Badraddin Yusuf Ahmed, & Abdoul-Jelil Niang*
Department of Geography, Faculty of Socials Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Volume: 17 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 15-29 | September 2025 | https://doi.org/10.54940/ss97002765 | PDF
Received: 07/05/2024 | Revised: 01/06/2024 | Accepted: 11/06/2024
*Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Abstract
The present study The present study demonstrates the role of rock-cutting in modifying land use in the Holy Sites of Makkah in recent years using satellite imagery, photography and field work measurements. The study stresses on rock cutting that aims to restore space for pilgrims' residences, and necessary services, as flat areas have become unavailable due to the increase in the number of pilgrims. In the past, extensive and deep rock-cutting was difficult due to the high cost of construction in complex topographic structures. The only option previously was to remove small rocks to pave narrow roads. Added to that, the numbers of pilgrims were little by comparison, and Al-masher were spacious. By the time and by the gradual growth of the numbers to reach over 3 million, the spaces became narrower for their accommodation and public utilities. Hence rock-cutting technique appeared to solve the problem. The present study uses Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques to detect the spatial changings in in the Holy Sites. The gained area by means of rock-cutting is measured and compared to the past available area for human use.
Keywords
Mountainous environment, Human activities, GIS, Remote Sensing.
How to Cite
Ahmed, B. & Niang, A. (2025). The role of rock – cutting in modifying Land Use in the Holy Sites of Makkah. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Social Sciences, 17(3), 15-29. https://doi.org/10.54940/ss97002765
License
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