Mecca

Mecca is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia and the holiest city in Islam. Called “the fountainhead and cradle of Islam,” it is the birthplace of the Islamic prophet Mohammed. In Mecca is the Masjid al-Haram (or Great Mosque), believed by Muslims to have been built by Abraham and Ishmael. It is Islam’s holiest site and the direction of prayers for all Muslims worldwide. An example of this can be seen in the Ağalar Mosque in the third court of Topkapı Palace. It is at an angle compared to other buildings, so those praying inside will face Mecca. All mosques also have a mihrab, an often decorated niche in one of the walls, which indicates the direction of Mecca.