the wireless communication network established in the region of Mecca became fully functional.

1936: Increase in Public Telephones

In 1936, the number of public telephones in Mecca increased to 450, which was about half the telephones in Saudi Arabia. Telephone lines were also extended to Jeddah and Ta'if.

1942: Most Severe Flood

The most severe flood in the last century was that of 1942.

1945: Establishment of Al Wahda FC

Al Wahda FC, one of the oldest sport clubs in Saudi Arabia, was established in 1945.

1949: Establishment of Umm Al-Qura University as a college

Umm Al-Qura University was established as a college in 1949.

1950: Radio Broadcasts for Pilgrims

In 1950, radio broadcasts were initiated on the Day of 'Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah) to direct and address the pilgrims in Mecca.

1957: Radio Makkah Becomes Powerful Station

By 1957, Radio Makkah became the most powerful station in the Middle East with 50 kW, later increased to 450 kW. Gradually, folk music was introduced into the broadcasts.

1965: Number of floods by 1965

According to al-Kurdī, there had been 89 floods by 1965 in Mecca.

1970: Various types of enterprises

Since 1970, various types of enterprises have existed in Mecca including corrugated iron manufacturing, copper extraction, carpentry, upholstery, bakeries, farming and banking.

1972: Taxing the pilgrims

Taxes were especially increased during the Great Depression, and many of these taxes existed to as late as 1972.

November 1979: Seizure of the Grand Mosque

On 20 November 1979, two hundred armed dissidents led by Juhayman al-Otaibi, seized the Grand Mosque. The siege lasted two weeks, resulting in several hundred deaths and significant damage.

1979: Grand Mosque Seizure

In 1979, the Grand Mosque Seizure took place.

1979: Design of the Mecca Gate

In 1979, the Mecca Gate, also known as the Quran Gate, was designed by Egyptian architect Samir Elabd for IDEA Center. It marks the boundary of the Haram area and represents the Quran.

1981: Umm Al-Qura University Became Public University

In 1981, Umm Al-Qura University became a public university.

1985: Modern Telecommunications

By 1985, Mecca had modern telephone, telex, radio, and television communications. Many television stations served the city, including Saudi TV1, Saudi TV2, Saudi TV Sports, Al-Ekhbariya, and Arab Radio and Television Network.

Loading Video...

1985: Demolition of Historic Buildings

Since 1985, it has been estimated that about 95% of Mecca's historic buildings, most over a thousand years old, have been demolished under Saudi rule.

July 1990: Pedestrian Tunnel Tragedy

On 2 July 1990, a pilgrimage to Mecca ended in tragedy when the ventilation system failed in a crowded pedestrian tunnel, resulting in 1,426 deaths.

2005: Number of Schools

As of 2005, there were 532 public and private schools for males and 681 public and private schools for female students in Mecca.

May 2007: Provincial Governor of Mecca

Since 16 May 2007, Prince Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud has been the provincial governor of Mecca Province.

November 2010: Opening of Al Masha'er Al Muqaddassah Metro

In November 2010, the Al Masha'er Al Muqaddassah Metro line in Mecca opened. The elevated metro transports pilgrims to the holy sites of 'Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina during the Hajj season.

2010: Discovery of Saadanius Fossil

In 2010, Mecca and the surrounding area became an important site for paleontology with the discovery of a Saadanius fossil. Saadanius is a primate closely related to the common ancestor of the Old World monkeys and apes.

September 2015: Mina Stampede

On 24 September 2015, 700 pilgrims were killed in a stampede at Mina during the stoning-the-Devil ritual at Jamarat.

2015: Mayor of Mecca

In 2015, the mayor of Mecca was Osama bin Fadhel Al-Barr.

2018: Haramain High Speed Railway Enters Operation

In 2018, the Haramain High Speed Railway began operation, connecting Mecca and Medina via Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. The railway uses electric trains capable of transporting 60 million passengers annually.

2019: Hajj Pilgrimage

In 2019, the Hajj attracted 2,489,406 pilgrims to the holy city.

2020: Mecca's Population

Research published by Binimad Al-Ateeqi in 2020 suggests that Mecca's population at the time of Muhammad was closer to 10,000 individuals.

January 2022: Mayor of Mecca

As of January 2022, Saleh Al-Turki is the mayor of Mecca.

2022: Mecca's Metropolitan Population

In 2022, Mecca's metropolitan population was 2.4 million, making it the third-most populated city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. Around 44.5% of the population were Saudi citizens and around 55.5% were Muslim foreigners from other countries.