The Valley of Abraham

Late 18th century Turkish oil painting of Makkah

Makkah in Ottoman times.

From a Turkish book-painting, by Yumni.

In the past, the Valley of Abraham has been the bane of Makkah's growth. As evidenced above, Makkah had a difficult time expanding beyond the Valley barrier until modern times. While the Valley walls still pose a hassle, modern technology has aided the city's expansion.