Diriyah

The Other Birthplace

Retain symbolic value

~Diriya

Its transformation into a Living Heritage Museum aims at preserving not only the material remains, but also, as much as possible, the symbolic and traditional role of the buildings and of the entire village. 

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"Diriyah is symbolic. It's about going back to your roots. The whole idea of the Saudi state started in Diriyah," said Khaled Al Dakhil, a political-science professor in Riyadh.

 https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/saudi-arabia-s-camelot-to-be-restored-at-cost-of-dh488m-1.39076 0

September 28, 2012

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Birthplace photo 219 Foundation Building 

Photo link address:

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bujairi-5-1.jpg

Saudi Arabia is opening a new research centre on Wahhabism on the edge of the capital Riyadh. The building honours Shaikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahhab, the 18th-century fundamentalist preacher who co-founded the Saudi state.                                                   

https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/abdul-wahabs-legacy-honoured-with-new-centre-1.1602627

October 18, 2015

m. even if the Wahhabis didni’t admit it was ti honour wahhab, non-saudi observers and media clearly saw indications that that is what it was intended to be

If you honour an extremist cleric why could you not honour the Prophet of Peace?” 

-The Quran does not contain any praise of Diriyah. Nor does the Hadith. However, both mention and praise Mecca.

-Diriyah is not an Islamic World Heritage site. It is a Saudi Heritage site.

-Saudu Arabia based on ...

-Therefore, priority must be given to Islamic sites such as those in Mecca.

https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2006/08/10/the-destruction-of-holy-sites-in-mecca-medina/



And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of God, His name should be celebrated? Whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and the world to come, an exceeding torment. (Qur’an 2:114)

file:///C:/Users/Adamm/Downloads/MAKKAH%20AS%20CREATIVE%20CITY%20-SAEED%20ALAMOUDY%202017.pdf

For example, Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz (1919-1999), the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for decades, opposed the restoration of monuments, for reasons he explained in his Fatwa:

“It is Wajib (obligatory) to prevent the revival of monuments in order to avoid that which could lead to further corruption. It is known that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) […]. However, they did not revive or sanctify these monuments, or even advise others to revive them […] Moreover, if reviving these monuments or visiting them were a lawful act, the Prophet (PBUH) would have done so in Makkah and after the Hijrah (Prophet's migration to Madinah) or ordered people to do so, or his Companions would have either done so themselves or recommended others to do it, knowing that it has been previously mentioned that they were the most knowledgeable among people of the Law of Allah, the most loved by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and the best to give advice to the servants of Allah..."

 (Fatwas of Ibn Baz n.d., Part No. 3; Page No. 334).

but There is an explanation for this apparent disregard for ancient artifacts and structures, which is that the religious leaders and Saudi authorities are fearful that such items could become the object of veneration as holy relics, a practice which is unacceptable in Islam.

m. but the have been o display in other countrues for decades and incidence if above

In their zeal to “save” Muslims from shirk (associating partners with Allah) and bida‘ (innovations in the deen), the Wahhabis have been involved in the destruction of historic buildings and sites for decades. “It is not permitted to glorify buildings and historical sites,” proclaimed Sheikh Abdul-Aziz bin Baz, the kingdom's chief alim, in a much-publicized fatwa in 1994 when he was alive. He went on: “Such action would lead to shirk (polytheism). … So it is necessary to reject such acts and to warn others away from them.” But the Wahhabi zealots are not content with mere warnings. They have embarked on a plan, in conjunction with the hordes of Saudi princes, to destroy Islam's heritage. One is constrained to ask how many Muslims have become mushriks by visiting these places and what right the Wahhabis have to prevent Muslims from doing so?

they said thry neede to demolish for logistical reasons, yet after the protest against house, they built an area.. they said fatwa, but only applied it to the Prophet's saw sites, not their ownsites or pre-islamic sites.

THIS FATWA ONLY SEEMS TO APPLY TO SITES ASSCIOTED WITH THE PROPHET SAW, NOT TO SITES RELATED TO WAHAB, OR HISTORIC SITES, OR NON-MUSLIM SITES - POLYTHEISTIC BELIEF SYSYTEMS.

The Belief

Despite the rhetoric, the viewpoint of the ews is clear to discern: the history of Mecca is if no importance and should be wiped-out - conveniently under the guise of developing the Grand Mosque and the visitir services infrastructure around the Mosque - for the benefit of visitors, and there are no other alternatives, and the relatively small structures, which in other countrues could be saved ad not impeded any developments - development cannot be conducted without destroying whilst history of Diriyah is immensley significant and the best profesional from around the world have been hired to develop Diriyah whilst preserving a large number of buildings and land.

So whilst they could hire foriegn consultants to design a scheme whereby Diriyah's heritage sites could be preserved, whilst developing an infrastructure to service the millions of visitors expected to visit the city, at the same time as developing mecca, they could not or would do the same for Mecca.

https://www.arabnews.jp/en/special-coverage/snd91/article_55818/?v1

https://www.arabnews.jp/en/special-coverage/snd91/article_55818/?v1

22 Sep 2021

But the task of accommodating millions of visitors wanting modern comfort and convenience in a setting as faithful as possible to its roots in 18th-century Najd was a challenge the architects and designers of Diriyah took into account from the outset.

“Drawing on the Kingdom’s rich past, the masterplan will reflect the Najdi architecture of 300 years past, newly adapted for 21st-century living. With its mud brick walls, locally sourced materials, historic palm groves and farms coupled with an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas — this is the perfect amalgamation and a powerhouse of Saudi culture and commerce,” DGDA told Arab News.

Reasons for Preserving: Wahhabi's

HL>Diriyah puts Abdul Wahhab's dynasty front and centre.

HL>Diriyah then became the centre for propagating the Reform.

As well it being the birthplace of Abdul Wahhab and Wahhabism, there are several other reasons why the ews want Diriyah preserved and developed:

A Reminder

Abdul Wahhab's birthplace is a reminder of his life and teachings. The EWS hope that the birthplace, alongside other measures, will play its part in keeping each successive generation of Saudis [Muslims] focused on adhering to the Abdul Wahhab ideology/movement.

“This national landmark is set to become a destination welcoming Saudi and overseas visitors and proudly reveal the origins of the modern Kingdom and the Call on which its spiritual values remain firmly rooted. Its legacy will also enhance the awareness and education of our youth, the pillars of our future”. FN1

and

The Development Programme devised by the High Commission for the Development of Historic ad-Dir‘iyah “demonstrates awareness of the need of our young generation to recognise the ideals of the Kingdom”. FN2

From these statements it is apparent that one of key intentions behind the preservation of Diriya is to impart accounts of the beginnings of the Saudi state and abdul alwahhab’s version of Islam, to Saudi citizens, foreign visitors, as well as the youth /young saudis and to future generations.

FN 1 & 2

Page: INTRODUCTION

Al Bujairi: Heart of the Call

[[m. commissioned by]] The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and the Historic ad-Dir‘iyah Development Programme

www.medinapublishing.com

Medina Publishing, 2015

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/res/ada/ar/Publications/Al-Bujairi_Eng/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf

Proof of religious claims USE FOR DEMOLISHED SITES IN MECCA

The diriyah birthplaces substantiate a number of events recorded in history books. The difference between myth and truth is proof [facts], and the proof of history is the material evidence supporting its claims. The spread of secularism has given rise to the trend amongst secularists to question the very existence of religious figures or the accepted accounts of their lives. Birthplace sites provide compelling evidence of the actual existence of historical figures and, thereby, also lend credence to their biographies/life stories. A hundred or five hundred years from now, the birthplaces, or their remains, will still be making the case for the figure associated with the site, and their teachings. 

Prevent the erasing of history   USE FOR DEMOLISHED SITES IN MECCA

The chronicles of many nations and civilisations have shown that the arrival of a new conqueror often entails an attempt to wipe out the history and icons of the previous regime. The removal of historical sites is a key facet of the attempt to obliterate all evidence of the preceding culture or religion. Demolition of the past in its physical form makes it easier to get rid of the past in its intellectual form. The goal is to rewrite history, and the erasing of historical reminders not only aids in shaping public opinion towards the required/desired direction, it also prevents archaeologists in the future from being able to obtain evidence that could challenge the official narrative. 

Diriyah puts Abdul Wahhab's dynasty front and centre.

The EWS do not object to reasons given by the Saudi government and heritage specialists for saving the Diriyah birthplaces: partly because in memorialising its ruins, the authorities are celebrating a telling of national history that elevates the clerics on a par with the Saudi royal family in terms of who is to be credited for the establishment of the Saudi state, and progress it has made to date.

The narrative being popularised by Diriyah is a sanitised version of the history of the EWS, a way to purify its image in the face of criticism of its views, and social reforms being forth by the Saudi Government to curb the influence of Wahhabism.

Tourism official Salah Altaleb, who’s overseeing investments in the tourism sector, said visits to sites like Diriyah will help tourists “correct” the image they may have of Saudi Arabia.

“Once they come here and see the country, I think the marketing literature tells us that they would go back and tell their family and friends and relatives about what they experienced and things will start to change then,” he said

https://apnews.com/article/22354d71082b45c0a96d83e98716fab1

apnews.com  April 21, 2018

Diriyah lies at the heart of the EWS’s efforts to both control the narrative of its past for future generations of Saudis and to revamp its image to curious world travelers.

As witth the other sites in tthe kingdom, the Saudi government The Saudi government are promoting Diriyah for entirely different, and sometimes conflicting, reasons: the government promote it for being the birthplace of the kingdom, for the heritage it contains, the contribution to exemplifying the nations identity, and for the economic benefits to the nation resulting from tourism to the site, the EWS promote it because:

--The governments drive to attract up to 50 million domestic and international visitors to Diriya each year, provides the EWS with a platform to broadcast its own narrative about their itself - one of the world’s most controversial religious groups – to a massive audience.

Considering the 100 million, visitors expected to travel to Saudi Arabia, particularly, the 17 million to mecca, and the 8-10 million to Diriyah, this affords the ews an immense opportunity to influence ummense numbers of people...

This narrative is;

The land of present-day Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, it contains most of Islam's holiest sites, and it is the destination that most of the Muslim world wants to visit. Therefore, the Kingdom's:

Clergy should be taken as the world's authority on Islam - and the ulema of the 59 other countries should be ignored where they differ with the ews.

the fatwa of baz only applies to sites connected to the Prophet saw.

Preservation of sites linked to the Founder of Wahhabism - Abdul Wahhab - in Diriyah is beneficial for Muslims and non-Muslims.

Preserving of sites belonging to pre-Islamic or non-Islamic civilisations, even/including those that though they contain beliefs that are anathema to Islam, is of no threat to Muslims and will not cause them shirk....beneficial for Muslims and non-Muslims,

the holding of rave concerts, music, movies, theatres, immodest dress, that are contrary to Islamic teaching will not influence muslims to commit sins, shirk...

Preservation [Destruction of sites related to the Founder of islam Prophet saw and His saw family, rather than increasing vsitor's [iety levels, is a great danger to Muslims is advantageous for all Muslims and non-Muslims.

All other Muslim nations, that Protect sites linked to other Prophets ams are wrong.

Visitors to Saudi Arabia will then witness the self-appointed world's authority on Islam [approving the lavishing of billions of dollars on preserving,] praising and presenting, in their full glory, sites unrelated to the Prophet saw, whilst demonising and destroying sites linked to the Prophet saw. For many such visitors, the impact will be to assume that this is how, they too, must view heritage connected to the Prophet saw.

All buildings, including the hotels that are opening, will be built in the Najdi style, with exteriors made of traditional mud bricks.

                 Worthy and Unworthy History   Historic Properties

Salwa Palace

The palace was the home of the first three Al-Saud rulers, and the location from which the affairs of the first Saudi state were conducted.

The palace housed administrative offices, councils of the imams of the first Saudi state, and first Saudi state’s treasury.

Its storied past is told through the displaying of artifacts, replicas, hand-written manuscripts, paintings,  and documentaries.

Saad bin Saud Palace

The site is one of the largest palaces in At-Turaif and is famous for its courtyard, which was used as a stable. 

Saad bin Saud was the son of Imam Abd Allah bin Saud al Saad (d. 1819) and played a prominent role in the battle for the city in 1818.

The Hamam At-Turaif is also known as the At-Turaif Bathhouse and Its Annexes

The Bathhouse is famous for its different architectural styles and the unique dome covering the bathhouse. Its structure consists of a number of small courtyards surrounded by rooms. The site was supplied with water from a well in the Wadi.

The Bathhouse was used not only for cleansing, but also as a venue for physical exercises and the treatment of various diseases.

Horse Museum

The Horse Museum is a tribute to the Arabian horse. It sheds light/gives an in-depth look/showcases into the vital roles horses played in the Kingdom’s history including in warfare, trade and transportation.

The museum houses many replicas of important documents that detail the names of thousands of horses owned by the Al-Saud family at that time.

The museum also contains a selection of living horses to shed light on their breeds and taming techniques.

Museum of Traditional Architecture

The museum focuses on the first Saudi state’s architectural development and the present-day role of preserving the local UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The museum displays replicas of the buildings and techniques used to build structures, from foundations, plastering to decoration.

On display are audio-visuals displays and images that show the original process of creating each of the mud bricks and mud layers to form the foundation of the structures.

Military Museum

Diriyah was home to one of the largest firearms markets in the region. The military museum displays replicas of  weapons used during the First and Second Saudi States, including arrows, guns, and cannons.

The museum also showcases foreign military equipment, as well as a selection of ships that carried weapons cargoes at the time, including British and Saudi warships.

Social Life Museum

The Costume of Imam Abdullah bin Saud displayed in the Social Life Museum.

The museum houses examples of courtyards, bedrooms, kitchens, prayer areas, and guest rooms that would have been found in At-Turaif residences.

The site also contains displays of traditional clothing and furniture.

Through it's various displays, the Museum offers a detailed insight into community life during the era.

The Treasury

The Treasury highlights the economy and financial system of historic Diriyah, its numismatics, trade, and taxation system.

The exhibits include the various currencies used, as well as the system utilized to run the affairs of the Treasury.

House For Rent

Some of the mud dwellings from the first Saudi state have been fully restored in order to make them suitable for habitation. These are now available to rent, allowing visitors to experience the intricacies of Diriyah’s past.

New Paragraph

Masjid al-Rayah

Masjid al-Rayah (Mosque of the Flag) was a mosque built on the site where the Prophet saw had a flag erected upon his entry into Mecca, during the peaceful Conquest of the city in 630 CE.

The companion Abdullah Ibn Abbas built the mosque over the site as a monument to commemorate the Prophetic act.

The Prophet saw destroys the idols

The regaining of Mecca, was a precursor to a major milestone in the establishment of the Islamic faith and the spread of monotheism: the cleansing of the Kaaba.

The Kaaba is viewed by Islam as a symbol of the Oneness of God. However, under the Quraish's control, the shrine stood filled with idols. Upon his saw arrival in Mecca, the Prophet saw entered the Kaaba and proceeded to break the idols while reciting the following verse from the Qur'an:

"And say: 'The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away; surely falsehood is ever certain to vanish." (Qur'an 17:81).

This was an immensely significant event  symbolising the removal of polytheistic practices and the reclaiming of the Kaaba for the pure worship of the one true God, in line with the teachings of Islam.

The well of Jubayr ibn Mut’im

The historian Al-Azraqi describes Masjid Al-Rayah "as a mosque at the top of Makkah, near the well of Jubayr ibn Mut’im".

The well of Jubayr ibn Mut’im predated Islam. It was initially dug by Qusayy bin Kilab, the fourth forefather of the Prophet saw. The well was later re-dug by Jubayr. The well of Jubayr ibn Mut’im continued to provide water for pilgrims until the date it was deliberately obliterated in 2012.

The mosque underwent rebuilding works or refurbishments under the Abbasid Caliph Al-Musta’sim in 1242 CE, the Emir Qutlabak Al-Husami Al-Manhalli in 1398 CE, and Sultan Mehmed III in 1591 CE. More recently, the mosque was renovated in 1959 CE.

[[Over time, the mosque underwent further refurbishments. Notable renovations were carried out in 1379 AH (1959 CE) and 1394 AH (1974 CE).]]

Location

The Masjid Al-Rayah was built in the Shi'b 'Aamir (Valley of 'Aamir). It was located in the as-Sulaymaniyyah district, east of the Masjid al-Shajarah, and south-east to the historic mosque of the Masjid al-Jinn

Destruction

The mosque was demolished in 2012.

PUT ANOTHER PHOTO OF MASJID RAYAH BELOW.

The House of Abu Talib has been the home of three of the greatest personalities of the early Islamic era: The Prophet saw, Abu Talib, Ali ibn Abu Talib. In hosting these these figures, it has earned a renowned position within Islamic history.

-The Prophet saw

This is the house in which the Prophet saw grew up from the age of 8 to 25. By the time the Prophet saw had reached 8 years of age, both his saw parents, and his saw grandfather, had died. It was, therefore, decided to place the Prophet saw into the care of his uncle, Abu Talib.

-Abu-Talib: The Great Guardian of Islam
Abu Talib was a descendant of the Prophet Ishmael, the son of the Prophet Abraham. He was also the father of Ali, the future Fourth Caliph.

Abu-Talib was thirty years of age when the Prophet saw joined his household, and he would go on to care for the Prophet saw for almost 50 years, earning the rare distinction of raising a child who would, in adulthood, be invested with Prophethood.

The Prophet’s saw Protector. Being the leader of the Banu Hashim, a clan of the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, Abu Talib used his position to safeguard the Prophet saw from many opponents and enemies:

When some of the Qurayshite clans felt threatened by the Prophet’s saw preaching, they exerted considerable pressure on Abu Talib to silence his nephew. When Abu Talib disregarded their demands, the clans attempted to execute the Prophet saw. At this, Abu Talib reaction was not only to arrange unassailable protection for the Prophet saw, from the Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttali, but also to counsel the Prophet saw to continue his saw mission without any apprehension.

The Boycott. In 615, the Quraysh imposed a social and economic boycott on the Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib to compel them to hand over the Prophet saw. The boycott lasted for 3 years and was devastating, causing food scarcity and immense privation. Abu Talib and his tribe chose to suffer the horrendous consequences of the boycott rather than desert the Prophet’s saw.

Abu Talib is acclaimed for sacrificing everything for the Prophet saw: his health, wealth, and the security of his family and tribe. .

A measure of the effectiveness of Abu Talib's protection of the Prophet saw, is that after his demise, in 619, the Quraysh resumed their intimidation and attacks on the Prophet saw, and the severity of the oppression was such, that in 622  the Prophet saw and the entire Muslim community were forced to flee Mecca and migrate to Medina. At the time the Prophet saw exclaimed:

"By God, Quraysh never harmed me so much as after the death of Abu Talib."

-Ali ibn Abu Talib

Ali grew up with the Prophet saw, in the House of Ali Talib. At the age of 10, Ali became the second person,  after the Prophet's saw Khadijah, to accept Islam.

Amongst Ali's most important contributions to Islam are:

Caliph. Ali reigned as caliph from 656 - 661, and as with his three predecessors, Ali's administration attempted to emulate the Prophet's saw style of governance.

Military achievements. Ali is renowned as an exceptionally brave soldier. He distinguished himself in many of the most important battles between the Muslims and the Quraysh. He was also charged with instilling order throughout Arabia, and successfully settled numerous disputes as well as putting down the uprisings of various tribes.

Missionary. Ali travelled extensively outside Arabia to proselytize.

Performed major administrative and religious tasks for the Prophet saw. These assignments included, writing the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (the peace treaty between the Prophet (saw) and Quraish) in 628, and being appointed as a  scribe of the Quran.

Paradise. Ali's conduct and efforts for the success of his faith, were rewarded when the Prophet saw announced that Ali was one of the ten Companions notified in their lives that they would enter Paradise.

Location

The House of Abu Talib is also known as Dar Ali bin Abi Talib (The House of Ali), and was located east of the Grand Mosque, on the Al Masjid Al Haram Road, in the Shib Amir and Shib Ali district.

Destruction

The house was destroyed in 2011

The Miraculous Journey

The Prophet's saw Night Journey & Ascension (Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj) is a miracle second only to the revelation of the Qur’an. It was a voyage through the heavens to enter into the presence of God.

The starting point of this momentous journey was from a location, which is adjacent to the current position of the Bab-e-Abdul Aziz, in the Grand mosque.

A distinctive grey-coloured pillar (The Buraq Pillar) was erected approximately 450 years ago, in the Ottoman era porticoes in the Mosque, to mark the exact location, where the Buraq - a supernatural winged horse-like creature - was tethered, prior to the Prophet saw mounting it in order to travel upon the Isra and Mi'raj.

Mention of the Night Journey in the Quran

The event of the night journey to Jerusalem is mentioned in Surah al-Isra in the Quran:“Glory be to the One who took His Slave for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the furthest Mosque, whose precincts we have blessed.“ [17:1]

The Burq Pillar was a memorial to the Isra and Miraj. It served to remind pilgrims of the event, as well as acting a marker to allow pilgrims to easily locate the spot and express their respects and appreciation for the sacred site.

The original pillar was destroyed in 2013 [has recently been destroyed] and replaced with a non-descript pink-coloured pillar.

Additionally, the heights of the plinths under the replacement Buraq Pillar and the pillars surrounding it, have been increased so that the pillars are above eye-level. The plinths have also all been tiled identically.

This has rendered the Buraq Pillar almost indiscernible amongst the other pillars, and most pilgrims walk past it without recognising it. Those pilgrims that do notice it, may in turn, be dissuaded from exploring the site, by the presence of security personnel stationed there.

The significance of the Miraj rest of the Muslim such that:

In contrast to the treatment of the buraq-associated site in Mecca, on the site where the Prophet saw tied the Buraq in Jerusalem, upon his arrival there from Mecca, an entire mosque was built to commemorate the event: the Masjid al Buraq, and this mosque still exists.

Each year, on the anniversary of the Miraj (26th Rajab), Miraj Night (Shab-e-Miraj) is celebrated around the world with prayers offered throughout night.

Within the Buraq Mosque, a ring is nailed to the position on one of its walls, where the Prophet saw tied the Buraq. 

which are directly connected to either events or persons mentioned in the Quran or hadith, or to the Prophet saw, the celebrated earliest muslims,

The Birthplace

#The BP

The district of central Mecca around the GM could have been made into a similar Living Heritage Zone, with the religious heritage structures within the GM such as the Sarwa and Marwar hills, The Circular , the Zamamzam Well, combined with the heritage structures in and around the GM connected to the Prophet saw and His Companions such as the Prophet’s saw Bp, the Prophet’s saw second home, The First Caliph Abu Bakr’s House…. All these structures were usable in exactly the same manner as those with AT-turaif and linked the sites to the key figures and events in islam

EXTRAS FROM ABOVE

The Clock Tower's Shopping Center is situated within the first seven floors of the tower and has more than 600 retail outlets, a food court, a money exchange office, coffee shops and numerous restaurants. as well as luxury bedrooms .. residence or palatial suite

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/burj-khalifa

Emaar had selected Smith and SOM to design the supertall structure, they’d broken ground. “We got that building in the ground, in about four or five months,” Smith recalls. At the time, the Burj Khalifa was designed as a 2297- 700-meter foot tower, but since it can take about a year to excavate and lay the foundation for a building of that size, Smith used that time to further develop the structure’s design. “During that process, I was able to do a series of options which would incrementally increase the height of the building, one of them even went up to about 3117 feet,” he says.

From the base of the building to the very top—which includes a spire and antenna—the Burj Khalifa is 2,722 feet - 829 meters.

While construction crews excavated the building’s foundation, Smith and his team flew to Dubai to present a series of models to the developers to show different ways the building could be completed. “We modeled them as a tower where I could take the top off and put another top on,” Smith explains. The architect was advocating for something in the 850-meter range (about 2790 feet), though developers were conscious about the price implications of this additional height. But pre-sale numbers were good, interest in the building was high, and the development team made a decision immediately. As soon as Smith was done presenting, they’d decided on an option that brought the building up an additional 500 or so feet—to the 2,722 feet it stands at today.

At 2,722 feet from base to tip, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. When construction finished in 2010, it claimed the record from Taipei 101,

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/burj-khalifa

extra

I lowered my head as the Clock Tower invaded the horizon. 

Abraj Al Bait is designed by Dar Al-Handasah, an architecture firm from Lebanon, 

his makes a harmoniuos look, well designed and co-ordinated, . Mecca with its mountain back drop could have been similarly otrganised, with commercial district away from the holy site, a open museum with multiple 1400 old sites, mountains related to the Prophets ams going back 6 000 years to the Prophet Adam.???.

PUT SECTION WITH ATMOSPHERE

SAY WITH ROAD TRAFFIC BEHIND, SIDES BACK... ATMOSPHERE DIMINISHED

Their sanctity and spirituality should be honored forever. Although the scale of the setting and its occupancy by pilgrimage is extensive, the holy sites and surrounding cities should confer a contemplative silence and a settled, reverential atmosphere.

why has it happened in other historic sites in diriyah. why wa the ancient loos and structures respected and the new infrastructure matched it, was subservient to it, Mecca is the only place where the historc site has been relegated to a small part, and the money-earning infrastruture been made/gained prominence.

Whilst countries such as Turkey and Dubai possess a small number of relics belonging to the Prophet saw or His saw Companions and display them in public, Saudi Arabia has a vast collection of such relics, of which the EWS grudging allow oly a relative handdful to be

https://issuu.com/wanderlust/docs/224-master-pdf-optimised/s/17241017

The plans for Diriyah’s redevelopment are far-reaching but also mindful of the area’s past. A large section will be pedestrianised; cars will be banished underground, with parking going three levels deep. All buildings, including the hotels that are opening, will be built in the Najdi style, with exteriors made of traditional mud bricks. Looking at the plans, it was apparent that much of it will be made on a very human scale, with shaded narrow streets echoing the Arabian cities of old.

Diriyah is intended, within eight years, to attract upwards of 27 million visitors annually, around a third of them foreign. To put that in context, London received a record 21.7 million foreign tourists in 2019.

“It is the only Vision 2030 giga-project anchored in history,” said the DGDA’s Sami Mohamed Amin, “and all of it has been inspired by the At-Turaif World Heritage site.”

Restoring At-Turaif to its former glory requires delving back into history to revive the art of mud-brick making.

This new quarter – including shopping streets, restaurants, cafés and multiple international five-star hotels – will have modern utilities inside, but even its Armani and Four Seasons hotels will have traditional exteriors.

In the first phase of its redevelopment, its buildings – restaurants, hotels, shops, housing – are being built out of mud bricks in the traditional Najdi style. These techniques not only mean it blends with the old city’s architecture, but offer some added perks. The thick walls and strategic airflow naturally keep buildings at a comfortable temperature, without the need for air-conditioning. Internal courtyards and narrow streets also help with shade and cooling.

The buildings of At-Turaif are a mix of original and restored sections, but care is being taken across much of the Diriyah development to build in a way that doesn’t clash with the original city – even its luxury hotels will have mud-brick façades

of museums in Diriyah, all set in the Najdi vernacular architecture.

featuring traditional Najdi architecture

The buildings around the Birthplace, including on Mount...., have been demolished:

Large sections of the mountain, behind the Birthplace, have been cut away

The Expertise

Makkah's planners didn't have to build so close to the Kaaba, overwhelming the simple cube-shaped structure, said Irfan al-Alawi, a Saudi who heads the London-based Islamic Heritage Research Foundation.

The hotels could have been built miles away and transportation improved.

“Already we are losing the spirituality,” he said. Pilgrims admire the clock tower instead of “looking at the Kaaba and admiring the house of God. “

https://www.dawn.com/news/1135516

Saudi overhaul reshapes 'unrecognisable' Makkah

Published October 1, 2014

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Essam Kalthoum, managing director of the government-owned Bawabat Makkah Company, which is involved in a number of projects around the city, acknowledged...

Kalthoum showed a gift from a Turkish foundation he had just received: a photo of Makkah from the late 1800s.

“This is painful,” he said.

“For those of us who witnessed some of this (past), it brings back memories. “But he pointed to the Kaaba in the photograph. “Because of this place,” he said, the old markets and buildings had to go.

to attempt to remake Islam in their own narrow and puritanical image.

how workers with drills and mechanical diggers have started demolishing some Ottoman and Abbasid sections on the eastern side of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Many of the Ottoman and Abbasid columns in Mecca were inscribed with intricate Arabic calligraphy marking the names of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions and key moments in his life. One column which is believed to have been ripped down is supposed to mark the spot where Muslims believe Muhammad began his heavenly journey on a winged horse, which took him to Jerusalem and heaven in a single night.

King Abdullah has put the prominent Wahabi cleric and imam of the Grand Mosque, Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, in charge of the expansion while the Saudi Binladin Group – one of the country’s largest firms – has won the construction contract.

Mecca has been transformed from a dusty desert pilgrimage town into a gleaming metropolis of skyscrapers that tower over the Masjid al-Haram

“It matters because many of these columns signified certain areas of the mosque where the Prophet sat and prayed,” he said. “ The historical record is being deleted. A new Muslim would never have a clue because there’s nothing marking these locations now.

There are signs that King Abdullah has listened to concerns about the historical destruction of Mecca and Medina. Last October The Independent revealed how new plans for the masjid an-Nabawi in Medina would result in the destruction of three of the world’s oldest mosques on the west hand side of the main complex. However new plans approved by King Abdullah last week appear to show a change of heart with the bulk of the expansion now slated to take place to the north of the Masjid an-Nabawi.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-photos-saudi-arabia-doesn-t-want-seen-and-proof-islams-most-holy-relics-are-being-demolished-in-mecca-8536968.html

m. ews hate history... reminds muslims of another groiup going back to the beginning with a different view

The Birthplace

Peeling paint or varnish on the window shutters ,     unused tubelight holder above the doorway, multiple electrical cables which should have been installed so that they are hidden, are visible running across the front of the building, the entrance doors are need of renovating, the columns on either side of the doorway have paint peeling off near their bases.

No Access

New Paragraph

This United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites provides concrete recommendations to support Member States in their efforts to ensure that religious sites are safe, that worshipers can observe their rituals in peace, and that the values of compassion and tolerance are fostered globally.

 When people are attacked because of their religion or beliefs, all of society is diminished. Together, we can help prevent attacks against religious sites and contribute to guaranteeing the safety of the faithful to worship in peace.

António Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General

12 September 2019

FOREWORD to the United Nations document:

The United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe and Peaceful Worship

2019

https://www.un.org/sg/sites/www.un.org.sg/files/atoms/files/12-09-2019-UNAOC-PoA-Religious-Sites.pdf

https://www.un.org/sg/sites/www.un.org.sg/files/atoms/files/12-09-2019-UNAOC-PoA-Religious-Sites.pdf

Deterrence Signage

No Access

Welcoming

And the Birthplace . . .

Above video url:  https://youtu.be/b_nhFzKJWMA

Photo and  video from youtube channel:    Beautiful Mosques Around The World

Above Photo and video from youtube channel url:    https://youtu.be/tAK_i-R4Xlg

https://youtu.be/tAK_i-R4Xlg

youtube channel:   birth place home of prophet MUHAMMAD (p.b.u.h)

Haider Ali



17. PUBLICISE

With diriya, deliberate publicity and marketing attract uo to x million visitors

With bp, plan is have zero visitors through different means, including by claiming not genuine site.

M THE BP IS NOT BEING PROMOTED, IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS BEING TOLERATED FOR PERHAPS FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, DIRIYAH IS BEING PROMOTED, WHY PROMOTE THE BIRTHPLACE OF WAHHAB, THE SAUDI STATE BUT NOT THE Prophet saw of islam. why commemorate the start of the Saudi state but not the start of the state religion…

15. Visitor behaviour

~Diriya

EWS not explained by how why visitors to BP saw cannot be allowed to visit …. For fear that they may commit shirk, but the same can visit sites in the birthplace of al Wahab with no fear. Whereas at the bp, for example, they have signage detering

#The BP:

OTHER BIRTHDAYS

The Other Birthdays celebration

The EWS prohibit the Saudi government and citizens from remembering the Prophet’s saw birthday – the Milad Un Nabi. This is surprising to many since the Prophet saw was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The celebration of the Prophet’s saw birth is regarded by the Muslim world as a pivotal event that commemorates the life and legacy of the most important figure in the Islamic faith. With the exception of Wahhabi-dominated Saudi Arabia and Qatar, all Muslim countries honour the day, with the majority CHECK observing it as a public holiday.

Ostensibly, [the reason why] the EWS forbid the celebration of the Mawlid, along with any other type of anniversary (such as a birth, marriage, or death), because in their interpretation, such a practice is regarded as modernism, and innovations or progress in the religion are forbidden. Therefore, contrary to the Ulema in other Muslim nations, the EWS in Saudi Arabia expend great effort in convincing the public that the Prophet's saw birthday should not be honoured, and the government must not recognise the occasion as a national holiday. 

THEY WANT TO ONLY GO BAK TO WAHAB, AS IF THE ONLY HISTORY THAT MATTERS NOW IS AL WAHAB ONWARDS, SO THEY DON’T SHOW HOMES OR ARTIFACTS FROM COMPANIONS

THEY WANT TO SAY THAT THE ONLY ISLAMIC HISTORY, THE HEART OF ISLAM GOES BACK ONLY 300 YEARS, AND IT IS WAHAB HISTORY, THAAT IS THE ONLY HISTORY WHICH MATTERS TODAY, AND SINCE THAT IS THE SITUATION IN THE VERY HEART OFISLAM, THEN THE REST OF THE MUSLIM WORLD SHOULD FOLLOW SUIT AND ABANDON PRE-WAHAB ISLAM.

However, when we examine the manner in which other prominent anniversaries within Saudi Arabia are treated, it becomes apparent that the prohibition on observing anniversaries is disingenuous, and is applied solely to the Prophet’s saw Birthday. 

Founding Day

The Founding Day is a celebration of Muhammad bin Saud, founder of the first Saudi state.

The day is observed annually on February 22 to commemorate the enthronement of Muhammad bin Saud as the emir of Diriyah, in 1727.

The Founding day is an official holiday for both the public and private sectors. Authorities are tasked with running programmes, events and activities to emphasise the importance of this occasion. These include fireworks displays, drone shows, arts and crafts exhibitions, folklore dances, and encouraging people to dress in the traditional attires [outfits] of their region.

National Day – The Birth of Saudia Arabia 

National Day marks [honours] the birth of modern-day Saudi Arabia.

The Day is celebrated annually on 23 September to commemorate the proclamation by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, in 1932, which unified and renamed the Kingdom of Najd and Hejaz as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

National Day is a public holiday. Roads and buildings are decorated with Saudi flags, and festivities take place across the country with large scale events including parades, concerts, exhibitions, and fireworks. Citizens are urged to celebrate with folk dances, songs, and to wear the national colours of green and white.

FLAG DAY

Flag Day honours Saudi Arabia’s national banner.

The day is observed annually on March 11 to commemorate King Abdulaziz Bin Saud’s adoption of the flag as the Kingdom’s symbol, on March 11, 1937. The celebrations are marked by a variety of activities such as flags displayed on roads, screens, shops, and malls, theater and traditional Ardah performances, and presentations from the Saudi National Orchestra and National Choir, 

EXTRA INVESTMENT

The Saudi authorities invested in significant amounts of conservation work during this period due to the need for regular maintenance of the mudbrick material (which rapidly degrades), as well as the requirement of UNESCO that the Kingdom provide an annual conservation report. Concerning the aforementioned conservation activities, Historic Diriyah and its surroundings have experienced a major turning point in conservation management activities which has led to a shift in focus from protection to various intervention strategies. For example, intervention strategies such as restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse activities with modern additions, new structures, and new projects’ activation are widely implemented within the district [61]. Specific examples of investment in modern additions and new structures include additions of new structural bridges, modern galleries, exhibition space, museums, long catwalks, and necessary functional facilities (e.g., a visitors’ center) (Figure 11). In particular, the visitors’ center has implemented new design features, projecting a contemporary traditional architecture that responds to modern needs and requirements [66]. These new open-air museum implementations are part of the tourism planning goals that Historic Diriyah is promoting [64].

Ft61 Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA). Addiriyah: The Glorious Past and The Bright Future; Arriyadh Development Authority: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2009. [Google Scholar]

Retain symbolic value

~Diriya

“However, Al Bujairi with its dominant Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulwahhab Foundation and Mosque is not just for learning, research and prayer – it is for anyone who wishes to access its public spaces, sit in peace and learn at whatever level, be it simply to look and wonder or walk and explore, asking questions and retracing the footsteps of the inhabitants of yesteryear. It is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of at-Turaif, a living heritage museum rich in history, culture and exhibitions on the founding of the First Saudi State, military history, everyday life two centuries ago, and the role of the famed purebred Arabian horses of Najd.”

FN 1

Page 106

Al Bujairi: Heart of the Call

[[m. commissioned by]] The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and the Historic ad-Dir‘iyah Development Programme

www.medinapublishing.com

Medina Publishing, 2015

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/res/ada/ar/Publications/Al-Bujairi_Eng/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf

"Diriyah is symbolic. It's about going back to your roots. The whole idea of the Saudi state started in Diriyah," said Khaled Al Dakhil, a political-science professor in Riyadh.

 https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/saudi-arabia-s-camelot-to-be-restored-at-cost-of-dh488m-1.39076 0

September 28, 2012

 The city’s multiple layers are entirely preserved including the 20th century housing neighbourhood built with traditional techniques. Its transformation into a Living Heritage Museum aims at preserving not only the material remains, but also, as much as possible, the symbolic and traditional role of the buildings and of the entire village.

Page 123:

The 3 STRUCTURES ARE MONUMENTS AND SYMBOLS

SYMBOLISM OF THE BRIDGE

“The two sites of Al Bujairi and at-Turaif, representing the religious and political aspects of Saudi Arabian history, are separated physically by just a couple of hundred metres across Wadi Hanifah. Though dividing them, the wadi was more a link than an obstacle, facilitating both communication and access to the necessities of everyday life.”

“Today the Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulwahhab Bridge spans the wadi in a sweeping arc, symbolic of that most potent symbol of Islam, the crescent. The Saudi Arabian constitution in modern times, as stated in the country’s Basic Law of Governance, “is the Quran”. This, by definition, links the political and the religious in a united whole by which the third Saudi State runs it affairs to this day.”

“The bridge replaces the earlier straight concrete road bridge, which was out of keeping with the environment. One of the designer’s first recommendations in 2008 was that the new bridge should capture the historical spirit of the site, offer a statement of permanence and present Al Bujairi as the Heart of the Call and the Gateway to the living heritage museum of at-Turaif.”

FN 1

Page 89

Al Bujairi: Heart of the Call

[[m. commissioned by]] The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and the Historic ad-Dir‘iyah Development Programme

www.medinapublishing.com

Medina Publishing, 2015

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/res/ada/ar/Publications/Al-Bujairi_Eng/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf

The city’s multiple layers are entirely preserved including the 20th century housing neighbourhood built with traditional techniques. Its transformation into a Living Heritage Museum aims at preserving not only the material remains, but also, as much as possible, the symbolic and traditional role of the buildings and of the entire village.

Page 123:

The 3 STRUCTURES ARE MONUMENTS AND SYMBOLS

SYMBOLISM OF THE BRIDGE

“The two sites of Al Bujairi and at-Turaif, representing the religious and political aspects of Saudi Arabian history, are separated physically by just a couple of hundred metres across Wadi Hanifah. Though dividing them, the wadi was more a link than an obstacle, facilitating both communication and access to the necessities of everyday life.”

“Today the Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulwahhab Bridge spans the wadi in a sweeping arc, symbolic of that most potent symbol of Islam, the crescent. The Saudi Arabian constitution in modern times, as stated in the country’s Basic Law of Governance, “is the Quran”. This, by definition, links the political and the religious in a united whole by which the third Saudi State runs it affairs to this day.”

“The bridge replaces the earlier straight concrete road bridge, which was out of keeping with the environment. One of the designer’s first recommendations in 2008 was that the new bridge should capture the historical spirit of the site, offer a statement of permanence and present Al Bujairi as the Heart of the Call and the Gateway to the living heritage museum of at-Turaif.”

FN 1

Page 89

Al Bujairi: Heart of the Call

[[m. commissioned by]] The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and the Historic ad-Dir‘iyah Development Programme

www.medinapublishing.com

Medina Publishing, 2015

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/res/ada/ar/Publications/Al-Bujairi_Eng/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf

SIMILAR

#The BP

The district of central Mecca around the GM could have been made into a similar Living Heritage Zone, with the religious heritage structures within the GM such as the Sarwa and Marwar hills, The Circular , the Zamamzam Well, combined with the heritage structures in and around the GM connected to the Prophet saw and His Companions such as the Prophet’s saw Bp, the Prophet’s saw second home, The First Caliph Abu Bakr’s House…. All these structures were usable in exactly the same manner as those with AT-turaif and linked the sites to the key figures and events in islam

SYMBOLSIM ONE LOOKS LOOKED AFTER AND VALUED, THE OTHER UNKEPT AD NOT VALUED

RESEACH SYMBPLISM OF BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES MEANING OF KEPT AND UNKEPT

SHOWS site is valued

“Today, its layout and openness, along with the extensive use of local natural materials and the presence of water and quiet green gardens, provide an air of peace and silence – social architecture that is designed to relax and promote contemplation, a legacy of its former role during the time of the First Saudi State.”

FN 1

Page 105

Al Bujairi: Heart of the Call

[[m. commissioned by]] The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and the Historic ad-Dir‘iyah Development Programme

www.medinapublishing.com

Medina Publishing, 2015

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/res/ada/ar/Publications/Al-Bujairi_Eng/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf

“However, Al Bujairi with its dominant Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulwahhab Foundation and Mosque is not just for learning, research and prayer – it is for anyone who wishes to access its public spaces, sit in peace and learn at whatever level, be it simply to look and wonder or walk and explore, asking questions and retracing the footsteps of the inhabitants of yesteryear. It is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of at-Turaif, a living heritage museum rich in history, culture and exhibitions on the founding of the First Saudi State, military history, everyday life two centuries ago, and the role of the famed purebred Arabian horses of Najd.”

FN 1

Page 106

Al Bujairi: Heart of the Call

[[m. commissioned by]] The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and the Historic ad-Dir‘iyah Development Programme

www.medinapublishing.com

Medina Publishing, 2015

https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/res/ada/ar/Publications/Al-Bujairi_Eng/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf

6. Aesthetic Appeal

~Diriya

With Diriyah not only has each structure receive comprehensive attention, internally and externally, to maximise its appeal to visitors, but the entire area surrounding the site has been ………buffer zone, neignbourods included co-opted so that nothing in the vicinity of the site detracts from the specific “historic diriya experience “ which the authorities are promising tourists when the latter are deciding where to hoiliday, and nothong dimishes that experience when the torist is actually exploring the site. to saverenvironment” being attracting tourists through prmotions, or dimishes their experience when they visitRepair and restoration

done with compatible materials and techniques respectful of the original.

"We are committed to developing Ad Diriyah Gate, starting with an extensive beautification project of the areas surrounding Ad Diriyah and Al Turaif and creating spaces for families. This work has already begun, with thousands of square meters of green surfaces added to Ad Diriyah, and 14,000 trees and shrubs planted," noted Al Khateeb.

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_348605.html

So they do know…visitor experience important… destroyed the majestic mountain that was backdrop character…overtidied it

--it is apparent that the extremists have gone to great lengths to minimize the appeal to visitors.

Reuse of buildings in historic Diriyah

~Diriya

-- the ruins of the main palaces have mean carefully maintains and consolidates… and revitalizes… for reuse.. SHOW HOW REUSED >> AS A OPEN AIR MEUSEUM

of parks, shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants

1. Whole Neighbourhood & Buffer Zone

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/17/10718

M. DEVELOPED WITH SURROUNDINGS IN SYMPATHY WITH THE BP

m. They have not selected one building but:

Visitors will be able to walk through a vast heritage site of restored mudbrick palaces, mosques, former defensive towers, and curated galleries that tell the definitive story of Saudi Arabia’s formation and the rise of the Saudi dynasty. A beautiful example of the distinct Nadji-style architecture,

The area to rear and front of the site are used to park vehicles, across the road is a trailer park.

Despite ample space around the side, No green space around the site, just a black tarmac road one on side, and grey paving slabs on the the other three sides.

CONCLUSION

Angawi advocated following the choices that Muhammad made after his conquest of Mecca. “The Prophet did not stay next to the Kaaba, even though the house of his wife Khadijah was near it, and despite several others offering him their houses,” Angawi told me. “He camped miles away.” 

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/04/16/modern-mecca

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if it was a few percent, then ... but at 98 then it becomes an agenda

if it it was only about shirk, first in all the decades they;ve been alleging this, no proof , no study

ifsmall number of occurences then needs of many..

but if a lot, then had options like keep site, use staff to escirt visitors/guides, or close site to public and preserve, or remove site, around world old buildings are movedistances either in one ptiece, or brick by brick

if worried about shirk, then what about wahabs, non-muslim, western tv promoting anti-religion, secular, matrerialism.

non-mulsim, pre-islamic polytheistic sites a danger to monotheists

why bazs fatwa used only against ...sites and not wahhabi sites,

why have not other countries who preserve sites and relics not had visitors shirk

why no shirk for 1100 years in saudi, and only started, according to them when they came

why h ave sirveys caried out see what percent commit , and what solutions, before destroying site, educate at travel agent before start journey, on arrivsal, at sites posters, guides,

many of the sites were already cosecrated mosques so allowed pray therer, supplicate to God, zikr

-

The decision to allow substantial alterations to the land immediately around the Birthplace - the building of a road to the rear of the Birthplace, the construction of offices to its left side, the conversion of the land adjacent to its right side into a storage yard, and the turning of the land in front of the Birthplace into a carpark - signify a return to the disrespectful attitude towards the Birthplace which exited in 1925? and 1950, when certain Wahhabi activists lobbied to have the Birthpace destroyed.

None of the aforementioned changes around the Birthplace have any connection to it, or benefit it in any manner. Rather,  they alter the "ancient" atmosphere which existed previously. They belittle the historic character of the Birthplace, and for some diminish, the appeal of the site for visitation. For seasoned observers, these acts serve as harbringers of a forthcoming attempt to eradicate the Birthplace.

the ews, emboldened by years of impunity........

Today we are presented with a 1500 year-old site of immense significance that is obviously, willfully being shown indifference to its plight and preservation needs, but undergoing/experiencing concerted efforts to deter interest in the site, and blanket denial of access to it, for both professionals and pilgrims alike..

The knowledge, preservation and development ideology, and technology utilised in Diriyah, whose current development started in 2008, after the preparations for WHS inscription, were also available to the planners involved in the latest expansion of the Grand Mosque which began in 20??, which left Islam's fourth holiest site in such a precarious position.

The fact both Birthplaces were treated, inexpicably, in such a radically different manner, attests to the ews interest in protecting their own, and destroying the competition.

HAose of Halima: say efforts being made to say tha t theydont know if it is the real house....

--

Signs of Allah

https://786nasir.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/shairallah-or-symbols-of-allah-brief-thoughts/

https://786nasir.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/shairallah-or-symbols-of-allah-brief-thoughts/

M. SO SAUDI GOV KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE REASONS AND VALUE OF SAVING HERITAGE, BUT SAVE WAHHABI HERITAGE, PRE-ISLAMIC HERITAGE, ANTI-ISLAMIC HERITAGE, CREATE NEW SITES THAT ARE CLEARKY AGAINST ISLAM, RAVE AND USIC CONCRTS, BUT DESTROY THE PROPHET'S SAW HERITAGE

because that evidence of a pre-Saudi Mecca undermined the kingdom’s [ews ulema]important position in the Islamic world as guardians of the city. [leaders of the islsmic clergy]

--

museums - all of these sites could have converyed to mueums, showcasing different aspects of the residents lives, as well life in general in the 6th century.

There is no excuse:

The planning of the works in Mecca north sa, took place in the same period that planning took place for the works in south sa n Diriyah 2008 The preservation of historic sites is a policy adopted by virtually all governments. It was ceratainly evident in Saudi Arabia, with the legislations of......, and preservation of Diriyah and its submission for WHS Listing. It was also evident in the preservation of wahhabs mosque in..... and..., and tayuums grave in.... and ul....

The policies inacted in Diriyah, are those adopted by virtually all governments with respect to heritage sites. The Diriyah strategy was internationally publicised, and would have been known both to decision-makers on a national level, as well as the particular planning authority responsible for the strategy for alteration and expansion of the Grand Mosque..

In particular, the following practices, displayed clearly in Diriyah, must have been known been known to the decision-makers who authourised the destruction of ancient sites in Mecca, and have repeatedly attempted to destroy the Birthplace:

1.The thinking within the Kingdom to not destroy the heritage in Diriyah, and to preserve it, was widely publicised and would have been known to the planners of the Grand Mosque's alteration and expansion.  >>>Among the rebuilt structures are the bath and guest house, the Qasr Nasr, the Saad bin Saud Palace (finished by the early 90s), the Burj Faysal (a wall tower renovated in the 80s),

2. The policy used in Diriyah, of separating heritage from the facilities needed to attract visitors to it, was known to the decision makers for the Grand Mosque works.

3. The Diriyah practice of insisting that the infrastructure required to service the needs of visitors (food, accommodation, transportation) does not detract from the "historic" aura of the heritage site, by siting it in a separate zone or[ restricting the height of the service structures] and matching their facades/exteriors/external faces of a building to those of the historic buildings.

so inexplicably, meccan authorities went against the practice of most countries, in the rest of sa, and aganist saudi legislation whyhas mecca been singled out

They are a unique example of the Najdi architectural and decorative style developed to cope with the extreme desert climate.similar architecture to the site they are supporting/surrounding....hotels should be subserviet.. so that the prominence of the historic structures remains pre-eminent

https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2006/08/10/the-destruction-of-holy-sites-in-mecca-medina/

The destruction of the historical sites is yet another way for the Wahhabi sect to show that there is no other form of Islam- whether on the ground, in the past, or in people’s memories- other than their own.

is what I consider, Meccahattan, bustling shopping centers with the world’s most expensive designer fashions, award-winning restaurants and cuisines accompanied by every notable fast-food chain from the West, and towers with bright and flashing lights that feel like Times Square in New York and Las Vegas, Nevada. It is no longer the sacred Mecca that has been historically known and revered as a holy site for global Muslims across centuries. It is now a cosmopolitan and commercial machine.

in contrast, around the GM, are hotels fast food retailers, eve when standing in the heart of the GM, in front of the Kaaba, one sees the upperfloors of the hotels towering over the holy site.

they're expecting same number of visitors as in diriyah, yet in diriyah they sited the hotels and businessses well back, insisting that the distances between the historic area and thecommecercial area was convenient, whereas in Mecca they did the opposite and put everything on the doorstep of the heritage site,,,

DO VIEWS FROM DIDIYAH

####################################################################################################

A finishing coat of fresh adobe plaster being spread on mud brick walls. The fresh plaster is made with brick mud, but containing more finely chopped straw. The foundation coat is pitted with holes, made by the builders’ fingers to provide a key for the finishing coat. Freshly applied, the mud plaster is black but within a day matches the coating on the left of the picture

                                                          [                             ]  ONLY GO UP TO HONOURED, SO QUOTE CAN BE USED ANYWHERE

Abdul Wahab’s legacy honoured with new centre, 

October 18, 2015

https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/abdul-wahabs-legacy-honoured-with-new-centre-1.1602627

DID NOT USE MAP AS SHOWS OTHER THINGS CLOSER TO THE KAABA THAN BP

1. Holy Ka'aba [need to delete reference to Kaaba] or change   

    title

2. Jabal Abu Qubais and Masjid Bilal once existed here; [and]

     currently the Royal Palace [is standing]

3. House of Khadija [area].

4. The birth place of Prophet Muhammad saw.

5. House of Abu Bakr.

6. House of Islam (Darul Arqam).

7. House of Umm Hani from where the Prophet commenced his night journey for Isra' and Mi'raj

8. House of Hamza.

EXTRAS

Another version of the above photo from;

https://www.icit-digital.org/articles/meccahattan

https://www.icit-digital.org/articles/meccahattan

Area map of lost history in Mecca

1. Holy Ka'aba [need to delete reference to kaaba] or change title

2. Jabal Abu Qubais and Masjid Bilal once existed here; [and] currently the Royal Palace [is standing]

3. House of Khadija [area] is now covered with large[est] public bathrooms

4. The birth place of Prophet Muhammad currently under threat of demolition

5. House of Abu Bakr, after demolition became Hilton hotel

6. 18th Century Ajyad Ottaman fort demolished in 2002 to make way for the Clock tower

7. Ancient Shubaikah cemetery close to the Haram where the females used to be buried alive[and some of the companions]

8. Dar al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam, house of the companion and where meetings were held with the Prophet saw, that can be [also]

     regarded as first Islamic school

9. Bani Hashim valley, the last [and] most ancient area of Mecca now demolished

10. Historical door, Bab al-Salaam, removed now and is Door No. 24

11. House of Umm Hani from where the Prophet commenced his night journey for Isra' and Mi'raj

12. Bab al-Umrah[,] door demolished to make way for the ongoing expansion

13. House of Hamza, uncle of the Prophet, demolished to make way for a hotel

*** Need to be marked:  House of Ali, Raya,

the holy sites and surrounding cities should confer a contemplative silence and a settled, reverential atmosphere.



The destruction of heritage sites associated with early Islam is an ongoing phenomenon that has occurred mainly in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, particularly around the two holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina.^[1] The demolition has focused on mosques, burial sites, homes and historical locations associated with the Islamic prophet Muhammad, his companions, and many of the founding personalities of early Islamic history by the Saudi government

What followed was a removal of the physical infrastructure, tombs, mausoleums, mosques and sites associated with the family and companions of Muhammad.^[7]

In 1803 and 1804, the Saudis captured Mecca and Medina and destroyed historical monuments and various holy Muslim sites and shrines, such as the shrine built over the tomb of Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, and even intended to destroy the grave of Muhammad himself as idolatrous, causing outrage throughout the Muslim world.^[8][9][10] In Mecca, the tombs of direct relations of Muhammad located at Jannatul Mualla cemetery, including that of his first wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, were demolished.^[11] The initial dismantling of the sites began in 1806 when the Wahhabi army of the First Saudi State occupied Medina and systematically levelled many of the structures at the vast Jannat al-Baqi cemetery^[

While there is widespread agreement for the need of facilities that can accommodate greater numbers of pilgrims, the development of upscale hotels and condominium towers, restaurants, shopping centres and spas^[16] has caused some to criticize the over-commercialization of a site which many consider to be a divinely ordained sanctuary for Muslims.

Critics argue that this monetary focus works with Wahhabi state policy that imposes a massive cultural and social deletion within the Holy Cities,^[17] erasing any elements that encourage practices counter to the Wahhabi creed.

Historical religious sites[edit]

• Bayt al-Mawlid ("House of the Birth"), where Muhammad is believed to have been born in 570. Originally turned into a library, it now lies under a rundown building which was built 70 years ago as a compromise after Wahhabi clerics called for it to be demolished.^[22]
• The house of Khadija, Muhammad's first wife. Muslims believe he received some of the first revelations there. It was also where his children Zainab bint Muhammad, Ruqayyah bint Muhammad, Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad, Fatimah, Qasim and Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad were born. After it was rediscovered during the Haram extensions in 1989, it was covered over and it was made into a library.^{[citation needed]}
• A Hilton hotel stands on the site of the house of Islam's first caliph, Abu Bakr.^[23]
• House of Muhammed in Medina, where he lived after the migration from Mecca.^[21]
• Dar Al-Arqam, the first Islamic school where Muhammad taught.^[22] It now lies under the extension of the Masjid Al-Haram of Mecca.^{[citation needed]}
• Qubbat al-Thanaya, the burial site of Muhammed's incisor that was broken in the Battle of Uhud.^[8]
• Mashrubat Umm Ibrahim, built to mark the location of the house where Muhammad's son, Ibrahim, was born to Mariah.^{[citation needed]}