116 
Mecca has always been the centre of tne religious 
enthusiasm of different nations. The origin of pil- 
grimages, and the first foundation of its temple, are 
lost in the obscurity of ages, since they appear to be 
anterior to the period of history. The Prophet pulled 
down the idols which profaned the house,of God. The 
Koran confirmed the pilgrimage; and it is in this 
manner that the devotion of other nations has been in 
all times the basis of the subsistence of the inhabitants 
of Mecca. But as this could not alone suffice, they 
were very poor before the coming of the Prophet; and 
now, after a short reign of glory and riches acquired 
by arms, it has relapsed into poverty. How then can 
we hope to see the arts and sciences flourish? Separa- 
ted by its situation from all commercial intercourse, 
it remains immersed in the most profound ignorance 
of all news, discoveries, revolutions, and the actions 
of other men. Hence it is that the people of Mecca 
will remain in stupidity and the grossest darkness, 
notwithstanding the concourse of strangers, who only 
remain there during the time absolutely necessary to 
fulfil the duties of their pilgrimage, to make some few 
commercial exchanges, and then prepare for their re- 
turn to their own country. 
Thus Mecca is so poor by nature, that if the house 
of God ceased to exist, it would be inevitably deserted 
in two years, or at least reduced to a simple douar or 
hamlet; for the inhabitants in general subsist for the 
rest of the year upon what they accumulate during the 
time of the pilgrimage^ at which period the place puts 
on a lively appearance, commerce is animated, and 
the half of the people are transformed into hosts, 
merchants^ porters, servants, &c; and the other, at- 
