Mecca, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This 1887 lithograph, "Mecca," is part of the "City Flags" series by Allen & Ginter, known for their popular cigarette cards. The image depicts the flag of Mecca, featuring a green background with two white crescents. The lower portion illustrates the city itself, with the Kaaba, the cubical structure considered the holiest site in Islam, at its center. These cards were designed to be collected and traded, providing a glimpse into different cultures and geography for a broad audience during the late 19th century.