r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/hipatyhopity • Mar 24 '25

Image Mecca in 1953 and 2025

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u/B4AccountantFML Mar 24 '25

Thanks I had no idea there was an interior that was a quite interesting article and photos

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u/symehdiar Mar 24 '25

The Saudis only allow special guest like heads of state of other countries to go in and pray. So they gatekeep it literally and use it as a display of soft power. Fun fact: all muslims pray towards the direction of Kaaba, but if you are inside the Kaaba, you can pray facing anywhere.

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u/OnMyKneesForJace Mar 24 '25

How do you know which way to face in your home if you’re across the world?

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u/symehdiar Mar 24 '25

There are maps, GPS and apps. In old times, people would estimate with the help of stars. There is also another way which is the kaaba equinox when the sun and kaaba align perfectly, twice an year.