Hajj's Cultural, Historical Significance Discussed at Almadinah Book Fair

During a symposium at Almadinah Book Fair 2025, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Waqeesi, a professor and historian specializing in the scientific and cultural movement in the Hejaz, highlighted that Hajj is an opportunity to discover Saudi Arabia's culture, arts, architecture, and people, not just as a religious destination.
 Al-Waqeesi spoke about the lasting social impact pilgrims have on their communities upon their return, becoming ambassadors who share their religious and cultural experiences. He emphasized the two holy mosques as historic centers of knowledge and cultural exchange, noting that Hajj has long been a source of memoirs and writings that serve as key historical references.
 He also pointed out the symbolic items pilgrims take home, which reflect Hejazi society's culture and express the depth of the Hajj experience. These details, he noted, reinforce the two holy mosques' status in the Islamic conscience.
 The professor concluded by commending the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiatives for their role in facilitating and expanding Hajj opportunities for Muslims worldwide.