Al Masjid al Haram at Makkah, the spiritual abode of Islam and the Muslim world, is a complex of holy sites and built spaces that is totally unique. In response to the ever-increasing numbers of worshippers a highly significant new project to extend, modernize and embellish the mosque and its surroundings was started in 1991.

The Prophet's venerable Mosque, al Masjid al Nabawi al Sharif in al Madinah was the first formal mosque built during the course of the establishment of Islam. Its importance thus lies in its being a point of reference for the foundation not only of Islam, but also of Islamic architecture. As a result of the latest expansion it is also the largest mosque in the world, capable of holding one million worshippers. Drawing mainly on Arabic sources, this book documents the historical significance of the building and the surrounding city. It moves on to cover the New Extension, illustrating its concept and design, the renovation of the existing mosque and a re-evaluation of nearby areas of the city. A range of illustrations shows the integration of modern technology and materials with traditional features, as well as the achievements of Islamic civilization from the work of the old master-craftsmen to the technical experts of today.

A unique appraisal of the architectual developments of the contemporary mosque.

Comprehensive description and photographic documentation of two cities which illuminate the Moslem way of life.

Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant is an unprecedented photographic exploration of the most holy cities of Islam and the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage during Ramadan, when more than a million faithful journey to Mecca's Great Mosque to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur'an (Koran). This book allows both Muslims and those unfamiliar with the Islamic faith complete access to the holiest sites of one of the world's major religions, practiced by a quarter of the world's population but often misunderstood in the West. Photographer Ali Kazuyoshi Namachi, a Muslim convert from Japan, garnered the full support of Saudi Arabian authorities--rarely given--to shoot in cities where photography is strictly controlled and non-Muslims are not allowed. An expansive work of photojournalism, Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant includes: 140 full-color, never-before-seen photographs Mystical places and scenes of Islam Breathtaking aerial photographs of the Arabian terrain Vistas of teeming crowds of worshippers surrounding the Kacbah, Mecca's sacred center Intense portraits of faithful Muslims in prayer Magnificent architecture reflecting the faith of the believers Archival illustrations Text by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, one of the most highly regarded scholars of Islam, enhances the stunning Islamic holy city photographs to illuminate many aspects of Islamic belief that have remained enigma to non-Muslims--until now.