Hajj landmarks in Jeddah: From historical routes to tourist destinations
For centuries, Jeddah has served as the main gateway for pilgrims arriving from all corners of the earth, the first point of entry before their journey to Mecca. Today, Saudi Arabia is witnessing concerted efforts to transform Jeddah's Hajj landmarks into leading tourist and cultural destinations, showcasing the rich history etched by the footsteps of pilgrims throughout the ages. The sea was not merely a stopover, but a gathering point from which the great pilgrimage began, whether on foot or on camelback, in a majestic and spiritually uplifting spectacle.
The strategic and historical importance of the Bride of the Red Sea
The historical roots of Jeddah's status as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques trace back to the reign of the Rightly Guided Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him), who in 26 AH (647 CE) ordered the transfer of the port of Mecca from Shu'aiba to Jeddah. This strategic decision granted the city a pivotal role in global trade and in receiving pilgrims. Over time, the city evolved into a melting pot of diverse Islamic cultures, where pilgrims would spend months preparing for their journey, saving money and choosing good companions to be guests of God. This cultural fusion left a clear mark on Jeddah's architecture, the customs of its people, and its intangible heritage, which remains present to this day.
Reviving Hajj landmarks in Jeddah and developing Al-Bunt port
One of Jeddah's most prominent landmarks, a testament to the city's rich history, is the historic Al-Bunt Port. Its establishment in its current form dates back to 1867, when the sea reached the beginning of King Abdulaziz Street. The founder of the Kingdom, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, ordered the construction of a special dock for pilgrim boats in front of the Al-Bunt building. Today, the Jeddah Historic District Development Program is working to revitalize this port and restore the historic district's waterfront to its former glory, further enhancing the city's status as a global tourist destination.
The Hajj route: Steps that narrate the fragrance of the past
The pilgrims' journey followed specific routes within the city, beginning at Bab al-Bunt port, passing through King Abdulaziz Street, then Qabil Street, reaching Al-Alawi Market, and ending at Bab Makkah, which marks the actual starting point for the pilgrimage to the holy sites. The Jeddah Municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, developed this historical route, which is over 1400 years old. The development work encompassed the area extending from Bab Makkah in the east to Bab al-Fardhah and Bab al-Naf'ah in the west, along with the restoration of the heritage buildings surrounding the route, transforming it into a vibrant open-air museum that attracts visitors to explore the rich history of the past.
Lake Al-Arbaeen: The source of construction and a rest stop
Lake Al-Arbaeen holds a special place in the historical memory of Jeddah. Historical sources indicate that Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him) and his companions stayed at this location, then known as the Sea of Al-Arbaeen, to bathe during their visit to the city. It was also known in ancient times as the Sea of Clay, as it was the primary source of clay used in the construction of traditional Hijazi houses. Locals would extract the clay to place between the layers of hewn stone, the foundation upon which the historic houses of Jeddah were built before the advent of cement. Today, the area surrounding the lake has been transformed into a vibrant, integrated park that blends the urban environment with the city's ancient heritage.
Tourism and economic impact at the local and international levels
Transforming these historical landmarks into tourist destinations has a profound impact that extends far beyond local boundaries. Locally, this transformation contributes to boosting the national economy, creating new job opportunities, and strengthening national identity among younger generations. Regionally and internationally, these projects position the Kingdom among the leading countries in cultural and heritage tourism, especially after Historic Jeddah was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2014. Attracting tourists from around the world to experience this great Islamic and human heritage enhances cultural exchange and showcases the civilized face of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify income sources and enrich the visitor experience.
