Feature Pilgrims Processed Muslims from Asia who wished to travel to Mecca on the Hajj were exploited by a trade in human cargo that grew with the opening of the Suez Canal. Alison Baxter | Published in History Today Volume 71 Issue 1 January 2021 The Hajj, by Alfred Dehodencq, c.1880 © Hulton Getty Images. To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.