Despite the high temperatures, how does the Grand Mosque in Mecca maintain its cool during the Hajj season?

2024-06-13 2024-06-13T10:25:46Z

Arabia Weather - With the beginning of the summer season, temperatures rise to record levels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially in the city of Mecca, which witnesses a continuous influx of Umrah pilgrims and pilgrims throughout the year.

How does the Grand Mosque of Mecca stay cool during the Hajj season?

With the rising temperatures and the Hajj season approaching, some are wondering how to maintain the coolness of the Holy Mosque in Mecca under those conditions. No visitor to the Meccan Mosque, be it a pilgrim or pilgrim, can not be surprised by the cold floor of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, despite the intense heat that may reach... Summer to 50°C.

Floor cold

The reason for the cold floor is due to King Khalid’s order to complete the remainder of the building and expansion of the Grand Mosque in 1396 AH, and to expand the courtyard in 1398 AH. At that time, the floor was covered with Thassos marble, which increased the comfort of the worshipers and worshipers in the afternoon. This marble is imported from the island of Thassos in Greece, and works to reflect light and heat, and its thickness in the Two Holy Mosques reaches 5 centimeters.

What is Greek Thassos marble?

For decades, Saudi Arabia has been importing Greek Thassos marble, known for its ability to reflect light and heat. Thassos marble is rare and characterized by its crystal white color. It is one of the purest and hardest natural stones. This marble is distinguished by its ability to absorb moisture through tiny pores during the night, and then excretes what it absorbed during the day, which makes it always cool even at high temperatures.

Saudi Arabia imports marble in the form of huge rock pieces, and they are processed in private Saudi factories under the supervision of qualified technical personnel, where these pieces are cut into slabs of specific sizes and special standards.

Air coolers and water mist

In addition to marble, which cools the air temperature in the Holy Mosque in Mecca, the Saudi authorities have, over the past years, installed and provided air coolers in various areas of the Mosque with the aim of providing cool air for Umrah pilgrims and pilgrims. Water spray dispensers have also been installed on various sides of the roads and inside the Haram. This equipment spreads water spray on Umrah pilgrims and pilgrims as they circumambulate the Kaaba or walk towards the Haram’s facilities, to reduce the heat of the weather and the pressure generated as a result of large crowds.