Tracing The Evolution Of The Grand Mosque: A Journey Through Historical Visual Archives

The Grand Mosque's audio-visual heritage serves as a sacred archive, capturing the spiritual journeys of countless Muslims over time. Through old photographs and visual records, the architectural evolution of this holy site is vividly portrayed. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque states that these archives document the mosque's expansion phases and enhancements to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.

One notable photograph from 1372 AH (1953 AD) highlights a significant development stage at the Grand Mosque, showing awnings installed to protect worshippers from the sun. This image is part of a documented history detailing various stages of expansion and facility improvements at the mosque. Another expansive image from 1297 AH (1881 AD) provides a comprehensive view of Makkah, including the Grand Mosque and surrounding old buildings nestled among mountains, offering insight into central Makkah's urban layout before modernization.

A captivating image from 1363 AH (1944 AD) depicts the door of the Holy Kaaba during King Abdulaziz Al Saud's reign, illustrating the commissioning of a new door for the Kaaba, later installed in 1366 AH (1947 AD). This photograph commemorates a significant landmark ordered by King Abdulaziz. Additionally, an image captures Al-Masaa during Hajj in 1374 AH (1955 AD), showcasing Saudi Arabia's first expansion with a new roof added to shield pilgrims from the sun during Sa'i between Safa and Marwa.

In another historical moment, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is seen inspecting the Black Stone in 1375 AH (1956 AD). During this inspection, for the first time, the stone appears without its silver ring, indicating preparations for placing a new ring. A photograph from 1376 AH (1957 AD) highlights marble stairs constructed during Saudi Arabia's first expansion of the Grand Mosque, connecting it to surrounding streets and easing pilgrim flow.

The audio archive at the Grand Mosque reveals unique historical recordings featuring recitations by mosque readers. Since establishing its sound library in 1407 AH (1987 AD), a vast collection has been amassed, documenting recitations, Friday sermons, and religious lessons. Efforts are ongoing to digitize this material for future generations' preservation. Technical enhancements ensure optimal quality by using advanced programs to eliminate noise and enhance clarity.

A dedicated committee reviews audio content to maintain accuracy and recording quality, preserving this auditory heritage for Muslims worldwide. An image from King Khalid's reign in 1399 AH (1979 AD) shows installing a new door for Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. It captures King Khalid exiting after unveiling it by removing its curtain.

Preserving Historical Moments

Another image captures Kaaba, Zamzam well, and Mataf squares before contemporary expansions. The scene includes old Al-Masaa covered by an awning to shield pilgrims from sun exposure before Saudi expansions. This protective covering facilitated Sa'i between Safa and Marwa until extensive modernization occurred.

An image from King Saud's reign in 1382 AH (1962 AD) shows creating a new curtain for Kaaba door at Kiswa factory in Makkah—marking second locally manufactured curtain. These images collectively serve as crucial historical references chronicling significant developments within Grand Mosque over time.

With inputs from SPA