Photos: Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Holy Mosque), Mecca.

Aerial view of the Haram Mosque in the heart of Mecca, with the Ka'ba visible in the center of the courtyard. Image © Google Earth.

Closer aerial view of the Haram Mosque, with the Ka'ba visible in the center of the courtyard. Image ©Google Earth.

Aerial view of the gleaming white Haram Mosque in the heart of Mecca. Image © Google Earth.

Aerial view of al-Haram from the southwest, showing the Abdul Aziz gate.

Crowds strain to touch the Hajarul Aswad

Construction work in June 2008

Entering the grounds of al-Haram Masjid.

Pilgrims gather outside al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. 

Interior of al-Haram Masjid from the second floor.

The Ka'ba at night, with a rare glimpse of part of the courtyard floor.

Pilgrims crowd around the Ka'ba during the Hajj.

The courtyard of today's al-Haram Mosque, full of Hajji. In the center is the Ka'ba and the much smaller Station of Abraham (small gold box to the right of the Ka'ba).

Pilgrims touch the gilded entrance to the Ka'ba, which is raised 2 meters above the ground.

Another historical view of the Ka'ba and al-Haram, in 1954 

A historical view of the al-Haram Mosque and Ka'ba, in 1880 (1297 AH). The Holy Mosque has been frequently expanded and renovated over the centuries, including many changes in the 20th century under the Saudi kings.

View of the Ka'ba in 1910.

Circumambulation (tawaf) of the Ka'ba at dusk.

Outside the Abdul Aziz gate of al-Haram Mosque in 1999.

The modern King Fadh Wing of the mosque.

A dramatic lightning strike over the Holy Mosque

Hajarul Aswad

The ritual of the Cleaning of the Ka'ba, which takes place twice per year. This one is just prior to the Hajj.

Men emerging from the Ka'ba during the bi-annual Cleaning of the Ka'ba. This is the only time the Ka'ba is officially opened and entered. 

al-Haram Mosque and surrounding area at sunset, with every available space filled with Hajj worshippers.

Outside the al-Haram at night.

View from above at night, with the rooftop of the al-Haram filled with worshippers during the Hajj.

Hajj crowds outside al-Haram.

View of new hotels going up next to the Haram Mosque in Mecca. 

Crowds of the faithful outside al-Haram during the Hajj.

Hajj pilgrim at prayer in al-Haram Mosque in Mecca.

Shadows of praying worshippers in the strong Arabian sun

Worshippers on the mosque roof after night prayers during Ramadan.

Dome on the roof of the Haram Mosque. 

Prayers before the Station of Abraham, with the Ka'ba in the background.

Towers by night.

View of the Masjid al-Haram in 1910.

View over the Haram Mosque by night.

View over the Haram Mosque at dusk

View of the mosque and crowds of devotees from a nearby hotel.

View of the crowded mosque at the beginning of the Hajj in 2008.