#برج_الساعة #مكه #٢٠٢٥ #haram_view_from_clock_tower @مکّہ المکرمہ The history of service buildings within the Masjid al-Haram (Mecca's Grand Mosque) is tied to its continuous expansions to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims and worshippers, with notable developments occurring during the Rashidun Caliphate (Umar and Uthman) and the Ottoman era, culminating in the ambitious King Abdullah expansion which included extensive new service facilities and walkways. While the mosque's foundational history is ancient, the modern "service building" concept is an outcome of these large-scale infrastructure projects designed to enhance visitor capacity and functionality. Early Expansions and Development Caliph Umar (7th Century): Purchased neighboring properties to expand the mosque, building a short wall around the area for illumination. Caliph Uthman (7th Century): Expanded the sanctuary by acquiring more houses and was the first to add colonnades (covered walkways with pillars and beams) to the mosque, which also served to hang lighting fixtures. Ottoman Era (16th Century): Under Sultan Selim Khan and Murad Khan, the mosque's roof was replaced with domes, and additional columns and a stone arcade were added, significantly increasing the structure's size. Modern Era Expansions King Abdullah Expansion (Recent Decades): This was the largest expansion in the mosque's history, featuring new prayer yards, tunnels, walkways, and the development of existing service facilities. Service and Infrastructure: The expansion integrated a complex network of structures and infrastructure, including staircases, elevators, and escalators, to facilitate the movement of vast numbers of people. Increased Capacity: The goal of these expansions, including the new service buildings, was to significantly increase the capacity of the Grand Mosque to accommodate millions of worshippers. In essence, the "Haram service building" is a modern construct resulting from centuries of development aimed at managing the immense flow of people to the sacred site, providing necessary infrastructure and functional spaces alongside the core prayer areas. @مکّہ المکرمہ - @makkahofficial100