The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) is set to host a significant scholarly forum in November 2025, focusing on the rich history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to document and preserve one of Islam’s most sacred rites and historical legacies.
Scheduled for Jumada al-Awwal 1447H, the forum is titled “Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques: History, Culture, Architecture – Toward Sustainable Knowledge and Digital Documentation.” Darah will organize this event in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Guests of God Service Program. These two entities play a crucial role in documenting the history of the holy sites.
Objectives of the Forum
The forum aims to advance academic research by uniting scholars from various disciplines, with participants including experts in history, architecture, Islamic arts, literature, geography, media, and digital studies. Together, they will explore new perspectives and methodologies for preserving and narrating the legacy of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. A key goal of the forum is to highlight how emerging technologies can enhance documentation efforts and will provide immersive digital experiences that boost public awareness and foster global academic collaboration.
Key Themes of Discussion
The event will focus on five main themes:
*Saudi Arabia’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques.
*Hajj and the holy sites in historical texts and travel accounts.
*Architecture and visual identity of the Two Holy Mosques.
*Hajj in cultural memory and social heritage.
*Modern technologies in Hajj documentation.
Call for Research Papers
The Foundation has begun accepting research papers related to these themes; the submission window will remain open until the end of Rabi al-Awwal 1447H, August 2025. All submitted work will undergo a one-month peer review process. Following this, there will be a one-month revision period. The Foundation will announce accepted papers two weeks after final amendments.
This forum represents a significant opportunity for scholars to contribute to the understanding and preservation of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques.
