Today, Wednesday, marked the launch of the 19th Scientific Forum sessions, organized by Umm Al-Qura University, in collaboration with the Saudi Historical Society, entitled ‘History and Civilization of Makkah Throughout Time’. The Forum is held to discuss 39 scientific papers, with the participation of about 300 academics, at King Abdul-Aziz Historical Hall in Al-Abdiyyah.

The scientific sessions began on the first day, presenting 18 scientific papers in three sessions. The first session started under the chairmanship of His Excellency the former President of the University of Northern Borders, Prof. Sa`id Al Omar, in which Prof. Wafaa Al-Mazru` presented a paper entitled ‘Scientific Licenses of the Andalusians, as Reflected in Their Trips to Makkah from the Fourth to the Eighth Century A.H. Prof. Hasan Saleem, from King Saud University, touched on the topic of the Hajj trips of Alam Al-Din Al-Qasim bin Muhammad Al-Barzali (688-739 A.H./ 1289-1339 A.C.)

Dr. Jihan Behai, from King Abdulaziz University, talked in her scientific paper about recreation and entertainment in the Makkan life ahead of the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission. Prof. Abdul-Mu`ti Simsim, from Umm Al-Qura University, presented research on military organizations and arrangements of Quraish before Islam. Dr. Ali Ahmad, from the Qassim University, shed light on ‘Al-Madrasah Al-Afdaliyyah’ and its civilizational impact on Makkah from its inception until the end of the ninth century A.H. Dr. Nura Al-Zhuwayhir, from Qassim University, presented the topic of the ceremonies of opening the door of the noble Ka`bah from the advent of Islam until the eighth century A.C.

The second session was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Hala bint Dhiyab Al-Mutairi, Deputy Supervisor of the Historical Society of Makkah Region. During the session, Prof. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sunaidi, from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, presented the topic of ‘Makkah Relations with Its Tribal Neighbors in the Prophet’s Era: Relationships with Bakr of Kinanah as a Model.’ Prof. Hassah Al-Shimmari, from Princess Noura University, presented a paper entitled ‘Islamic Architecture in Makkah during the Third and Fourth Centuries A.H.’

Dr. Rahmah Al-Sinani, from Taibah University, presented a paper on ‘Civilizational Connotations: the Finds of the Assyrian Civilization in Wadi Fatima in the Period 250,000 to 1000 B.C. Prof. Sahl Sabah, from King Saud University, presented a paper on the endowments in Makkah, citing two records of the Ottoman Gifts (1023 A.H. / 1614 A.C. - 1260 A.C./ 1844 A.H.). Dr. Saleh Al-Saqri, the Cultural Attaché to China, presented a paper entitled ‘Makkah in Chinese Literature.’ Dr. Sheikha Al-Harbi, from Qassim University, reviewed her paper on ‘The Trade of Makkah in the Sixth Century A.C.: Metals as a Model.’

His Excellency the former President of Al-Jouf University, Prof. Ismail Al-Bushra, headed the third scientific session in which Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, from Umm Al-Qura University, touched on ‘Thunderbolts in Makkah from the First to the Tenth Century A.H., Corresponding to the Seventh to the Seventeenth Century A.C.: A Comparative Historical Study.’ Dr. Azza Shaheen, from Taibah University, presented her scientific paper entitled ‘The Health Renaissance in Makkah during the Reign of King Abdul-Aziz.’

Prof. Fawzi Sa`ati, from Umm Al-Qura University, presented research on ‘The Reception of King Abdul-Aziz - May Allah Have Mercy on Him - for the Delegations of Pilgrims from the Countries of the Maghreb (1350 - 1373 AH / 1931-1953 A.C.)’ Dr. Salma Hawsawi, and Nada Darraj, from King Saud University and the Ministry of Education, discussed in their research the topic of ‘Makkah between the Ambitions of Uthman ibn Huwayrith and the Byzantines in the Sixth Century A.C.: A Study in Light of Historical Sources.’ Prof. Rashid Al-Qahtani, from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, presented research entitled ‘The Necklace of Gems and Pearls in the Eleventh Century Accounts: As a Source of the History of Makkah.’ The third session concluded with a working paper with the study of Dr. Mirvat Muhammad, from King Khalid University, entitled ‘The Role of the Scholars of Makkah in the Legal Sciences in the Prophet’s Mosque during the Reign of King Abdul-Aziz (1343-1373 A.H.)’

The forum will continue its scientific sessions tomorrow, Thursday, discussing 21 papers in three scientific sessions, and the accompanying events, including an exhibition of historical photographs, another on ‘The Sacred City Glorification’ Makkan Fashions, Plastic Arts, Classic Cars, as well as a group of Makkan manuscripts.