Page "Mecca" Paragraph 83

The Qishla of Mecca was an Ottoman castle facing the Grand Mosque and defending the city from attack.

However, the Saudi government removed the structure to give space for hotels and business buildings near to the Grand Mosque.

Hira is a cave near Mecca, on the mountain named Jabal Al-Nūr in the Hejaz region of present day Saudi Arabia.

It is notable for being the location where Muhammad received his first revelations from God through the angel Jibreel, also known as Gabriel to Christians.