Gezicht op Muzdalifah, gelegen tussen Mina en de vlakte van Arafat, tijdens de Hadj 1889

This photograph shows the plain of Muzdalifah between Mina and Arafat during the Hajj. It was taken by Abd al-Ghaffar, a Saudi Arabian photographer, at a time when photography was still a relatively new medium. The image offers a glimpse into the world of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, but more importantly, it also reflects the socio-political and economic structures of the time. We see the landscape dotted with pilgrims, animals, and tents, alluding to the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large gathering. The photograph invites us to consider the role of photography in documenting and shaping our understanding of cultural and religious events. To truly understand this image, we might turn to archival sources, travel accounts, and studies of the Hajj in the 19th century. By examining the photograph within its historical and cultural context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its significance.