Mecca
Subtitle: the sacred city
By: Ziauddin Sardar
Edition: First U.S. edition.
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 408
ISBN-13: 9781620402665
Subjects: Muslim pilgrims and pilgrimages; Islam; History
Description: "Sardar unravels the meaning and significance of Mecca. Tracing its history from its origins as a barren valley in the desert to its evolution as a trading town and sudden emergence as the religious center of a world empire, Sardar examines the religious struggles and rebellions in Mecca that have significantly shaped Muslim culture ... [in a] blend of history, reportage, and memoir"--Amazon.com.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 373-391) and index.
Table of contents: title: The lure of Mecca; title: The Valley of Weeping; title: "I love thee more than the entire world"; title: Rebellion at God's earthly throne; title: Sharifs, sultans, and sectarians; title: Love and fratricide in the Holy City; title: The caravans of precious gifts; title: The Wahhabi threat; title: Camels, Indians, and feudal queens; title: Western visitors, Arab garb; title: Mecca under the Saudis; title: The reconfigured utopia.