En Route to Mecca - Pilgrims' Voices Throughout the Centuries

Accompanying the exhibition ‘En Route to Mecca: Pilgrims' Voices throughout the Centuries' is a publication that provides an informative look at this highly significant annual event. Nothing embodies the universal nature of Islam better than Hajj, with pilgrims converging from every corner of the earth. The aspect of Hajj that receives less coverage is how the pilgrims reach their goal. Although it is often referred to as the ‘journey of a lifetime', there is remarkably little attention given to the pilgrims' means of travel.

‘En Route to Mecca' focuses on the sense of anticipation and adventure that the faithful have always encountered on their way to fulfilling this Pillar of Islam. Reflections of this journey can be seen in pilgrims' thoughts and actions as well as in works of art. A museum can offer more than beautiful objects to look at. It can also tell a story, and there are few better stories than those of the men and women through the ages who have completed Hajj.