Makkah's districts have a rich and varied history, but while some are in a good state others are in need of urgent attention. The old districts of Al-Hujoon and Al-Biyari have been converted from poor unplanned districts to new central areas for accommodating pilgrims. Two pedestrian tunnels now pass through these areas. On the map of the northern unplanned districts of Umm Al-Qura, another name for Makkah, Al-Biyari District is one of the old districts located north of the Central Area, which contains part of Makkah's historical heritage with all its antiquated features and details. This ancient district derived its fame as a place where residents used to sell sheep and cattle. The Bedouins of Umm Al-Qura sold vegetables and fodder that were carried from Wadi Fatima, Al-Rayyan, Bani Omair, Hada Al-Sham and ‘Usfan. This turned Al-Biyari into an active market for over 30 years. Naji Sa'eed Al-Muwallad, District Chief of Al-Biyari for 11 years, said: “The district derived its name from a fuel station established by Hassan Al-Biyari at the entrance to the district from Al-Otaibiah Street.” Among the historical landmarks that used to distinguish the district was the Obeid and Abdullah Mattrafi restaurant that was renowned for providing traditional foods. It served as a hotel for the Bedouins who used to spend the night there so that they could conduct their business at the Al-Biyari market. Al-Muwallad said security is a problem in the area: “Most of the district suffers because of many thefts. There is an average of seven thefts a month.” He blamed these thefts on unemployed youth and the large number of expatriate workers living in the district. The Al-Hujoon District and the Al-Madabighiya District also have rich histories. The 200-year-old Abi Turabah Mosque is considered to be one of the remaining landmarks of the district. Al-Madabighiya District has two entrances, barely seven meters wide. It has poorly maintained streets with many potholes. Muhammad Dabbagh, an old-time resident here said: “Despite Al-Madabighiya being one of the historical districts close to the Central Area, it is in dire need of reconstruction and paving. Old car wrecks left neglected by their owners are scattered in the district's alleys and are an inconvenience.” The ancient district is densely populated by Asian expatriates, who work at the Al-Otaibiah Market – one of the most famous markets in Makkah. It specializes in the sale of women's dresses and garments. The residences of Al-Madabighiya neighborhood are allegedly a haven for runaway housemaids. Hussein Ash'ari, a resident of the district, hinted that 60 percent of the foreign hawkers are staying in the houses of Al-Madabighiya and many are barely 13 years old. They work for their families selling goods at Al-Otaibiah's markets, he said.
