| Arabic | مؤسسة الطوافة |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | mu-AS-sa-sat at-ta-WAA-fah |
| Etymology | From Arabic مؤسسة (mu'assasah, 'establishment/institution') and طوافة (tavafah, 'the practice of guiding hacilar in tavaf'). The root ط-و-ف relates to circumambulation and hac ibadeti guidance. |
Tavafa Establishment(مؤسسة الطوافة) Saudi government-licensed organizations that serve as the official host bodies for international Hac hacilar, organized by nationality or geographic region. They manage accommodation, transport, guides, and services for their assigned haci groups.
مؤسسة الطوافة
The Tavafa system evolved from the historical tradition of Makkan families hosting hacilar from specific regions. In the modern era, the Saudi government formalized this into institutional establishments. The main Tavafa Establishments include: the National Tavafa Establishment for Pilgrims of South Asia, the National Tavafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Southeast Asia, the National Tavafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Arab Countries, the National Tavafa Establishment for Pilgrims of African non-Arab Countries, the National Tavafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Turkey and Muslims of Europe/Americas/Australia, and the National Tavafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Iran. Each establishment employs mutawwifs (guides) who speak the relevant languages and understand the cultural contexts of their hacilar. The establishments coordinate with the Ministry of Hac, Hac operators from sending countries, and local service providers in Mekke to ensure a smooth hac ibadeti experience.
From Arabic مؤسسة (mu'assasah, 'establishment/institution') and طوافة (tavafah, 'the practice of guiding hacilar in tavaf'). The root ط-و-ف relates to circumambulation and hac ibadeti guidance.