The systematic destruction of Saudi Arabia is under way—in silence. Historic mosques, tombs, mausoleums, monuments and houses: more than 90% of the old quarters of the holiest cities of Islam has been razed to make room for a new urban landscape of hotels, shopping centres and apartment blocks. [...]
Construction works have already transformed Mecca and Medina into cities without a past, dominated by skyscrapers.
— theartnewspaper.com
Built in 1780 and leveled in 2002 for the construction of the Makkah Royal Clock Tower hotel complex, the Ottoman Ajyad Fortress is just one of many historic sites that are being destroyed and replaced by hotel towers, condo skyscrapers and parking lots.
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9 Comments
This "uneasy relationship" is driven by solely one thing - money. It doesn't seem that they're as concerned bout leveling their history, so why should we be?
don't believe your lying eyes.
the skyscraper in the picture looks like the style of London tower?! How innovative!
I was thinking Big Ben. Maybe they'd be cool with a Zaha, Bjarke, or Gehry tower. I hear their forms are 100% innovative or your money back.
Is this the right link, above seems dead?
http://theartnewspaper.com/comment/comment/why-is-saudi-arabia-destroying-the-cultural-heritage-of-mecca-and-medina/
Nam, thanks for catching that. Edited.
+++Thayer-D
It is a big tragedy. The damage has already been done and the destruction is complete.
I don't know about that. Seems like a cool place to set up a craft pub. One could quietly sip on tasty beers while watching the pilgrims do their thing around that black rock.
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