Al-Makkah
Al-Makkah
The Holy Capital العاصمة المقدسة Mother of all Settlements أم القرى | |
|---|---|
City | |
 | |
| Country |  Emmiria |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,200 km2 (500 sq mi) |
| • Land | 760 km2 (290 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Estimate (2020) | 320,100 |
| Demonym(s) | Makki مكة |
Al-Makkah, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah (مكة المكرمة, and commonly shortened to Makkah), is a city and administrative center in Emmiria, and the holiest city in Islam. It is located along the banks of the Hayr River in a narrow valley 277 m (909 ft) above sea level. Its last recorded population was 328,722, while its estimated metro population in 2020 is 1.042 million. Pilgrims more than quadruple this number every year during the Ḥajj pilgrimage, observed in the twelfth Hijri month of Dhūl-Ḥijjah. Al-Makkah is generally considered "the fountainhead and cradle of Islam". Makkah is revered in Islam and visiting Makkah for the Hajj is an obligation upon all able Muslims. The Great Mosque of Makkah, known as the Masjid al-Haram, is home to the Ka'bah, is one of Islam's holiest sites and the direction of prayer for all Muslims (qibla).