This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion of Makkah's architectural identity by focusing on the perceptions of pilgrims and their role in shaping the city's identity. While the city's architecture has undergone significant changes due to urban development, there has been a glaring lack of attention paid to how the pilgrims perceive these changes. To address this gap, the paper uses an online survey to engage with pilgrims and draw on their experiences of the sacred city. It analyzes their interpretations of symbolic connotations, colors, and urban features to understand how they contribute to the city's identity. By doing so, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Makkah's architectural identity and enhance the pilgrims' experience. The views of pilgrims are an essential agent of the debate on Makkah's architectural identity, and any attempt to construct this identity without considering their perceptions would be incomplete. The findings offer valuable insights for architects and urban planners seeking to enhance the pilgrims' experience and foster a more comprehensive understanding of the city's identity. This paper hopes to contribute to the ongoing discourse on architectural identity and add to the knowledge of Makkah's architecture and its value to pilgrims.

Architecture, perception, identity, sacred, Makkah