Jeddah’s „Difference“ in Terms of Faith
As in other parts of the country and Saudi cities, the Islamic faith shapes the daily lives of its citizens and residents in Jeddah. The numerous mosques are a visible expression of this community’s commitment to the faith, which is primarily of the Sunni manifestation.
And yet: Jeddah is also „different“ in terms of faith. For the city with its port, which is not called Islamic Port by chance, has been a hub for countless believers on their way to the annual Hajj in Mecca since centuries. And these pilgrims have played a decisive role in shaping the city and its economic development.
Pilgrims and the Port
The city’s port, built in 647/648 AD, developed into an important starting point and destination for pilgrimages to and from Mecca. The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) contributed to the settlement of Muslims from Asia, Africa and the Middle East in Jeddah. Quite a few of them stayed and worked in the city. They laid the foundation for a future multicultural Jeddah. Over time, the city became the gateway to the trade routes of the Indian Ocean.
This, in turn, led to the emergence of a certain upper middle class, which was able to express its status in the form of magnificent houses. Therefore, socially and architecturally, historic Jeddah is directly linked to the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca. The port of Jeddah became the gateway for all pilgrims coming by sea. For centuries – and to this day – the city has adapted to the flow of pilgrims.
Urban Structure and Faith
The annual Hajj is reflected not only in the tangible or intangible assets of the residents and citizens, but also in the external features, such as the urban structure of the city and the traditional souqs that stretch east-west from the sea to the Gate of Mecca (Bab Makkah), pictured above, through which the pilgrims flocked towards Mecca, the Islamic fortifications and hostels (ribats) and, of course, in the architecture, such as the façades and the internal structure of the houses. Also, living and working together in one place has led to an intimate and lasting relationship between the inhabitants of Jeddah and the pilgrims.
If you want to know more about the topic, you can catch up in my ebook “Dr. Hans-F. Loth – Travel Guide Riyadh and Jeddah“.
