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Prophet's Mosque Prepares for Hot Weather as Pilgrims Arrive

A high-efficiency air conditioning system is at the forefront of these efforts - SPA
A high-efficiency air conditioning system is at the forefront of these efforts - SPA
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Prophet's Mosque Prepares for Hot Weather as Pilgrims Arrive

A high-efficiency air conditioning system is at the forefront of these efforts - SPA
A high-efficiency air conditioning system is at the forefront of these efforts - SPA

The Saudi General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has prepared for the summer heat as Hajj pilgrims arrive. With rising temperatures, the authority implemented special services to ensure the comfort and well-being of worshippers.
A high-efficiency air conditioning system is at the forefront of these efforts. It adjusts cooling based on external temperatures to maintain a balanced coolness throughout the Prophet's Mosque. The central station boasts the world's largest water-cooling condenser, utilizing cutting-edge technology to distribute cool air efficiently, SPA reported.

Moving to the courtyards, visitors will find protection from the summer sun under 250 giant umbrellas, operating with an automatic system. Misting fans further cool the atmosphere while the central misting water network undergoes continuous sterilization to ensure hygiene and visitor safety.
The authority's commitment to pilgrim comfort extends to the materials used in the mosque's construction. Areas designated for prayer in the courtyards are covered with white Thassos marble, which reflects heat and light, offering a natural cooling effect. Tiny pores allow the marble to absorb moisture at night and release it during the day, maintaining coolness during peak temperatures.
These comprehensive measures by the authority showcase Saudi Arabia's dedication to providing a comfortable and safe environment for worshippers, especially during the hot summer months.

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49 Saplings from Famous UK Tree that Was Illegally Chopped Down will be Shared to Mark Anniversary

FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)
FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)
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49 Saplings from Famous UK Tree that Was Illegally Chopped Down will be Shared to Mark Anniversary

FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)
FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

It's been a year since a sycamore tree that stood high and proud near the Roman landmark of Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England was inexplicably chopped down, triggering a wave of shock and disbelief across the UK, even among those who had never seen it up close.

Known and loved by millions, the 150-year-old tree was made famous around the world when it featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” The Sycamore Gap tree, as it was known because of its regal canopy framed between two hills, was a popular subject for landscape photographers and a great resting spot for walkers.

Now it is going to get a new lease of life — dozens of them, The AP reported.

The National Trust, a conservation charity that seeks to protect and open up historic places and green spaces to the general public, launched an initiative on Friday in which 49 saplings from the tree will be given to communities around the UK. Other saplings will be sent to the UK's 15 national parks and the local primary school.

The initiative, which also involves the local Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England, the public organization that looks after England’s historic environment, is called “Trees of Hope” and aims to “create a new chapter in the life of this legendary tree.”

Each of the 49 saplings — one to represent each foot of the tree's height when it was felled — is expected to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall on delivery.

People from around the UK are invited to apply for a tree to plant in publicly accessible spaces which have emotional connections with people and communities. Entries must be made by Oct. 25, with winners announced on Nov. 18.

“The last 12 months have been a real rollercoaster of emotions, from the hopelessness and grief we felt when we discovered that the tree had been illegally felled, to experiencing the stories shared with us about just what the tree meant to so many," said Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian’s Wall properties.

Also on Friday, the Northumberland National Park Authority is marking the anniversary of the felling with the opening of the first phase of an exhibition, “Sycamore Gap: One Year On,” including the largest remaining section of the tree.

Two men — Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers — have been charged with two counts over the felling of the tree. One count is for allegedly cutting down the tree and the second is for damage to the adjacent wall built by Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 122 to protect the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. Prosecutors have calculated that the cost of the felling was around 620,000 pounds ($825,000).

Both have been released on bail ahead of their trial scheduled for early December.