Medina

Medina was where the Prophet Muhammad settled after leaving Mecca in 622, the event from which the Islamic calendar counts, and where he is buried; the Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, is built around the site of his house and grave, marked by the green dome, and it is the second holiest place in Islam after the Masjid al-Haram. The mosque has been enlarged many times and now covers an enormous area with retractable umbrellas over the courtyards. Quba Mosque, held to be the first mosque built in Islam, and the Qiblatain Mosque are also in the city, along with the site of the battle of Uhud. The central haram area is restricted to Muslims.

History

The oasis of Yathrib was inhabited from at least the 9th century BCE, and by the time of the Prophet Muhammad it was home to the Arab tribes of 'Aws and Khazraj and the Jewish tribes of Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Qurayza and Banu Nadir. Its landmarks include the Prophet's Mosque, the Quba and Qiblatain mosques, the Seven Mosques and the Baqi' Cemetery (Wikipedia, Medina).

The main sights

• Masjid an-Nabawi - the Prophet's Mosque and the green dome.
• Quba Mosque - held to be the first mosque of Islam.
• The Qiblatain Mosque - where the direction of prayer was changed.
• The Haramain railway - the high-speed line linking Medina to Mecca and Jeddah.

When to go

October to April for bearable weather; summer heat is severe. Ramadan brings very large numbers to the mosque. The Haramain high-speed line reaches Medina from Jeddah and Mecca.

Practical notes

The central area of the city is restricted to Muslims and the boundary is enforced. Crowds around the mosque are heavy at prayer times and in Ramadan. Much of the historic city was cleared in twentieth-century expansions. Photography inside the mosque is restricted.

Nearby

AlUla and Hegra lie northwest; Khaybar is north.

Key facts