Images from Makkah

A wealthy Meccan Merchant (right) and his slave from the 1880's.

Today, a Meccan merchant peddling fresh vegetables during the Hajj.

Street scene in Makkah. By P.W.M. Trap 1880's.

Street scene in Makkah. By P.W.M. Trap 1880's.

Street scene in Makkah from 1970.

Notice the change in behavior in the public places among the older paintings and the newer picture. It appears there has been a shift from exceedingly social public places to that which we see in Western cities: areas with less social interaction. This shift probably occurred slowly as the city grew. With an increased population, family and social ties weaken, allowing the type of change suggested above. Also, improved technology has helped people entertain themselves in the comfort of their own home.