Medina history

The history of Medina is the narrative of a desert oasis transforming into one of the most significant centres of world civilisation. The city, which played a pivotal role in the rise of Islam, possesses a rich pre-Islamic past that laid the foundation for its future greatness.

Foundation and First Mentions

Before the advent of Islam, the city was known as Yathrib. According to some sources, the first settlements in this fertile oasis appeared as early as the 9th–6th centuries BC. Initially, Arab tribes settled here, and later, a significant part of the population consisted of Jewish communities engaged in agriculture, crafts, and trade.

Key Factors of Formation

Several important factors contributed to the development of Yathrib:

• Geographical Location: The city was situated in a fertile oasis with access to water, which was a rarity for the Arabian Peninsula. This made it a vital stop on the caravan routes connecting Yemen and Syria.
• Trade: Trade caravans passed through Yathrib, contributing to economic prosperity and cultural exchange. Locals actively traded with merchants, replenishing food supplies and offering their own goods.
• Political Turning Point: A pivotal moment in the city's history was the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca in 622. From that moment on, Yathrib came to be called Madinat al-Nabi ("The City of the Prophet"), and later — Medina. The city became the first capital of the Islamic state, and its disparate tribes united into a single community (Ummah).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the pre-Islamic period, Yathrib's economy was based on agriculture, particularly date cultivation, and craftsmanship. With the arrival of Islam, Medina's role changed radically. It transformed into not only a political but also the primary spiritual and cultural centre of the new religion. Here, the fundamental principles of Islamic teaching and law were formulated, the first mosque was built, and from here Islam began its spread across the world. Although the capital of the Caliphate was later moved, Medina forever retained its sacred status and remained a crucial centre of religious pilgrimage.

Chronology of Key Events in the History of Medina

The history of Medina spans millennia — from the ancient oasis of Yathrib to one of the most important spiritual centres of the Islamic world. Below is a brief chronology of events that determined the fate of this great city.

• 6th Century BC — First known mentions of a settlement called Yathrib, which was an important centre on the caravan routes of Arabia.
• 622 — The Hijrah: Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrate from Mecca to Yathrib, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the establishment of the first Islamic state.
• 622–632 — The city receives the name Madinat al-Nabi ("City of the Prophet") and becomes the first capital of the Muslim community (Ummah). During this period, the first mosque in Islam — the Prophet's Mosque — is built.
• 624 — The Muslims of Medina achieve victory in the Battle of Badr, one of the first major battles with the Meccans.
• 625 — The Battle of Uhud, which took place near a mountain close to Medina, becomes a significant test for the young Muslim community.
• 632 — Death of Prophet Muhammad in Medina; the city remains the capital of the Rashidun Caliphate.
• 656 — The capital of the Caliphate is moved from Medina, yet the city retains its sacred status and remains a vital religious and scholarly centre.
• 10th Century — Medina falls under the influence of the rulers of Egypt, which continues for several centuries.
• 1256 — The eruption of the Harrat Rahat volcano occurs, with lava flows stopping in the immediate vicinity of the city.
• 1517 — Medina becomes part of the Ottoman Empire following the conquest of Egypt by the Turks.
• 1812 — Egyptian troops under the command of Tusun Pasha retake Medina from the Wahhabis during the Ottoman-Saudi War.
• 1908 — Construction of the Hejaz Railway is completed, directly connecting Medina with Damascus and Istanbul.
• 1916–1919 — The famous Siege of Medina occurs during the Arab Revolt, where the Ottoman garrison under the command of Fakhri Pasha defended the city for a long time.
• 1925 — The city becomes part of the Kingdom of Hejaz and is subsequently conquered by the forces of Abdulaziz ibn Saud.
• 1932 — Medina officially becomes part of the newly formed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, maintaining its status as the second holiest city in Islam.

Key Milestones in Medina's Development

The development of Medina is a story of transformation that turned an ancient oasis into a modern metropolis and a spiritual centre of global significance. Economic, cultural, and urban changes reflect its unique status and strategic importance over the centuries.

• Becoming the Capital of Islam (622). The migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Yathrib (the ancient name of Medina) was a turning point. The city not only changed its name to Medina but also transformed from a scattered settlement into the first capital of the Islamic state. This laid the foundations for its cultural, legal, and political development.
• Development during the Ottoman Period (1517–1918). Over centuries under Ottoman rule, significant architectural works were carried out in Medina. Special attention was paid to the Prophet's Mosque, which was reconstructed and adorned multiple times. This period strengthened the city's status as a vital religious centre.
• Construction of the Hejaz Railway (1908). This massive infrastructure project connected Medina with Damascus, and further on with Istanbul. The railway radically changed the logistics of pilgrimage, making the journey to the holy city faster and more accessible, which gave a powerful boost to its economy.
• Massive Expansions of the Prophet's Mosque (since the mid-20th century). With the integration into Saudi Arabia, unprecedented projects for the expansion of the Prophet's Mosque began. These urban transformations were aimed at accommodating the constantly growing number of pilgrims from around the world, and they continue to this day.
• "Knowledge Economic City" Project (since 2006). Launched at the beginning of the 21st century, this ambitious project aims to diversify Medina's economy. Its goal is to turn the city into a centre for knowledge, technology, and innovation, creating new jobs and attracting investment in non-oil sectors.
• Integration into "Vision 2030". As part of Saudi Arabia's national strategy "Vision 2030", Medina continues its development. The programme includes modernising transport infrastructure (including the high-speed railway and plans for a metro), improving tourism services, and preserving cultural heritage.

The architectural appearance of Medina is inextricably linked to its status as the second holiest city in Islam. Unlike European cities, there was no shift from Gothic to Renaissance or Baroque here. Development was defined by one dominant feature — the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), around which the entire urban fabric formed. The evolution of Medina's architecture is a history of constant expansions and embellishments of the main sanctuary, reflecting the change of ruling dynasties and the growth in the number of pilgrims.

Early Islamic Architecture (7th Century)

The foundation of urban planning was the first mosque built by Prophet Muhammad in 622. It was a simple structure made of clay bricks and palm trunks, with an open courtyard. Its layout — a rectangular courtyard and a covered hypostyle hall — became the prototype for mosques around the world. The early city grew organically around this centre, consisting of modest residential buildings consistent with the ascetic spirit of that time.

Middle Ages: Umayyads, Abbasids, and Mamluks (8th–16th Centuries)

During these eras, the Prophet's Mosque underwent significant changes. Rulers from the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties expanded it, adding new elements and decorations. It was during this period that the first minarets appeared. A special contribution was made by the Mamluk sultans. In 1279, under Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun, a wooden dome was first erected over the Prophet's tomb, which eventually became the famous Green Dome. Mamluk architecture introduced elegant decorative elements and more intricate finishing to the mosque's appearance.

Ottoman Period (16th – Early 20th Centuries)

With the arrival of the Ottomans in the 16th century, a new stage in Medina's architectural development began. Sultans, particularly Suleiman the Magnificent and Abdulmejid I, paid immense attention to the holy city. They conducted a massive reconstruction of the Prophet's Mosque, giving it many of the features that remain today. The Ottoman style manifested in elegant, slender minarets, calligraphic inscriptions, and rich interior decoration. Furthermore, the Ottomans fortified the city by erecting a wall around it. An important monument of this era is the Hejaz Railway Station building (1908), designed in a style characteristic of that time, combining European and Oriental motifs.

Modern Era: Saudi Period (from 1932 to Present)

This era has been marked by urban transformation unprecedented in scale, dictated by the need to host millions of pilgrims. The architecture of this period is a synthesis of modern technologies and traditional Islamic motifs.

• Massive Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque: Starting from the mid-20th century, Saudi kings initiated several grandiose projects to expand the mosque. Its area increased tenfold. Old neighbourhoods around it were demolished to make way for giant prayer plazas and modern infrastructure.
• Iconic Structures: A striking symbol of Medina's modern architecture is the giant convertible umbrellas in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, which protect worshippers from the sun. These high-tech structures are an example of how modern engineering serves religious purposes.
• Urban Planning: The modern look of central Medina is formed by a ring of high-rise hotels and shopping centres surrounding the mosque complex. Beyond the central ring, ambitious projects are being implemented, such as the "Knowledge Economic City", aimed at economic diversification and the creation of modern urban space.

Thus, the architectural history of Medina is a unique example of a city whose development over 14 centuries has been subordinate to one main function — serving the Islamic sanctuary. From a humble mud-brick structure to a gigantic modern complex, Medina demonstrates the evolution of Islamic architecture, absorbing styles of different eras while always preserving its spiritual essence.

Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, has been a home and centre of attraction for outstanding figures for centuries — from prophets and righteous rulers to great scholars. Their lives and legacies are inextricably linked with this city, leaving a deep mark on world history and spiritual culture.

Prophet Muhammad

The central figure in the history of Medina. His migration (Hijrah) from Mecca in 622 became a turning point, transforming the city, then known as Yathrib, into Madinat al-Nabi ("City of the Prophet") and the first capital of the Islamic state. It was in Medina that he united disparate tribes, laid the foundations of Islamic law, and from here began the spread of his mission. His mosque and burial place in Medina are today among the main sanctuaries for Muslims worldwide.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq

The closest companion of Prophet Muhammad and the first of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs. After the death of the Prophet, he led the Muslim community, playing a key role in preserving the unity of the young state. His rule strengthened Medina's status as the capital of the Caliphate. Abu Bakr is buried next to Prophet Muhammad in the Prophet's Mosque.

Umar ibn al-Khattab

The second Rightly Guided Caliph, who went down in history as one of the most influential rulers. During his reign (634–644), the Caliphate expanded significantly, and this vast state was governed from Medina. Umar laid the foundations of the administrative and legal system and introduced the Muslim lunar calendar starting with the Hijrah. He is also buried in Medina next to the Prophet.

Uthman ibn Affan

The third Rightly Guided Caliph, who ruled from 644 to 656. His most famous deed was the canonisation of the final text of the Quran. Upon his order, a single compilation of the holy book was assembled, copies of which were sent from Medina to the main centres of the Caliphate. Uthman is buried in the famous Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina.

Ali ibn Abi Talib

The fourth Rightly Guided Caliph, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Ali grew up in the Prophet's household and was one of the first to accept Islam. His development as a key figure in Islam is inextricably linked to Medina, where he was a close advisor to the Prophet and previous caliphs. Becoming caliph, he later moved the capital, yet his spiritual and historical roots remained forever in Medina.

Malik ibn Anas

A prominent Islamic theologian and jurist (c. 711–795), founder of one of the four canonical schools of law — the Maliki madhhab. Imam Malik was born, lived almost his entire life, and died in Medina, practically never leaving it. His major work, "Al-Muwatta", is considered one of the first collections of hadith. His teaching, based on the legal practice of the people of Medina, had a tremendous influence on the Islamic world, especially in North Africa.

Ja'far al-Sadiq

A descendant of Prophet Muhammad, an Imam, and one of the most authoritative scholars of his time (c. 702–765), who lived in Medina. He made a huge contribution to the development of Islamic law, theology, and other sciences. Imam Ja'far enjoys deep respect in both the Shia tradition (where he is revered as the sixth Imam) and the Sunni tradition. Among his students were the founders of other major schools of law, highlighting his central role in the intellectual life of Medina during that era.

Fahreddin Pasha

An Ottoman general and military governor, nicknamed the "Tiger of the Desert" for his heroic defence of Medina during World War I. When the city fell under a prolonged siege (1916–1919), his garrison was cut off from the main forces. Despite hunger and the harshest conditions, Fahreddin Pasha defended the holy city for more than two and a half years. His resilience and devotion to duty went down in history as an example of exceptional military valor.