Saudi Arabia is planning to develop more than 100 historical sites in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madina, reported Gulf News.
This move will boost the local economy, create jobs, and allow pilgrims and visitors to learn more about the rich history of Islam.
The project is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 which aims to diversify the economy and promote cultural tourism.
It is also in line with the Crown Prince's aspirations to "return" Saudi Arabia to "moderate Islam".
In previous years, Saudi religious authorities faced criticism for destroying many historical sites in the country. However, there are now signs that the religious establishment is lifting some restrictions previously in place.
The minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, announced the plan on Monday during a ceremony in Makkah's Hira Cultural District.
The minister also announced the launch of an online platform for booking tickets to visit historical and cultural sites in Makkah, including the Cave of Hira; reported Middle East Monitor. Notably, visiting the Cave of Hira and other sites is currently free.
خلال حفل #برنامج_شركاء معالي @tfrabiah يشهد توقيع اتفاقيات تعاون بين @JabalHera ومجموعة من شركات الحج والعمرة، بهدف إثراء تجربة ضيوف الرحمن.#في_القلب_يا_مكة pic.twitter.com/pjf7NcaBFW
— وزارة الحج والعمرة (@HajMinistry) September 18, 2023
Some of the historical sites that will be developed include:
- The Cave of Hira: This is the cave where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation from Allah.
- The Quba Mosque: This is the first mosque ever built in Islam.
- The Seven Mosques: These are seven mosques that were built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his lifetime.
- The Uhud Mountain: This is the mountain where the Battle of Uhud took place.
- The Khandaq Trench: This is the trench that was dug by the Muslims to protect themselves from the attacking Meccans.
Last year, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched the second phase of a restoration project aimed at preserving and refurbishing historic mosques across Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, which began in 2021, has already seen the renovations of the Jummah and Qiblatain mosques built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In June 2023, Saudi Arabia relaxed restrictions on Shia pilgrims visiting the Jannat Al-Baqi cemetery in Madina.
The Jannat Al-Baqi cemetery is the resting place of many of the Prophet Muhammad's family and companions. It is also the site of several Shia shrines.
