Makkah Al-Mukarramah Museum
Makkah Al-Mukarramah Museum, also known as Al-Zaher Palace Museum, is a museum located in Makkah Al-Mukarramah City, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It sheds light on the civilizational and historical aspects of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province.
History of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Museum
Makkah Al-Mukarramah Museum was established in 1946, by order of the Founding King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. It is located in Al-Zaher Palace, in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, where it covers an area of 3,425 m. It served as a guesthouse before becoming the premises of Al-Zaher Elementary School in 1958. In 2006, it was renovated and converted into a museum for antiquities and heritage in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province.
Halls of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Museum
The museum houses several halls dedicated to exhibits, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Antiquities Hall, showcasing rock inscriptions, fortresses, Hajj routes, historical facilities, as well as some antiquities and archaeological findings uncovered in various Saudi regions.
The Prehistoric Era Hall sheds light on the natural environment in which humans lived during prehistory. It also showcases the means adopted by humans to interact with this environment and use stone tools, the various subsequent historical periods, and how humans became knowledgeable of agriculture and domesticated animals.
The Geological and Natural History Hall delves into the geological and natural history of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province and its wildlife. The Pre-Islamic Era Hall recounts the history of the establishment of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and its old markets. It explores all human activities, the process of building the Grand Mosque, and some historical events, such as the winter and summer journey, as well as the Year of the Elephant events. It also delves into the details of Arab religions before the rise of Islam.
The Prophet's Biography Hall explores some excerpts of the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), from his birth to his death. The Writing Development Hall recounts the development of Arabic writing and calligraphy since its inception. It explores the types of scripts and the location of their inscription and engraving in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province, as well as notable calligraphers. It also showcases models of scripts.
The Currencies Hall displays several Islamic currencies dating back to various Islamic eras. These currencies showcase the phases of the minting process. The Hajj Hall displays photos and maps of the Hajj routes leading to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the fortresses that were used as rest stops for pilgrims, old photos of Hajj journeys, and a model depicting the Holy Sites.
The Grand Mosque Building Hall recounts the phases of the mosque's construction. It begins by exploring the eras of the Rashidun Caliphate, the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, the expansions conducted during the Saudi State era, and the phases of building Al-Kaaba Al-Musharrafa and its Kiswa. It also displays a model of the Grand Mosque.
The Saudi State Hall recounts the history of the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it showcases audiovisual supports and maps.
The museum also houses other halls, such as the Education Hall that recounts the beginnings of education in Makkah Al-Mukarramah throughout various eras and the schools there. It also features the Makkah Heritage Hall that showcases several heritage elements retrieved from Makkah Al-Mukarramah, such as tools used in the desert, wicker weaving items, as well as hunting, agriculture, cooking, lighting, and ornamentation elements. The Wonders of Islamic Art elements showcase a selection of various Islamic artifacts from different Islamic countries, including jars, ornamented dishes, and copper candlesticks, among others.