Mataf

What Does Mataf Mean in Detail?

The Mataf is the central feature of Mescid-i Haram, the open courtyard that encircles the Kabe and provides the space for hacilar to perform their seven circuits of Tavaf. The area is paved with specially treated white marble that remains cool despite extreme temperatures, allowing hacilar to walk barefoot. The ground floor Mataf is the most prestigious level, closest to the Kabe. Additional upper levels and a temporary Mataf structure have been added through Saudi expansions to increase capacity. The Mataf area includes several significant landmarks: the Hajar al-Aswad corner, the Maqam Ibrahim, the Zamzam well entrance, and the Multazam wall. During peak Hac periods, the Mataf accommodates hundreds of thousands of hacilar simultaneously, with flow managed by Saudi authorities. The current expansion project aims to further increase the Mataf capacity to serve the ever-growing number of hacilar.