Like many cities in the world, Makkah has transformed over the last decades; however, Makkah is not like other cities in the world. It is the holiest site for Muslims around the world. With the recent appearance of large buildings in the vicinity of the Kaaba, many are sad to see that the holiest place in the world is starting to get a name for being the Las Vegas for pilgrims. And the massive construction projects don’t look to be slowing down any time soon as the Saudi government is spending billions of dollars to commercialize Makkah into a modern, extravagant religious tourist hub.

Here is a look at how Makkah has transformed over the years:

Year 1850

Source: Wikipedia

Year 1920

Source: pulse

Pilgrims performing Hajj at Kabbah which looks very different from today.

Year 1922

Source: pulse

Although this is a painting it give a somewhat accurate feel of that era.

Year 1935

Source: pulse

An aerial view of Makkah almost a century ago

Year 1941 – The Floodings of Makkah

Source: pulse

Due to Makkah being in a valley, flooding used to be an issue; however, with the new architecture this isn’t an issue anymore.

Year 1954

Source: dawn

Year 1967

Source: pulse

We can start seeing some of the changes in the construction.

Year 1979

Source: pulse

A huge difference from how it looked a century ago.

Year 1988

Source: pulse

Year 2000

Source: pulse

An aerial view which shows the massive changes Makkah has undergone over the years.

Year 2001

Source: pulse

Year 2004

Source: pulse

Year 2005

Source: pulse

Year 2008

Source: pulse

Year 2010

Source: pulse

Year 2012

Source: pulse

Year 2013

Source: pulse

Year 2015

Source: national

Year 2020?

Source: sfs

The future of Makkah

Do you think Makkah 2020 is a good project even though it means destroying the valuable heritage of the city?