Arabia: The Masjid al-Haram at Mecca with the Kaaba at its centre, smaller illustrations (left to right) of the well Zamzam, Mount Arafat, Al Safa and Al Marwah, and a pilgrim ship. Coloured woodblock print, c. 1920

Surrounded by the Holy Mosque, al-Masjid al-Haram, stands the cubic Kaaba. Shortly after they arrive in Mecca, pilgrims first walk around the Kaaba seven times and then walk back and forth between two hills, al-Safa and al-Marwa. They carry out a large number of rituals in the following days in both Mecca and its environs. On the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijja, they begin the great feast of Eid al-Adha to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to serve God by sacrificing his son. Ritual sacrifices of sheep and goats are made on this occasion throughout the Islamic world. In conclusion, pilgrims drink or are sprinkled with water from the Zamzam Well in the courtyard of the holy mosque.

This print shows an idealized and schematic picture of the Holy Mosque in the center of Mecca. Prints like this one have been popular decorations in private homes as well as offices and coffee houses during the past century.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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