Brass CompassesIran1800-75. The magnetic compass, a Chinese invention, had arrived in the Middle East by the 13th century. Originally employed in navigation, it was soon adapted for religious use to establish the direction of the Ka'bah in Mecca. These later examples have cases densely engraved with the coordinates for Mekkah from various cities in the Islamic world. Brass with engraved decoration, steel needles and velvet. #historyofhajj #hajj2024 #makkah #mecca #hajj | History of Hajj