What is Hejaz?
'''Hejaz''' is the Western Province of [[Saudi Arabia]], stretching along the [[Red Sea]] (Sea of Hejaz). It extends from [[Taif]] in the south to [[Jordan]] in the north. Hejaz has spiritual, cultural, economic and tourist importance, especially in connection with [[Islam]]. Hejaz was an independent kingdom from 1916 to 1926 when Saudi Arabia conquered it. There are four important cities in this region: * [[Jeddah]] is the largest city, in the middle of the Red Sea coast. Jeddah is the economic and tourism capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. * [[Mecca]] is the holy city for [[Muslim]]s because of [[Masjid al-Haram|Al-Haram Mosque]] and [[Kaaba|Al-Kaaba]]. Muslims face this city when they [[Prayer|pray]], and millions go there every year for doing [[Hajj]], the Muslim [[pilgrimage]]. * [[Medina]] is the second most holy city, and was the first capital of Islam. This is where the Mosque of Prophet [[Muhammad]] is and where the Prophet Muhammad lived. There are many monuments and historical places. * [[Taif]] is the youngest city. Taif is a tourist city in Saudi Arabia due to the cooler climate compared with the other cities. {{Asia-stub}} [[Category:Geography of Saudi Arabia]]