Medina, officially known as Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, is one of its holiest cities. Nestled in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, Medina is the capital of the Medina Province. With an estimated metropolitan population of 1,599,000 as of 2024, it ranks as the fifth-most populous city in Saudi Arabia. The city spans over 589 km2, blending its urban area with the natural beauty of the Hejaz Mountains, valleys, agricultural spaces, and dormant volcanoes.
Considered the "cradle of Islamic culture and civilization," Medina is revered for its historical and religious significance. It holds the status of the second-holiest city in Islam, following Mecca, and is renowned for its role as the burial site of Prophet Muhammad. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, or The Prophet's Mosque, constructed by Muhammad in 622 CE, is a focal point for observant Muslims, who often visit the mosque and the Prophet's tomb during the pilgrimage known as Ziyarat. Originally named Yathrib, the city underwent several renamings, evolving into Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, meaning 'The Enlightened City,' before adopting its simplified modern name, Madinah.
Medina's historical roots extend over 1,500 years before Muhammad's migration from Mecca, a crucial event known as the Hijrah. It became the capital of the Muslim caliphate under Muhammad's leadership, serving as the cradle of Islam and the base of operations for the ummah. The ummah, comprising Medinan citizens (Ansar) and those who immigrated with Muhammad (Muhajirun), played a pivotal role in shaping the Islamic faith. Three prominent mosques, including al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba Mosque, and Masjid al-Qiblatayn, contribute to the city's rich religious heritage, with a significant portion of the Qur'an revealed in Medina.
Medina's history is marked by diverse power shifts, witnessing control by Jewish-Arabian tribes, the ʽAws and Khazraj, Muhammad and the Rashidun, the Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Mamluks of Egypt, the Ottomans, and the Sharifate of Mecca under the Hashemites. Presently under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1925, Medina is a dynamic blend of exchanges and cultural influences that have shaped its identity over centuries. Tourists, in addition to pilgrims, are drawn to the city to explore its significant mosques, landmarks, and historical sites, such as Mount Uhud and the Al-Baqi' cemetery.
Medina is located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, situated about 100 miles (160 km) inland from the Red Sea. Positioned 275 miles (445 km) from Mecca by road, it is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca.
It gained prominence as the place where Prophet Muhammad established the Muslim community (ummah) in 622 CE after his flight from Mecca.
The city lies 2,050 feet (625 meters) above sea level on a fertile oasis, surrounded by arid hills belonging to the Hejaz mountain range. Mount Uḥud, rising over 2,000 feet (600 meters), is the highest peak in the vicinity.
The city center features the Prophet’s Mosque, built with the assistance of Prophet Muhammad. Notable landmarks include the mosque of Qubāʾ, the Mosque of the Two Qiblahs, the tomb of Ḥamza, and the cave in the flank of Uḥud where the Prophet sought refuge. Pilgrimages are made to these sacred areas.
Medina's economy is supplemented by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Date palms are prominent, and the city is renowned for its date production, with a processing plant established in 1953.
A railway connects Medina to Jeddah, and asphalt roads link it to Jeddah, Mecca, Yanbuʿ, and Jordan. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport serves passenger flights.
Jewish settlers were present in pre-Christian times, with the city later experiencing rule under various powers, including the Turks and the Wahhābīs, until falling to the Saʿūd dynasty in 1925.
Medina served as the administrative capital of the expanding Islamic state until 661 when it was superseded by Damascus.
The residents of Medina are Arabic-speaking Muslims, primarily of the Sunni branch. The essential occupations of people of Medina are farming and pottery making.
A pilgrimage is made to Prophet Muhammad's tomb in the Prophet’s Mosque, making it a sacred area for Muslims. Various religious sites, including the tomb of Aaron, are objects of pious visitation by Muslims.
The modernisation of Medina has been less rapid compared to other Saudi towns, involving the dismantlement of the old city wall. Building development merged the historic area with the pilgrim camping ground and the Anbariyyah quarter.
Medina receives plentiful subsoil water, and an aqueduct supplies drinking water from a spring at the southern end of the oasis. Wadis in the vicinity, notably Wadi al-ʿAqīq and others, contribute to water resources.
The Turks held Medina after 1517 but their rule weakened, and the city fell to the Wahhābīs in 1804. Turkish rule ceased during World War I, with the city later falling to the Saʿūd dynasty in 1925 after the revival of the Wahhābī movement.
Medina, inhabited at least 1500 years before the Hijra, saw Jewish tribes like Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Qurayza, and Banu Nadir around the time of Muhammad. Arab tribes, 'Aws and Khazraj, allied with the Jewish tribes initially but later revolted and gained control. The Banu Aus and Banu Khazraj ultimately prevailed after seeking outside assistance and a treacherous massacre, marking the shift of power.
In 622, Muhammad and Meccan Muhajirun migrated to Medina, transforming its religious and political landscape. The Constitution of Medina was established, committing tribes to mutual cooperation under Muhammad's leadership. The Ansar, those who converted to Islam in Medina, played a crucial role.
Medina faced battles, including the inconclusive Battle of Bu'ath and the Battle of Uhud, where a severe blow was dealt due to internal conflicts. The Battle of the Trench in 627 involved a month-long siege thwarted by digging a trench.
Over the next ten years, Medina served as the base for Islamic expansion. In 630, Muhammad marched on Mecca peacefully. Despite Mecca's growing importance, Medina remained significant in Islamic history. The city was renamed Madinat al-Nabi ("City of the Prophet") in honour of Muhammad's prophethood.
Under the Rashidun Caliphs, Medina was the capital of the expanding Muslim Empire. Subsequent Islamic regimes, including the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, brought periods of peace, growth, and cultural flourishing to the city.
Under Mamluk rule, Medina witnessed growth in scholarly activities. The Ottomans, during their rule, fortified the city, built a secure fortress, and designed modern features for the Prophet's Mosque.
In 1925, Medina fell to the Saudis, leading to the incorporation of Hejaz into Saudi Arabia. Modernisation efforts, including the construction of highways, an international airport, and the Haramain high-speed railway, transformed the city.
The administration of Medina, officially Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, encapsulates a unique blend of tradition and modern governance, reflecting the city's rich history and contemporary significance. As the capital of the Medina Province in western Saudi Arabia, the city is part of the broader administrative framework of the Kingdom. Governed by the Kingdom's central authorities, the local administration of Medina works in tandem with regional and national policies to ensure the well-being of its residents and the preservation of its cultural and religious heritage.
Historically, Medina has been at the heart of Islamic administration, playing a pivotal role during the early years of Islam. Today, the city's administration oversees a range of responsibilities, from urban planning and infrastructure development to social services and cultural preservation. The city's leadership is attentive to the unique needs of its residents and the millions of pilgrims who visit annually, ensuring the smooth functioning of religious rituals and maintaining the sanctity of sacred sites.
Medina's administration also engages with the global Muslim community, fostering cooperation and understanding through initiatives that promote the city's status as a beacon of Islamic culture and civilisation.
Medina's business environment is defined by the interplay of spiritual significance and commercial activities. With a core focus on accommodating pilgrims, the city's economy thrives on hospitality, retail, and service sectors. Business regulations are tailored to support religious tourism, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration between the sacred and the commercial. Entrepreneurs often engage in ventures aligning with the city's religious character, creating a unique business dynamic where commerce harmonises with the spiritual essence of Medina.
The goal is to elevate the annual Umrah visitors to 30 million by 2030, a significant increase from the 19 million recorded in 2019. The Saudi authorities aim to achieve this target by fostering private sector involvement, thereby creating job opportunities in the burgeoning tourism industry. Oversight of developments in Medina and the wider region falls under the purview of the Almadinah Region Development Authority (MDA), entrusted with driving development initiatives and fostering private sector contributions.
Nestled in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, Medina's economy has evolved over the years, diversifying beyond its historical reliance on pilgrim-related activities. While the city remains a key destination for religious tourism, hosting millions of visitors during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, it has strategically expanded its economic horizons.
Agriculture forms a significant part of Medina's economic landscape, with the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and, notably, date palms. Date processing and packaging for export contribute to the city's agricultural output, with a plant established in 1953 facilitating this industry. The abundance of subsoil water, coupled with the convergence of important wadis, sustains agricultural activities in the region.
Industries such as automobile repair, brick and tile making, carpentry, and metalworking have become integral to Medina's economic fabric. Moreover, the development of infrastructure, including roads and an international airport, has enhanced connectivity, further fueling economic activities in Medina.
Medina's role as a hub of Islamic culture and civilisation contributes significantly to its economic strength, attracting businesses and investments with a focus on Islamic values. The city's leadership envisions a future where innovation, sustainable development, and cultural preservation go hand in hand. As a part of Saudi Arabia's broader economic vision, initiatives are underway to enhance the business environment, foster entrepreneurship, and leverage technology for economic growth.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet's Mosque, is a central religious and architectural landmark. This mosque, with its intricate designs and expansive courtyards, serves as the nucleus of the city and attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Additionally, the city features a well-developed transportation network, including roads linking it to major Saudi cities like Jeddah and Mecca. The Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport caters to domestic and international travelers, facilitating the pilgrimage influx and contributing to the city's connectivity.
In terms of urban planning, Medina showcases a blend of modern commercial areas and historical districts. The city is focused on the restoration of cultural sites and the careful integration of contemporary structures. The continuous expansion and improvement of infrastructure align with the city's commitment to providing a comfortable and efficient environment for residents, pilgrims, and businesses alike.
The technological landscape of Medina, particularly during the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj, has undergone significant transformations in recent years. With the pilgrimage attracting around 2 million participants in 2023, technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating and enhancing the spiritual journey for pilgrims. The Saudi government has introduced smartphone apps designed for the organisation of pilgrim groups. These apps not only guide pilgrims to specific holy locations but also serve as tools for documenting and sharing their pilgrimage experiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Moreover, the integration of smart cards for pilgrims allows seamless access to Hajj services, information, and cashless payment options. The Saudi government's introduction of an online visa lottery system in 2022 for prospective pilgrims from the U.S., Australia, and Western Europe demonstrates a modern approach to pilgrimage management. This digital approach ensures control over the pilgrimage flow and requires pilgrims to book their travel through the Saudi government.
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