In this holy city, the Koran was finally approved, the Islamic state was founded, it is here that the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad is located. During the Hajj in Saudi Arabia in Medina (photo of the city can be seen in the article) take special security measures. At this time, additional police patrols are introduced and strict laws are in force, which are unacceptable to violate. For example, you can’t break branches, pick flowers, kill insects, cut trees. All wild animals become untouchable.
general information
Medina is a city in Saudi Arabia, which is considered the second most sacred after Mecca. The holy place must be visited during the Hajj, but only Muslims are allowed to enter. The city is located on fertile lands in the western part of the country, surrounded on three sides by high mountains. The highest is Uhud, whose height exceeds the mark of 2 km. The population of the Medina (Saudi Arabia) is more than 1 million people.
The city has an Islamic University, which is an authoritative religious world center. At five faculties, students learn the basics of religion. The educational institution was founded at the initiative of governments in 1961. Today, about 20 thousand students from seventy countries of the world study at the university. Competitive selection, enrollment and training are free for foreigners. Courses are taught in Arabic, but English-language options have recently appeared.
The city's attractions
A visit to the Medina is not an obligatory part of Umrah and Hajj, but a huge number of pilgrims still come here as a sign of deep respect for the prophet. The main attractions, judging by the reviews of tourists who managed to visit the Muslim Medina, are religious monuments - numerous mosques. In the city you can still visit several museums, but the main direction of tourism is still religion.
Mosque of the Prophet in Medina
Masjid al-Nabawi is one of the most respected and famous shrines of Islam. This is the burial place of Muhammad, which is second only to Mecca in importance to Muslims. In Medina (Saudi Arabia) in a holy place, the first temple appeared during the life of the prophet. It is believed that the building, including a rectangular open courtyard and corner minarets, was founded in 622. In the future, this principle of planning was used for all Muslim temples being built around the world.
The grave of the prophet in the city of Medina (Saudi Arabia) is located under the Green Dome. It is unknown when exactly this part of the mosque was built, but the mention of the dome-grave can be found in the records of the twelfth century. In addition to Muhammad, Muslim caliphs Umar ibn al-Khattab and Abu Bakr al-Siddik are buried in the mosque. Interestingly, the dome became green only one and a half centuries ago, and before that it was repainted several times. The grave was located under the blue, white and purple domes.
The mosque has always played a significant role in the life of all members of the religious community. Important religious rituals were performed here, the temple received training, city meetings and festivities. Each new head of the city sought to expand and improve the shrine. In 1910, Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina (Saudi Arabia) became the first place on the entire peninsula where electricity was conducted. The last time large-scale work was carried out in a mosque in 1953.
Al Cuba Mosque
Al-Cuba is the first mosque in the history of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad, while moving from Mecca to Medina before arriving in the city, made a stop for 4-5 km in the town of Cuba, where Ali ibn Abu Talib was waiting. Today, this place is part of the city. The Messenger of Allah was a guest in Cuba for three to twenty days (according to various sources). It is believed that Muhammad personally took part in the construction of this facility.
Subsequently, the holy place was expanded and the mosque of Cuba was built there. The mosque has been repeatedly updated and reconstructed. The last large-scale reconstruction dates back to 1986. Then the Saudi authorities entrusted the work of the Egyptian architect Abdell-Wahid to Vakil and a student of the German architect O. Frey, Mahmoud Bodo Rush. The new mosque consists of a prayer hall, raised to the second level. The hall is connected to offices, shops, a library, residential areas and a cleaning room.
Masjid al-Qiblathine
The mosque of two Kibil, or Masjid Banu Salim (by the name of the family who lived here earlier), is a unique place in Medina (Saudi Arabia) - the temple has two mihrabas, one of which is facing Mecca, and the other to Jerusalem. Here the prophet received a message about the change of Qibla to the noble Kaaba. The year of construction of the building is considered 623 g. e. Tourists speak of this attraction of the city as a sacred place of extraordinary beauty. The classical style in which the mosque is made emphasizes its beauty, historical and architectural value.
Quran Museum in Medina
A private museum was opened relatively recently, so there are few reviews of this attraction of the Medina (Saudi Arabia). Visitors can get acquainted with the life story of the Prophet Muhammad, see rare exhibits that relate to the religious and cultural life of the city. This is the first specialized museum dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of Islam, as well as the main events of the life of the Messenger of Allah. In addition to exhibition activities, scientific conferences on Islamic subjects are held here, the museum issues various print publications.
Historical Museum
Not only mosques in Medina (Saudi Arabia) deserve attention, although literally everything is permeated with religious themes in the city. In the historical museum you can find a wealth of information about the prophets, ancient holy manuscripts, many of which are decorated with elaborate gold stamping. The museum is located in the building of the former railway station.
Accommodation and meals
In Medina (Saudi Arabia) it is better to book a hotel in advance. There are both budget options and luxury hotels. The cost of a room per day varies from thirty to one hundred and fifty dollars. The most famous places in the city are Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick, Pulman Zamzam Madina and Bosphorus Hotel. The Bosphorus Hotel has rooms for people with disabilities and honeymooners, Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick staff speaks six languages fluently, and Pulman Zamzam Madina is a five-star hotel that can offer its guests a wide range of travel services.
All hotels have restaurants with traditional and international cuisine, while urban establishments often offer traditional Arabic dishes. The lamb with rice and raisins is especially popular, it is worth trying the most delicious local coffee and dates. Pork and alcohol in Medina (Saudi Arabia) no. American cuisine is served by Route 66 Cafe, At-tabaq Asian restaurant is suitable for vegetarians, excellent home-made cakes can be found at House of Donuts, and Arabesque Restaurant serves international cuisine.
Shopping in Medina
At the old market you can buy a wide variety of spices, national clothes and handmade jewelry, as well as unique souvenirs. In the city center there are large shopping centers, for example, AI Noor Mall with branded stores, children's playgrounds, fast food restaurants, attractions and other entertainments. There are few places for entertainment, because the city is the center of primarily religious tourism. Large shopping centers are usually empty, but the market has a lot of both local and travelers.