Saudi authorities have named a new arcade in the Grand Mosque expansion the “Saudi arcade” [1].

The decision highlights a tension between the kingdom's modern expansion efforts and the preservation of historic architectural legacies at the site. While the government seeks to mark its contributions to the mosque's growth, the move has drawn scrutiny from those who value the site's diverse historical layers.

The naming follows a series of expansions at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. According to the General Presidency of the Holy Mosque, the new designation is a historic achievement that crowns Saudi efforts to expand the holy site [1]. The modern additions aim to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the mosque.

However, the move has sparked controversy among historians and observers. Critics said the "Saudi arcade" name overlooks the legacy of the original Ottoman arcade [2]. The Ottoman expansions occurred over several centuries, with significant architectural work taking place in the 16th century [2]. These structures are viewed by some as essential to the historical identity of the mosque.

Reports from BBC Arabic said the naming is seen by some as a dismissal of the Ottoman heritage [2]. This contrast between the 16th-century Ottoman style and the modern Saudi design reflects a broader shift in how the site's history is presented to the public. The debate centers on whether new additions should coexist with, or supersede, the names of previous eras.

Recent discussions regarding the site have coincided with the Hajj year 1447 AH [3]. The ongoing expansion projects continue to reshape the physical and symbolic landscape of the Grand Mosque as the Saudi government implements its long-term vision for the holy city.

“The naming is presented as a historic achievement that crowns Saudi efforts to expand the mosque.”

The naming of the Saudi arcade reflects a strategic effort by the Saudi government to brand the Grand Mosque's modernization as a national achievement. By centering the Saudi identity in the mosque's architecture, the state asserts its role as the primary custodian of the site, potentially shifting the historical narrative away from the multi-imperial legacy of the Ottoman era toward a more nationalist framework.