Medina

Medina (pop. 350,000), holy Muslim city and place of pilgrimage in Hejaz, Saudi Arabia, 210 mi (338 km) north of Mecca. The prophet Muhammad came to Medina after his hegira (flight) from Mecca (A.D. 622), and the chief mosque contains his tomb. A walled city, Medina stands in a fertile oasis noted for its dates, grains, and vegetables.

See also: Muslims; Saudi Arabia.