waynehazle

and it will likely never show up here... but I would love to read a report from someone who has done the pilgrimage to Mecca & Medina.

I think I am partially obessed with this trip because of the amazing Islamic architecture I saw in India and also because as a non-Muslim, I am not even allowed near the holy cities of Islam.

I would love to read a report here, but I am not even sure if a devout Muslim making the journey would want to share it here. But I guess I can wish ...

Nyamera

Waynehazle,
Why not? It doesn’t have to be such a devout Muslim – a Muslim who likes to travel would be sufficient, I think. Anyone out there?

thit_cho

Richard Burton, the 19th-Century explorer (not the two-time husband of Liz Taylor) snuck in and published a book. There have been reports by other infidels who managed to sneak into Mecca and Medina.

I visited Saudi Arabia in May 2001, and while I was in Jedday, I do recall seeing roadsigns permitting Muslim-only travel. While I was only in Riyadh and Jeddah, I don't think Saudi Arabia is the destination for "amazing Islamic architecture." For that, I would recommend Morocco or Tunisia.

waynehazle

Yes I heard about Richard Burton.

The great mosque of Mecca is of course THE ONE to see, een though it is certainly not the most beautiful mosque in the world.

I would wnt to go for the sense of history and that deeper connection & not just an architecture tour. The ghats in Varanasi aren't amazing works of art. It is about what you feel in the city.

Nyamera

A Finn visited Mecca in disguise before Burton. We should send “Waynehazle in disguise” to feel it out and write a report.

net_warrior

The Swiss Johann burckhardt of Petra fame was the first to visit Mecca & Medina