I think there will be such stations in most of the new major projects (Jabal Omar, Abraj Al-Bait, Shammiyah,,etc).

^^ DreaM1981, what do you mean by railway station? Is this the railway connecting Makkah to the other cities or is this a local train station..like for a mass transit within the city? Will this station be underground?

It will connect MAkkah with other cities and in same time as Riyadhi said, there will be many railway stations but as I have been told Abraj Al-bait railway station will be the one serving Ajyad area including Jabal Umar and it will not be underground inshallah (god willing).

By the way, is it me the only one who feels that administrators insist to ignore our request or not even reading this thread? We are talking about the wrong title of the thread for last week but no administrator listens or changed anything :bash:

If gothicform is an adminstrator here then why did not he change the wrong title? if he disagrees with location of this project, does it mean to ignore the thread and not adjusting the title to be (U/C) (PART 2) instead of (Proposed).

Please gothicform don't talk it personally but I really wonder why all of adminstrators are ignoring our requests !! :ohno:

^i think approved would be more appropriate, the main tower the one which is 577m is not actually under construction just yet, the supporting towers are but there has been no evidence that the main tower is currently being built. This becomes all the more obvious when you realise that the latest render which represented a design change was released only a few weeks ago. For all we know there could be a further 2 or 3 design changes until the main structure actually gets underway, so for my money "proposed" or "approved" are more accurate than "under construction".

and for the record gothicform isnt "an" administrator or "a" moderator he is the BOSS its his website, so be careful what you say about him!

the main tower is UC!

^^ he is right.. the main tower is U/C and I already posted some photos here showing that main tower already started 3 months ago.


and for the record gothicform isnt "an" administrator or "a" moderator he is the BOSS its his website, so be careful what you say about him!

If gothicform is the owner of this site or normal user, I do not have to be careful since I did not insult/disrespect anyone but I disagreed with ignoring our requests to change the topic.

Owner of site, Adminstrator, moderator or member, I respect all and I will say my point of view freely since nothing to fear of it if I know respecting limits very well even if we disagree :)

If gothicform is the owner of this site or normal user, I do not have to be careful since I did not insult/disrespect anyone but I disagreed with ignoring our requests to change the topic.




:okay:

There needs to be dedicated Mods and Admins for particular boards that we can report to...

The shadow is not exactly a bad thing. In Saudi Arabia most people prefer the shade since it is usually well over 40 degrees and the shade provides some welcome cooling.

unless the shadow is specifically a shadow of evil

or more generally speaking, a plain old ominous shroud of malevolence!

There needs to be dedicated Mods and Admins for particular boards that we can report to...

I agree 100%.... seems that admins & Mods are still ignoring us :hm:

i don't like it.. it OVER massive!

^^ I believe it is the good part of the project :lol:

The main purpose of this mixed-use project is to serve the pilgrimes as shopping mall, car parking, hotel, mosque and more..

Pilgrimes are millions so if this project is not massive enough then it is a waste of area.

To buy 1 m infront of the holy mosque, it costs almost 150,000$

Outside

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3129/4waqefrw8.jpg

The Mall inside

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4858/waqefbm8.jpg


^^ Pictures of the main enterance and the mall inside by Mr Grosso.

^^ Pictures of the main enterance and the mall inside by Mr Grosso.

Clean and beautiful design. I like the elevators to the left. Overall the inside looks peaceful.

love such big entrances

^^ indeed beautiful :)

That is really something...luxurious!

will it be the world's tallest hotel??

It looks very nice the mall inside,a dn it's very huge. I would like to see more pictures of it.

will it be the world's tallest hotel??

It is not. Abraj al-bait towers is one building so it is under category of mixed use building not hotel

what was the wide of the base?

^^ What do you mean by wide of the base? do you mean the podium? Podium area is 15,000M2

Maybe you can find that out using the measure tool on google earth.

i agree that it is good for Mecca...it fits well with that city...they can't have modern stuff, it has to be a Modern Arabic type of building...but if it would be in New York or London or Paris, it wouldn't fir there.....its fits really nice Mecca though...

agree totally. i can't imagine a supertall with a glass facade in it

^^ I agree too 100%

Update: Work on the tent has been proceeded. Next Ramadan inshallah, all will be able to see the white tent on the roof of Al-Safa Tower.

A picture from the roof of one of Abraj Al-bait Towers:

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/2892/haramxn3.jpg

OMG stunning view

What does the square in the center of Mecca represent? Is it a tomb or ?

^^ no it's not. it's a err.. a thing that unites our view when we're praying.

What does the square in the center of Mecca represent? Is it a tomb or ?

Kaaba, Black Stone, hajr-e-aswad

General Information

Kaaba (Arabic, "a square building"), Islam's most sacred sanctuary and pilgrimage shrine, is located in the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Mecca. According to the Koran, the cubic-shaped structure was built by Adam according to a divine plan and rebuilt by Abraham and Ishmael. A trough in which they reputedly mixed mortar stands near the door and is a popular place of prayer. The Kaaba houses the Black Stone, the most venerated object for Muslims. Probably of meteoric origin, the stone is reputed to have been given to Ishmael by the angel Gabriel. When Muhammad began to preach to the Meccans, the Kaaba was a shrine for the pagan deities of the Arabs. After the Prophet established control of Mecca, the shrine was rededicated to Allah. All Muslims face toward the Kaaba during their daily prayers.

Kaaba, Caaba

General Information

Kaaba is the central shrine of Islam, a cube-shaped, one-room stone structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It already attracted pilgrimages as the most important sanctuary (haram) in pre-Muslim Arabia, and the traditional belief that it was built by Abraham and Ishmael (to whom the Arabs trace their descent) was confirmed by the Qur'an (Koran). The annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba takes place in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijja, the last lunar month of the Islamic calendar. The Black Stone set on the outside of one corner of the structure is solemnly kissed by all pilgrims who can gain access to it. Lesser pilgrimages are performed throughout the year.

For Muslims, the Kaaba is the "House of God," where the divine touches the mundane. It is washed annually and covered with a dark silk cloth. The Kaaba has been greatly expanded since Muhammad's times, a mosque-court having been built around it; recently a gate of solid gold was added.

Kaaba, Ka’aba - The House of Allah

Advanced Information

In the province of Hejaz in the western part of Arabia, not far from the Red Sea, there lies the town of Makka. In the centre of this town there is a small square building made of stones, about 60 feet long, 60 feet wide and 60 feet high. Since time immemorial this town and this stone built house has been known to world travellers. This is Baitullah, the House of Allah. Its sanctity and antiquity is older than history itself.

Tradition goes that the Kaaba was ordained by Allah to be built in the shape of the House in Heaven called Baitul Ma’amoor. Allah in his infinite Mercy ordained a similar place on earth and Prophet Adam was the first to build this place. The Bible, in the Chapter of Genesis describes its building when God ordained Abraham to erect a Shrine for worship when Abraham was ordered to go to the Southern desert with his wife Hagera and infant son Ismael. The Old Testament describes this building as the Shrine of God at several places, but the one built at Ma’amoor is very much similar to the one at Makka. There is no doubt that it was referring to the stone built house at Makka.

Qora’an brought this story into the full light of history. In Sura 3 Verse 90 Qora’an says “Allah has spoken the Truth, therefore follow the creed of Ibrahim, a man of pure faith and no idolater”. The first house established for the people was at Makka, a Holy place and a guidance to all beings. Qora’an firmly establishes the fact that Ibrahim was the real founder of the Holy Shrine.

When Prophet Ibrahim built the Holy Shrine in Makka, his prayers were that this place should remain a centre of worship for all good and pious people; that Allah should keep his family the custodians of the Holy place. Ever since, Ismael the son of Ibrahim who helped his father to build this place and his descendants remained the custodians of the Holy Shrine. History tells us that centuries passed and the guardianship of the Kaaba remained in the family of Ismael until the name of Abde Manaf came into the limelight. He inherited this service and made it much more prominent. His son Hashim took this leadership and extended it to many other towns of Hejaz so much so that many pilgrims flocked annually to this place and enjoyed Hashims’s hospitality. A feast was given in honour of the pilgrims, food and water was served to all guests by the family of Hashim. This prominence created jealousies and his brother Abdushams’ adopted son Ummayya tried to create trouble. There was a dispute in which Umayya failedand left Makka to settle down in the Northern provinces of Suria(Sham) currently known as Syria. After Hashim his brother Muttalib and after him Hashim’s son Shyba who became known as Abdul Muttalib assumed the leadership of the family. He organised feasts and supplies of water to the pilgrims during the annual festival of Pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine.

Prophet Ibrahim built this House for devout worship to one God. But within his lifetime people disobeyed his orders and began to put idols inside the Kaaba. Ibrahim had to clean the House of these idols and of Idle worshippers. He told the people that this was a symbolic house of God. God does not live there for He is everywhere. People did not understand this logic and no sooner had Ibrahim died the people, out of reverence, filled the place with idols again. They thronged to this place annually and worshipped their personal gods, It was over Four Thousand years later that the last of the line of prophet (SA), Muhammad Ibne Abdullah entered Makka triumphantly, went inside the Ka’aba and, with the help of his cousin and son in law Ali Ibne Abi Talib, (AS) destroyed all the idols of Ka’aba with their own hands. At one stage of this destruction of idols, the tallest of the idol Hubbol was brought down after Ali had to stand on the shoulders of the Prophet to carry out God’s orders. The Prophet of Islam was reciting the Verse from the Qur’an

“Truth hath come and falsehood hath vanished.”
This was done in the 8th year of Hijra, January 630 AD after the bloodless victory at Makka by the Prophet of Islam.
Historically when Ibrahim was ordered by Allah to build the Shrine for worship over a small he uncovered the original foundations of the Kaaba built by Adam. Ibrahim with the help of his son Ismael erected the new shrine on the same foundations. Originally it contained only four walls without a roof . Centuries later during the timeof Kusayi who was the leader of the Tribe of Quraish in Makka a taller building was completed with a roof and a quadrangle wall around it to give it the shape of a sanctuary and doors all around the sanctuary walls. People entered through these doors to come to the Ka’aba for worship. It is now about 60 feet high, 60 feet wide from east to west and 60 feet from north to south. A door is fixed about 7 feet above ground level facing North East. A Black stone (Hajar al Aswad) was fixed into its eastern corner. In front of the building was Maqame Ibrahim, the arch shape gate known as that of Banu Shayba and the Zamzam Well. Just outside are the Hills called Safa and Merwa and thedistance between the hills is about 500 yards. These days both of the hills are enclosed into the sanctuary walls with a roof over it.

The whole building is built of the layers of grey blue stone from the hills surrounding Makka. The four corners roughly face the four points of the compass. At the East is the Black stone (Rukn el Aswad), at the North is el Ruken el Iraqi, at the west al Rukne el Shami and at the south al Rukne el Yamani. The four walls are covered with a curtain (Kiswa). The kiswa is usually of black brocade with the Shahada outlined in the weave of the fabric. About 2/3rd’s of the way up runs a gold embroidered band covered with Qur'anic text.

In the Eastern corner about 5 feet above ground the Hajar el Aswad (the blackstone) is fixed into the wall. Its real nature is difficult to determine, its visible shape is worn smooth by hand touching and kissing. Its diameter is around 12 inches. Opposite the North west wall but not connected with it, is a semi circular wall of white marble. It is 3 feet high and about 5 feet thick. This semi circular space enjoys an especial consideration and pilgrims wait in queue to find a place to pray there. The graves of Ismael and his mother Hajera are within this semi circular wall. Between the archway and the facade (N.E.) is a little building with a small dome, the Maqame Ibrahim. Inside it is kept a stone bearing the prints of two human feet. Prophet Ibrahim is said to have stood on this stone when building the Ka’aba and marks of his feet are miraculously preserved.

On the outskirts of the building to the North East is the ‘Zamzam Well’ (this is now put under ground).


History of the building of the Ka’aba.
Qur’an in Sura Baqra Verses 121 to 127 described it clearly that Allah had ordained his servant Ibrahim to build the Shrine there for worship of One God. During Kusayi’s time it was rebuilt and fortified. During the early years of Prophet Muhammad (SA) before he announced his ministry, the Ka’aba was damaged by floods and it was rebuilt again. When the Black stone was to be put in its place the Makkans quarrelled among themselves as to who should have the honour to place it there. They had just decided that the first comer to the quadrangle should be given the task of deciding as to who should have the honour. Muhammad (SA) came in and was assigned this task. He advised them to place the stone in a cloak and ordered the heads of each Tribe each to take an end and bring the cloak nearer the corner on the eastern side. He himself then took out the stone and placed it in its position. It has been fixed there ever since.
After the martyrdom of the family of the Prophet at Kerbala in 61 Hijri (681 AD), the Ummayad Caliph Yazid Ibne Moawiya did not stop there in the pursuit of his destruction. He sent a large contingent under the command of Haseen Ibne Namir to Madina which destroyed the Mosque of the Prophet. They did not stop there but proceeded to Makka and demolished the four walls of the Ka’aba and killed thousands of muslims who protested. Yazid died and Ibne Namir returned to Damascus, Ka’aba was rebuilt by Abdullah Ibne Zubayr and his associates. Umawi forces came back to Makka and killed Abdullah Ibne Zubayr, hung his body on the gates of the Ka’aba for three months for all to see the Umawi power. But eventually this arrogance of power brought its own consequences and Mukhtar became the ruler in Iraq. Under his guidance the Ka’aba was refurbished and pilgrims began to arrive in safety to perform Hajj.

The Ka’aba successfully withstood the Karamatian invasion of 317/929, only the Blackstone was carried away which was returned some twenty years later. In the year 1981 the Wahabis brought tanks inside the Ka’aba to crush the kahtani revolution against the Saudi regime and almost demolished the South Eastern Wall. This was later restored with the help of the Makkan people.

Every man living in Makka in the 6th and 7th century must out of necessity have had some relationship with the Ka’aba. On the Muhammad (SA), the Prophet of Islam, the Qur’an is silent during the Makkans period in this respect. All that is known is that the muslim community of the period turned towards Jerusalem in prayers. Subsequently about a year and a half after the Hijra the Muslims were ordered during prayers which were lead by the Prophet of Islam himself to turn towards Makka. The particular mosque in Madina where this happened is called Masjide Qiblatain, meaning the mosque with two Qiblas. The Qur’an tells the muslims, “ turn then thy face towards the sacred mosque and wherever ye be turn your faces towards that part ”Qur’an II,139/144.

At this same period the Qur’an began to lay stress on the religion of Ibrahim, presenting Islam as a return to the purity of the religion of Ibrahim which, obscured by Judaism and Christianity, shone forth in its original brightness in the Qur’an. The pilgrimage’s to the Ka’aba and ritual progressions around the building were continued, but were now for the glorification of One God. The Abrahimic vision of the Ka’aba created a means of discerning an orthodox origin buried in the midst of pagan malpractices to which the first muslims pointed the way.

Every year after the Hajj ceremony the place is closed for one month and on the Day of Ashura the Ka’aba is washed from inside by the Water from the well of Zamzam and a new Kiswa is brought to cover the Ka’aba for the next year.

This is the story of the Ka’aba and the persons who protected it and remained its custodians and protectors from the satanic and evil forces throughout history. Muhammad (SA) and the people of his household (Ahlulbayt) were the protectors of the Ka’aba, and currently the 12th Imam from the direct descent of the Prophet of Islam is the real protector, its custodian and guardian and shall remain as such while in concealment. In the following pages we shall unfold the lives and times of these 14 Masoomeen Alaihimussalam.

:)


http://math.arizona.edu/~hermi/kaaba.jpg

http://islamcenter.or.jp/J_new_homepage/door_of_Kaaba.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Kaaba_plan.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/12/Kaaba_interior.jpg

http://www.toursaudiarabia.com/kaaba/kaaba-3-medium.jpg

Touching or kissing the Black Stone has a profound impact on the faithful as it is suppose to count in their favor on judgment day. The great Muslim traveler from Valencia, Ibn Jubayr (1145 - 1217) describes the emotion he felt on touching the stone; The stone, when one kisses it, has a softness and freshness which delights the mouth, so much so that he who places his lips upon it wishes never to remove them. It suffices, moreover, that the Prophet said that it is the Right Hand of God on Earth

Impressive height, but it still looks ugly.

Intresting to read the history about Kaaba, thanks

Impressive height, but it still looks ugly.

I think it looks pretty cool from the sides. Thanks for the info Mr Grosso :cheers1:

I would like to inform all of you that there is a small update which is "Height of the project has been increased officially to be 579M". Yes just 2 meters more so please no need to ask for a proof since it does not deserve :lol: but anyway yes it is official 100%.

Height now officially is 579M

and in two months it is over 600m tall :lol:

hope so :lol::rofl:

Dream, do you have any idea when will the hotel tower be completed?

after 2010 i guess but i don't know exactly

It is supposed to be ready 1/11/2009. It is late date yes but keep in mind that the clock will delay the construction for 6 months to be installed inshallah.

Posted by..Saudi guy..:cry:..this is what i call an update..:cry:
http://i11.tinypic.com/6f5ih5l.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/4xkxukx.jpg
http://i16.tinypic.com/4uaeots.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/52lagpy.jpg

Nice pics...

http://i18.tinypic.com/52lagpy.jpg

what the on the left, is this building like falling apart as they make it???

great update

what the on the left, is this building like falling apart as they make it???

They're demolishing a part of the mountain.

very good update, Thanks Saudi Guy.

The tower which is being built now is called Hajar Tower and it is supposed to be ready inshallah after Hajj.

as i heard you're prepairing a big update, can we expect a look on the construction of the main tower?

^^ that is true... For the seven towers even the ones that never been pictured here.
Most of updates are about the 5 main towers which share the same podium but no updates about Maqam Tower and Sarah Tower (The wings of the project with helipad) so, the update will be for the seven towers inshallah and the progress of work.

great :)

we'r still waiting for the update dream :D

What is it?

Hotel, Condominium, or what??

:dance2::dance2::tongue4: :dance2::dance2:

i do not think it finishes be4 june 2010

So massive... Too much concrete ATM...

Genius, the base is very engaging and detailed.

i think mecca needs more buildings like that to host million of peoples.

hello I am Eduardo Segundo Hernandez of Puebla Mexico, I am illustrator of (SkyacraperPage.com) and here this my I complete drawing, I hope and they like not yet I raise it the diagrams that they think?

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7041/atwudibujoreloadedbh7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

:banana:

mashallah it's a huge building,not sure about the top part maybe cos it's very ornamental.nice updates keep'em comin.looking forward for more detailed updates.allah bless mecca!

Wow, I can't believe they're really gonna keep that awful looking clock on there. What a shame.

^^

:lol:

Ever since the first time I saw this building, all I can think of is "Las Vegas themed hotel". It just looks really tacky to me. The size and mass of the project are absolutely incredible though.

supr3mo, you've done a pretty good job!

hello I am Eduardo Segundo Hernandez of Puebla Mexico, I am illustrator of (SkyacraperPage.com) and here this my I complete drawing, I hope and they like not yet I raise it the diagrams that they think?

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7041/atwudibujoreloadedbh7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

:banana:

Wow! Great illustration! :drool:
How you did get that?
What program are you using for your drawings? Are you using photoshop or other programms?

Excelente Eduardo!! Esta increible!! :D

lthe programs that use in my drawings are paint and photopaint. something that is very important is the degree of practices and technique, at least in the personnel the quality degree optuve throughout 4 years more or less.
I want to be in years to be one of the best illustrators of the world :)

I even need much to learn now I am working much with the effect of the shades in the personnel, the shades and perspectivaes what a good work does of a drawing

i tot mecca restrict the max height..

I want to be in years to be one of the best illustrators of the world :)

Good luck! :okay:

lthe programs that use in my drawings are paint and photopaint. something that is very important is the degree of practices and technique, at least in the personnel the quality degree optuve throughout 4 years more or less.
I want to be in years to be one of the best illustrators of the world :)

I even need much to learn now I am working much with the effect of the shades in the personnel, the shades and perspectivaes what a good work does of a drawing

The way you're going, you're not very far! :)

great job supr3mo, i like the details in your illustration :okay:

AWESOME !!!!!!!!
IT'S HUGE.

I just realised it has been some time since the last update. Anyone out there travelling to or currently in Mecca? Would love to see some pictures showing further construction of the main tower :D

AWESOME !!!!!!!!
IT'S HUGE.

Not as big as your avatar! ;)

@ Domenico:
As far as I know, construction on the main tower hasn't started yet. I haven't been keeping track of this thread, though, so I don't need a barrage of replies telling me off if I'm mistaken.

Massive structure

Do you have any updates of the project?

i dont like it

what's the matter with the clock? is there any symbolism behind it or does it just exist for its practical use?

This clock-face is enormous:nuts:

what's the matter with the clock? is there any symbolism behind it or does it just exist for its practical use?

practical use i believe

Where are update photo's from this project?

what's the matter with the clock? is there any symbolism behind it or does it just exist for its practical use?

The clock is significant for keeping track of prayer time, as it stands next to probably the most important mosque in all of Islam.

yes i would love an update. it would assist with construction diagram. The diagram is only as accurate as most recent photo. its been a few months . i wonder if the main tower has actually started yet?

i wonder if the main tower has actually started yet?

the last i heard was that it is UC, but for an evidence we need an update

No highrise lovin' muslims here going on a haji soon?;)

hello I am Eduardo Segundo Hernandez of Puebla Mexico, I am illustrator of (SkyacraperPage.com) and here this my I complete drawing, I hope and they like not yet I raise it the diagrams that they think?

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7041/atwudibujoreloadedbh7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

:banana:

thousands of ways to have the time available for everyone, not a giant watch inserted in a 579 m scaper

monster

that clock is ridiculous

*big Abdullah*

Best from last months i can found on flickr:

June 12
http://www.flickr.com/photos/husnita/581117570/in/set-72157600419018024/

July 10
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9906699@N07/769274238/

June 16 taken from Abraj Al-Bait
http://www.flickr.com/photos/n0mad/556440809/

^^ That last picture is absolutely jaw dropping!!!

T7R4IQuwDiE

^^

That's what I just mean for "IMPRESSIVE"

Great video!

rely cool i cant wait to se the real tower take chape ! is it going to be aney observation deck in that tower ?

:eek: no safety fences up there? the filmmaker is standing on the edge like it's nothing. I wouldn't dare stand there like that.

It doesn't look like 579m!

Can anyone confirm the height?

It doesn't look like 579m!

Can anyone confirm the height?

That's because it's not. The main tower isn't even built yet. That was taken from one of the lesser towers. Check the WTB July progress diagram.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/255/thebig400mjuly2007tq5.jpg

is that the main tower plot which was shown at the beginning of the video?

updated images of Abraj Albait as of July 28, 2007.


http://i11.tinypic.com/4kws1zs.jpg


http://i16.tinypic.com/5ybzkon.jpg


http://i16.tinypic.com/6exxs3a.jpg

It looks like something from Las Vegas, very impressive.

The tower looks amazing, they've progressed a lot all this months.

and in the middle i can see the Main Tower growing :)

amazing!

The *problem* with that clock is that it's descaling the building. Whats the size of the clock? 50m?

The Hotel Tower is certainly rising,

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1417/5ybzkonxp6.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5682/6exxs3adm2.jpg

wow this building is massive I didint relize it was that big until now

looks very nice, i like the architecture

great,, finally, the big fella is rising. should be awesome to watch it grow over half a KM into the sky!!

hopefully it'll rise fast, i really can't wait to see more of it :)

surprise lool i didn't notes it first time the right wing under constriction!!!! and fast too
http://i16.tinypic.com/65z6qyp.jpg

How many stories will it have?

Sorry, but it seems much smaller than 579m...

How many stories will it have?

Sorry, but it seems much smaller than 579m...


It isn't 579m yet, the main tower will reach that high.But it's still under construction.

these towers in pic's around 230m~280m the mine tower(579m) not rise yet as playloud66 said.

Anyone else feel like this complex would fit perfect in Vegas?

this complex is a bit too big for las vegas i think

It's coming along quite nicely. I really hope someone realizes how fucking ridiculous that clock will look on top of this building and take it out of the picture before it's too late. Plus aren't there announcements on loud speakers all over town announcing the call to prayer time?

http://www.cgarchitect.com/user_artwork/Abraj-A.jpg


Anyway I love this version.

^^lool i count it last time, there ~15 speakers per manarh but i doesn't hurt my ears!!!
http://i12.tinypic.com/52b8fw5.jpg

looool another old pic's from fab 07:D
Full Size (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1205/1035394349_6805b26ff9_b.jpg)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1205/1035394349_6805b26ff9.jpg

look carefully on that abraj al bait bottom aside al Safwah towers it looks they was ready to connect each towers!!!
Full Size (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/1035750169_d74364d5f9_b.jpg)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/1035750169_d74364d5f9.jpg

Full Size (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/1035849625_b7516c2219_b.jpg)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/1035849625_b7516c2219.jpg

..

I really hope someone realizes how fucking ridiculous that clock will look on top of this building and take it out of the picture before it's too late.

[


:ohno: Why are you getting so upset about the clock?The building(which the locals don't have a problem with)was designed more with functionality in mind than worlds most beautiful sublime creation af all the ages.

A very attractive and impressive building. The traditional Arabic design elements and ornaments lend an elegant touch. Yes, it does have a "Las Vegas" look - but in a positive way ... the project is luxurious and sumptuous like the best of the Vegas hotels.

It's too bad that 85% of the world's population of 6.6 Billion people are not allowed to visit this city or view these buildings. Pity.

A very attractive and impressive building. The traditional Arabic design elements and ornaments lend an elegant touch. Yes, it does have a "Las Vegas" look - but in a positive way ... the project is luxurious and sumptuous like the best of the Vegas hotels.

It's too bad that 85% of the world's population of 6.6 Billion people are not allowed to visit this city or view these buildings. Pity.

I'm gonna put a damper on things and remind you that its actually 78% of the World's population that won't be able to visit it..

Just adding to your negativity, hey if ur gonna post something negative maybe i can help? LOL

Get real man.

I really hope someone realizes how fucking ridiculous that clock will look on top of this building and take it out of the picture before it's too late.

[


:ohno: Why are you getting so upset about the clock?The building(which the locals don't have a problem with)was designed more with functionality in mind than worlds most beautiful sublime creation af all the ages.

It's easy to get upset about the clock because it ruins the building. If you took a perfectly good building like the Sears Tower, Burj Dubai or Shanghai WFC and permanently painted it with a Pepsi Logo, Gay pride flag or a Nike swoosh I think it would look ridiculous. This clock looks ridiculous in my opinion. Maybe I should refrain from talking about the clock any further just as I have refrained from posting anything about the Freedom Tower in the Freedom Tower WTC1 thread since I don't like it. :lol:


Anyway, thanks for posting the pictures Saudi guy. I need to find a way to visit Mecca since I'm not a religious person at all.

I really hope someone realizes how fucking ridiculous that clock will look on top of this building and take it out of the picture before it's too late.

[


:ohno: Why are you getting so upset about the clock?The building(which the locals don't have a problem with)was designed more with functionality in mind than worlds most beautiful sublime creation af all the ages.

I hope they leave the clock out it's just to stupid.:ohno:

this complex is a bit too big for las vegas i think

I disagree it looks exactly like something that would be built in Las Vegas if the airport wasn't so damn close to the Strip :ohno: The front looks just like the Venetian imo.

The big tower is the exact same height as the proposed Crown Las Vegas and the smaller towers are not that much taller than the 750ft Fontainebleau which is currently under construction.

Caesars Palace sits on approx 85 acres of land while MGM Grand sits on 116 acres so there is plenty of space in las vegas to build something this big and bigger.

this is the worst project I've ever seen...las Vegas in La Mecca

New Stalin s dream http://moscowvision.ru/img/sk99.jpgm

this is the worst project I've ever seen...las Vegas in La Mecca

:blahblah: The worst you've ever seen? Then you haven't seen that eco green thingy proposed in Mumbai

To get this thread back on track, is the tallest tower in the center actually under construction, or have they only started on the outside towers?

Holy ugly! Completely inappropriate building. No consideration or respect for context. Massing is ridiculous! Proportions are out to lunch. I think the architect got too much sun.

14 Aug 2007
sorry for bad quality i took these pictures by camcorder,anyone want to see the full videos?
BTW what r they doing on top the first completed tower?looks under constriction!!!

photos from back

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7199/snapshot20070814202409uo1.png

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7312/snapshot20070814203956jl1.th.png (http://img520.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203956jl1.png) http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5482/snapshot20070814203719za7.th.png (http://img522.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203719za7.png) http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7157/snapshot20070814203836jr8.th.png (http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203836jr8.png) http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3977/snapshot20070814203134uw1.th.png (http://img523.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203134uw1.png) http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8426/snapshot20070814203255tj2.th.png (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203255tj2.png) http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4413/snapshot20070814203401gz2.th.png (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203401gz2.png) http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3846/snapshot20070814203441ey9.th.png (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203441ey9.png) http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8147/snapshot20070814203610bk2.th.png (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070814203610bk2.png)

Hey thanks Saudi-Guy for the update man!! I have no problem with the quality off the pictures dude because it is enough to see the progress and at least you took the effort off making them :)

Cheers :cheers:

This thread has gone horribly off-topic. This is not the place for a religious discussion. We're here to talk about this project and only this project.

Thanks for the pictures Saudi Guy. Although I'm more interested in the hotel tower. I think the activity on top of the completed tower is putting those tents that Dream was talking about...

It doesn´t seem to be 579m tall!

It doesn´t seem to be 579m tall!

:doh:

It doesn´t seem to be 579m tall!

that tall building in the pic is not the main tower ^^. the main tower just started to rise, so it is still very small and definitely not 579m tall :lol:

Update Aug 2007

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/14/m09082007298cq5.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3640/m31072007184dw8.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6089/m31072007183zq0.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4286/m31072007184nt9.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9477/m31072007187kd0.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1341/m31072007188ro9.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5217/m09082007291on3.jpg

Wow...Excellent update. We need more like this for this tower!

1-this project's profits it's going to spend on the holy mosque developments.
2-They are doing this developments "I mean the whole developments in Mecca (there is around 7 Mega urban developments in Mecca around the holy mosgue)" just to help and provide some nice,clean,organized places for the people..and to make the most important site "for the Muslims" comfortable. so,they must reflect the country situation (economically,traditionally,modernity and of course financially .
basically,they will not do a small or old things-while they're having so much money- and they are aiming to make Mecca one of the most beautiful and well organized cities in the world..

I quite like the building actually. But

1 - the top of the tallest tower is not that good

2 - its one building, but it looks like a complete skyline in itself

3 - it should NOT be so close to the holy site.

your right it's to close to the holy site:ohno:

when is the clock tower gonna be ready?

Huge complex

when is the clock tower gonna be ready?

Hopefully never. The clock tower needs to be eliminated. :ohno:

clock tower does not symbolise islamic architecture, if they still wants to build the clock, better replace is with dome instead of london-like architecture of clock tower.

Hopefully never. The clock tower needs to be eliminated. :ohno:
eeeeeasy man..
is that all for the clock??!!!or something else??
is it annoying you that much??
it' ain't look like the London clock at all,hopefully butter...
about the over look for the complex is represents the (Hijazi) cultural Architecture
which is spreads in the (historical areas) of Mecca and Jeddah.
so,this clock tower in Mecca is going to be a land mark (the highest clock 579 m+the biggest clock 80m x65m)and one of the highest five building in the world when it's finished..
I think the Saudis and the Muslims "because Mecca is the city for all the Muslims" gonna be proud of it for a long long time....I think this the problem or let's say the issue ;)

when is the clock tower gonna be ready?

as far as i know 2010

as far as i know 2010

thanks dude,I dont know but for some reason I thought it on 2009!!

I quite like the building actually. But


2 - its one building, but it looks like a complete skyline in itself

i laughed at this rofl:lol:

1-this project's profits it's going to spend on the holy mosque developments.
2-They are doing this developments "I mean the whole developments in Mecca (there is around 7 Mega urban developments in Mecca around the holy mosgue)" just to help and provide some nice,clean,organized places for the people..and to make the most important site "for the Muslims" comfortable. so,they must reflect the country situation (economically,traditionally,modernity and of course financially .
basically,they will not do a small or old things-while they're having so much money- and they are aiming to make Mecca one of the most beautiful and well organized cities in the world..

Good point. I've heard they have bulldozed a lot of the original structures of immeasurable historical significance, particularly things relating to Muhammad and his family. It is a real shame that the Saudi's are more about money and appearing progressive, than anything else.

Good point. I've heard they have bulldozed a lot of the original structures of immeasurable historical significance, particularly things relating to Muhammad and his family. It is a real shame that the Saudi's are more about money and appearing progressive, than anything else.

it's not about that, this huge projects there to give thiat place the glory by spending load of money,and I really respect that.:)

thanks dude,I dont know but for some reason I thought it on 2009!!

it just started to rise....and to build 579m until 2009 sounds a bit too much.

i wonder what you would say if they start to build Abraj al bait 2 after these one ;).

Abraj Al Bait 2??

^^ ^^ What you talkin' bout willis?
That would seem a little crazy. Or at least unexpected.

Good point. I've heard they have bulldozed a lot of the original structures of immeasurable historical significance, particularly things relating to Muhammad and his family. It is a real shame that the Saudi's are more about money and appearing progressive, than anything else.

Saudis are more about money!!!
What are you talking about??

Don't you know that this whole project is an endowment to the holy mosque??

Saudis are more about money!!!
What are you talking about??

Don't you know that this whole project is an endowment to the holy mosque??

For the same amount, one could have done much better and for more people ... instead of creating a palace for only the rich.

For the same amount, one could have done much better and for more people ... instead of creating a palace for only the rich.

Do you know who is paying for the project?

I quite like the building actually. But

1 - the top of the tallest tower is not that good

2 - its one building, but it looks like a complete skyline in itself

3 - it should NOT be so close to the holy site.

I agree... the building should not be that close to the holy site. Not just for this, but for any religion's holy sites as well.

The area next to the kabaa must be very densely populated and I dont think this building will help...

btw this building is sooooooooo masive I am really impresed

welcome **** I m good(sorry,it's bad username)

I have a question if I may?I understand that minarets are not essential in the design of a mosque but are there any mosques built today that don't have them?

I have a question if I may?I understand that minarets are not essential in the design of a mosque but are there any mosques built today that don't have them?

Absolutely.

Here is an example from Turkey (and a very progressive design on multiple fronts, I might add):

http://www.akdn.org/agency/akaa/sixthcycle/turkey1.html

Mosque of the Grand National Assembly, Ankara, Turkey - completed 1989

In addition to not having a minaret, the qibla wall is glass, opening to a sunken water feature and garden. Note also that the entire structure is built into the environment, as not to be in conflict with nature. Being appropriate and engaging nature and context are absolutely critical themes in Islamic architecture.

http://www.akdn.org/graphics/akaa/98_3016.jpg http://www.akdn.org/graphics/akaa/99_3016.jpg
http://www.akdn.org/graphics/akaa/100_3016.jpg http://www.akdn.org/graphics/akaa/101_3016.jpg

Just outside the Islamic world you can find a mosque with out (Manara).
but in the Islamic world the (manara) is a part of the mosque architecture..

Those are great examples and thanks guys.

Just outside the Islamic world you can find a mosque with out (Manara).
but in the Islamic world the (manara) is a part of the mosque architecture..

Note true. The example I provided in post 665 is from Turkey. That being said, there might actually be more without minarets in countries with Muslim minorities.

In fact, historically, they were not part of masjid architecture at all. None of the mosques built around Muhammad's time had them (just look at the Al-Aqsa in Jeruselum as an example). While there is debate as to where the first one was (e.g. West Africa versus Syria versus Yemen) their incorporation in masjids was part of an evolution.

Al-Aqsa:
http://quantumfuture.net/fr/images/mosque%20alaqsa-mosque--004.jpg

As an interesting tid-bit, the minaret in the great mosque of Damascus (one of the ones that might actually be the first) was formerly a bell tower (the thing was previously a cathedral, but became a masjid after a majority of the people became Muslim, and so the Muslims swapped multiple smaller pieces of land to house several churches, for the cathedral). The guys used to walk the streets making the call for prayer, and upon seeing the bell tower, used their intellects and thought that might be a better way to do it. This actually demonstrates how Islamic architecture has always been one where there has been evolution, while the symbols and themes of the past are maintained.

While some people will say Islamic architecture means "minaret, dome, etc.", those are actually NOT the hallmarks. The themes (which then are interpreted and presented with creativity and respect for context) include things like balance, embedding of knowledge (eg by way of geometry), being appropriate to location, being reflective of context and the environment, etc. Some things that actually claim to be Islamic architecture (because they have a dome and/or a minaret) are actually far from it, as they are often disrespecting of context and environment.

Along the same lines, here is a masjid in China (Huajuexiang Mosque in Xian - present structure erected in 1392, replacing an earlier one that is though to have been built in the 7th century!) built using the themes of Islamic architecture:
http://www.iis.ac.uk/WebAssets/Large/Gallery/mosque14.jpg

Many people mistake Arab culture and design as Islamic in an overarching way, but the Muslim world is much more diverse than that, and on many fronts!

Beautiful

i love it

nice pictures

I saw this video,and I'd like to share it with you guys...
((it's about Abraj Albait project))
1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdjAU6l_0ic&NR=1

great video, thx for posting

Hajar Tower (Under Construction)

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6971/dsc00012jy2.jpg

Maqam Tower (Under Construction)

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/8970/dsc00004uc0.jpg

Makkah Royal Hotel (Under Construction) [Typical floors above the podium]

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6063/dsc00013on8.jpg

Top of The Podium (Under Construction) [3 stepped floors remaining will look as pyramid inshallah]

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7113/dsc00014ev0.jpg

The Tent above Al-Safa Tower (Tent is Under Construction - Tower is Completed)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1825/dsc00007py7.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2884/dsc00010zd6.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4624/dsc00011vx3.jpg

The Top of Al-Marwa Tower (Tent to be finished next year inshallah - Tower is Completed)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4822/dsc00015qt9.jpg

This is an excellent article from the UK's independent ...


Shame of the House of Saud: Shadows over Mecca (http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article358577.ece)
Previously unseen photographs (NOT PUBLISHED WITH THIS ARTICLE) reveal how religious zealots obsessed with idolatory have colluded with developers to destroy Islam's diverse heritage

By Daniel Howden
Published: 19 April 2006

There is a growing shadow being cast over Islam's holiest site. Only a few metres from the walls of the Grand Mosque in Mecca skyscrapers are reaching further into the sky, slowly blocking out the light. These enormous and garish newcomers now dwarf the elegant black granite of the Kaaba, the focal point of the four million Muslims' annual Haj pilgrimage.

The tower blocks are the latest and largest evidence of the destruction of Islamic heritage that has wiped almost all of the historic city from the physical landscape. As revealed in The Independent last August,the historic cities of Mecca and Medina are under an unprecedented assault from religious zealots and their commercial backers.

Writing in response to the article, Prince Turki al-Faisal said that Saudi Arabia was spending more than $19bn (£11bn) preserving and maintaining these two holy sites. "[We are aware] how important the preservation of this heritage is, not just to us but to the millions of Muslims from around the world who visit the two holy mosques every year. It is hardly something we are going to allow to be destroyed."

This rebuttal sits at odds with a series of previously unseen photographs, published today, that document the demolition of key archaeological sites and their replacement with skyscrapers.

Saudi religious authorities have overseen a decades-long demolition campaign that has cleared the way for developers to embark on a building spree of multi-storey hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and luxury apartment blocks on a scale unseen outside Dubai. The driving force behind this historical demolition is Wahhabism * the austere state faith that the House of Saud brought with it when Ibn Saud conquered the Arabian peninsula in the 1920s.

The Wahhabis live in fanatical fear that places of historical or religious interest could give rise to alternative forms of pilgrimage or worship. Their obsession with combating idolatry has seen them flatten all evidence of a past that does not agree with their interpretation of Islam.

Irfan Ahmed al-Alawi, the chairman of the Islamic Heritage Foundation, set up to help protect the holy sites, says the case of the grave of Amina bint Wahb, the mother of the Prophet, found in 1998, is typical of what has happened. "It was bulldozed in Abwa and gasoline was poured on it. Even though thousands of petitions throughout the Muslim world were sent, nothing could stop this action."

Today there are fewer than 20 structures remaining in Mecca that date back to the time of the Prophet 1,400 years ago. The litany of this lost history includes the house of Khadijah, the wife of the Prophet, demolished to make way for public lavatories; the house of Abu Bakr, the Prophet's companion, now the site of the local Hilton hotel; the house of Ali-Oraid, the grandson of the Prophet, and the Mosque of abu-Qubais, now the location of the King's palace in Mecca.

Yet the same oil-rich dynasty that pumped money into the Taliban regime as they blew up the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan six years ago has so far avoided international criticism for similar acts of vandalism at home. Mai Yamani, author of The Cradle of Islam, said it was time for other Muslim governments to ignore the al-Sauds' oil wealth and clout and speak out. " What is alarming about this is that the world doesn't question the al-Sauds' custodianship of Islam's two holy places. These are the sites that are of such importance to over one billion Muslims and yet their destruction is being ignored," she said. "When the Prophet was insulted by Danish cartoonists thousands of people went into the streets to protest. The sites related to the Prophet are part of their heritage and religion but we see no concern from Muslims."

Lay people, and in some cases even US senators could be forgiven for thinking that the House of Saud has been the guardian of the two holy places for time immemorial. In fact, it is only 80 years since the tribal chieftain Ibn Saud occupied Mecca and Medina. The House of Saud has been bound to Wahhabism since the 18th century religious reformer Mohamed Ibn Abdul-Wahab signed a pact with Mohammed bin Saud in 1744. Wahab's warrior zealots helped to conquer a kingdom for the tribal chieftains. The House of Saud got its wealth and power, and the clerics got the vehicle of state they needed to spread their fundamentalist ideology around the world. The ruler of this fledgling kingdom needed the legitimacy afforded by declaring himself " custodian of the two holy places".

But that legitimacy has come at an enormous price for the diversity of Muslims who look to Mecca for guidance. Once in charge, the Wahhabists wasted little time in censoring the Haj. As early as 1929, Egyptian pilgrims were refused permission to celebrate the colourful Mahmal rites and more than 30 were killed. At the time Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. Few governments have stood up to them since.

Instead, the homogenisation of Islam's holiest sites was allowed to accelerate into a demolition campaign that now threatens the birthplace of the Prophet itself. The site survived the early reign of Ibn Saud 50 years ago when the architect for the planned library persuaded the absolute ruler to allow him to preserve the remains under the new structure. Saudi authorities now plan to "update" the site with a car park that would mean concreting over the remains.

"The al-Sauds need to rein in the Wahhabists now," warns Dr Yamani. "Mecca used to be a symbol of Muslim diversity and it needs to be again." But with oil prices and profits, at record highs, there is little sign the House of Saud is listening.

Sami Angawi, a Hijazi architect who has devoted his life to a largely doomed effort to preserve what remains of the history of the world's greatest pilgrimage sites, said that the final farewell to Mecca was imminent. " What we are witnessing are the last days of Mecca and Medina."

Mecca's skyline

Giant cranes and half-constructed skyscrapers tower over the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Six new property developments, including the Bin Laden group's Zam Zam Tower, are transforming the character of Islam's holiest city

ISLAMIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Mountain of light

The mountain of light, or al-Nour, is next in the Wahhabis' sights. Home to the Hira'a cave, it was here that the Prophet is said to have received the first verses of the Koran. Hardline clerics want it destroyed to stop pilgrims visiting. At the foot of the hill there is a Wahhabi fatwa: " The Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) did not permit us to climb on to this hill, not to pray here, not to touch stones, and tie knots on trees..."

ISLAMIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The Prophet's wife's grave

The ruins in the foreground are the remains of the grave of the Prophet's wife, Al Baqi, destroyed in the 1950s. The mutawi religious police are present night and day to prevent anyone placing flowers on the site, or even praying in the proximity of the graves

THE ISLAMIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Al Oraid Mosque

The 1,200-year-old mosque, site of the grave of the Prophet's grandson al-Oraid, is seen here being dynamited. Gathered around the site are Saudi religious police with their distinctive red scarves, who appear to be celebrating

THE ISLAMIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION

wow, thx DreaM1891!! the hotel tower is already a few floors tall

As an interesting tid-bit, the minaret in the great mosque of Damascus (one of the ones that might actually be the first) was formerly a bell tower (the thing was previously a cathedral, but became a masjid after a majority of the people became Muslim, and so the Muslims swapped multiple smaller pieces of land to house several churches, for the cathedral). The guys used to walk the streets making the call for prayer, and upon seeing the bell tower, used their intellects and thought that might be a better way to do it. This actually demonstrates how Islamic architecture has always been one where there has been evolution, while the symbols and themes of the past are maintained.

While some people will say Islamic architecture means "minaret, dome, etc.", those are actually NOT the hallmarks. The themes (which then are interpreted and presented with creativity and respect for context) include things like balance, embedding of knowledge (eg by way of geometry), being appropriate to location, being reflective of context and the environment, etc. Some things that actually claim to be Islamic architecture (because they have a dome and/or a minaret) are actually far from it, as they are often disrespecting of context and environment.

Along the same lines, here is a masjid in China (Huajuexiang Mosque in Xian - present structure erected in 1392, replacing an earlier one that is though to have been built in the 7th century!) built using the themes of Islamic

First and foremost, I see that you are a proud person. In the world Islam is one of the youngest religion groups. Notwithstanding, minaret and dome have been in existence with the persians culture which need not be over-emphasized here.

Take care of yourself!

First and foremost, I see that you are a proud person. In the world Islam is one of the youngest religion groups. Notwithstanding, minaret and dome have been in existence with the persians culture which need not be over-emphasized here.

You've made an excellent point, which reinforces some of my sentiments. Primarily, that we should not confuse religious traditions with cultural ones. It actually demonstrates the diversity within the world of Islam! Persian architecture is some of the most spectacular. Most of the world has only seen it in India (Taj Mahal being the most famous), but there are amazing examples in Iran, Afghanistan (Herat), Uzbekistan (Samarkand, Bukhara), and other regions where the Persians left their mark. Diversity, all of the civilisations that have impacted and have been impacted by Islam, has resulted in a strength and richness, which is important to highlight and be proud of.

fantastic article walli.

im 110% against this development and all the other develpments the arab are planning.

they may aswell just destory Al-Haram Mosque and Masjid Nabwi.

fantastic article walli.

im 110% against this development and all the other develpments the arab wankers are planning. they deserve the worst possible death.

they may aswell just destory Al-Haram Mosque and Masjid Nabwi.

Hmmm ... the death comment is going too far (sounds more akin to wahabi words my friend). While calling a spade a spade, always remain patient!

A wise Muslim leader once said:
"No belief is like modesty and patience, no attainment is like humility, no honour is like knowledge, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation"

fantastic article walli.

im 110% against this development and all the other develpments the arab wankers are planning. they deserve the worst possible death.

they may aswell just destory Al-Haram Mosque and Masjid Nabwi.

let me tell you something, the area around the mosque is going to be a skyscrapers park whether you like it or not ;) . My advice to you is to stop whining and get a life!

fantastic article walli.

im 110% against this development and all the other develpments the arab wankers are planning. they deserve the worst possible death.

they may aswell just destory Al-Haram Mosque and Masjid Nabwi.

Hmmmmmmm maybe the Arabs are wankers...but do you know why??
because they're watching your mom!!
about the death story I cracked my self...it looks as if the arabs are your worst nightmares!!maybe you should read something about "Dramatic ways to kill" to bring your dream to reality."but it still dream":lol:
just small advice from me:
don't try ever to insult anyone by his ethnicity,because this just gonna prove one thing,that you're such a loser (Im trying to be polite with you because you seem to be under age)
finally:
If you don't like arabs,so why you're in Dubai?? or maybe it's your "mother land", just like "Bradford" for you guyz;)

the article doesn't make sense

There is nothing in Islam the prevents building skyscrapers near the Kaaba or Shadowing it.

the article doesn't make sense

There is nothing in Islam the prevents building skyscrapers near the Kaaba or Shadowing it.

Exactly. Muslims have NEVER been ashamed of big and great architecture. The prohibition against creating idols prevented the Islam world from producing paintings, and so their artistic endeavors were focused on buildings and architecture, and they created some of the best in the world. Are worshipers so stupid that they will forget that the Kaaba is holy when they see this building next to it? I don't think so.
If you think this building is ugly, fine. Personal tastes can't be disputed. But the argument that this building shouldn't be built next to a holy spot I think is more of a western argument.

the article doesn't make sense

There is nothing in Islam the prevents building skyscrapers near the Kaaba or Shadowing it.

I'm not sure if you've really understood the depth of the article, or if you've reviewed all the examples that have been provided in it. While I'm surprised that you are comfortable with overshadowing the Kaaba, that is not the main point of the article.

Thank-you for highlighting the article once again. It is perhaps an opportune time to suggest all to go back and read it once more.

---
"No belief is like modesty and patience, no attainment is like humility, no honour is like knowledge, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation"

^^ ur feelings are not important if it doesn't contradict the Islamic beliefs.

Beside Historical importance there is no religious significance to those old sites. Who cares about history if it prevents worshipers from achieving their religious duties?

The rest of the article is an aggregated bullshit.

Beside Historical importance there is no religious significance to those old sites.

Firstly, religious importance is dependent on interpretation. There is no significance if you are wahabi I suppose. While religious importance can be debated, this is not necessarily about religion only. Being an architecture related forum, one needs to ask the role of architecture with respect to engaging a culture, which has history and responsibility to that history.

Who cares about history if it prevents worshipers from achieving their religious duties?

What are you talking about? If the pilgrimage goes to 10 million from the 2-3 million now, these monstrosities will not allow any further expansion of the compound. You may recall that not too long ago, there were only ~200,000 coming. The world is changing, and it is quite possible that more could come in the future.

The rest of the article is an aggregated bullshit.

That is hardly an intelligent response. If you are so against the article, you should respond paragraph by paragraph.

Your comments about history being unimportant are barbaric, and reinforce the point in the article that states that the same money that funded the taleban to destroy the Afghan Buddhas is funding this desecration. Your comments are precisely what is so shameful. You confirm that what the taleban was doing, destroying history, was acceptable, because it was contrary to wahabi interpretation! Shame on you man!

Allah told me in a dream that he doesn't approve of the clock then Mohammad appeared and said "the clock will be no more."

:)

Shame on you man!
Shame on u for not knowing what ur talking about :D

you are directing the topic to thing that aren't related to what I said. No need to get emotional and start assuming things and call names.

Could someone answer me this.
I understand the terrain is less than ideal but if they're so caught for space, why don't they build a metro and build outwards?

^^ No brain

Mecca could have been one of the best organized cities for obvious reasons.

^^ No brain

What's that supposed to mean?
I don't know what you mean by "obvious reasons" since I don't know much about Mecca's history. Care to explain or else give some links?

No one here cares of updates or the project its self.

I wonder why Admins did not stop this useless arguement or at least did not close this topic completely. Maybe cause the admin does not like this project and I had an arguement with him before about it?

I hope the admin to prove that he is fair enough and gives general warning to all to be stuck to the main topic which is the skyscraper its self.

Could someone answer me this.
I understand the terrain is less than ideal but if they're so caught for space, why don't they build a metro and build outwards?

Actually they are working on this. There's an area called Aziziyah and there's alot going on there. But the demand on units that overlook the grand mosque is very high. Part of it two is that the people who live within the proximity of the mosque can actually pary along with the people in the mosque.

The mosque has always been surrounded by highrise buildings.. Abraj Al Bait is just higher and it serves the purpose of housing the worshippers and the pilgrims better. Also, the project is technically an expansion to the mosque since it will have designated prayer areas for 150,000 people.

On top of all of that, the project is an endowment for the mosque itself. All the generated profit will go to the maintenance and development of the mosque..

Now looking at it, I just realised the main tower look like the enlarged version of ESB



Anyway is this building entirely a hotel?

If that the case it will be the world tallest hotel, Even Las Vegas Crown can snatch away from it :lol:

Hmmmmmmm maybe the Arabs are wankers...but do you know why??
because they're watching your mom!!
about the death story I cracked my self...it looks as if the arabs are your worst nightmares!!maybe you should read something about "Dramatic ways to kill" to bring your dream to reality."but it still dream":lol:
just small advice from me:
don't try ever to insult anyone by his ethnicity,because this just gonna prove one thing,that you're such a loser (Im trying to be polite with you because you seem to be under age)
finally:
If you don't like arabs,so why you're in Dubai?? or maybe it's your "mother land", just like "Bradford" for you guyz;)

hmmm i seem to have touched a few nerves. now let me justify myself. i wasnt insulting the whole arab population. i was "cursing" the ones that plan these developments. i admit, the death curse was a bit too far so i apologise for that.
secondly, as much as i am against these developments, i cant do anything about them. but it wont stop me about expressing how i feel about them. these developments were going to happen, are happening, and will happen cuz it is a sign of qayamah (judgement day).
however, what really annoys me off is how the arabs are destroying islamic landmarks. i dont know whether ur muslim or not but wudnt u be pissed if u see all important landmarks of ur religion being detroyed?! i still havnt had the chance to see the landmarks and now, i probably never will.

I think it's more for the Arabs to determine what constitutes a landmark worth saving than for a group of Westerners to do it. I'm not sure that what the Saudis are doing equates in any way to Bamiyan.

The endowment aspect of this project increases its value.

I think this thing is beautiful. It's a fitting project for this location.

I think it's more for the Arabs to determine what constitutes a landmark worth saving than for a group of Westerners to do it. I'm not sure that what the Saudis are doing equates in any way to Bamiyan.


Actually, my comments as characterized by those in the article, were not as much from being a Westerner, but rather from being a Muslim. The things being destroyed are partially cultural, but are also of historical religious importance. Many of these are in the same realm for the broader Muslim traditions as Bamiyan. The only thing is, because these are inside Saudi, and Saudi's follow Wahabism as part of their theocracy / government, we seem to be turning a blind eye.

I think this thing is beautiful. It's a fitting project for this location.Yeah, it's great. Just shows you can put some befitting detail on even large-scale modern projects, and it does make a difference :okay:

and great to see it is rising really fast.

Actually, my comments as characterized by those in the article, were not as much from being a Westerner, but rather from being a Muslim. The things being destroyed are partially cultural, but are also of historical religious importance. Many of these are in the same realm for the broader Muslim traditions as Bamiyan. The only thing is, because these are inside Saudi, and Saudi's follow Wahabism as part of their theocracy / government, we seem to be turning a blind eye.

And my comments weren't directed at you specifically, to be clear.

I just feel that the Saudis should, and will, make the ultimate decisions.

I just feel that the Saudis should, and will, make the ultimate decisions.

Ah - and that is where the Bahmiyan parallel works, because the Taleban were the de facto government of Afghanistan at the time they destroyed the Buddha statues. Based on the comment above, you're alright with that. Make no mistake, the Saudis are not representatives of Muslims no matter how one cuts it.

Anyway - while some may have gotten annoyed with this discussion, I hope all realize that it is absolutely relevant to these buildings, as these discussions are integral to pillars of Islamic architecture, as well as architecture in general. These precedents could also be used some day on things of central importance to other faiths also. Putting the shoe on the other foot is often times helpful to understand another's concern.

this building is weird looking.....

17 Aug 2007
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/1246926854_eb39e61f55_o.jpg

^^

That's beautiful.

17 Aug 2007
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/1246926854_eb39e61f55_o.jpg

See how beautiful the Kaaba looks when you can't see the monstrosities currently under construction?

Keep in mind, the construction doesn't look as large or encroaching as much in this picture, because it is on the far side of the Kaaba complex from where the picture has been taken. The Kaaba complex is many hundreds of feet wide!

Very nice picture!

Could someone take a picture of how this thing looks from the South, IE with the construction in the foreground and the Kaaba in the background? Make sure the Kaaba can be seen, so perhaps a minaret between the buildings, or maybe with the construction just off centre to one side.

I don't think we've seen that, and that angle will be critical for all of us to understand the impact of the new buildings relative to the context. We keep on seeing the construction from one side only.

why you people pessimistic like that?be careful what you say ok!

why you people pessimistic like that?be careful what you say ok!

What are you talking about? I think the Kaaba is beautiful!!!

In time, I think the "monstrosities" will emphasize the importance of the Kaaba, rather than detract from it.

Just out of curiosity, what is inside the Kaaba itself? Not the complex, but the large black rectangular structure in the center. I always wondered when I saw pictures in the news. Also, I would imagine that people inside the massive tower that finally gets built will have a very good view of Mecca!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba

fantastic contruction :)

In time, I think the "monstrosities" will emphasize the importance of the Kaaba, rather than detract from it.

So does anyone have a picture of how the Kaaba looks from behind the 'monstrosities', IE from a Southerly direction?

wow very nice pic of Kaaba

UPDATE:
Height of the project has been increased to be...
:banana: 595 M :banana:

^^ Trusted information 100% inshallah (God willing) and no need please for useless arguement about the height. I used to provide true informations always about this project such as the clock (before any official announcement), the height to be 577 M then 579 M and as you all know, the new shop drawings proved this increment of height and here again I am informing all of you that height has been increased officially again to be 595 M. Enjoy it

^^ What will the height increase consist of? Which part will be extended?

^^The Hotel (More typical floors)

wa make it 600m :D hehe

^^ Yeah, and we will have more building under the megatall/hypertall section. lol

^^ 100% they are going to increase the height to be 600+ M inshallah (God willing) but after couple of months.

ive changed thread title to reflect recent height change. i agree, just add 15m to reach 2000ft/610m.
should look unreal.

Tanks Culwulla for your poll about the megatall category. They increase the height to 600m because they want a MEGATALL!:lol:

I hope someone stop this shame

^^ what shame?

I hope someone stop this shame

I hear ya', but it looks like this is now a lost cause.

why you people pessimistic like that?be careful what you say ok!

otherwise? (keep in mind,. that we have a freedom of speech!)

I think this complex is one of the most impresive in the word sooo huge

Many don't like the location but we are here to discuss the construction work and updates not locations and even if someone wants to discuss it, we already did for many several times before. I think it is enough and let's concentrate on updates.

ive changed thread title to reflect recent height change. i agree, just add 15m to reach 2000ft/610m.
should look unreal.

i've the feeling that they'll increase it again...to 600m + ^^

This building is massive!

from zamzam tower
c1epYgz0h1c

^^, that video is in german...cool :)

btw...does anybody know the names and heights of all the towers in that project? would be nice to know them

Nice to hear about the repeated height increase!
Are there any new official renderings? I hope they don't play around with the spire to make meters, but instead add more floors, so that Abraj Al Bait will finally not only look massive and huge, but also super-mega-tall, like such a high skyscraper should.

from zamzam tower (#727)
Hey - you guys are talking german in the heart of saudi arabia... that's what I'd expected least. Voll krass! :cool:

This clip rocks! :okay:
Reminds me a bit of my good ol' days as a teenager, when I was sneaking u/c-highrises prively at night (I stopped that when I realized how expensive an unwanted deployment of municipal security service might get for me... :nono:. Strangely, I never thought of trying to get a permission or a job there.)

Reminds me a bit of my good ol' days as a teenager, when I was sneaking u/c-highrises prively at night

That's funny, but which highrise buildings in Freiburg??? http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/?id=102927 :lol:

from zamzam tower
c1epYgz0h1c

First of all, it is in german cause the sub-contractor who is installing the tents is german company called S L RASH (http://www.sl-rasch.de/) so maybe this video has been taken by one of the staff there.

Names of Towers:

Al Safa Tower (Called Tower A)

Al Marwa Tower (Called Tower B)

Hijra Tower (Called Tower C)

ZamZam Tower (Called Tower D)

Makkah Royal Hotel Tower (Called Tower H)

The Wings:

Sarah Tower (Called Tower K)

Maqam Tower (Called Tower F)

To know the names of towers on any render, please check my previous posts.

thx DreAm1981. have the heights not been made official until now?

heights are known officially and there is a post about the height of each tower but sure the new update is only for hotel which is the main tower of the project. The new height as I said above is 595 M and it is official.

realy cool towers I want to see those scenes from my eyes must be very impresive :uh:

I don't like so much the project, I think it looks a bit anonymous

heights are known officially and there is a post about the height of each tower but sure the new update is only for hotel which is the main tower of the project. The new height as I said above is 595 M and it is official.

found the post. i hope i'm correct with that:

Hotel Tower: 595m
ZamZam Tower: 260m
Hajar Tower: 260m
Marwah Tower: 240m
Qiblah Tower: 240m
Safa Tower: 240m
Sarah Tower: 240m

That's funny, but which highrise buildings in Freiburg??? ...... :lol:
Well, the Bahnhofsturm stands only 66m tall... I'm talking about highrises, not essentially skyscrapers. The Black Forest nearby has some tall bridges, where I once climbed a 110m-crane. And also Frankfurt isn't too far from Freiburg! ;)

Back to presence and to Mecca:
The towers are a bit too close to each other, I think, so it appears like one tower with large wings. Mostly only Abraj Al-Bait is known as a whole so far, and it's about time that all the single towers become generally known worldwide... they are worth it.

That is it ZZ-II.

thx :). good to know that. now i can add the towers to my endless skyscraperlist

cheers:cheers:
2003
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1879/94216597dyhdoxfsma8.jpg
2007
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/117/p1020344pz9.jpg

OMG ^^

WOW!!!!! ...and I thought the building in 2003 looked big by itself.

nice pics!

you can now imagine how billions they payed to build such project for help pilgrims & maintenance al haram by what they gain be hind it!

2001
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5294/29585240ovddkigasvphyg9.jpg
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3251/29584881bnqemfayodphjh5.jpg

you can now imagine how billions they payed to build such project for help pilgrims & maintenance al haram by what they gain be hind it!

Actually, the way the prices have been set, only the pilgrims with billions will be able to afford staying in the monstrosity! In addition, most of the spaces have been purchased by business types, and are being sub-let for even higher profits!

i know the price is known loool but see the different 2001 and 2007 big change!

I hear ya', but it looks like this is now a lost cause.

I agree. Imagine Rome if they did this:

http://www.pixelmap.com/images/Nav/meka.jpg

Oh, well, it is done, I guess. tallest hotel in the world by far.

Actually, the way the prices have been set, only the pilgrims with billions will be able to afford staying in the monstrosity! In addition, most of the spaces have been purchased by business types, and are being sub-let for even higher profits!

Even if the prices are very high there still the income goes for the maintenance of the holy mosques.

I do not find any problem if prices are very high there since 1 square meter of land costs you 350,000$ so how can you build an endowment for poor people and get low income on such expensive land? this is impossible specially if the income will be used for maintenance of the two holy mosques which costs almost 700,000$ daily.

If the gov. is not waiting for high income then it would be possible but the income is highly needed for the maintenance of the holy mosques cause the oil is not an infinite source as we all know.

The gov. has to find some alternatives from now.

It is the time to be REAL and LOGIC please.

I agree. Imagine Rome if they did this:

http://www.pixelmap.com/images/Nav/meka.jpg

Oh, well, it is done, I guess. tallest hotel in the world by far.
:puke: :puke:

Please NO!!!

Rome cannot have skyscrapers in the city center (and Makkah probably shouldn't have too).

I would have been better to built such a big building far from the mosque and connect it with subways. :bash:

But as was said before the land in front of the kabaa is very expensive but also very profitable.... :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: