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[Kenka]

Wut, this goes completely against their foreign policy of supporting radical islam everywhere.

"Don't idolater the prophet", well ok. But making the hadj more expensive for thousands of people who do believe in the spiritual meaning of the pilgrimage to Mecca? What a bunch of über-mercantile assholes.

 

[womfalcs3]

Mecca in the 1900's:

http://i.imgur.com/Q48Mr.jpg

Now, 2012:

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/axMwY.jpg

Let's Vatican this bitch up now

Fucking Malls, yeah the Prophet wanted you to get that 10% discount on Ithar, live on the 51st floor of the highrise and look down upon the peasants as they pray[/QUOTE]

One picture is of Makkah and the other is of Madinah.

 

[Stridone]

Really? I think Islamic architecture is quite beautiful.

Looks stunning.

I don't think they look evil but Islamic architecture always struck me as kind of cheap-looking. I don't like it.

 

[Ashes]

Why is it that all these Muslim buildings and designs look pure evil to me? is it just because I've been raised an white american and the media has conditioned me to see middle eastern design as evil, or is there something wrong with me on a aesthetic level, or do Muslims share this view as well?

Islamic architecture is supposed to be mathematically beautiful, or so an architect friend of mine said. And since symmetry plays a great part, it should be aesthetically pleasing too, I think. He is non-Muslim if that matters.

 

[heyf00L]

That view doesn't work as the cartoon protesters are hardly angry because people might start worshiping the Western cartoons (hah), they're angry that the cartoons 'disrespected' the Prophet. Where are all the 'We love our Prophet' signs now that his (let me put some emphasis here) GRAVE IS BEING BULLDOZED.

It does work, we just have a hard time understanding it because we weren't raised in it. All images of people (but not photos I guess, rules didn't keep up with technology) are not allowed because the polytheist Arabs worshiped using paintings and statues. So even if you're not going to do do idolatry with it yourself, the very creation of the image is forbidden. Now this is more of a Wahabi thing, I believe. Other schools don't care as much, and were more offended by the insult of the comic. They're also the ones who are upset by the continued destruction of historical sights by Wahabis.

 

[Doikor]

The religious doctorine of the current guys being the guardians of mekka (the saud family) basically says that keeping any other relics around then the cube thingie in mecca is plasphemy . So bulldozing the prophet muhammeds grave is ok for them unlike drawing a picture of mubammed.

 

[Zia]

They only let UNESCO protect landmarks without a lot of religious baggage, and have no problem destroying these sites because they're a form of idolatry. Spent a great deal of my childhood over there. Grotesque place.

 

[jett]

Hahaha what a bunch of hypocrites.

 

[Jeels]

This is really upsetting. The hajj is supposed to be very spiritual.

 

[Dennis]

The religious doctorine of the current guys being the guardians of mekka (the saud family) basically says that keeping any other relics around then the cube thingie in mecca is plasphemy . So bulldozing the prophet muhammeds grave is ok for them unlike drawing a picture of mubammed.

Somehow I get the impression that if a non-muslim bulldozed the grave then suddenly it would be the biggest deal in the world.

 

[Ydahs]

I don't think they look evil but Islamic architecture always struck me as kind of cheap-looking. I don't like it.

"Cheap-looking" is an odd description, as it looks so culturally rich to me. Like cathedrals, they'll always be a welcomed addition to any city in my eyes (as long as they, y'know, look good).

I'd put Islamic architecture second only to Gothic cathedrals, which can be breathtaking in design.

 

[Feature]

I wonder what would happen if they open the grave and a bible is the only thing in there. (or a dead pig).

 

[noah111]

Why is it that all these Muslim buildings and designs look pure evil to me? is it just because I've been raised an white american and the media has conditioned me to see middle eastern design as evil, or is there something wrong with me on a aesthetic level, or do Muslims share this view as well?

That's... really interesting. :lol

Dat cultural influence.

 

[heyf00L]

Somehow I get the impression that if a non-muslim bulldozed the grave then suddenly it would be the biggest deal in the world.

Yes, because they don't own the land and non-Muslims are not allowed to be in Mecca or Medina at all anyway. But according to Wahabi beliefs, the sites are nothing special.

 

[richiek]

OK, so Muslims can desecrate their religious icons, but when non-Muslims do it? Sacrelige!

 

[SmokyDave]

You couldn't make this shit up.

 

[Dice]

A room in a hotel or apartment in a historic area may cost up to $ 500 per night. And that’s all in or near Mecca, a place where the Prophet Mohammed insisted all Muslims would be equal.

“They just want to make a lot of money from the super-rich elite pilgrims, but for the poor pilgrims it is getting very expensive and they cannot afford it,” Dr. Irfan Al Alawi said.

Jabal Omar complex – a 40 tower ensemble – is being depicted as a new pearl of Mecca. When complete, it will consist of six five star hotels, seven 39 storey residential towers offering 520 restaurants, 4, 360 commercial and retail shops.

Good thing they are nothing like the filthy consumerist infidels.

 

[victreeb3l]

Good thing they are nothing like the filthy consumerist infidels.

guess they needed a plan B to pay for their lavish lifestyles after the oil dries up

 

[fizzelopeguss]

Build stupid clock that overwhelms everything around it...demolish millenia old buildings to restore balance. that's one way of doing things i suppose.

 

[Dennis]

guess they needed a plan B to pay for their lavish lifestyles after the oil dries up

Convert people to Islam

People make the Hajj

$500 hotel rooms

Profit

 

[amar212]

Jabal Omar complex – a 40 tower ensemble – is being depicted as a new pearl of Mecca. When complete, it will consist of six five star hotels, seven 39 storey residential towers offering 520 restaurants, 4, 360 commercial and retail shops.

So that is what comes right next to Kaba.

WTF

Some serious Final Fantasy shit in the head of that architect. I will not comment on actual development, that one is beyond words.

Good thread about this lunacy at Skyscrapercity.

 

[kitch9]

So that is what comes right next to Kaba.

WTF

Some serious Final Fantasy shit in the head of that architect.

Good thread about this lunacy at Skyscrapercity.

HA HA, Jesus Christ! ('Scuse the pun.) WTF is that abomination?!?!

Someone appears to have lost sight of their shit at some point!

 

[victreeb3l]

So that is what comes right next to Kaba.

WTF

Some serious Final Fantasy shit in the head of that architect. I will not comment on actual development, that one is beyond words.

Good thread about this lunacy at Skyscrapercity.

*vomit*

 

[fizzelopeguss]

Convert people to Islam

People make the Hajj

$500 hotel rooms

Profit

To a cynical non religious asshole like myself, it's devilishly clever in its simplicity.

And saudi arabia is an american protectorate, there's nothing anyone can realistically do about it.

 

[Dude Abides]

If Muhammad was just a man in the end, what is wrong with building on his grave site from a religious perspective (as opposed to a historical one)?

 

[amar212]

Convert people to Islam

People make the Hajj

$500 hotel rooms

Profit

So, let's do some numbers here:

Headlining hotel development is the Jabal Omar Development Company’s 26-hotel, multiphase project being built on 24 million square feet of land.

U.S. firm Equinox Hospitality is overseeing the project, which has a development cost estimated between $6 billion to $7 billion. Phase one, comprising 2,900 rooms, is expected to open during the second half of 2013. An additional 21 hotels will roll out in four subsequent phases, with openings expected in the next 24 to 30 months.

Each hotel will be branded. Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Marriott International already have signed on to manage nine of the 26 properties. The agreements for the remaining hotels are under negotiation and likely to be concluded in the next six months, according to Firoz Moti, GM of Equinox Hospitality Group.

“This is the largest mixed-use development project in the world today, comprising retail and residential components as well,” he said. “The initiatives of the Saudi government to transform the holy city of Makkah into a modern smart city (have) gained momentum with the development of a number of other projects as well,” he added, pointing to these infrastructure initiatives.

So, US running the project? Well, count me surprised.

Now some more numbers from the same article:

“In addition, the numbers of Muslims worldwide is expected to grow by 35% in the next 20 years, from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion in 2030,” said Christie + Co.’s Podaras.

The Article:
http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/8991/Pilgrims-pique-investor-interest-in-Makkah

Crazy revenues will pour from skies.

And some more lunacy - i digged the actual Project here:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/116825416/Jabal-Omar-Development-Project

...the holding capacity of hotel and housing units... up to 100.000 people during Ramadhan and Hadjj..

100.000 X 500$ = 50.000.000 $ daily. Well, nice

 

[Log4Girlz]

So that is what comes right next to Kaba.

WTF

Some serious Final Fantasy shit in the head of that architect. I will not comment on actual development, that one is beyond words.

Good thread about this lunacy at Skyscrapercity.

I'm pretty sure those were designed in MineCraft.

Anyway, I approve of these changes. Out with the old and what not...

 

[Ydahs]

If Muhammad was just a man in the end, what is wrong with building on his grave site from a religious perspective (as opposed to a historical one)?

From a religious perspective? None from what I know. The Saudi government wants to get rid of many historical landmarks because they promote idolatry.

Actual pictures from the link amar posted:

Certainly looks better than the renders and it's consistent with Islamic architecture. What I don't get are the wooden boxes. They look so out of place.

 

[waypoetic]

It's an inside job. Ironic!

 

[Nesotenso]

You couldn't make this shit up.

could be because it is made up ?

 

[KevinRo]

These buildings look beautiful.

I would like to visit some of these sites one day. It pisses me off that they wont let non-muslims visit. All religions should be open to letting people learn more about their religion.

 

[Azih]

From a religious perspective? None from what I know. The Saudi government wants to get rid of many historical landmarks because they promote idolatry.

Alright so tell me this, how much idolatry is actually happening?

And erasing history is not a good thing from any perspective, including a religious one.

 

[raindoc]

OK, so Muslims can desecrate their religious icons, but when non-Muslims do it? Sacrelige!

dude, you've been missing the point: muslims don't have icons, that's why they're so upset when "our guys" invent such to make fun of them.

 

[Jackpot]

I always loved Riddick's New Mecca

 

[CHEEZMO™]

Saudi destruction of historic Muslim sites is disgusting. Fuck them.

Turning Mecca into some Nights of Arabia Vegas knock-off is also pretty shitty.

 

[Dead Man]

Why do they have to knock down the 1000 year old building to build a new one? Is there no more room anywhere?

 

[Jensen]

Isn't the tomb of Muhammad already in the mosque (underneath the green dome)?

 

[RustyNails]

Why is it that all these Muslim buildings and designs look pure evil to me? is it just because I've been raised an white american and the media has conditioned me to see middle eastern design as evil, or is there something wrong with me on a aesthetic level, or do Muslims share this view as well?

???

 

[RustyNails]

Isn't the tomb of Muhammad already in the mosque (underneath the green dome)?

Yep, it is.

 

[Guerrillas in the Mist]

Why do they have to knock down the 1000 year old building to build a new one? Is there no more room anywhere?

When you're wealthy and obese, why shouldn't your tacky 5-star hotel room be right next to the endpoint of your pilgrimage, instead of some beautiful, ancient building of historical value?

 

[Dead Man]

Picture in OP is of Medina where the Mosque in question is.
For Mecca today, see this thread

Also, shinobi, in the future, no Russia Today. It's a banned site.

The article seems poorly written. So they are demolishing buildings in Mecca and Medina?

 

[Tim the Wiz]

It's not gaining traction because the article is inaccurate. The burial sites of Mohammad, Abi Bakr, and Omar are INSIDE the masjid al-nabawi. They're close to where the Imam leads the prayers. That area will be untouched. The tombs aren't located in "nearby historical mosques".

Yup. That was my impression as well. I think it's more a case of the thread title being inaccurate and mangling the actual story here though.

Why is it that all these Muslim buildings and designs look pure evil to me? is it just because I've been raised an white american and the media has conditioned me to see middle eastern design as evil, or is there something wrong with me on a aesthetic level, or do Muslims share this view as well?

Damn. Even your conditioning has been conditioned.

 

[Mael]

When you're wealthy and obese, why shouldn't your tacky 5-star hotel room be right next to the endpoint of your pilgrimage, instead of some beautiful, ancient building of historical value?

Fun part is that now we have a perfect analogy of why the Reform happened.

 

[Nesotenso]

Isn't the tomb of Muhammad already in the mosque (underneath the green dome)?

Yes it is

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Dome

I don't know what Russia Today is on about.

It is true though that in their construction zeal the Saudis are razing old sites which can be considered historical religious records.

 

[FStop7]

I need to climb one of those minarets, sync to the area and then leap into a pile of straw...

 

[CHEEZMO™]

The article seems poorly written. So they are demolishing buildings in Mecca and Medina?

The current destructions are set to be 3 buildings close to the current Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina: Independent article.

As an aside, I'd love to visit sometime. I was looking at photos of the interior of the mosque a while back and it's beautiful.

 

[Dead Man]

When you're wealthy and obese, why shouldn't your tacky 5-star hotel room be right next to the endpoint of your pilgrimage, instead of some beautiful, ancient building of historical value?

Aks the Papacy how that worked out in Europe

The current destructions are set to be 3 buildings close to the current Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina: Independent article.

As an aside, I'd love to visit sometime. I was looking at photos of the interior of the mosque a while back and it's beautiful.

Thanks. Still shite.

 

[seanoff]

So that is what comes right next to Kaba.

WTF

Some serious Final Fantasy shit in the head of that architect. I will not comment on actual development, that one is beyond words.

Good thread about this lunacy at Skyscrapercity.

What's really sad is that the Saudis in that thread love it.

I alluded to this development in the other thread about the clock.


both of them, absolutely fucking hideous and completely at odds with the environs.

 

[Ken Masters]

Mecca in the 1900's:

Now, 2012:

Let's Vatican this bitch up now

Fucking Malls, yeah the Prophet wanted you to get that 10% discount on Ithar, live on the 51st floor of the highrise and look down upon the peasants as they pray

Holy shit, money and religion go hand in hand in 2012


Vatican 2.0, seems like its all about displaying power and wealth now

 

[Nesotenso]

The current destructions are set to be 3 buildings close to the current Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina: Independent article.

As an aside, I'd love to visit sometime. I was looking at photos of the interior of the mosque a while back and it's beautiful.

The tomb itself is going to remain untouched but the Saudis don't want it to be the focus of pilgrims, which makes sense for their brand of Islam.

EDIT: I would love for the two holy cities to be open to Non-muslims. There are can be restrictions during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to prevent overcrowding but the rest of the year it would be fine. If people have a genuine interest to learn the cities shouldn't be closed off.