Riyadh: A new book titled 'Country of the Heavenly Square: Makkah in Medieval and Modern Chinese Writings' has been released by Makkah historical studies researcher Dr. Mohammed bin Hussein Al-Harithi. The book examines the portrayal of Makkah through Chinese sources, travel accounts, and writings spanning various historical periods.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the book is part of a broader effort to document the shared civilizational aspects between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China. It highlights the historical depth of cultural and commercial relations that linked the Arabian Peninsula and China via maritime and overland trade routes. The publication underscores Makkah's spiritual and civilizational importance in Chinese perception as a center of human and cultural interaction throughout history, enriching Arabic scholarship with academic material that documents the Holy City's presence in Chinese sources.
The book explores several themes, such as the image of China in early Arabic texts, the pathways of Arab-Chinese communication since the early Islamic period, and the role of the Maritime Silk Road through the port of Jeddah in enhancing commercial and cultural exchanges between the two regions. It also sheds light on the forms of direct Chinese contact with Makkah during the middle ages, as seen in the writings of Chinese travelers who referred to Makkah as the 'Country of the Heavenly Square.' These travelers provided descriptions of the city's geography, the Grand Mosque, and the Holy Kaaba, while also documenting social customs prevalent at the time.