Poster commemorating the 1941 Mecca flood
A printed commemorative poster showing the Kaaba during the 1941 flood in Mecca. It includes both Arabic and English text: “In Memory of the Wednesday Flood Year 1941.” The print appears to be a halftone reproduction, with visible dot patterning and signs of aging. I’d like to understand if this is an original 1940s print and if this holds any current value? I found this in an attic of the property I have lived in for the last 19 years. The previous owners lived in this property for approximately 20 years. I have no further knowledge other than this. Kind regards Hafsana [email protected] United Kingdom.
70cm x 50cm
Other
Yes
Hello,
This is a commemorative halftone-printed poster showing imagery of the Kaaba surrounded by floodwaters during the historic Mecca flood of 1941. The combination of Arabic and English inscription suggests the intent to memorialize the event both locally and to a broader audience, potentially including pilgrims and diaspora communities.
The halftone printing method—visible in the magnified image through dot matrix patterns—is consistent with mid-20th-century commercial printing practices. The surface wear, crackling, and aging are expected for a piece of this age, especially given that it was stored in an attic. Based on the style of printing, paper type, and general design, it is plausible that this is an original 1940s–early 1950s print, rather than a modern reproduction.
Historical memorabilia relating to Mecca, particularly rare public event commemorations like this, are quite scarce on the open market, increasing its interest and potential value, especially for collectors of Islamic, Middle Eastern, or pilgrimage-related ephemera.
Condition Notes:
• Paper shows crackling and light damage in localized areas, but overall image integrity remains intact.
• Edges may have minor fraying or soft folds, typical of posters stored loosely over long periods.
