Ajyad Fortress was once a historic landmark overlooking Masjid Al Haram in Makkah. Built on Bulbul Hill, the fortress stood above the city for more than two centuries.
Built in 1780
Ajyad Fortress was built in 1780 by Sharif Surur bin Musa’id. It was one of several forts built around Makkah to help protect the city and the Kaaba from possible attacks.
Because of its location on Bulbul Hill, the fortress had a clear view over Masjid Al Haram and the surrounding area.
Rare Photos From 1991
The four photographs in this article were taken in 1991. They show Ajyad Fortress while it was still standing and offer a rare look at the area around Masjid Al Haram before the major redevelopment that followed.
At the time, the historic fortress was still a visible part of Makkah’s landscape.
Demolished in 2002
Ajyad Fortress was demolished in January 2002 as the area around Masjid Al Haram was redeveloped.
The historic site was cleared for the construction of the Abraj Al Bait complex, including the Clock Tower.
Where the Clock Tower Stands Today
The location that once held Ajyad Fortress is now occupied by the Abraj Al Bait complex and its famous Clock Tower.
This makes the 1991 photographs especially significant. They show what the same area looked like before one of Makkah’s most recognizable modern landmarks was built.
A Lost Landmark of Makkah
Ajyad Fortress is no longer part of Makkah’s skyline, but these photographs preserve a glimpse of the historic landmark as it looked more than 30 years ago.
The images also show just how dramatically the landscape around Masjid Al Haram has changed over the decades.
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