Ajyad Fortress, Ottoman fortress in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The citadel stood on Bulbul Hill, rising 150 meters above the southwest section of the Grand Mosque, with three-meter-high defensive walls.
Built in 1777 by Sharif Surur ibn Musa'id, the fortress remained a military stronghold until Ottoman forces surrendered it during the 1916 Arab Revolt.
The fortress served as a primary defense point for the Grand Mosque and Mecca, with cannons firing during Ramadan to mark prayer times.
The fortress contained artillery halls, ammunition storage facilities, and accommodated 800 soldiers plus 300 additional personnel within its 800-square-meter area.
The structure was demolished in 2002 to make way for the Abraj Al-Bait complex, despite international protests, particularly from Turkish authorities.
Location: Mecca Province
Inception: 1777
Founders: Surur ibn Musa'id
GPS coordinates: 21.41889,39.82639
Latest update: August 30, 2025 13:29
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