Where is the world's largest clock located and why they won't let us in there (7 photos)

Six times taller than Big Ben, although similar - "Royal clock tower" in Mecca is part of a high-rise complex called "Abraj al-Bayt". In total there are 7 towers in the complex, including the clock, decorated with an 83-meter spire with a gilded crescent at the very top - and huge clocks.





Famous shot - a girl sits on the edge of the "frame" of a giant clock in Mecca

"Abraj al-Bayt" (Abraj Al Bayt), perhaps, are the most notable buildings in the city - in the literal sense, because they can be seen from anywhere in the city. Towers were built directly opposite the entrance to the mosque al-Haram, in the courtyard of which is the famous Kaaba, the main shrine Islam.

Actually, a huge complex, the name of which is translated as "Towers of the House", and built for pilgrims. clock tower tall 601 meters - including a huge hotel that can accommodate about 100 thousand people.

Of course, during the Hajj, many people arrive in Mecca. more (believed to be about 5 million people), but apparently a hotel this one is for not the poorest people.



Makkah Clock Royal Tower

In the remaining towers of "Abraj al-Bayt", whose height is 240, 250 and 260 meters, there are shops (a typical shopping center, in in general), a huge parking lot for cars, conference rooms, helipads, prayer halls and... regular apartments for residents Mecca.

But a separate topic, of course, is the clock on the "Royal clock tower". Their diameter is 43 meters, and the length of the clock and the minute hand is 17 meters and 22 meters, respectively.

Actually, the comparison with Big Ben at the beginning of the article is more than conditional, the towers are somewhat similar in appearance and both are quadrilateral, that is, they have four dials on the four sides of the tower.





Bottom view of Abraj Al Bayt and in particular Makkah Clock Royal Towe

But if we compare, then the clock in Mecca has a minute hand in more than 3 times the width of the entire dial of the main London hours.

At the moment, the clock on the "Royal Clock Tower" (Makkah Clock Royal Tower) hold the record for being the largest in world (in second place is the clock in Istanbul, their diameter is "only" 36 meters) and located at the highest altitude, more than 400 meters above the ground.

The entire high-rise complex was built in just 8 years - from 2004 to 2012 Since the planning of Mecca is personally the responsibility of the king Saudi Arabia, it is believed that the whole idea of a high-rise complex "Abraj al-Bayt" belongs to him.



Installing the clock on the Makkah Clock Royal Tower

Previously, part of the territory given for construction, occupied the ancient fortress of Ajyad (Ecyad Kalesi), which was built to protect the Kaaba.

As you can see, the fortress was not spared for the construction of skyscrapers - which, by the way, caused controversy in the Muslim world (even a scandal, according to according to some sources) and criticism of the king by others Muslim countries. Particularly from Turkey.

For the Turks, it was also a valuable historical monument. – until the beginning of the 20th century, the Turkish military was stationed in this fortress garrison. As a result, a copy of Ajyad even appeared in the famous miniature park. "Miniaturk" in Istanbul.



The Ecyad Kalesi Fortress in an archive photo and its copy in the Miniaturk Park in Istanbul

But, perhaps, the whole story was worth it. "Abraj al-Bayt" and its clock tower have become real symbols of Mecca.

When the clock shines at night, they say consider what time it is, you can even at a distance of 30 kilometers. And due to the fact that 160 powerful speakers, the traditional call to prayer is heard as far as 7 kilometers around. The clock on the tower strikes 5 times a day - exactly when It's time for the call to prayer.

By the way, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is also record, its weight is 21 tons - the heaviest in the world. TO By the way, a few more can be added to the records of giant watches.



The crescent on the "Royal Clock Tower" is also a record

For example, the crescent that crowns the spire of the clock tower, is the largest in the world: its diameter is 23 meters, and weight - 107 tons. Whereininside the crescent there are several premises, including the prayer room. She is also "the most-most", in this case - the highest in the world.

Well, it is worth noting at the end that not all of our readers will be able to see this attraction in person, even if they want to.

Of course, they are glad to see tourists here - but the main thing is that they were Muslims, because people of a different religion enter Mecca prohibited.



View of the Abraj Al Bayt complex in Mecca - the clock glows and is clearly visible from afar