Muslim pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia from all over the world for one of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Millions participate in the annual rites, which always take place during the last month of the Islamic calendar year.
Millionlap zyýaratçy Haja geldi
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Pilgrims from abroad are regulated by quotas issued by the Saudi government. Here, Kyrgyz nationals use temporary facilities set up specifically for hajj pilgrims in Mecca. (Photo courtesy of Myktybek Arstanbek)
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Muslim pilgrims perform the evening prayer near the Grand Mosque. (AFP PHOTO/MUSTAFA OZER)
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Near the culmination of the hajj, pilgrims spend a day in supplication on the Plain of Arafat. Here, a Saudi police officer wearing a surgical mask during the flu-affected hajj of 2009 helps direct the foot traffic.
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After a day of supplication, the pilgrims arrive at Mount Arafat, southeast of Mecca.