tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post7103094457643554993..comments2024-03-23T02:00:27.106+03:00Comments on SUSIE of ARABIA: As Time Goes BySusie of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-56709380450599699262010-10-03T12:44:05.061+03:002010-10-03T12:44:05.061+03:00Susie, a very good article!
The building is send ...Susie, a very good article!<br /><br />The building is send a clear message to the world. I always like to be told the truth straight out, and with one fell swoop KSA manages to make a lot clear about itself as a country, about it's spirituality, the importance of being custodian of the most holy Islamic sites, and the importance of spirituality and religion versus kapitalism, bad taste, and self-aggrandisment.<br /><br /><br />It makes it very clear indeed.Aafke-Arthttp://aafke-art.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-4109337912382302502010-09-28T07:32:16.525+03:002010-09-28T07:32:16.525+03:00It's ugly, and looking a this concrete monstro...It's ugly, and looking a this concrete monstrosity makes me deeply sad. How can they build such ugliness and leave Kaaba in it's shadow???! Non-Muslim Gucci and Prada execs and designers can't come to Makkah, but they are free to make profit from the sale of their duds at the mall built into this ugly monstrosity. ICookienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-50220076680873221242010-09-22T00:23:02.771+03:002010-09-22T00:23:02.771+03:00Arrogance you said? Now wait a minute ... I though...Arrogance you said? Now wait a minute ... I thought the west is far more arrogant than any one on this earth can hope to be. history books are full of that .. even those written from the west's perspective.<br />The Arabs are no doubt coming of age and this is unsettling to some who would rather have the status quo maintained. As for the adopting the KSA time, well there are those who have already. So what gives.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-31381765854902645512010-09-11T12:12:30.902+03:002010-09-11T12:12:30.902+03:00Another great blog post Susie, very interesting st...Another great blog post Susie, very interesting stuff.<br />I can't say whether I love or hate the clock itself. Structurally I think it is beautiful, although I do have to agree it's a bit sad that all of this modern architecture is being built in such gaudy fashion outshining the Kaaba.<br />I had to address this comment made by Call Me Veeds:<br /> "But ultimately, shouldn't faiths be more concerned about the practice of their beliefs, the inner consistency of their value systems, the adherence to founding principles rather than caring deeply about the precise second that a sliver of moon is sighted at some designated point on the planet?"<br />With all due respect, if you knew anything about Islam you would know that praying in a timely manner is absolutely vital to the "practice of our beliefs",and the "adherence to founding principles". It is instructed specifically in the Holy Qur'an to pray five times a day, at certain times throughout the day. By maintaining these prayer times we are not only abiding by the guidelines set forth to us by God, but we are also keeping a constant remembrance and fear of God in our heart by placing our foreheads to the ground and praying. This fear is intended to help us avoid having excess idle time, and thereby helps to prevent Muslims from falling into acts that are forbidden for us.<br />I also find it interesting that you refer to Muslims vs. Westerners. Are you aware of the vast number of Muslims who are "Westerners?" <br />I am not saying all Muslims are perfect, just as there are Christians, Jews, Agnostics, Buddhists, Hindus and people of all of faiths who do not set a good example for their faith nor live their life according to the teachings of their religion, praying at those certain times a day are one of the many parts of maintaining a lifestyle that includes "being kind, giving alms, treating people fairly, living lives of peace and love" as you referenced in your comment.<br />I don't mean to offend, or even to correct. I only intend to shed some light on what is one of the many misconceptions of a peaceful and beautiful religion that does consider the "ticking of nanoseconds" to be important.<br />Perhaps you would find my Ramadaan Diary interesting if you would like to learn more<br />www.veiledcouture.blogspot.comThe Mujahada in Pradahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12484337104165622141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-86488089528805221722010-09-09T18:06:50.074+03:002010-09-09T18:06:50.074+03:00well...thats just insane...I was on Omrah twice......well...thats just insane...I was on Omrah twice...once in late March and once in late June (We were in Saudi working...easy 12 hour drive over...LOL)...anyway frankly...I didnt even see the clock or notice the tower nor did anyone know what they were building, everyone thought they were adding on to the hotel complex.<br /><br />I think its sooo high up that you just dont even notice it...or see it if your in the haraam or right outside of it.<br /><br />BUT, it does seem in extremely POOR taste and even disrespectful to Makkah, the haraam and the kabaah to have such a structure looming over it. I really cant comprehend what made them decide to do this!<br /><br />Its sheer lunacy! Like, if you hike up Jebel An-Nu-r...what...you'll see this God forsaken clock mor than the Haraam and Kabaah. Ya 'Rabb!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-59106912641048450992010-09-09T03:16:52.741+03:002010-09-09T03:16:52.741+03:00Thanks for sharing the link, but unfortunately it...Thanks for sharing the link, but unfortunately it seems to be offline... Does anybody have a mirror or another source? Please reply to my post if you do!<br /><br />I would appreciate if a staff member here at susiesbigadventure.blogspot.com could post it.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />OliverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-67917674853784786162010-09-09T02:01:31.390+03:002010-09-09T02:01:31.390+03:00It's certainly a strange looking building. A m...It's certainly a strange looking building. A mixture of Big Ben and the Blackpool Tower. I'm sure Mecca has a magnetic force, as has the rest of the planet, together with lay lines and everything else that makes up the Earth. There may even be an earthquake there sometime, as I bet there are some tectonic plates under all that sand.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10349828855153546542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-11273577576663731362010-09-08T06:10:15.113+03:002010-09-08T06:10:15.113+03:00Personally I have a strong dislike for this clock....Personally I have a strong dislike for this clock. I think it is distasteful and overbearing, especially considering it's proximity to THE holiest place for Muslims worldwide. It takes all the reverence, beauty and sanctity out of the city.Imannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-66927262914298484002010-09-08T04:17:18.668+03:002010-09-08T04:17:18.668+03:00It is definitely a marvelous structure. Very maje...It is definitely a marvelous structure. Very majestic.Angel Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07448714419764794219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-26449755610388611912010-09-07T21:06:33.303+03:002010-09-07T21:06:33.303+03:00Very good journalism, Susie, as always. I couldn&#...Very good journalism, Susie, as always. I couldn't see where you published the proposed final height of the building (a bit more than 1,900 ft) but I see another reader has provided that anyway.<br /><br />But the point, as you portray, is not about being 2nd highest or 3rd or whatever, but the social and spiritual ramifications. A 2000-ft building will soon be overshadowed by a 2001-foot edifice.<br /><br />One philosophical item that interests me is the focus on exact precise time in Islam. I well understand that exact time plays an important role in Islam, more than almost any other faith system. But ultimately, shouldn't faiths be more concerned about the <i>practice</i> of their beliefs, the inner consistency of their value systems, the adherence to founding principles rather than caring deeply about the precise second that a sliver of moon is sighted at some designated point on the planet?<br /><br />Yes, Westerners have fun knowing the exact moment that Dec. 31 transitions to Jan. 1, or noting the exact moment that a couple is declared to be officially married or a child is born, but these are really just games we play in our heads to celebrate an event, not that much different than knowing the precise length that a particular tennis match may have lasted. <br /><br />Building a colossal monument to something that ultimately is an arbitrary measure of the ongoing movement of heavenly spheres would seem to be a misplaced priority. I would much rather see people of faith putting their energies into being kind, giving alms, treating people fairly, living lives of peace and love--according to whatever their revealed scriptures say--than obsessing over the tick of a nanosecond.Veeds of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609079024522754584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-10210923027861935372010-09-07T18:41:39.611+03:002010-09-07T18:41:39.611+03:00Most nations preserve their landmarks, historical ...Most nations preserve their landmarks, historical places and places of any significance by setting a standard in terms of construction in and around those places/sites. Obviously, it all depends how ‘important’ a place is.<br /><br />For example, a third world nation of Pakistan has a standard set for one structure for sure which is called Mazar-e-Quaid (Pakistan's founder). No building can be constructed with a height of 91 feet or more, within a radius of three-forths of a mile of the Quaid’s Mazar (tomb). (Quaid’s Mazar Protection and Maintenance Ord-1971).<br /><br />Reason, nobody wants there to have a building higher than Quaid’s Mazar to lower its significance, to hide or hinder its visibility or to make any sort of architectural statement next to it that deters the focus off from the centre piece in that area. All this is to preserve the integrity and the importance of that place where a leader, a national hero is buried. The tomb is associated to a national hero therfore has the same level of respect.<br /><br />Having seen these buildings besides Kaaba - I'm very sad indeed very very sad. My Kaaba and Masjid-e-Nabvi going to be hidden behind Manhattan like architecture, and would glow like Vagas, and going to have a clock that would remind eveyone of Big Ban, with hotels that look more like resorts, shopping centre and play lands, and all other magnificent building structures that are going to affect the significance of that place – at least visually for now.<br /><br />Here you can see the future expansion plans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwtgjOQ5CSw&feature=related - the sheer scale of the new proposed structures dwarfs Kaaba in its size and volume http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKgb7B7zIBs&feature=related<br /><br />Basically, the cities are going to be lost with their pasts glories.<br /><br />People who built or building their future on their pasts are going to have solid foundations and will always be remembered. From Eifel tower in Paris to St. Paul's Church in London, from Italy to Greece - look at how churches and old buildings with historical and religious significance are protected including whole towns and cities they are located in or associated with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-67177804496144759852010-09-06T23:23:45.597+03:002010-09-06T23:23:45.597+03:00"So these Saud Arabs can look down on Kaaba n..."So these Saud Arabs can look down on Kaaba now? That, to me, is blasphemy punishable by a very severe punishment."<br /><br />Why would that be blasphemy? There's three levels to the mosque surrounding it . . . go to the top floor and you can look down on it.<br />Even if you go to the top floors of those hotels nearby you can look down on it. I think it would be a beautiful sight. <br /><br />Love Saudi Arabia or hate it, you have to admit, this is one impressive clock.Jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12899505747643927150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-39207055932238257982010-09-06T21:01:38.142+03:002010-09-06T21:01:38.142+03:00There is some wonderful Islamic architecture out t...There is some wonderful Islamic architecture out there, why did they make an outsize homage to Big Ben? As far as their time becoming the world standard, that is far too late. The British won that battle a long time ago. Yes, it is Eurocentric, but any time scheme will need to favor one place over another.Jerry Mc Kennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02395712495722374971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-5375811896964169162010-09-06T13:22:50.925+03:002010-09-06T13:22:50.925+03:00Yes it's massive and mighty and truly impressi...Yes it's massive and mighty and truly impressive but couldn't they come up with some architectural wonder rather than go for a bigger big ben? Not very creative.<br /><br />I can't find thrill in the "mine is bigger than yours" game.<br /><br />I loved your post though. Detailed, informative, well illustrated, an excellent read as always. Great job Susie!Nathalie H.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16806509041466785588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-24761401921233015512010-09-06T12:56:55.410+03:002010-09-06T12:56:55.410+03:00I find it sad that searchlights are going to repla...I find it sad that searchlights are going to replace the beauty of moonlight across the Meccan skies. Vanity not piety will rule. <br />Jean GrantJean Granthttp://theburningveil.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-88479120137817447552010-09-06T04:49:37.933+03:002010-09-06T04:49:37.933+03:00Hi Susie,
can't remember how I found your bl...Hi Susie, <br /><br />can't remember how I found your blog but I'm so glad I did. Love it. Somehow, after reading it, I keep wanting to know more about Saudi Arabia. :)<br /><br />The clock does look pretty amazing and impressive. Like a cross between Big Ben and New York in the 1920s.Comtesse de Villeneuvehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16463979719917508166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-65142678028062070212010-09-05T14:07:18.520+03:002010-09-05T14:07:18.520+03:00The Arabs really have no reverence for anything, n...The Arabs really have no reverence for anything, no respect for anything except of course maybe America.<br /><br />But yet, if they do idolize America, they would have known that in Washington DC, no buildings are allowed to be constructed higher than a certain height. The skylines, the horizons of Washington DC are protected, sacred, physically and in practice.<br /><br />So these Saud Arabs can look down on Kaaba now? That, to me, is blasphemy punishable by a very severe punishment.<br /><br />Hansac.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-58537766793122874272010-09-05T12:58:53.241+03:002010-09-05T12:58:53.241+03:00WOW!! Thats amazing! how is that possible...
The ...WOW!! Thats amazing! how is that possible... <br />The pic. of the size of the clock hands!!<br />Keep ut the good work, Susie! Very nice to be updated what happens in saudi :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-18462691926571755232010-09-05T11:15:25.280+03:002010-09-05T11:15:25.280+03:00Ohhh I love the clock. I love your blog too. And I...Ohhh I love the clock. I love your blog too. And I love the song that was on when I came on. <br />"I'm not crazy I'm just a little unwell...I know right now you can't tell. But stay a while and then you'll see a different side of me" Aww brings back old memories!UmmKhaledhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03542302962824404445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-41913834660951505942010-09-05T08:12:29.430+03:002010-09-05T08:12:29.430+03:00What is it with muttawas and Armstrong?! I remembe...What is it with muttawas and Armstrong?! I remember reading one of those free religious pamphlets that are passed out in hospital waiting rooms about how Armstrong heard the call to prayer when he was on the moon and converted to Islam.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-38373962722512110532010-09-05T02:57:24.032+03:002010-09-05T02:57:24.032+03:00What an amazing structure!What an amazing structure!Yogi♪♪♪https://www.blogger.com/profile/00411274031147372579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-86131001684993025512010-09-05T00:49:33.179+03:002010-09-05T00:49:33.179+03:00This is amazing! Bigger is not necessarily better,...This is amazing! Bigger is not necessarily better, but people all over the world, not just where you are, seem not to know it. <br />2000 feet! My jaw is on the floor!Dimplehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-63661314105702131782010-09-05T00:02:59.734+03:002010-09-05T00:02:59.734+03:00To be honest, I like the clock. It's beautiful...To be honest, I like the clock. It's beautiful.<br />But it seems everything done by Saudi Arabia is "controversial".<br /><br />Conspiracy theories are just a waste of time . . . Why can't it just be appreciated as a piece of art - which it is?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com