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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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This year the world's largest clock began ticking in Mecca just in time for Ramadan. It towers prominently over the holy city and is visible for a distance of 18 miles! Two million green and white LED lights illuminate the clock's four faces, which make the time visible from every direction - a glitzy display rivaling the glow of Vegas, Baby - and in the process, losing the spirituality and reverence of the place. A portion of these lights will flash at five different times during each day to signal prayer times for Muslims.
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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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The giant ticker is part of an enormous government-funded complex which includes hotels, conference centers, and shopping malls. In comparison to London's Big Ben, the new Mecca clock, soaring almost 2000 feet into the sky, resembles the pitting of David against Goliath. At that height, it is believed that the Royal Mecca Clock Tower becomes the world's second tallest building. Big Ben only reaches the paltry height of 316 feet, and while its faces measure 23 feet across, each face of the colossal Mecca timepiece flaunts a diameter of 151 feet.
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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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Knowing the exact time is a key element of Islam, since the five daily prayers are called at precise pre-set times which vary by a few minutes every day. The dates of Ramadan are also very precise and are calculated by the sighting of the sliver of the new crescent moon (called "hilal") to mark the beginning and the end of the month of fasting.
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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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Of course the construction of this gargantuan timepiece is not without controversy. It is no secret that the intention behind building a clock of this magnitude is to try to convince the rest of the world that Mecca is "the true center of the earth," and as such should replace Greenwich Mean Time as the world's standard time. GMT (now called UTC/Coordinated Universal Time) has been around since before 1850 and was arbitrarily accepted by the rest of the world well over 100 years ago, mainly because a standard time was needed and Britain's standing as the world's leading maritime power at the time won out.
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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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Islamic scholars and scientists are basing their reasoning on the claim that Mecca apparently has no magnetic force, deducing that Mecca must be the center of the world. Some of their assertions seem somewhat far-fetched and even arrogant: that Neil Armstrong actually proved that Mecca is the center of the world (and that there was a conspiracy to mysteriously remove this information from the internet); and that because there is no magnetic pull in Mecca, "people live longer" (really, how can this be proved?), "are healthier," and "get charged with energy," according to Abdel-Baset al-Sayyed, an Arab scientist at the Egyptian National Research Center.
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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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Since non-Muslims are not allowed in Mecca, will never get to see this big clock in person, and therefore will not be able to substantiate any of these claims, it is highly doubtful that the rest of the world will have any interest at all in wanting to adopt Mecca Time to replace GMT.
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| Photo Credit: SL Rasch GmbH ∙ Special and Lightweight Structures ∙ Institute for Scientific Architecture
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To be honest, I like the clock. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBut it seems everything done by Saudi Arabia is "controversial".
Conspiracy theories are just a waste of time . . . Why can't it just be appreciated as a piece of art - which it is?
This is amazing! Bigger is not necessarily better, but people all over the world, not just where you are, seem not to know it.
ReplyDelete2000 feet! My jaw is on the floor!
What an amazing structure!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteOhhh I love the clock. I love your blog too. And I love the song that was on when I came on.
ReplyDelete"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!
WOW!! Thats amazing! how is that possible...
ReplyDeleteThe pic. of the size of the clock hands!!
Keep ut the good work, Susie! Very nice to be updated what happens in saudi :)
The Arabs really have no reverence for anything, no respect for anything except of course maybe America.
ReplyDeleteBut 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.
So these Saud Arabs can look down on Kaaba now? That, to me, is blasphemy punishable by a very severe punishment.
Hansac.
Hi Susie,
ReplyDeletecan'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. :)
The clock does look pretty amazing and impressive. Like a cross between Big Ben and New York in the 1920s.
I find it sad that searchlights are going to replace the beauty of moonlight across the Meccan skies. Vanity not piety will rule.
ReplyDeleteJean Grant
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.
ReplyDeleteI can't find thrill in the "mine is bigger than yours" game.
I loved your post though. Detailed, informative, well illustrated, an excellent read as always. Great job Susie!
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.
ReplyDelete"So these Saud Arabs can look down on Kaaba now? That, to me, is blasphemy punishable by a very severe punishment."
ReplyDeleteWhy 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.
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.
Love Saudi Arabia or hate it, you have to admit, this is one impressive clock.
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.
ReplyDeleteFor 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).
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.
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.
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
Basically, the cities are going to be lost with their pasts glories.
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.
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.
ReplyDeleteBut 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.
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 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?
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.
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.
It is definitely a marvelous structure. Very majestic.
ReplyDeletePersonally 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.
ReplyDeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!
ReplyDeleteI would appreciate if a staff member here at susiesbigadventure.blogspot.com could post it.
Thanks,
Oliver
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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!
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!
Another great blog post Susie, very interesting stuff.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
I had to address this comment made by Call Me Veeds:
"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?"
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.
I also find it interesting that you refer to Muslims vs. Westerners. Are you aware of the vast number of Muslims who are "Westerners?"
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.
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.
Perhaps you would find my Ramadaan Diary interesting if you would like to learn more
www.veiledcouture.blogspot.com
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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
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. I
ReplyDeleteSusie, a very good article!
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
It makes it very clear indeed.