The Grand Mosque of Makkah, also known as Masjid al-Haram, is a place of great significance for Muslims around the world. It has undergone several developments and expansions over the years to accommodate the increasing number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The Ka'bah Courtyard, also known as Mataf, is a white marble-tiled area surrounding the honorable Ka'bah. Muslims perform the act of circumambulation, or Tawaf, by walking around the Ka'bah in this courtyard.
The Abbasid Corridor, dating back to the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Muhammad al-Mahdi, has seen many innovations and changes over time, especially during the Saudi expansions of the Grand Mosque.
Under the leadership of Saudi rulers, significant expansions have been carried out to improve the Grand Mosque. The first expansions began during the reign of King Saud in 1375 AH, and subsequent expansions took place in 1409 and 1428 AH.
The second Saudi expansion included the creation of large courtyards surrounding the Grand Mosque, which were tiled with heat-resisting marble to accommodate the growing number of worshippers, especially during crowded seasons.
The roof of the Grand Mosque was also a focus of the second Saudi expansion, with the installation of heat-resisting marble tiles and escalators to carry worshippers to the roof and the first floor during Hajj and crowded seasons.
The Grand Mosque is accessible through many gates, each with a specific number and a light panel displaying either an entry or exit sign. Some of the main gates include the King Abdulaziz Gate, Bab Safa Gate, Bab al-Fatah Gate, Bab Umrah Gate, and King Fahd Gate, each serving as an entry point from different directions around the mosque.
These developments and sections of the Grand Mosque of Makkah have played a crucial role in accommodating the growing number of pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and organized experience for worshippers visiting this sacred site.