The transformation of the city of Mecca is the book written by Ziauddin Sardar titled Mecca The Sacred City published by Bloomsbury, London, UK, 2014.

Mecca as the maps show is in Saudi Arabia and the House of Saud is in charge of its upkeep. Thanks to oil wealth, the city has been radically changed for the better or at least what its rulers believe is the better. At times, the religion is more puritanical or less religious diversity is seen. One aspect was to expand the Mosque because pilgrims went from 200,000 to 2 million. It was both easier and less expensive to arrive at Mecca, which lead to many changes for all. The city has changed, wealth and those catering to the wealth changed the skyline of the city from what it once was. The Hajj and the aspect of going to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if one is able is open to more people which is good. For the author who has a long history with the city, sometimes it is hard to see the past structures served their purpose, but with more people changes needed to be made. In the end Mr. Sardar believers Mecca is a place of eternal harmony, something worth living for and striving to attain. it has always been and it will always be.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, cities which have a religious reason to exist will occasionally be divided by people and their views either too liberal or too conservative. If they operate with peace and diversity is open, sometimes the most amazing results will occur, unfortunately people are people and they will jockey to take power. Similar to dividend paying stocks, to take power means sometimes management is great and sometimes, one hopes their grasp will slip away quickly for the asset or company is truly special.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.