Makkah
Makkah is the holiest city of Islam, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba and the Great Mosque, towards which Muslims pray.
Overview
Makkah (Arabic: مكة المكرمة), also spelled Mecca, is the holiest city of Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Masjid al-Haram (the Great Mosque), which contains the Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide.
Significance
Every able-bodied Muslim is required to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their lifetime. The city receives millions of pilgrims each year for the Hajj and Umrah. Entry to the city centre is restricted to Muslims.
Geography
Makkah lies inland in the Sirat Mountains of the Hejaz, about 70 kilometres from the Red Sea coast, in a narrow valley at an elevation of about 277 metres.
Landmarks
The Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds the Kaaba. The city also contains the Zamzam Well and the historic sites of the Hajj rituals at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.