Thousands of Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca for the first post-pandemic Hajj pilgrimage. Some one million pilgrims are expected to attend the holy city. This comes amidst Saudi Arabia’s controversial lottery system for the pilgrimage, which has left thousands unable to attend and waiting for refunds. | Middle East Eye

More than 1.8 million pilgrims visited Mecca in Saudi Arabia last year, gathering at the Grand Mosque to perform rituals around the Kaaba. As millions prepare for this year’s Hajj, from 4 to 9 June, here’s a look back at the mosque’s origins as a simple courtyard, its major expansions over the past 70 years, and the modern facilities added. | BBC News Africa