subject: Things to do around Medina [print this page] Things to do around Medina Things to do around Medina
Medina I Saudi Arabia is best known around the world as the second holiest city in Islam and as the home of the Prophet Muhammad after the Hijra, his migration from Mecca. Today the city, which was named personally by Muhammad, is home to over 1,300,000 people and is a great centre of pilgrimage for Muslims from all over the world. Like the city of Mecca, entry and travel through Medina is forbidden to non-Muslims, reflecting its religious significance.
The religious sites of Medina continue to attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year from all over the Islamic world. Most come to see the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad which is located under the Al-Masjid al-Nabawu, The Mosque of the Prophet. The current mosque dates back to the early sixteenth century after the original, constructed by Muhammad in 622 AD, was destroyed by lightning. It is dominated by its distinctive Green Dome, which sits directly above the tomb of the Prophet. The area around the mosque has changed considerably over the last five or six decades under the Saudi government, with extensive redevelopment to cope with the ever-growing number of visitors.
Much of the area surrounding Medina is harsh, forbidding desert but there are several points of interest in the surrounding region that are a must-see for visitors. One such is Mount Uhud, the site of the famous Battle of Mount Uhud in 625 AD. Located just to the north of Medina, the mountain offers stunning views over the city and its environs and is a very significant site in the history of Islam. While the slope is reasonably gentle, the unrelenting sun can made the climb quite arduous for those unaccustomed to the heat.
Like many other ancient Middle Eastern and Arabian cities, commerce has long been one of the twin driving forces of activity in Medina, along with religion. The city's Old Bazaar is one of the few historic landmarks to survive after 50 years of relentless development by the Saudi authorities and preserves its old world charm while skyscrapers, shopping malls and offices spring up in surrounding districts. Visitors can expect to encounter the usual range of souks and stalls and should be prepared to haggle to get the best price from the sometimes persistent shop owners.
The modern part of the city is a maze of steel and glass following an intensive development programme that continues to this day. Modern conveniences are all the rage and everything from shopping malls and restaurants to your hotel in Medina are likely to be fully air-conditioned and decorated to the highest standard, with fantastic amenities.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
