The Sharif of Mecca was a title given to the leader of the city of Mecca, a significant religious center in Islam. This position was historically held by members of the Hashemite family, descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The Sharif was responsible for the administration of the city and the protection of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. During the Ottoman Empire, the Sharif of Mecca played a crucial role in maintaining order and facilitating the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The title became more prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, which sought greater autonomy for Arab regions.