This book is a valuable historical and social reference, and it is one of the works that document a crucial era in the region's history. Here is a detailed and distinctive description of this book:
Book Identification Card
Title: Makkah in the Fourteenth Hijri Century.
Author: Mohammed Omar Rafie.
Publisher: Publications of the Makkah Cultural Club.
General Content: A precise record of life in Makkah Al-Mukarramah during the fourteenth Hijri century, covering social, cultural, and urban aspects.
Why is this book a knowledge treasure?
1. Spatial and Social Memory:
The author does not merely narrate dry historical events but delves into the details of daily life for the people of Makkah. He discusses customs and traditions, clothing, foods, and methods of education (Kuttabs and circles in the Haram), making it a "time machine" that transports the reader to that era.
2. Documenting a Transformation Phase:
The book chronicles Makkah during a major transitional period, describing the city's features before major expansions and reviewing the development of services and facilities, documenting historical sites whose features have changed over time.
3. The Author's Style (Mohammed Omar Rafie):
Mohammed Omar Rafie's writing is characterized by accuracy and objectivity, with a touch of nostalgia and deep emotional connection to Makkah. He is an eyewitness who wrote with the insight of someone knowledgeable and the vision of a historian, lending high credibility to the information.
Description of the Exterior Design (Cover)
Color and Identity: The cover is distinguished by its bright yellow color, emanating white lines that suggest radiance and light, in homage to the sanctity of the place and its status as a light for the world.
Central Icon: The cover features a historical image of the Holy Kaaba within an oval frame, surrounded by the old architecture of the Grand Mosque, enhancing the book's heritage value at first glance.
Decorations: At the bottom of the cover, there is an Islamic decorative strip in green, adding a touch of authenticity and dignity to the design.
In conclusion:
This book is not just printed pages; it is an indispensable historical document for every researcher of Hijaz history and for everyone interested in knowing what Makkah was like, vibrant in the last century. It is a heritage piece worth acquiring and celebrating.