Mecca, The Blessed, Medina, The Radiant: The Holiest Cities of Islam (Hardcover)

by Seyyed Hossein Nasr (Author), Ali Kazuyoshi Nomachi (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
These photographs of the Muslim holy cities Mecca and Medina, taken by a Japanese convert, Ali Kazuyoshi Nomachi, are something new for most Westerners, and perhaps even for many Muslims. Non-Muslims are never allowed into Mecca, and it is almost unheard-of for religious and government leaders to allow such pictures to be taken. Most of these images were shot during the holy month of Ramadan, when many faithful are in Mecca and Medina on pilgrimage.

Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University, has contributed an essay explaining the history and significance of the two cities. "Mecca and its twin city Medina flourish as the heart and sacred Center of the Islamic universe and will continue to do so as long as there are men and women who accept the truth of Lailaha illa'Llah and Muhammadun rasul Allah," he writes.

Nomachi has worked for National Geographic and Life, and his pictures have the information-packed clarity one might expect. There are fascinating images: literally hundreds of thousands of white-robed believers circling the Ka'bah, Mecca's sacred center; men ritually shaving one another's heads; tired families fasting; small children praying. Nomachi's pictures are oddly cool, but they convey the all-encompassing nature of the faith. Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant will be especially thrilling to those Muslims still planning their pilgrimage.

Review
"The photographs of these two cities are spectacular. What makes the book and the photographs even more compelling is that these cities are closed to non-Muslims and thus the book provides a rare glimpse at a culture, and its artifacts, such as its architecture that is little known. A fascinating look at one of the world's largest and least known living traditions."--Kirk Robertson, Neon
-- Review

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Aperture (June 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089381752X
• ISBN-13: 978-0893817527
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 11.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #369,852 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Mecca
  #6 in	Books > Travel > Middle East > Saudi Arabia
  #18 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Travel > Middle East

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the read, July 21, 2000

By	M. P. Long "mplong" (Charlotte NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has stunning and beautiful pictures of Islam's holy areas and pictures of Muslims in action. As a non-Muslim, I would never be able to see these things in person. This book gave me a lot of insight into such things, and I definately do not regret the purchase.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for non-Muslims as well!, April 11, 2000

By	Bill (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

We get so little information from our media on the largest pilgrimage in the world, that this book is a revelation. Islam and the Hadj are an integral part of the history and culture of the Middle East, and by extension, our world.

The photography is nothing short of stunning, and there is little that is not covered, so that one gets a good sense of the topography, the rites, and of course, the pilgrims.

An essential book not only for Muslims, but perhaps even more for non-Muslims looking to understand one of the world's great faiths.

I will never, as a non-Muslim, be able to visit the holy cities, but this book was the next best thing. Flawless.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A view into the holy places of Islam, August 8, 2002

By	Amrita Burdick (Kansas City, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This is a beautiful photographic essay on the experience of the Hajj. It includes photos of Mecca and the Kaaba, the physical locus of prayer for Muslims around the world. It also includes photos of the City of Medina, the site of the tomb of the Prophet, Muhammad upon him be peace.

An introductory essay gives a brief description of the historical expansion of the buildings around the Kaaba and the Holy Tomb. Colorful views of the rituals of the pilgrimage provide Westerners with an insight into this essential ritual of Islam. I especially appreciate the photos of Muslims from around the world as they gather together in pilgrimage.

It is a book I have chosen to share with friends and family to increase their understanding of Islam.