An exhibition in Makkah is displaying six historic marble tiles that once adorned the halls of the Grand Mosque, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship of an earlier age. The tiles date to 1881 CE, corresponding to the year 1299 AH, and are now on view at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture. The Saudi Press Agency reported the display on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The pieces carry elegant Arabic calligraphy and exceptional detail. Their inscriptions bear the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and four of his companions: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them). For pilgrims and visitors, the tiles connect the modern Haram with the hands that decorated it more than 140 years ago.
A Window Into Centuries of Expansion
The Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture spans roughly 1,200 square meters. It guides visitors through the successive stages of development at Islam's two holiest sites, from the era of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through later Islamic periods and into the modern Saudi era.
The displays show how repeated reconstruction and expansion projects were carried out to serve a steadily growing number of worshippers. According to the General Authority for Statistics, more than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj during this year's peak season, a figure that underlines why the Grand Mosque has been enlarged so many times across its history.
Alongside the marble tiles, the exhibition presents rare original manuscripts and architectural elements drawn from the long history of the two mosques. Together these items trace how each generation of caretakers added to the structures while preserving their sacred character.
Preserving Islamic Heritage for Future Generations
The tiles were carefully removed and conserved as part of a wider effort to protect historic items from the Haram. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the artifacts once lined the corridors of the Holy Mosque and have since been kept under preservation to maintain their integrity.
The exhibition has drawn researchers and others interested in the history of Islamic architecture. Saudi authorities describe the work as part of a broader commitment to safeguard the historical heritage of Islam and make it accessible to successive generations through dedicated visitor areas and curated displays.
This effort sits within a series of recent heritage initiatives around the holy sites. In the same season, Makkah exhibits have featured a rare Kaaba gate artifact and tributes to calligraphers who shaped the Kiswa, the cloth covering of the Kaaba. The marble tiles add another chapter to that record of conservation.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Pilgrims performing Umrah during the 1448 AH season may wish to set aside time for the exhibition, which offers a quieter and reflective complement to the rituals at the Haram. Visitors should plan their trip around prayer times, when movement near the Grand Mosque is busiest, and allow extra time during peak afternoon heat.
Those interested in Islamic history should look closely at the calligraphic inscriptions, which reward unhurried attention. Photography rules vary by venue, so visitors should check signage and follow staff guidance. As with all visits to Makkah, modest dress and respectful conduct are expected throughout.
For pilgrims, exhibitions of this kind serve a purpose beyond sightseeing. They deepen appreciation for the centuries of care invested in the two holy mosques, and they remind every visitor that the buildings they pray in today rest on the labor and devotion of those who came before.