Hejaz
region in the west of Saudi Arabia, containing Mecca and Medina
Hejaz is the Western Province of Saudi Arabia, stretching along the Red Sea (Sea of Hejaz). It extends from Taif in the south to Jordan in the north. Hejaz has spiritual, cultural, economic and tourist importance, especially in connection with Islam. Hejaz was an independent kingdom from 1916 to 1926 when Saudi Arabia conquered it. There are four important cities in this region:
- Jeddah is the largest city, in the middle of the Red Sea coast. Jeddah is the economic and tourism capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Mecca is the holy city for Muslims because of Al-Haram Mosque and Al-Kaaba. Muslims face this city when they pray, and millions go there every year for doing Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage.
- Medina is the second most holy city, and was the first capital of Islam. This is where the Mosque of Prophet Muhammad is and where the Prophet Muhammad lived. There are many monuments and historical places.
- Taif is the youngest city. Taif is a tourist city in Saudi Arabia due to the cooler climate compared with the other cities.
