by Mohsin Asharia
The largest building in the world. Its main tower will be one of the tallest on earth, two and a half times taller than One Canada Square at Canary Wharf, and a fair deal higher than Taipei 101.
The Abraj al Bait Complex in Makkah, composed of seven towers, is well on the way to completion, and has sparked a flurry of debate over its legitimacy and need.
Luxury
Towering above the Ka’aba, which is less than 40 times the height, residents and pilgrims can boast breathtaking views, whilst enjoying the luxuries of the Fairmont Hotel.
Towering above the Ka’aba, which is less than 40 times the height, residents and pilgrims can boast breathtaking views, whilst enjoying the luxuries of the Fairmont Hotel.
The main attraction of the complex is the mall, described by its owners as “Makkah’s most prestigious retail address”, home to over 600 stores, with familiarities such as The Body Shop, Topshop and lingerie store La Senza in a special “Ladies-only” part of the mall, not to mention the entertainment complex including a bowling alley and ice rink.
Of course, the complex has huge benefits, accommodating 65,000 people and greatly reducing the accommodation burden experienced during Hajj.
Anxiety
However, there are serious qualms about the project. One can’t help but be anxious about the largest building in the world being literally on the doorstep of Masjid al-Haram, thereby hindering further extension of the Masjid, which, those who have been to Hajj or Umrah during a busy period will agree, is definitely necessary. The scale of the situation can be put into context when one realises that Masjid al-Haram is only a quarter the size of Abraj al Bait.
However, there are serious qualms about the project. One can’t help but be anxious about the largest building in the world being literally on the doorstep of Masjid al-Haram, thereby hindering further extension of the Masjid, which, those who have been to Hajj or Umrah during a busy period will agree, is definitely necessary. The scale of the situation can be put into context when one realises that Masjid al-Haram is only a quarter the size of Abraj al Bait.
Many feel that the presence of the complex will steal the spotlight from Masjid al-Haram, especially with its disproportional focus on leisure and entertainment. As newspapers put it, “These days it’s easier to find a Cinnabon in Mecca than the house where the Prophet Muhammad was born.”
The logistics of the building are also perplexing. It is mystifying to understand why a 4000 capacity prayer room is being built when one could roll out of bed and end up in the largest mosque in the world.
Disregard
There are also further questions raised regarding the continued disregard to historical sites. In building the towers, the house where the Prophet (saw) was born will now be a car park. Bibi Khadija’s (as) house has become a public lavatory.
There are also further questions raised regarding the continued disregard to historical sites. In building the towers, the house where the Prophet (saw) was born will now be a car park. Bibi Khadija’s (as) house has become a public lavatory.
It is somewhat ironical to some that building Abraj al Bait does not seem to be a problem, but mausoleums in Jannatul Baqi and Mu’alla are still out of the question.
With 130 high-rises on the way in Makkah, one thing is for sure: the skyline of Makkah is rapidly changing; the debate continues as to whether it is for better or for worse.
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