Skip to main content

Turkish politician calls for Vatican-like administration of Mecca

A Turkish parliamentarian calls for a joint Muslim administration in Mecca and Medina, arguing the Saudis have failed to ensure smooth hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.
Muslim pilgrims walk on a bridge as they head to cast stones at pillars symbolizing Satan during the final day of the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina on the third day of Eid al-Adha, near the holy city of Mecca, October 6, 2014. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha to mark the end of the haj pilgrimage by slaughtering sheep, goats, camels and cows to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, on God's command. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION) - RTR4
Read in 

The hajj pilgrimage is a religious duty for all Muslims, performed in the holy city of Mecca, which, along with Medina, is part of Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region. Rifat Sait, a Turkish parliament member from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), was among those who made this year’s pilgrimage in early October. Back home, he made intriguing comments. Sait grumbled that Saudi Arabia failed in municipal services, that Mount Arafat was filthy and that historical monuments were in a bad state. As a solution, he called for a Vatican-like administration of the Hejaz by Muslim countries during the hajj season.

“Hajj pilgrims face serious problems. Cleanness is a fundamental tenet in Islam. But Mount Arafat lacks even proper toilets. Any contagious disease there could affect all pilgrims, who, in turn, would take it to their own countries. Diseases could spread across the world,” Sait said. “Hejaz’s administration cannot be left to the Saudi state alone during the hajj season. The region should be like the Vatican. During the hajj period, it should be under the joint administration of Muslim countries, including Turkey.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.