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29 Sep, 2011

Mecca for the rich: Islam’s holiest site ‘turning into Vegas’ – The Independent

Few are willing to discuss their fears openly because of the risks associated with criticising official policy in the authoritarian kingdom. And, with the exceptions of Turkey and Iran, fellow Muslim nations have largely held their tongues for fear of of a diplomatic fallout and restrictions on their citizens’ pilgrimage visas. Western archaeologists are silent out of fear that the few sites they are allowed access to will be closed to them.

But a number of prominent Saudi archaeologists and historians are speaking up in the belief that the opportunity to save Saudi Arabia’s remaining historical sites is closing fast.

via Mecca for the rich: Islam’s holiest site ‘turning into Vegas’ – Middle East, World – The Independent.