FOURTEEN

Throughout history, Makkah has been known by more than thirty names, each reflecting a unique aspect of its spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. Among the most notable names mentioned in the Qur’an are Makkah, Bakkah, Umm Al Qura, and Al Balad Al Ameen. These names encapsulate profound meanings that have been explored and interpreted over centuries.

• Makkah is believed to signify a place that humbles and subdues the mighty, or it may derive from the gathering and crowding of people within its sacred boundaries.

• Bakkah shares similar connotations, referring to the idea of breaking and overpowering, possibly alluding to the submission of souls before divine greatness.

• Umm Al Qura translates to “The Mother of Villages,” signifying Makkah’s status as the spiritual and cultural center of the world, a place of leadership and holiness.

• Al Balad Al Ameen, meaning “The Secure City,” highlights Makkah as a sanctuary where those who enter find peace and safety, a city that has preserved its sanctity throughout time.

These names, deeply rooted in the Arabic lexicon, serve as descriptors of Makkah’s enduring legacy rather than mere titles. They are reflections of its sacred presence, encapsulating its historical, religious, and linguistic richness.

The art installation FOURTEEN is a collaborative work by Bachir Mohamad & Ahmad Al Emadi, inspired by these profound meanings. Through UV-printed graphics on aluminum sheets, the installation visually explores the linguistic depth and historical resonance of these names. The set of fourteen artworks, presented as a limited edition of 3/3, offers a contemporary artistic interpretation of Makkah’s timeless significance, bridging the past and present through a fusion of calligraphy, symbolism, and material composition.