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#3826 [Permalink] Posted on 25th March 2014 13:13
 
Makkawi women ‘enrich the holy city’s history’


Makkah - 1907
25 March 2014 - 24 Jumada Al-Awwal 1435

MAKKAH — The women of Makkah have played a significant role in the process of development through various ages and worked diligently to spread knowledge and enlightenment among the female members of society, according to a number of historians and anthropologists.

"Through the ages, Makkawi women have played a pivotal role in inculcating knowledge in their society," Abdullatif Bin Dihais, a historian, told Al-Watan newspaper on Sunday.

He said many Makkawi women had established themselves as Islamic scholars and experts in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and other branches of knowledge.

Hussain Shafie, professor of Islamic history at Umm Al-Qura University, said many Makkawi women had made their mark in the fields of Islamic subjects, education, arts, language, medicine and others.

He said Makkah is full of families who were famous for their impeccable knowledge in civilizations and religion. "Among others, these include the families of Bin Fahd, Al-Tabariyah and Al-Fasi," he said.

Shafie said many scholarly women in Makkah were teaching Qur'an, fiqh, tawheed (monotheism) and language in their own homes. He cited the names of famous women scholars in Makkah including Asia Bin Jar Allah Al-Tabariyah, Husna Bint Mohammed Bin Kamil, Umm Al-Khair Bint Abdul Qadir, Umm Kalthoum Bint Abdul Wahid, Umm Hani Bint Mohammed, Zainab Bint Ahmed, Zain Al-Sharaf Bint Abdul Qadir, Sayidat Al-Jamie Bint Abdul Qadir, Naseem Bint Mohammed and Kamaliyah Bint Mohammed.

"All these women were also narrators of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Ahadith (prophetic teachings)," he said.

Faisal Al-Sharif, a professor of modern history, said Makkawi women have been playing a great role in society since the advent of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

He said Makkawi women were able to contribute to the spread of knowledge in society on an equal footing with men. "The Makkawi women were famous for their knowledge, intellectual and literary activities," he said.

Al-Sharif said the libraries in the Arab world contain many books written by the Makkawi women on various aspects of knowledge and religion. "The Makkawi women had always enriched the Haj and Umrah seasons through the knowledge they were determined to spread among pilgrims," he said.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140325199748
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#3827 [Permalink] Posted on 26th March 2014 18:13
 
Morocco/Hajj 2014

The Ministry of Endowments: No restrictions related to age


25 March 2014

The operation registration of pilgrims for the 1436/2015 season took place from March 10 to 21 , without resorting to any restrictions related to age or any other condition.

Following the publication of certain information on the determination of the age of the pilgrimage to 63 years, the ministry explained.

After the controversy surrounding the volume of Muezzin , the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affair was recently criticized an alleged limitation of age to 63 years of pilgrimage .

To answer this information relayed by some media, the Department issued a press release where he puts things in order.

" For the avoidance of confusion, we clarify that the Saudi authorities decided to reduce the quota of pilgrims to 20% for the seasons 2013 ( 1434 ) and 2014 (1435 ) due to extension work knows Mecca " the ministry said .

Thus, as regards the last season the Royal Commission on the pilgrimage had decided to puncture the number of pilgrims allowed by the Saudi authorities ( 6400 ) lists of younger and more specifically those born after 1961 , taking into account cases of spouses traveling together. The Department also states a press release on these measures was published , noting that private pilgrimage pilgrims for the 2013 season , will be a priority next year ( 1435/2014 ) .

" In terms of the current year , Saudi authorities have maintained the quota reduction of 20% , it was decided to puncture the number of pilgrims lists younger , specifically those born in 1951 and subsequent years, taking into account the case of spouses traveling together and family members , as provided in a common circular signed by the Ministries of Interior and Endowments , " said the statement from the Ministry of Endowments.

french: http://www.lematin.ma/exclusif/2014/...i-/199290.html

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#3828 [Permalink] Posted on 26th March 2014 18:15
 
King Abdullah smart city to offer pilgrims best services

26 March 2014

The new full-fledged pilgrim city to be established along the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway will be named after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar.

“It will be a smart city equipped with the most advanced facilities and systems,” he told Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah while giving a presentation on the project.

Hajjar said the city would be designed to become an outstanding landmark in Makkah, adding that it would provide all services required by pilgrims coming for Haj and Umrah.

“All residential and administrative services will be made available for pilgrims in the city, which will be linked with the Grand Mosque and the center of Makkah with a public transport system,” he added.

“This city was planned to reduce congestion in areas around the Grand Mosque,” the minister said. The city will have government department offices, residential buildings, health facilities, Tawafa, Zamzam and transport offices, shopping centers, exhibitions centers, mosques and a Haj museum.

Hajjar also briefed the newly appointed governor on his ministry’s efforts to improve services to the guests of God.

Prince Mishaal urged the ministry’s officials to double their efforts in the service of pilgrims.

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#3829 [Permalink] Posted on 26th March 2014 18:17
 
Mataf expansion updates

25 March 2014








19 March 2014

 
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#3830 [Permalink] Posted on 26th March 2014 18:18
 
Haram dust sold for schemes
Presidency of the Two Holy: rubble that have no value
and that have thrown the value of reservation


تراب الحرم يباع للمخططات
رئاسة الحرمين: الأنقاض التي ليس لها قيمة ترمى والتي لها قيمة تحفظ

26 March 2014

منذ 17 شهراً عندما بدأت أعمال التوسعة في الحرم المكي، يراقب المكيون حركة لا تهدأ للشاحنات تذرع الشوارع جيئة وذهابا، متسائلين: أين يذهب التراب الذي يستخرج من الحرم؟والتساؤلات في الأوساط المكية، كانت كثيرة عن الوجهة غير المعلومة التي ينقل إليها تراب الحرم وكذلك عن مصير قطع البناء التي أزيلت خلال المرحلتين الأولى والثانية التي انطلقت مع بداية العام الحالي.

خوذ صفراء

عند البوابات التي تربط المشروع بباقي محيط المسجد الحرام، يقف حراس أمن يمنعون الدخول إلا لمن يضع على رأسه خوذة صفراء أو الذين لديهم إذن بالدخول من أعضاء اللجان المراقبة لسير العمل في الموقع من أعمال الهدم والإزالة ونقل الأنقاض خارج نطاق المركزية.
ورصدت “مكة” في الموقع، شاحنات كثيرة يتنافس سائقوها على نقل الأنقاض.
عدد قليل من تلك الشاحنات ينقل قطعا تحمل أرقاما، ويتم رفعها بعناية ومتابعة دقيقة.
وأثناء الرفع والتنزيل ترتفع الأصوات حتى يطمئن الجميع على سلامة قطع البناء الأثرية التي سيعاد تركيبها.
أما بقية الشاحنات فتتسابق إلى الأنقاض لنقلها خارج نطاق المشروع، ومعروف أن نقل الأنقاض والردميات يتولاه مقاول يكون عقد اتفاقا مع أصحاب مخططات يحتاجون إليها لتسويتها ورصفها أو لتدويرها واستخراج البطحاء والخرسانة منها، وذلك مقابل سعر يتفاوت ما بين 30 ريالا و60 ريالا للنقلة الواحدة.
وبحسب سائقين تحدثوا إلى «مكة» بشكل عفوي، فإن التراب والأنقاض يذهبان إلى ثلاث وجهات هي:

1- أنقاض تنقل إلى محلة البنيان على طريق جدة السريع.
2- أنقاض تنقل إلى منطقة الحسينية جنوب مكة، حيث توجد مخططات نظامية وعشوائية.
3- أنقاض تنقل إلى مخطط الإسكان الجديد جنوب مكة.

ويؤكد نائب رئيس هيئة المستشارين في الرئاسة ومستشار الرئيس العام لشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي الدكتور يوسف الوابل أن ليس هناك عشوائية في أعمال الهدم والإزالة، بل تخضع لمعايير دقيقة تراعي أهمية الحفاظ على كل جزء من الأجزاء التي تقرر إعادتها ضمن نطاق التوسعة الجديدة، وأي زائر للحرم يلاحظ أن القطع مرقمة ومحفوظة.
ويضيف: أن مشروع توسعة صحن المطاف شملت الحرم القديم والتوسعة السعودية فقط ولم تمس الكعبة المشرفة أو الحجر أو المقام أو الصفا والمروة.
أما المباني التي أزيلت فتم التخلص منها واستبدلت بمبان جديدة، وليس لدى الرئاسة مبرر للاحتفاظ بها، وما يتم حفظه من أنقاض الحرم فهو يتعلق بالأجزاء التي من المقرر إعادتها في التوسعة، وتم ترقيمها وحفظها بعد تصويرها وتوثيقها قبل أن يبدأ تنفيذ المشروع، مؤكداً اهتمام كبير من قبل الرئاسة والشركة المنفذة والعاملين في المشروع الذي تسير مراحله وفقا للمخطط، ولم نرصد أي تأخير في أعمال التنفيذ، وتم الاستفادة من المرحلة الأولى في العام الماضي وارتفعت الطاقة الاستيعابية للمطاف بنحو 70 ألف طائف في الساعة.
من جانبه، يقول وكيل إدارة المشاريع في الرئاسة العامة لشؤون المسجد الحرم محمد الوقداني إن “الأنقاض التي ليس لها قيمة ترمى، والأنقاض التي لها قيمة تحفظ في مستودعات مخصصة لكونها قطعا أثرية قديمة، سيستخدم جزء منها في إعادة البناء الجديد”.

Google translation:

17 months ago when it began expansion works at the Grand Mosque , watching the Meccans movement does not subside for trucks invoked the streets back and forth , wondering : Where goes the dirt , which is extracted from the Haram ? And questions in circles Meccan , was too much for the destination is the information that is transferred to the dust of the Haram as well as the fate of the construction parts that were removed during the first and second phases , which began with the start of the year .

Yellow helmets

At the gates that connect the project to the rest of the vicinity of the Grand Mosque , stands security guards barred entry only to those who put on the head with a yellow helmet or who have permission to enter from the members of the committees monitoring the progress of work at the site of the demolition work and removal and transfer of rubble outside the scope of the central .

And spotted a " Mecca" at the site, many trucks competing for their drivers to move the rubble.

A few of those trucks convey definitely numbered , and is filed carefully and follow-up minutes.

During Lifting and download up to reassure everyone votes for the safety of construction parts archaeological will be installed.

The rest of the trucks Vtaatsabak to the ruins to be transported outside the scope of the project , and is known to move the debris and rubble is being handled by a contractor have made ​​an agreement with the owners of schemes need to be settled and paved or recycled and extract Batha and concrete ones , compared to the price varies between 30 riyals and 60 riyals per shift per .

According to drivers who spoke to the « Mecca » spontaneously , the dirt and debris went to the three points are:

1 - ruins transported to the locality of architecture on the road to Jeddah highway.
2 - the ruins of the movement to the Husseiniya south of Mecca, where there are regular and random schemes .
3 - the ruins of the movement to the new housing scheme south of Mecca.

And confirms the Vice President of the advisers in the presidency and the president's advisor General for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque , Dr. Joseph barrage that there is no random acts of demolition and removal, but subject to strict criteria take into account the importance of maintaining all of the parts that decide to return it within the scope of the new expansion , and any visitor to the Haram notes that the pieces numbered and reserved .

He adds that the Mataf expansion project included the old Haram and the Saudi expansion did not only affect the Kaaba stone, or place or Safa and Marwa .

The buildings that were removed Vtm discarded and replaced by buildings new , and I do not have the presidency justification to keep them , and what is saved from the ruins of the Temple is concerned with parts which are due back in expansion , were numbered and saved after photographed and documented before the start of implementation of the project , stressing the great interest of by the Presidency and the company executing and working on the project , which is going stages according to the scheme , and did not monitor any delay in the work force , were to benefit from the first phase in the past year rose absorptive Mataf expansion for about 70 thousand faithfull in time .

For his part , says agent management projects in the General Presidency for the campus mosque Mohammed Aelloukdani "The debris that have no value are thrown , and debris that have a value stored in warehouses dedicated to being the old artifacts , part of which will be used in the reconstruction of the new ."







المطاف المعلق.. معلق

أوضح نائب رئيس هيئة المستشارين في الرئاسة العامة لشؤون المسجد الحرام الدكتور يوسف الوابل أن المطاف المعلق (الجسر) يحقق مصلحة كبيرة أثناء تنفيذ توسعات المطاف، وسيبقى حتى انتهاء المرحلة الثالثة التي من المقرر أن تنتهي بنهاية العام المقبل 1436، وبعد انتهاء تنفيذ المشروع ستتم دراسة إمكانية إزالة المطاف المعلق والاكتفاء بالتوسعة الأخيرة للمطاف والتي توفر طاقة استيعابية تصل إلى 135 ألف طائف في الساعة، أو الإبقاء على المطاف المعلق وتخصيصه للعربات وكبار السن والعجزة وذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة.
وأضاف الوابل: لا يمكن إصدار قرار في الوقت الحالي بالإبقاء عليه أو إزالته، ولن يتم ذلك إلا بعد اكتمال تنفيذ المشروع بكامل مراحله، مبينا أن هناك حاليا لجنة تتولى متابعة المطاف المعلق وتشغيله والرفع بالتوصيات في حال رصد ملاحظات على مدى الفترة القادمة وحتى نهاية مشروع التوسعة لنستعين بها خلال دراسة تقرير مصير المطاف المعلق.

Google translation:

Temporary Mataf ..

The Vice President of the advisers in the General Presidency for the Holy Mosque , Dr. Joseph barrage that the Temporary Mataf ( bridge ) achieves a significant interest in the implementation of the expansion of the Mataf, and will remain until the end of the third phase , which is scheduled to expire at the end of next year 1436 , and after the implementation of the project will study the possibility of remove the Temporary Mataf of the recent enlargement took shape , which provides a capacity of up to 135 thousand faithfull in time , or to keep the Temporary Mataf and customize the carts and the elderly , the infirm and those with special needs .

He Volley : Can not issue a decision at this time to keep it or remove it , and will not be done until after the completion of the project in full stages , indicating that there is currently a committee to follow up the pending operation and lifting the recommendations in the event of monitoring observations over the coming period and until the end of the expansion project we use during the study decide the fate of the Temporary Mataf.

 

رفع طاقة المطاف يجدد القديم

يستهدف مشروع توسعة صحن الطواف رفع الطاقة الاستيعابية بشكل يضمن اختفاء التدافع والزحام والاختناقات في مواسم الحج، ويشمل إزالة الحرم القديم “الرواق العثماني” والتوسعة السعودية الأولى وتوسعة المنطقة المحاذية للمسعى لتصبح بعرض 50 مترا بدلا من 20 مترا، وإعادة تأهيل المنطقة بين الحرم الحالي والتوسعة السعودية الثالثة مع إنشاء جسور للربط بينهما في مناسيب الدور الأول والسطح ومعالجة الاختلاف الحالي في مناسيب الحرم وصحن المطاف.
وبتخفيض منسوب الحرم القديم ليصبح بمنسوب صحن المطاف وتحقيق الارتباط المباشر لبدروم التوسعة الثانية، وهو الأمر الذي تضمن إزالة العديد من المباني القديمة ذات الطراز المعماري المتفرد.

مخاوف وتطمين

وفيما يعرب كثيرون من المهتمين بالهوية العمرانية عن تخوفهم من عدم الاهتمام بهذا الإراث التاريخي، وطالبوا بضرورة الحفاظ عليه وعدم المساس بها ومراعاة أهمية وجوده في البناء الجديد، يؤكد نائب رئيس هيئة المستشارين في الرئاسة ومستشار الرئيس العام لشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي الدكتور يوسف الوابل أن الرواق العثماني سيعاد بناؤه وفق الطراز المعماري الذي كان عليه، إنما بشكل يتناسب مع التوسعة الجديدة ولدى الشركة المنفذة القدرة على ذلك، مشيرا إلى أن مقام إبراهيم لن ينقل من موقعه الحالي، لأن التوسعة تستهدف صحن الطواف وتشمل فقط الأروقة وسيزال الدرج الذي يربط الدور الأرضي للمسجد الحرام بصحن الطواف، ولن يكون هناك بدروم بعد تخفيض منسوب صحن الطواف ليحقق ارتباطا بصريا مباشر بالكعبة المشرفة، وبالتالي سيضع المشروع نهاية للزحام والاختناقات في الطواف، لافتاً إلى أن التوسعة لا تشمل تغيير موقع الإمام وسيظل كما هو حاليا، أي أن الإمام سيكون بجوار الكعبة، إلا إذا كان هناك زحام في رمضان والحج، فيتأخر الإمام إلى تحت المكبرية المخصصة للمؤذنين، لأن الله سبحانه وتعالى قدم حق الطائفين على المصلين.

وفق المخطط

وفي السياق نفسه، يؤكد وكيل إدارة المشاريع بالرئاسة العامة لشؤون المسجد الحرم محمد الوقداني أن مراحل مشروع توسعة المطاف تسير وفق المخطط له والبرنامج المعد، وأضاف أنه تم إنجاز المرحلة الأولى من المشروع ويجري حاليا تنفيذ أعمال التشطيبات، وتتسارع وتيرة العمل لتنفيذ أعمال الإنشاءات في المرحلة الثانية بعد إزالة الأجزاء التي تشملها حدود هذه المرحلة، وسيبدأ العمل في تنفيذ المرحلة الثالثة عقب انتهاء موسم الحج المقبل.
وزاد “سيتم إعادة الحرم العثماني بعد إطالة قواعد الأعمدة لتغطية فرق المنسوب، وستتم المحافظة عليه بالشكل المطور وبالطابع المعماري الذي يتميز به، مبينا أن هناك شركات تركية متخصصة معنية بإعادة بنائه.

Google translation:

Raise the energy of the Mataf renews the old

Project aims to expand dish circumnavigation raise the capacity so as to ensure the disappearance of the stampede and the hustle and bottlenecks in the pilgrimage seasons , and includes removal of the old campus , " the gallery Ottoman " and the first Saudi expansion and the expansion of the area adjacent to the effort to become a width of 50 meters instead of 20 meters , and the rehabilitation of the area between the campus current and Saudi expansion the third with the creation of bridges to connect them in the first round and the levels of surface treatment and differences in the levels of the current campus and the dish of the day .

And to reduce the level of the old campus to become Bmnsop dish up and realize the direct link to the basement of the second expansion , which included removing many of the old buildings of unique architectural style .

Fears and reassure

As expressed by many of those interested in identity construction for fear of lack of attention to this Alarat historical , and called for the need to preserve it and not compromising them , and taking into account the importance of the presence in the new construction , confirms Vice President of the advisers in the presidency and the president's advisor General for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque , Dr. Joseph barrage that hallway Ottoman will be built according to the architectural style , which it was, but it is commensurate with the new expansion and the company has implemented capacity to do so , pointing out that the Maqam Ibrahim will not be relocated from its current location , because the expansion targeting dish circumnavigation include only arcades and Sisal staircase that connects the ground floor of the Grand Mosque dish circumnavigation , there will be no basement after lowering the level of the dish circumnavigation to achieve closely visually direct Kaaba , and thus the project will end the congestion and bottlenecks in the circumambulation , pointing out that the expansion does not include changing the site of the Imam and will remain as it is now , that the Imam will be next to the Kaaba, but If there is congestion in Ramadan and Hajj , Imam Fatakhr to under Almekpria allocated to and signaling , because God Almighty Taivin right foot to the congregation .

As planned

In the same context , confirms agent Project Management General Presidency for the Affairs of the mosque campus Mohammed Aelloukdani be phased expansion project of the day is going according to planned and the program prepared , and added that the first phase of the project is currently being implemented work finishes, and accelerate the pace of work to carry out construction work in the second phase after removing the parts that are covered by the limits of this stage , and will begin work in the implementation of the third phase after the end of the next pilgrimage season .

He added, " will be re- campus after the Ottoman prolong the column bases to cover the difference attributed to , and will be maintained by the developer in the form and nature of architecture , which is characterized by noting that there are Turkish companies specialized on re- construction.


http://www.makkahnewspaper.com/makka...4#.UzLhSc7m5sI








 
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#3831 [Permalink] Posted on 26th March 2014 18:19
 
Makkah metro railway systems
contract pre-qualification begins


24 March 2014

SAUDI ARABIA: The Development Commission of Makkah & Mashaaer has invited applications to prequalify for the railway systems contract for the 25·5bn riyal Phase 1 of the Makkah metro, which is expected to open in 2019.

The scope of the design and build contract includes track, power supplies, 1·5 kV DC bottom-contract third rail electrification, CBTC specified to Grade Of Automation Level 4 (unattended driverless operation), telecoms, station and depot fit-out, the control centre, fare collection system, platform screen doors and overall system integration.

The contract could be extended to include Phases 2 and 3 of the metro development programme, which are planned to take the network to 123·5 km and 66 stations within 10 years.

The deadline for applications is May 26. The request for proposals is planned for July, with the contract to be awarded in the second quarter of 2015. Revenue services on Line B would start 45 months after the notice to proceed, with Line C in 51 months.

The railway systems contract is designated contract 3; contract 1 will cover civil works for the underground sections of the metro, and contract 2 the elevated sections plus the depot. Contract 4 will cover rolling stock and depot equipment. Three stations are to be built under separate contracts as part of wider urban development works. There will also be separate contracts covering safety assessment and verification. The model to be used for operation and maintenance of the network is still to be finalised.

The metro forms part of the 62bn riyal Makkah Public Transport Programme, which will includes integrated bus services and is to be funded entirely from public sources.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/u...on-begins.html
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#3832 [Permalink] Posted on 26th March 2014 18:21
 
Norwegian firm reveals designs for Makkah station

March 24, 2014

Snohetta, the Norwegian architecture firm, has released proposals for a light railway station in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Designers propose a fuselage-like metro station for a transport hub in the downtown area.

The outer skin of the building - a long tube enclosing a station on the city’s C-Line, would be surfaced with ceramic tiles "developed in cooperation with local artists".

A number of railway projects are taking place in Saudi Arabia including a large urban system in Riyadh, which the architecture company has also submitted designs for.

Snohetta has also been involved with designing a cultural centre for the Kingdom.

http://www.constructionweekonline.co.../#.UzMBHs7m5sI



Proposal for Makkah Metro station





 
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#3833 [Permalink] Posted on 27th March 2014 15:00
 
Fate of Ottoman heritage in Mecca


Photo: Today's Zaman, Sinem Cengiz
23 March 2014

The fate of the historic Ottoman-era porticos within the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca has for a long time been an issue of concern. However, in recent months there has been no news regarding the latest situation of the ancient monuments or what is really going on in Mecca.

In recent years, reports saying that Mecca authorities have decided to remove the porticos -- which are an important part of a shared Islamic heritage -- as part of an expansion project to create more space for soaring numbers of pilgrims and have already started to demolish Ottoman architecture have drawn the ire of Turkish authorities.

Turkish officials, who insist on preserving the city's architectural heritage as well as the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, have raised the matter several times at meetings with their Saudi counterparts and have requested that the porticos, the only remnant of Ottoman heritage in Mecca, be left intact.

Among those meetings was one between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in April 2012.

Last year, in order to pressure the Turkish government to closely follow up on the matter, Turkish opposition parties also submitted parliamentary questions enquiring about the situation of the Ottoman porticos in Mecca, and called on the government to take urgent steps for the protection of the monuments.

Following the Turkish reaction, the Saudi king ordered that the Ottoman porticos be preserved, ordering the demolition of only the porticos that were built in recent times during the previous construction.

Upon the request of the king, a Turkish company, the Gürsoy Group, was selected to carry out the expansion work within the mosque without demolishing the porticos. By selecting a Turkish company, the Saudis hoped to decrease the pressure from the Turkish side by saying, “We trust in Turks and they are the best for the task.”

After the inspection carried out by the Turkish company over which of the porticos' sections in the mosque are from the Ottoman era, the ones that were built at the time of the Ottomans were detached and packed up by the Turkish workers as part of the restoration work, and were taken under protection in a special area around Mount Arafat.



Photo: Orhan Durgut

Gürsoy Group is the same company that is carrying out the controversial mosque construction project on Üsküdar's highest hill, Çamlıca, on the Anatolian side of İstanbul.

During the debates over the controversial Çamlıca Mosque, there were reports that the Turkish government was considering carrying the porticos that would be removed by the Saudis to Turkey and surrounding the mosque with those porticos and that Turkish officials had also conveyed their request to the Saudi side but had not received the green light to do so.

A few days ago, I was in Mecca and had chance to visit that special area where the reparation of the Ottoman porticos is being carried out by the Turkish company in accordance with their original form.

The picture above shows that special area and an example of an Ottoman-era portico. Saudis to whom I have spoken said that the porticos will be replaced a few meters away from their original position after the restoration is completed and that after the restoration is completed the mosque will be double its current size, creating a larger area for the pilgrims.

Needless to say, almost 300 historical buildings around the Kaaba have been demolished as part of initiatives to enlarge the area around the Grand Mosque in the last 80 years.

In 2002, Ankara reacted strongly over the destruction of Mecca's Al Ajyad Fortress, an Ottoman-era structure which was built in the late 18th century on a hill overlooking the Kaaba. At that time, due to the demolition, Turkey's then-minister of culture, İstemihan Talay, accused the Saudis of an “act of barbarism.” Regarding what is being done in Mecca now, some scholars still accuse Saudi authorities of “cultural vandalism.”

Now, in order to avoid similar incidents that would cause tension between two countries, the Saudi side should pay the necessary attention on the issue of the porticos while Turkey should closely follow what is going on in Mecca rather than only limiting its actions to rhetoric. Otherwise, this heritage issue could become a real headache in the future for both the countries and risk adversely affecting bilateral ties between Ankara and Riyadh.

Beside this, the crisis over heritage, or, in other words, the “war on legacy,” will not only remain as an issue between Ankara and Riyadh but will also include the Muslim world because the heritage that is destroyed belongs not only to Turks or Saudis but to the whole Muslim world. Therefore, the two countries should do their part before it becomes too late. Otherwise, not only will history not forgive those two countries, but also Saudis will be unable to explain how they demolished this heritage while Turks will be unable to explain how they closed their eyes to this matter to the Muslim world.

http://www.todayszaman.com/blog/sine...-in-mecca.html



Photo: Orhan Durgut
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#3834 [Permalink] Posted on 27th March 2014 15:02

 

General statistics

of the Umrah season 1435/2014



Until 25 Jamada Al-Awwal 1435 - 26 March 2014

Total Number of the Mutamirs:

3,068,307

* Mutamir/s: is/are the one who come into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to perform Umrah rituals and visit the Prophet's Holy Mosque.


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#3835 [Permalink] Posted on 28th March 2014 03:43
 
Over 3.2m pilgrims arrive for Umrah

28 March 2014 - 27 Jumada Al-Awwal 1435

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Haj announced on Wednesday that so far more than 3.2 million pilgrims have arrived through the Kingdom’s air, sea and land inlets to perform Umrah. The ministry said it had issued 3.7 million Umrah visas.

The ministry’s undersecretary Issa Rawas said there were 43,000 pilgrims more than last year. The current Umrah season had started on Dec. 4, 2013. He said the ministry is electronically monitoring the services being provided to the guests of God and that the number of overstayers had dropped to just 0.012 percent.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140328200073
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#3836 [Permalink] Posted on 28th March 2014 03:45
 
King Abdullah expansion project to provide 4000 jobs


28 March 2014

JEDDAH – Emir of Makkah region Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah said the King Abdullah expansion project for the Grand Mosque in Makkah will provide 4,000 new sustainable jobs for the Saudi youth after completion of the expansion, SPA said.

During his meeting at his office in Jeddah, Prince Mishal received a number of men of letters, writers and journalists. He said the expansion project is forging ahead as planned with follow up and supervision by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

Prince Mishal said that the Ministry of Finance is working to create the new sustainable job opportunities in the project, aside from the jobs that will be created by the companies operating and maintaining the Grand Mosque.

He confirmed that King Abdullah is keen that the development projects being witnessed by the holy capital will reflect on the citizens.

Prince Mishal listened to several ideas presented by the men of letters, writers and journalists. He expressed his readiness to discuss the ideas with the authorities concerned.

The King Abdullah expansion project of the Grand Mosque includes the development of the northern courtyards on an area estimated at 400,000 square meters.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140328200102


King Abdullah expansion February 2014 - Master Plan

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#3837 [Permalink] Posted on 28th March 2014 03:48
 
Spring break causes massive traffic jams

Jeddah and Makkah are brimming with nationwide visitors
during the 10-day spring break.



Grand Mosque, Makkah

Friday 28 March 2014

Jeddah and Makkah are brimming with nationwide visitors during the 10-day spring break.

Thousands of Saudi families are flooding into the two cities, creating congestion on busy roads until the late hours of the night.

The Corniche has been packed for a week and the adjacent King Abdulaziz Road has been the scene of severe traffic jams.

“It takes me me more than two hours to get from the Corniche to Tahlia Street,” said Mohammed Shakeel, an Indian expatriate.

“There is congestion during every holiday season, but this year, it has been unusually packed,” said Mansour Zahrani, a Saudi youth. “I got married three days ago and came to visit the waterfront with my wife, only to be frustrated by huge overcrowding.”

Traffic has been moving at snail’s pace from the Haramain Highway all the way up to the Corniche during evening hours.

“We have increased traffic control by deploying additional forces in the city due to the increased influx of visitors,” Col. Zaid Al-Hamzi of the Jeddah Traffic Department said.

The Fatima Zahra stretch along the Corniche, meanwhile, is packed with expats. “We used to collect an average of four truckloads of garbage near the Fatima Zahra mosque, but are now filling up 15 trucks a day since the start of the holidays,” said Abdul Lateef, a cleaner deployed in the area.
Apartment and hotel prices are skyrocketing.

“We have received 12 complaints regarding rent increases during the holiday,” Yaser Al-Abbadi of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiques (SCTA) said on Wednesday.

In Makkah

In Makkah, local holiday-makers are joining the already huge numbers of pilgrims, creating dire overcrowding at the Grand Mosque.

The Presidency of Two Holy Mosques Affairs has made arrangements to serve the large number of pilgrims, according to Ahmed Al-Mansouri, an official at the presidency. “We have conducted special training sessions for staff, including crowd management and doorway inspection,” he said.

“The Grand Mosque’s basements and rooftops have reached full capacity,” said Maj. Gen. Yahya Zahrani, security commander of the Grand Mosque at Makkah. “The surrounding courtyards are also 70-percent occupied.”

http://www.arabnews.com/news/547026

 

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#3838 [Permalink] Posted on 28th March 2014 03:49
 
Preachers told to keep Friday sermons short

28 March 2014

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment and Guidance has urged preachers to keep their Friday sermons short and concise and is considering taking legal action against preachers who discuss controversial topics.

“Ministry inspectors have received complaints from worshippers that preachers make their sermons unnecessarily long and often repeat the same sermons several times throughout the year,” a ministry source said. “Boring sermons make worshippers inattentive and defeat the purpose of attracting people to faith.”

A recent study conducted by the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue revealed that more than half of worshippers fail to recall the last Friday sermon, either due to tardiness or an inability to focus on what is being said.

“The ministry is also considering firing preachers who discuss political and controversial topics or make either explicit or implicit statements against any individual, establishment or country,” the source said.

“Ministry officials often oblige imams to sign pledges promising they will not use the Friday platform to discuss sectarian issues or make inflammatory remarks against leaders or government institutions. Our committee has already sacked several preachers who transgress the scope of religious teachings and guidance,” the source added.

The ministry is also taking measures to introduce online connectivity initiatives with preachers after the same study found that three-quarters of worshippers do not have any direct contact with their local imam in spite of the fact that more than half of all topics discussed social issues.

Two-thirds of participants, however, had said that the sermon reinforced their social and humanitarian values.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/547116
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#3839 [Permalink] Posted on 28th March 2014 12:13
 
Heritage hospitality company formed

 
Friday 28 March 2014

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) signed a contract with the Investor Co., a financial consultation firm in Riyadh, to establish the Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company.

“The SCTA and the Investor Co. recently signed a contract here at the headquarters of the SCTA for providing financial consultation for private placement of shares of the Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company,” an SCTA official said here.

The Investor Co. will begin its tasks soon, he said.

The company’s private placement aims to draw contributions of the national organizations at the private sector in the capital of the company such as tourism facilities developers, real estate developers, investors and financiers.

According to the official, the capital of the company is SR250 million and it will be established in line with the efforts of the SCTA for utilizing heritage buildings and archaeological sites owned by the state.

Commenting on the deal, Hamad Al-Semaeel, assistant vice president of the SCTA for tourism development, said: “The SCTA has begun the regulatory procedures for the establishment of the Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company in accordance with the requirements of the Saudi Arabia Monetary Agency (SAMA).”

The establishment of the company is integral to the elements of the King Abdullah project for care of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom.

The company will manage and operate a number of heritage hospitality facilities owned by the state.

Al-Semaeel also commended the contribution of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as a founder and key contributor in the company’s capital.

Earlier, the Cabinet last year had approved the SCTA’s request for the engagement of the state, represented by the PIF as a key partner in the heritage buildings project through the establishment of a joint-stock company for the development and investment of the heritage buildings that is owned by the state.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/547086
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#3840 [Permalink] Posted on 28th March 2014 12:14
 
Islamic scholars, sportsmen vow to eradicate smoking

Friday 28 March 2014

A third of the Saudi population is hooked to smoking despite the fact that Islam forbids using any substance that causes health hazards, Islamic scholars and prominent sportsmen in Makkah lamented.

Kifaya, a leading social organization working to combat drug/tobacco addiction, has come out with a series of programs to bring awareness of smoking hazards during the spring holidays. It held a seminar on Tuesday at King Abdulaziz Cultural Center in Abrug Al-Raghama where prominent personalities and Islamic scholars stressed the need to eradicate smoking.

Noted scholar Sheikh Abdul Waheed Al-Maghrabi said that smoking among Saudi youth was causing systematic destruction of the youth and posing serious challenges in terms of physical health and psychological condition of smokers.

“Health hazards related to smoking are well known. Smoking is a recognized risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite rejection of smoking by the Saudi community, we are still seeing smokers in our population,” he said.

Later, speaking to Arab News, Al-Maghrabi said: “Smoking is a health problem of Saudis that requires rapid intervention for eradication.”

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Othaim, president of Kifaya society, said addiction to drugs and smoking are destroying the future of youth in Jeddah, Makkah, Taif and Leith where "we have launched a series of awareness program.”

He said drugs and smoking lead to psychological problems among youth which is alarming. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to work for the eradication of these evil habits from society,” he added.

Al-Amal Hospital service director Sulaiman Al-Zaidi in his speech said: “Thirty percent of the population in the Kingdom is addicted to smoking and drug addiction is ruining several families in the Kingdom.”

Everyone should address the dangerous issue and all should make efforts to combat the menace, he said, adding: “The Kingdom is spending huge amounts toward rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicts.”

Al-Ahli’s star footballer Mustafa Basais urged the youth to shun smoking and lead a healthier life. All football players are free from such habits which is one of the main reasons for their success in sports, he said.

The organizers displayed realistic models of lungs and other organs affected by smoking and drug addiction, which caught the attentions of the participants.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/547051
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