Old map of Mecca and the Kaaba, 1930

In 1930, Mecca and the Kaaba held immense significance as the holiest sites in Islam. Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia, has been a place of religious and cultural importance for centuries, long before 1930. The city is particularly revered because it is believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building at the center of the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque).

The Kaaba, often simply referred to as the "House of Allah," is the most sacred structure in Islam. It is a black stone building covered in a black silk and gold curtain, or kiswah, upon which verses from the Quran are embroidered. Muslims from around the world face the Kaaba during their daily prayers, symbolizing their unity and submission to Allah.

In 1930, Mecca and the Kaaba were significant pilgrimage destinations for Muslims performing the Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Hajj is a mandatory religious pilgrimage that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially capable must undertake at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage typically occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and it involves various rituals, including circumambulating the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise.

During this time, Mecca was still a relatively small city compared to its modern state, but it was already the epicenter of Islamic faith and devotion. Pilgrims traveled from various parts of the world to visit the holy city, with their journey often taking them through challenging conditions. In 1930, access to Mecca was primarily by land, and the infrastructure was not as developed as it is today.

It's essential to note that access to Mecca has historically been restricted to Muslims only. Non-Muslims have not been permitted to enter the city or the Grand Mosque, a rule that remains in place to this day. The city has undergone significant expansion and development in the years since 1930, with modern infrastructure, transportation, and accommodations to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit each year.