Outrage in Mecca over massive redevelopment work at Prophet Mohamed's birthplace

The decision to tinker with the 'birthplace' of the Prophet Mohamed in Mecca with a new palace and luxury malls has sparked an outrage.

According to The Independent, the work is part of a multibillion-pound construction project in the holy city, which has already resulted in the destruction of hundreds of historic monuments

Dr Irfan Alawi of the UK-based Islamic Heritage Research Foundation told the daily that the House of Mawlid, thought to be where the Prophet was born in AD570, is likely to be destroyed before the end of the year.

The report said that the holy site is likely to be replaced by a huge royal palace, which is to be built for King Abdullah's visits to Mecca.

 

The Saudi King is the formal custodian of the mosque.