The Political Function of Mecca's Urban Development and the Securitization of Hajj Routes in the Legitimation of the Early Abbasid Caliphs (132–232 AH)

During the first period of the Abbasid Caliphate, encompassing the early caliphs from al-Saffah to al-Wathiq (132-232 AH), the Hajj pilgrimage assumed a political and strategic function within the power dynamics, transcending its purely religious character. The caliphs, recognizing the significance of Mecca and its ritual status, transformed the development of urban construction projects and the establishment of security along the pilgrimage routes into effective instruments for demonstrating their authority and acquiring political and religious legitimacy. The objective of this research is to explain and analyze the political function of Mecca's urban development and the securitization of Hajj routes in consolidating the legitimacy of the early Abbasid caliphs. The present study has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach and a library-based method. The findings of this research indicate that the Abbasids, considering the strategic importance of Mecca, undertook extensive construction measures including the reconstruction of the Zamzam well, the expansion of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), the regular replacement of the Kaaba's covering, the construction of rest houses for pilgrims, and ensuring the security of caravans. These measures, beyond their devotional aspects, served as instruments for demonstrating authority and consolidating guardianship over the Two Holy Sanctuaries (al-Haramayn al-Sharifayn). The continuous presence of the caliphs during Hajj ceremonies and the improvement of roadside waystations reflect their astute utilization of this divine ordinance to strengthen the foundations of power and the religious-political legitimacy of the Caliphate.