First Makkah Clock: Historic Symbol of Saudi Care for Holy Sites

The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)
The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)
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First Makkah Clock: Historic Symbol of Saudi Care for Holy Sites

The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)
The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)

In the 1930s, as Muslims began their regular pilgrimages to the holy sanctuary in Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, signs of modernization emerged under the Saudi reign.

One significant addition was a giant clock atop Makkah’s government building, commissioned by King Abdulaziz. This clock served the worshippers’ need for accurate timing during their religious rituals and prayers in the Grand Mosque.

King Abdulaziz made caring for the holy mosques and the well-being of pilgrims a top priority for the Saudi government. He set the groundwork for future kings to improve services and make the pilgrimage experience smoother for visitors to Makkah and Medina.

From the early days of Saudi rule, King Abdulaziz showed a strong commitment to serving the holy sites and pilgrims from around the world.

He pledged to protect pilgrims and ensure their comfort and rights. In a statement published in the official newspaper before the Hajj season of 1343 AH, he expressed happiness in welcoming Muslims and making their journey to Makkah easier.

Recognizing the need for better timekeeping at the Grand Mosque, King Abdulaziz imported a large clock. Its hands were visible from far away, helping worshippers in Makkah and nearby areas keep track of prayer times.

King Abdulaziz ordered the construction of the clock in 1933, placing it atop the Hamidiyah Government Building. A tower reaching 15 meters high housed the clock, elevating it over 30 meters above street level.

The clock’s white background and black hands made it visible from afar, with electric lighting illuminating it at night. Construction began and finished in 1933.

Since then, the Two Holy Mosques have received special attention from Saudi leadership, particularly under the ambitious “Vision 2030” initiative, which has made the pilgrimage easier and enhanced the spiritual experience for millions of pilgrims.



Greek Police Arrest a Suspect over Online Auctions for Ancient Artifacts

A woman poses for a photo in front Caryatid statues that prop up the porch of the 5th century B.C. Erechtheion temple, as at the background is seen smoke from a fire , during a hot, windy day at Acropolis hill, in Athens, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP)
A woman poses for a photo in front Caryatid statues that prop up the porch of the 5th century B.C. Erechtheion temple, as at the background is seen smoke from a fire , during a hot, windy day at Acropolis hill, in Athens, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP)
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Greek Police Arrest a Suspect over Online Auctions for Ancient Artifacts

A woman poses for a photo in front Caryatid statues that prop up the porch of the 5th century B.C. Erechtheion temple, as at the background is seen smoke from a fire , during a hot, windy day at Acropolis hill, in Athens, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP)
A woman poses for a photo in front Caryatid statues that prop up the porch of the 5th century B.C. Erechtheion temple, as at the background is seen smoke from a fire , during a hot, windy day at Acropolis hill, in Athens, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP)

Authorities in Greece said Friday they have arrested a suspect accused of setting up online auctions to sell ancient Greek artifacts across multiple countries, including the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Italy.

The suspect, a woman who described as a foreign national but was not further identified, was detained in Athens by police officers tasked with combating antiquities trafficking, the agency said Friday.

Officers who searched her home seized multiple ancient relics including pottery fragments, figurine pieces, and a statuette of a satyr, a creature from Greek mythology.

The suspect was referred to a public prosecutor to be charged. No further details were immediately available.

Under Greek law, the transfer of ownership of antiquities without legal authorization is punishable by up to two years in prison, with sentences of up to 10 years for more serious related offenses.