At a Glance
Mecca: References & Edit History
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Additional Reading
Literature about Mecca is available mainly in Arabic, and writings on Mecca often include coverage of Medina as well. Pre-Islamic and early Islamic times are treated in M.A.A. al-Azraqi, Akhbǎr Makkah, written in the 9th century (1875, reprinted 1969); and A.I. al-Sharif, Makkah wa-al-Madīnah (1965). Works from the Middle Ages include Ibn Jubayr, The Travels of Ibn Jubayr, written in the 12th century, trans. by R.J.C. Broadhurst (1952); and Ibn Batuta, Travels, A.D. 1325–1354, written in the 14th century, trans. by H.A.R. Gibb (1958). Other English-language accounts include John L. Burckhardt, Travels in Arabia (1829); John F. Keane, Six Months in Meccah (1881); C. Snouck Hurgronje, Mekka, 2 vol. (1888–89); Eng. trans. of vol. 2, Mekka in the Latter Part of the 19th Century: Daily Life, Customs and Learning (1931); Sir Richard Burton, Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah, 5th ed., 3 vol. (1906); Arthur Wavell, A Modern Pilgrim in Mecca and a Siege in Sanaa (1912); Eldon Rutter, The Holy Cities of Arabia (1928); J.B. Philby, A Pilgrim in Arabia (1946); Desmond Stewart, Mecca (1980); and John Sabini, Armies in the Sand: The Struggle for Mecca and Medina (1981).
Article Contributors
Primary Contributors
- John Bagot Glubb
- Assʿad Sulaiman Abdo
-
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Article History
| Type | Description | Contributor | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modified link of Web site: History World - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Aug 01, 2026 | ||
| Add new Web site: Harvard University - The Center For Middle Eastern Studies - Mecca: The Lived City. | Aug 23, 2024 | ||
| Updated population data. | Jun 28, 2024 | ||
| Map added. | May 30, 2023 | ||
| Add new Web site: Ancient Origins - The Meaning of Mecca, Islam�s Holiest City. | May 18, 2023 | ||
| Add new Web site: GlobalSecurity.org - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Apr 27, 2022 | ||
| Removed media. | Sep 28, 2021 | ||
| Article revised and updated. | Nov 09, 2020 | ||
| Corrected display issue. | Sep 18, 2019 | ||
| Add new Web site: Official Site of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Feb 07, 2018 | ||
| Article revised and updated. | Nov 30, 2017 | ||
| Media added. | Jun 23, 2016 | ||
| Revised to mention that identification of Mecca with Ptolemy's Macoraba is controversial. | Nov 11, 2014 | ||
| Add new Web site: ReligionFacts - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Apr 01, 2014 | ||
| Add new Web site: Official Site of The Holy Mekkah Muncipality, Saudi Arabia. | Jun 13, 2013 | ||
| Add new Web site: Sacred Destinations - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Jan 28, 2013 | ||
| Add new Web site: LookLex Encyclopaedia - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Jan 28, 2013 | ||
| Add new Web site: The Catholic Encyclopedia - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Jan 28, 2013 | ||
| Arabic romanization reviewed. | Oct 31, 2012 | ||
| Add new Web site: Fact Monster - World - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Oct 18, 2011 | ||
| Updated to include construction of Abraj al-Bayt complex. | Dec 27, 2010 | ||
| Added new Web site: Places of Peace and Power - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | Apr 20, 2009 | ||
| Article revised and updated. | Jan 02, 2008 | ||
| Population data updated. | Jul 13, 2007 | ||
| Article revised and updated. | Jun 15, 2006 | ||
| Article added to new online database. | Jul 20, 1998 |
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