'Zweite Ansicht der Stadt Mekka über die nordwestliche (rechts) und die südwestliche Seite (links) der Moschee hinaus'. Photographer: al-Sayyid ʻAbd al-Ghaffār

Content

Genre/Subject Matter

This image shows the Caaba and Sanctuary at Mecca from an elevated position due east of the Masjid al-Haram, or Grand Mosque. Parts of the northwest and southwest of the city of Mecca are visible in the middleground. (Compare, for example, ‘Picture of the City of Mecca the Great’ Photo 174/3 from almost the same vantage point.)

Due to the relatively slow shutter speed used by the photographer, the movement of the pilgrims performing tawaf – the ritual of circumambulation of the Caaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction during the hadj or umrah, starting from the black stone – is captured here as indistinct blurring of the figures closest to the Caaba on the left. There is a range of activity occurring through the mostly empty expanse around the Caaba. White, straight lines to the right and left of the Caaba as well as some activity near the cloisters on the right may indicate some form of construction work underway.

A large two-storey building is situated immediately below the horizon on the foothills of the northern ridge.

In the immediate foreground a wall or parapet is out of focus. Derelict or semi-derelict structures make up the lower left foreground while hills rise in the background.

This is the second of four photographs taken from the same vantage point, which form a panoramic view over the city of Mecca. The first, third and fourth are X463/2, X463/4 and X463/5 respectively.

The negative has had hand-work applied, creating a drawing-like quality.

Inscriptions

Above image, on the right, in ink: ‘III’

Lower centre and upper centre: Illegible, partially erased Arabic script

Extent and format

1 collotype print

It is part of

'Bilder aus Mekka' by Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje

62 images

Ref: X463

Physical characteristics

Dimensions:

186 x 240 mm

Format:

Collotype print, pasted into volume

Condition:

The print is in good condition with minor surface dirt and light abrasions, though no surface losses in the lower right of centre.

Foliation:

‘III’

Process:

Collotype

Written in

Arabic in Arabic script

Type

Photograph

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

X463/3

History of this record

Date(s)

1886-1889 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Landscape photographyMosquesHistoric buildings

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Cite this record in your research

'Zweite Ansicht der Stadt Mekka über die nordwestliche (rechts) und die südwestliche Seite (links) der Moschee hinaus'. Photographer: al-Sayyid ʻAbd al-Ghaffār, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, X463/3, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023514790.0x00000a> [accessed 31 October 2024]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023514790.0x00000a

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