Pics from the top of this monster, by Skyscraperologist at SSC. Taken in June 2008;

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Those shots are unreal!!! I must ask, what is that really long grey building with all the cranes in the 1st and 3rd pics?

Amazing pictures! The view from the top is spectacular! But I get the feeling that maybe the view from the top of the centre tower won't be all that great, too far up I think.

Ersh, that long gray thing is the part of Safa and Marwah. Before the current expansion it used to be two levels, ground and first, and the last time I was there I saw they were getting the basement ready to be used by pilgrims as well, making it three. And from the looks of those photos, it seems they're adding another two floors to the top for a total of five levels!

Wow Mecca looks incredible.

Wow, staff, amazing find. What a unique vantage point.

cool pix. . .

Wow!!!

That's just amazing!

Someone needs to plant a tree in that city. I know it is the desert but a small park with some sprinklers to keep the plants alive would be nice. A green roof somewhere, other than the humans it looks completely lifeless.

Fascinating pictures and project. Thanks to Yasir and staff for the illuminating updates.

Stunning shots!

WOW!!! Those pictures are unreal - major props to the photographer! Not to mention one of the most unique cities in the world (reminds me of Jerusalem in a way).

I cannot believe the density and chaos of the cities layout, almost makes Tokyo look spaced out!

That city is just amazing, so much density squished up in those mountians with zero greenery, wow just wow :yes:

Anybody have a pic of what was there before this complex was built?

Hideous, Gaudy, and completely out of context.

Not remotely surprised, unfortunately.

I agree. Not only the building is an insult to good sense but I'm also surprised ttaht the entire city seem to be as ugly as it can get. Surprised because I would have expected the principal holly city of one of the greatest religion in the world to be flamboyant and grandiose. It's anything but that.

AMAZING photographs.

What is also amazing is the utter lack of greenery in the city. Not a tree, nor a green patch anywhere. Nothing like it.

isn't mecca in a desert?

The Ajyad fortress, built in 1780 by the Ottoman Turks.

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Picture taken from BBC News

Wow, great update.
Mecca looks like a huge skyscraper city,
I never knew! :tup: