Commonly visited as part of the Hajj pilgrimage, Medina is the second most holy city of Islam, where Prophet Mohammed migrated to before his triumphant return to Mecca. Personally renamed as Medina by the prophet, it was earlier known as ‘Yathrib’. Home to three of the oldest Islamic mosques, much of the physical heritage has been destroyed by the Saudi rulers since these historic sites historic sites could become the focus for idolatry.
Entrance into the city of Medina is also restricted to Muslims only. The burial site of the prophet is also located inside the Grand Medina Mosque, known as ‘Masjid Al-Nabawi’. The streets leading to and around this mosque are lined with shops selling goods like caps, prayer rugs, rosary beads, copies of Quran and other religious materials. Though alcohol is prohibited, there are several restaurants selling numerous varieties of foods from all parts of the World.