Note 215 — Chapter VII

“Mahmal” means literally “something carried.” It is said to have been originated about the 12th Century A.D. by a certain Queen of Egypt named Shagar El Durr, of the Ayubite Dynasty, who prepared a very sumptuous litter (hodag), on which she intended to visit Mecca by camel. State affairs, however, prevented her making personal use of the “hodag,” which she therefore sent to Mecca with presents of money. This sending of the “hodag” to Mecca gradually became a custom, and was eventually copied in Syria. Nowadays a Mahmal leaves Cairo and Damascus simultaneously each year, and consists of a richly ornamented dome-shaped “hodag” or litter which is carried on a camel to Mecca and lodged in the “Kaaba” there until the Mahmal returns, when it is taken back again. The richly embroidered curtains, however, are presented to the “Kaaba” or Mosque.