Mecca was a part of the Ottoman Empire. It was taken by the Turks
and the Egyptians who ruled for a very long time.(2) During the time of
Muhhamad, the government was corrupt and consisted primarily of
wealthy traders. There was great tension between these merchants and
the Bedouins, Arabs in the desert.(1) Muhhamad was treated very poorly
in Mecca and was accused on many charges so, he left the corrupt city
and went to Medina to collect followers. Upon Muhhamad's return to
Mecca, he changed the government focusing on Islam and morality.
However, he died two years later leading to new rulers called sharifs,
descendants of Muhhamad. They ruled up until 1916 when the Grand
Sharif Husein ibn Ali drove them from the city.(2)
